Fashion inspiration for local trendsetters

STYLE RULES

The Gourmet Boys, Brian Haslett & Mark Irvine, chat to Ulster Tatler about their style rules.

Give The Boys a follow on their social media accounts - @thegourmetboys

How would you describe your style? Mark: Somewhere between Steampunk Victoriana and 1940s college professor. Brian: A cross between Foy Vance, chef Tony Rodd and Salvador Dali. I love an eyepoppingly colourful shirt.

What item of clothing could you not live without? Mark: A self-tie dicky bow - I’ve dozens. Brian: My shoe collection, especially my beautiful Cross Sword heels.

Do you have a favourite fashion brand or shop? Mark: You can’t go wrong with TK Maxx (but NEVER go in looking for something specifi cyou’ll only be disappointed!) Although if money were no object, “A Child Of The Jago” on Charing Cross Road is incredible: truly alternative quirkiness. Brian: My absolute favourite at the moment is Cross Sword Fashion who make a stunning range of handmade Italian leather shoes – and my collection of Pocket Silks from local artist Stephen Whalley.

Do you have any style icons? Mark: Gilbert and George for their effortlessly cool eccentricity, Pet Shop Boys for their constant reinvention, the Congolese Sapeurs for their elegant fl amboyance, and anyone from the Golden Age of Hollywood, particularly the sartorial Cary Grant. Brian: Ant & Dec (just a wee joke – if you know, you know!) Seriously, though, I have the utmost respect for anyone who can rock a cravat; the suave Dirk Bogarde, the impossibly handsome Errol Flynn, the rakish Terry Thomas, and of course the epitome of all cravat wearers, Fred from Scooby Doo!

Do you have a skincare regime? Mark: Moisturise, moisturise, moisturise! I love Cosmetic Lad from Lush, which transports me back to my childhood as it smells just like Joker ice lollies! Brian: Boots No 7 do a great range of serums and moisturisers specifi cally for men’s skin, and

the only shaving cream I’d ever use is “The Ritual Of Samurai” from Rituals.

What is your signature scent? Mark: Again, Lush have created some amazing scents over the years, but “Dirty” is a wonderfully fresh, minty head-turner. Brian: Comme Des Garçons 2. If I could only ever wear just one eau de parfum, this would be it.

Are there any moustache-care products you recommend? Mark: Our signature whiskers are kept in check, not by expensive designer moustache waxes (we’ve yet to fi nd one that works!), but by Dax Wax Red! Brian: Absolutely! A quick smear of Dax Wax on our taches, and we’re ready to hit the town!

How do you keep fi t and healthy, are there any exercises or health foods your swear by? Mark: Our lockdown purchase was our beloved tandem. However, the lovely “Tina” has retired, and has been put out to pasture, (we probably wore her out), but we have recently acquired “Turner”- a beautiful, bespoke, beast of a machine who is helping us reach our new target of 10,000km! Brian: I used to attend around ten gym classes a week until lock down put an end to all that. However, since we bought the tandem, there’s hardly a day goes by without us going out and about, entertaining folk with our cycling antics in and around Belfast. Christmas Tree helmets over the festive season? Why not! Bunny ears at Easter? Naturally!

Clothes from the image: Brian:

Shirt - New & Lingwood -London Jacket - Voeut Pocket silk - Stephen Whalley Artist Trousers - Cavani Shoes - Cross Sword Fashion Hat - Zara

Mark:

Waistcoat - Guide London Bow Tie - Pensee Cameo - heirloom Trousers - Spitalfi elds Boots Doc Marten’s - Tate Turner Shirt - Moss Brothers Coat - Cavani Hat - JJ Hat Centre, Fifth Ave, New York

MUST-HAVE FASHION ITEM

– Jav Mahogany & Blue Suede Cross Sword Boots www.cross-sword.com

FAVE BRAND Stephen Whalley Pocket Silks

FAVE SKINCARE

Cosmetic Lad, Lush.

FINISHING TOUCHES

OMNIS Unisex jewellery –

Flat top yellow gold ring

Timex – Gold

watch, £135.

Tilly Sveaas Jewellery–

Chunky t-bar curb link necklace,

£260.

Tilly Sveaas Jewellery–

Silver watch chain

bracelet, £395.

. Jessica, Bruno, Keri Patton and Blake. . Robin Elliott and Pauline Carville.

Orlaith McAllister and Baby the miniature Schnauzer.

THE FOXY TAIL IS PEDIGREE CHUM

The Foxy Tail, a fully equipped, state of the art coffee and Prosecco bar recently hosted a press and VIP day in The Stormont Hotel car-park, where they are currently based. Guests including TV and Radio presenter Robin Elliott and model Orlaith McAllister were treated to coffee and delicious home made buns, while their pampered pooches enjoyed their specially brewed Puppuccino. Davy Lyttle, owner of The Foxy Tail is excited about his new business venture, which is also proving popular for corporate events, weddings and private parties.

Aine O’Kane and Aine Aine O’Kane and Andrew Benson. Michelle and Katie McTernan with Coco.

Jonny Cook, Noah and William Young. Chris Dolin and Ted.

Grainne Maher and Alan Higginson. The Foxy Tail owners and staff Alanna Evans, Carol Waggott, David Lyttle and Tazmin Lyttle.