The Americans have always been staunch proprietors of the blazer and so it is no surprise, they find themselves in
their shop at 9 Piccadilly Arcade, perusing their enviable selection of brass buttons to add to their blazers. It is
also possible to find the brand’s buttons on The Rake Tailored Garments navy double-breasted 4-ply blazer. The
implementation of gold RTG skull and crossbones buttons made by Benson & Clegg add a touch of old-fashioned
craft to the jacket. Descending from Naval origins, it is apt that the Commodore-in-Chief of the Royal Naval
Reserve, Prince Michael of Kent is the inspiration behind the blazer and whose father, the Duke of Kent was one of
the first customers Mr Benson and Mr Clegg had in their new shop in 1937.
The gold RTG skull and crossbones buttons have been very well-received, but you now have the chance to buy separate
buttons on TheRake.com. The collection includes double-breasted and single-breasted button sets in both gold and
silver brass. Their exquisite blazer sets come in many regal incarnations with Crown & Anchor, three lions, and
St George & the Dragon designs amongst many others. For the epitome of understated elegance, their American
eagle (blue enamel) button set would be an excellent addition to a blazer of your choice. In case you were wondering
how many buttons you receive – single-breasted button sets contain 3 large and 8 small buttons and double-breasted
sets contain 6 large and 8 small buttons.
It is important to state though, asides from Benson & Clegg having such a strong reputation for their buttons,
they’re principally tailors. Opening up in Bury Street in the heart of St James’s in the 1937, they perhaps were
presented with the most coveted accolade a tailor could receive that year, by dressing the King for his coronation.
Shy, delicate and a self-effacing man, who was an inveterate smoker Prince Albert never expected to become King. He
did however restore confidence in the nation and would become a stoic symbol, guiding us to victory in World War II.
A conservative dresser, but always in refined suits and double-breasted overcoats, which were often tailored by
Benson & Clegg, he was the personification of immaculate style.
In their West End premises, Oli Cross is at the helm of their time-honoured tailoring department, where he is open to
different cuts and constructions. It’s what makes Benson & Clegg such a fascinating company, that they combine
highly regarded modern tailoring, with the craft of a large assortment of expertly crafted buttons, that will
certainly change the way you feel in your blazer for the greater good.
