Photoshoot
THE STANLEY BIGGS ADVENTURE Digby Fairfax explains why Stanley Biggs is the right choice for those in search of rugged clothing for adventures in the great British outdoors Photography: First set: Joe Hall. Second set: Harry Renton Models: Thomas Powell, Alice O'Shea, Jake Smithies WWW.STANLEYBIGGS.CO.UK @STANLEYBIGGSCLOTHIERS
A
s golden autumnal hues and crisp, clean air settles across the Northern Hemisphere, now is the time to enjoy the luxurious new clothing from Stanley Biggs Clothiers. With a revered and established collection, carefully crafted and created for longevity, Stanley Biggs has directed the same efforts and attention to detail that have defined the brand to expand their collection of clothing. The Biggs Collection now offers a wonderful range of footwear, accessories and trousers alongside their existing range of knitwear, scarves, and caps. From leather boots, hand-made in The Peak District, to striking wide-leg trousers, made using the finest British wool and buttons, it is reassuring to see that Stanley Biggs Clothiers continue to collaborate with only the finest makers Britain has to offer. Furthermore, the brand is made for everyone and every occasion, no matter your style, gender or location. From an adventure that pushes your limits, to a social engagement in town, the versatility of the collection exudes a natural elán that will heighten any experience. History runs through the core of the brand, starting with the name. Born in London in 1919, Stanley Douglas Biggs joined up to serve at the
beginning of the Second World War, as a medical orderly in the 181st Airlanding Field Ambulance Unit of the Royal Army Medical Corps. His unit would go on to take part in the Battle of Arnhem during the ill-fated Operation Market Garden in September 1944. On 25th September 1944, Private Biggs lost his life when a stray shell hit another hotel where he and other injured soldiers were holed up during a barrage of the Oosterbeek Perimeter. Stanley Biggs is buried in Arnhem Oosterbeek Airborne Cemetery in the Netherlands, and it was here that Sophie Bainbridge, founder of the brand, looked up her great grandmother’s name, Biggs, and pieced together the story of her heroic ancestor, after whom she named her company. The Biggs knitwear range, made in England from 100% British wool, is a speciality of the Biggs brand. A Chap favourite from their archive is the marvellously two-toned ‘Hannay’ roll-neck. Named after the protagonist of John Buchan’s The ThirtyNine Steps, Major General Sir Richard Hannay, the natural grey and Celtic green tones evoke images of the landscape of Britain described in the book, and as seen in Alfred Hitchcock’s 1935 adaptation. The jumper features a high waistband and can be worn long (ideally tucked into breeks) or rolled
44
