a too Blog

Dressing up? or dressing down? Whatever the occasion Our Legacy has you covered. Purchase in-store and online

The Gant story starts all the way back in 1914. Bernard Gant, a Ukranian shirt maker, set up shop in New York’s garment district to manufacture shirts for some of the best in the business. It wasn’t long before the small ‘G’ that he stamped onto the bottom hem of each shirt was more important to a buyer than the brand label on the neck. Gant’s work was sought after, right from the start. However,  the wider world had to wait until 1949 for Gant to really make an impression – unsatisfied with being a ‘silent shirt supplier’, the Gant family decided to fly solo, and began introducing their products to stores around the US.

Gant Rugger first appeared 39 years ago in 1973. Bernard’s sons had the bright idea of taking the rugby shirt off the field to create a new American icon. Less academic and more approachable than its older brother, the Gant Rugger line was a winner from day one. Now back after a hiatus, Swedish designer Christopher Bastin (ex ACNE, Whyred) has been drafted in to the design team (which, by the way, consists of Bastin and a single assistant) for his love of Americana. Bastin describes his inspiration for this season’s collection as ”the opinion leader who doesn’t even know he’s in the lead.” – and that speaks volumes for what Gant Rugger is about. ‘Noveau-prep’ is one way that Bastin chooses to describe it. Effortlessly cool without trying – that’s the image that Bastin tries to create within the collection, and we think it’s fair to say that he’s captured it perfectly.

Onto the clothes themselves, we really liked the collection so we picked out a large selection with great enthusiasm. Perhaps it’s best to start by looking at the real classics of the line – the Rugger polo shirt and sweatshirts. Offered in vibrant traditional rugby stripes, and with fresh white collars, these should surely be staple of every man’s casual Spring wardrobe. Made from reassuringly thick cotton, these should be just the right weight for traditional English Spring weather!

The shirting range takes almost 100 years of Gant’s experience in the shirt making business, and mixes it with Bastin’s fresh zeal for the line, to create a range of shirts that exceed all expectations in both quality and design. There are a wide range of styles available, from colourful checked madras shirts, through solid colour pocket shirts, to pull-over wide-stripe shirts. All of them fit perfectly with Bastin’s mantra of ‘effortless cool.’

One of our absolute favourite pieces is the Summer chino, and it seems that we’re not alone. Bastin describes them as such: “Our Summer Chino came out really nice. It’s a lightweight over-constructed twill, in a pile of smashing colors. It also got a bit of stretch in it, (something I normally hate), that makes it extremely comfy in spite of it’s slim cut. Perfect for roundhouse kicks and/or break-dancing.” We have a selection of colours – navy, sand and a very nice bright blue. We also have the same (and a light olive) in the beautifully-cut short version.

There’s more of the range, including knitwear and accessories, to explore on our website – but let me finish by touching upon the two Gant Rugger blazers, perhaps the real show-stoppers of the collection. The first is in black wool, with a satin shawl collar. This jacket is finished with so many great details, that it’s hard to know where to start. From the most obvious – the crested gold buttons, to the subtle cream lining under the collar. The jacket is half lined in cream, blue check and a traditional American red white and blue stripe for the sleeves. The cuffs are of course working, so you can roll the sleeves up to show off the lining.

The second jacket is a colourful one-button peak cotton blazer with peaked lapels. With this one, a picture really does paint a thousand words. However, in-case you’re too enraptured by its colourful exterior to notice the finer points, I’ll direct you towards (once again) working cuffs, a cream fabric under the collar, and a darker cream sleeve-lining with black stripes.  All in all, a rather special jacket to round off a rather special collection.

Everything featured, and more can be found in store, or on our website

Now available for purchase in store & online

Barbour Tokito Spring Summer 2012 collection now available in store, also soon to be available online.

American brand William Fox & Sons has arrived in a too, announcing its presence through a range of colourful bags. Started in 1913 in the USA, William Fox & Sons stay true to their heritage, choosing to produce their bags in their homeland. 

We have three styles to choose from, in a range of colours. There’s a day pack, a ruck sack and a waist bag. All are reassuringly rugged in their construction, and feature a plethora of aesthetically pleasing suede details.

The day pack (available in green or blue) is simplistically styled, and set out perfectly. Both of its generously sized compartments feature smooth two-way zippers, accentuated by suede pulls that serve as a nice finishing touch to the pack’s overall look. Particularly welcome is the large opening to the main compartment, ensuring that you never have to struggle to squeeze all of your stuff in. Perfect for students with tons of books! As with all of the bags in the range, the William Fox & Sons logo patch is stitched neatly on the front.  

Should you require a little more room, the ruck sack should do the job nicely. The smaller compartment from the day pack is replaced by a thick band of suede that runs all around the base of the bag, and a second hanging loop is added. Each bag in the range features an intriguing rhombus-shaped suede patch on the front. This allows you to hang your camera, or something similar, by its strap. This one comes in navy, red, and forest green. Brown suede on the red and navy, cream on the forest green.

Finally, the smallest of the three – the waist pack. William Fox & Sons have succeeded in employing the detailing found in the other bags without over-busying its visual appeal. This one comes in yellow or black, and has two compartments – front and back. 

All of the bags shown are available in store or online.

Hoping to get something delivered just in time for Christmas? See our handy list of dates below…

December 20th: Normal UK Service. Last guaranteed by Christmas order date for Asia.

December 21st: Normal UK service. Last guaranteed by Christmas order date for Europe/USA/Canada/Australia.

December 22nd: Normal service.

December 23rd: Order for UK delivery by 12 mid-day to receive your parcel on Christmas eve.

December 24th – December 28th: Items ordered on these dates will be shipped on December 28th.

December 29th – December 31st: Normal service.

January 1st – January 2nd: Items ordered on these days will be shipped on January 3rd.

January 3rd onwards: Normal service.

If you have any questions, shoot us an email at info@atoo.co.uk.

Grab a festive bargain NOW!