Nowadays, Connolly reconsiders the idea of a luxury lifestyle and clothing brand through their magnificent early
Georgian three-storey townhouse on Mayfair’s Clifford Street. Connolly is a brand that has no particular code – a
juxtaposition of timelessness and contemporary twists. Each room is an elegant space – curated unlike any other
shop. In one room you will see an exquisite wall piece (of Georgian proportions) on the back wall as part of an
Exhibition by Viennese artist Max Freund, who Isobel discovered by chance via Instagram. In the downstairs chamber,
some of their ready-to-wear collection hangs in artistic fashion. From the ground level and above, references to
motoring heritage are aplenty, whilst you can’t help but gaze into the glass cabinets housing an eclectic mix of
chic antiques, artworks and sculptures. The shop envelopes a museum-quality, except everything is for sale, apart
from the odd personal treasure of Isabel's.
Connolly embraces the new; whether it be a long tailored jacket cut with a cinched waist, which works equally for men
and women or a red ox-blood leather coat that either gender could sport for a touch of European flair. In response
to a global decline in pace, French designer Marc Audibet has produced a collection of restrained elegance, where
nothing is overstated. Amongst their new creations which is tantamount to the rest of their assortment in terms of
comfort is a sand shearling jumper/jacket. Exquisitely soft inside and out, it is left authentically unlined, and
comes in a relaxed boxy shape inspired by its flying days, which the brand is well-accustomed to. If it’s a brisk
wintry morning on the exposed airfield, any one of their wool drop-back car vests would act as perfect layering
pieces. Rendered in 100% Austrian Merino wool, whilst being naturally water repellent, you will be in no danger of
succumbing to inclement weather.
Connolly’s driving collection is usually not without luxurious Scottish cashmere sweaters. A Connolly classic, their
beige driving sweater balances functionality with style, whilst their dark green cashmere cable knit is warm enough
to wear on its own in the Spring with a pair of jeans and leather boots. Wrapped up in the softest materials is
something to lust after in the bleak winter months. Well-renowned for their romance imbued in Scottish cashmere
apparel you will be able to find the fabric in their bomber jackets, drawstring pants and blousons.
Elsewhere, in corduroy there is wide-leg trousers and a Hunting blazer, and for a chance to tap into their regal
motoring history there's accessories in the form of coin purses, key rings, washbags and wallet, which are all
crafted from their highly regarded tannery in Cadiz Province, Spain.
Connolly’s approach to style is forward-thinking, eliminating any possibility of being typecast. There’s an elegant
balance of ‘continental' which is evident in the brand’s designs which imbue a contemporary taste, whilst being
firmly grounded in its traditional British roots. Constantly creating utterly unique designs with each collection,
we can’t wait to see what Connolly come up with next.
