The dressing gown is cut with formality in mind and so it is no surprise that the firm was founded in Eton to
principally serve the scholars of Eton College. In a time of waning formality, Eton’s uniform traditions are very
much resolute, where the pupils still wear a uniform of a black tailcoat, black waistcoat, starched stiff collar and
black pinstriped trousers. Founded well over 150 years ago, New & Lingwood are still the exclusive outfitter to
the young gentlemen of Eton College.
New & Lingwood’s dressing gowns are a dazzling works of art. Hand cut and sewn in a boutique English gown-making
atelier, The Rake takes great pleasure in stocking their new collection. On their roster is a blue and yellow Art
Deco lined silk dressing gown, featuring an imposing velvet collar and gauntlet cuffs. Containing all of the frills
and fripperies that you would expect from a New & Lingwood gown, it is equally adept at being the fulcrum of a
black tie outfit, or just simply worn in your armchair whilst puffing on a Partagás Lusitania cigar, with a glass of
Hine Cigar Reserve Cognac, resting on a silver coaster next to you. Turning back time to the opulent dress of the
great poets, New & Lingwood’s black and gold Porcelano and burgundy Rococo designs would have been tempting
additions to Lord Byron’s dressing gown collection.
The course of life has changed dramatically for many since March. It has forced us to retreat into our homes for
longer spells, which in turn has propelled the resurgence of apparel that attests to higher forms of comfort. This
is where a dressing gown should be the first port of call, thus abandoning the use of track pants and hoodies which
evoke sloppiness in more ways than one.
An unlined dressing gown is marginally less formal, but encompasses greater comforting attributes through more
freedom of movement. Without losing any of the gown’s sophistication, their red Russian peacock design was developed
from an archive of vintage Russian prints, whilst the lime leaves pattern is also a rather seductive gown.
It is not just dressing gowns in the loungewear category where New & Lingwood excel. Their pyjamas have long been
apotheosized in similar realms. They extol similar pomp with mythical and animalistic patterns made from a luxurious
blend of cotton and silk. Pyjamas can work in unison with slippers when your strolling around the house or reading
the newspaper in your favourite chair. In equally ornate patterns, their silk slippers feature a subtle heel, round
toe and elegant cushioned interior for comfort and style.
To cap off New & Lingwood’s sophisticated and exquisite loungewear collection and to stop your hair from smelling
of cigar aromas, their navy renaissance-print silk smoking hat, with tassel is a foppish gift. Alternatively, it
serves a purpose, but even for yourself it will leaven no small amounts of comical hilarity this festive
season.
