The Cut

the cut autumn/winter 2016

I N S I D E TH I S I S S U E

The craft of Slaters Find your festive flair Interview: Ricky Hatton

Free alterations in all our stores So you’ve found the look and feel. It’s pretty much spot on – just an inch here, an inch there, and it’ll be perfectly tailored to you.

At Slaters, we don’t see why the small changes that make all the difference should cost you any more, so we provide free alterations in all our 24 stores UK-wide. And that’s on all men’s suits, jackets and trousers whether you buy online or in-store.

Click & collect

Experience Slaters at your own convenience: buy online and collect in-store. slaters.co.uk

this issue 2 Welcome

A greeting from Paul Slater, who has turned his father’s original menswear concept into a UK-wide phenomenon of great service and outfitting expertise.

3 Streetstyle

Take a look at some highlights of the Slaters ranges in context, as we capture classy and confident expressions of style from our own team.

4 The craft of Slaters

Discover what makes a Slaters purchase

fit so perfectly, and why our customers

stick with us as their needs and preferences change.

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6 Blazers & jeans

Getting the men’s fashion staples spot on, with carefully selected quality and style that’s versatile and great to wear.

8 Find your festive flair

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Make your mark wherever the season’s events take you with expertly chosen ranges of formal wear to suit your occasion.

18 Boxing clever

Ex-world champ Ricky Hatton on dressing to impress, and why he’s going the distance with Slaters.

20 Timeless style

A closer look at Guthrie & Valentine, and the noticeable difference that true craftsmanship makes.

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Contributors: Paul Slater & Susan Rose Photography: Reuben Paris Design: d8.uk Location: The Corinthian, Glasgow Watches provided by Rox © 2016 Slater Menswear

the cut autumn / winter 2016

Welcome to Slaters’ first edition of The Cut. There are some great articles here, alongside details of some of our new ranges for autumn and winter. I hope you enjoy the read, and discover some personal inspiration and ideas for shopping online or in-store with us.

These are exciting times for Slaters, and this new publication is one example of the positive progress and success stories we’re enjoying across our stores nationwide.

One of the secrets of our success is that we’re still family owned – not a PLC or owned by Private Equity. This allows us to genuinely put you, the customer, first – not shareholders. It also means we can take a long-term view and re-invest continuously in the business and what it stands for.

Meanwhile, it’s good to know that Slaters’ founding principles, laid down in 1973, have stayed the same for over 40 years:

Everything we do is aimed at making the Slaters shopping experience the best in the world. And it’s working – over 97% of our customers rate our service as excellent or good*. I honestly don’t know of another retailer in the world that’s even close to that figure.

· Treat your staff well and your staff will look after your customers · Only sell quality products and treat your suppliers fairly · Offer the best prices possible · Stock a wide range of sizes and fits · Provide free alterations.

If, like so many others, you’ve enjoyed your shopping experience, please tell your friends and family. If for any reason, you haven’t – please tell us. Your experience with Slaters, and the service we aim to provide, is what makes us so unique and successful, and we want to keep it that way for at least another 40 years.

My late father, Ralph Slater, started the business in 1973, and I joined him in 1976 – taking the workforce up to no less than four people. Sadly, he passed away in 1997, but today we have over 700 colleagues, in 24 stores across the UK. I think he’d be immensely proud of what Slaters has become – and the way we’ve stuck to these principles in all that we do.

Thank you for being a Slaters customer, and enjoy The Cut.

Paul Slater Managing Director

*From customer comment cards 1 July 2015 to 1 July 2016

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Slaters is Britain’s largest family-owned menswear retailer

the cut autumn / winter 2016

streetstyle

Imran Sindhu, 40 from Birmingham.

Favourite Slaters Brand, Fellini Tailored.

Daniel Edmund, 26 from Bristol.

Favourite Slaters Brand, Tommy Hilfiger.

James Mearns, 17 from Glasgow.

Favourite Slaters Brand, Harry Brown.

Te McCall, 41 from Glasgow.

Favourite Slaters Brand, Levi’s.

Stuart Curragh, 47 from Reading.

Favourite Slaters Brand, Santinelli.

Declyn Cooper, 25 from Ayr. Favourite Slaters Brand, ONESIX5IVE.

Staff have shared their favourite looks - now it’s your turn...

Strike a pose in your Slaters outfit today – on holiday, at an event, or simply at home or out and about – and share your photos with us. We’ll choose our favourites for the next edition of The Cut, and if we feature yours, we’ll send you £100 of Slaters Gift Vouchers. Simply send your pics to marketing@slaters.co.uk with the subject Street Style. Please include your name, age, town - and your favourite Slaters brand. We’re looking forward to seeing your Slaters snaps!

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SNAP & WIN

Send us your photo for your chance to win £100 of Slaters gift vouchers

F E AT U R E : T H E C R A F T O F S L ATE R S

“We’ll make sure your outfit is an accurate and comfortable assertion of confidence and style.”

The craft of Slaters 4

the cut autumn / winter 2016

As any member of Slaters’ nationwide team of in-house expert tailors will tell you – the proof of true bespoke craftsmanship lies in how your outfit makes you feel.

A confident and accurate expression We want whatever you choose from Slaters’ extensive ranges to be an extension of your personality. So we see it as our job to provide expert guidance through what might seem like endless options for colour, shade, contour, style and finishing – and make sure your outfit is an accurate and comfortable assertion of confidence and style.

Your outfit should make you feel great.

And at Slaters, it will.

Expert tailors for a life of style We’re here to make sure that great feeling you get from looking good evolves with you.

So whatever the occasion, and whatever you have in mind, we’ll tune in to your needs, and provide the expertise and guidance to help you achieve the look and feel that matches perfectly.

We aim to become your life partner for looking good. And that begins from the moment you walk into one of our 24 stores across England, Scotland and Wales, or visit us online at www.slaters.co.uk.

The finishing touches are free of charge For example, there’s our highly renowned free alterations service for jackets, suits and trousers bought online or in-store. So not only do we help you find a sublime suit for you and your occasion – we make sure it fits flawlessly, too, with expert tailors in each of our stores nationwide.

Of course, you can request free alterations when you first purchase your items in-store, to make sure everything’s spot on for their first public appearance. Or, if you’ve shopped with Slaters online, just pop into your nearest store and arrange for our alterations experts to tailor your outfit precisely.

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Complementing our craft We can also help you choose the extras that complete your look from head to toe, with a carefully chosen range of hats, scarves, gloves, footwear and other accessories.

Whatever the season, whatever the occasion – and however and wherever you shop with Slaters – we’ll get you looking sharp and feeling great.

Our flagship Glasgow store is the largest of its kind… in the world

F E AT U R E : BLAZERS & JEANS

Left to right Fellini Tailored Blue Check Blazer from £59 Fellini Tailored Matching Waistcoat from £25 A2 by Andre Shirt £29 ONESIX5IVE Gold Handkerchief £6 Levi’s 511 £69 Justin Reece Brogues £59 Harris Tweed Blazer £145 Brave Soul Roll Neck £12 Slaters Purple Handkerchief £3 Navy Dockers £49 Paolo Vandini Loafers £45

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the cut autumn / winter 2016

A classic Tweed blazer never drops out of the style charts – while a pair of jeans that fit just right… well, they’re a fashionable man’s wardrobe staple.

Find the right combination, and you’ll strike style gold as the nights begin to draw in and the leaves begin to fall.

It’s a versatile look that can see you right through to early spring, and keep you good and warm as well as stylish and confident.

Blazers The right blazer is a seasonal must-have, and a great all-rounder, taking your look from casual to smart with the simplest changes of trousers and footwear.

For sheer quality, an authentic Harris Tweed blazer is your trump card. Or if you want the look for less, check out the Harry Brown range, with Blue Tweed or Green Check weave – but don’t rule out the browns for timeless sophistication. Or how about the mix and match approach? A check jacket with plain waistcoat is our top tip for this season’s strong look.

Jeans Put simply, jeans are vital. With a bit of thought, they can work with everything. For example, dark-wash Levi’s will always cut a dash with a tailored blazer. Or for a more relaxed and comfortable look, slip on a pair of classic Wrangler Texas jeans.

Above Fellini Tailored Green Blazer from £99 Brave Soul Roll Neck £12

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F E AT U R E : F E STI V E F L A I R

Fellini Tailored Blue Velvet Jacket £65 ONESIX5IVE White Shirt from £12 ONESIX5IVE Red Bow Tie £6 Jack Wood Red Handkerchief £4

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festive flair Find your

The festive period is the perfect time to dress to impress, make an entrance and show your peers how you can switch on the style. At Slaters, we’ve the expertise to tailor you to the occasion and turn heads.

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Left to right Fellini Tailored Blue Check 3-Piece Suit from £99 Guthrie and Valentine White Shirt £25 ONESIX5IVE Tie £9 ONESIX5IVE White Handkerchief £3

Manchester’s High Street Fashion Retailer of the Year.

Fellini Tailored 3-Piece Grey Check Suit from £99 Guthrie and Valentine Blue Shirt £25 ONESIX5IVE Tie £6 ONESIX5IVE Fashion Handkerchief £5

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the cut autumn / winter 2016

Whether it’s essential formal suits, dinner suits or white tuxedos, our extensive ranges provide for every taste and every event – so you can send the right messages with confidence and comfort.

Suits The autumn/winter collection for 2016 is a continuation of the spring/summer theme in terms of colours, with its abundance of blues and greys. The seasonal shift is a subtle and tonal one, with more subdued shades across the ranges. A mainstay of our collections is the three-piece, and we expect Tweed to remain highly popular. Slaters will feature Tweed alongside other heritage checks in a range of colours.

Above Harry Brown 3-Piece Dinner Suit £99 Slaters Evening Collection Shirt £32 ONESIX5IVE Leo Evening Shoes £59 Guthrie and Valentine Belt £25 Red Bow Tie £5 Pocket Watch £55 Guthrie and Valentine Cufflinks £15

As for cut and fit, there will be more variety for the enduringly popular skinny fit, as well as tailored options.

Bold colours and distinctive checks will feature throughout.

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“The seasonal shift is a subtle and tonal one, with more subdued shades across the ranges.”

Left Daniel Hechter 2-Piece Dinner Suit £179 Slaters White Luxury Cotton Double Cuff Evening Shirt £32 White Handkerchief £3 Black Evening Tie £6 Right Harry Brown 3-Piece Dinner Suit £99 Slaters White Wing Collar Evening Shirt £16 Blue Bow Tie and Matching Handkerchief £8

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This page Daniel Hechter 2-Piece Dinner Suit £179 Slaters White Luxury Cotton Double Cuff Evening Shirt £32 White Handkerchief £3 Black Evening Tie £6 ONESIX5IVE Night Out Evening Shoes £49 Opposite page, left to right Harry Brown 3-Piece Dinner Suit £99 Slaters White Wing Collar Evening Shirt £16 Blue Bow Tie and Matching Handkerchief £8 Santinelli 3-Piece Dinner Suit £199 Slaters White Wing Collar Evening Shirt £16 Red Bow Tie and Matching Handkerchief £8

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the cut autumn / winter 2016

Dinner Suits While re-inventing the dinner suit is maybe a bridge too far, there are always ways to keep heads turning, with interesting and new approaches. So for the festive season, Slaters will introduce a stunning three-piece in black, featuring a satin brocade on the lapel.

Men’s Outfitter of the Year at Confetti Awards 2016

For the younger yet equally discerning customers, the two-piece Ventura is an excellent choice, and available as a slim fit option. Meanwhile, our Harry Brown three-piece range challenges the safer bets with some interesting black fabrics.

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Enjoy our 5-for-4 hirewear offer.

Just ask a member of staff for more details.

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Kilts Slaters’ entire range of high-quality kilts for hire and sale are 100% wool and feature traditional horsehair canvas for waistbands.

Meanwhile, trews are enjoying a resurgence in popularity, and are also crafted with 100% high-quality wool.

All kilts and trews come in a wide range of carefully coordinated colour combinations, from bold patterning to subtle shades. So whatever the occasion – weddings, balls, ceremonies and black-tie events – the Slaters experts can ensure your outfit feels good and looks great. And, of course, we’ll help you complement your choice with a fantastic range of jackets, waistcoats, shirts, ties, shoes and sporrans.

Left to right Scottish Spirit Tartan Kilt, outfit £92.50 to hire Great Scot Tartan Trews, to buy POA Highland Sky Tartan Kilt, outfit £92.50 to hire

At Slaters, we aim to make traditional Scottish outfitting accessible, so our hirewear packs start from just £49, while retail options for made to measure kilts begin at around £305.

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the cut autumn / winter 2016

I N TE RV I E W: R I C K Y H AT TO N

FIGHTING TALK Over an impressive 12-year boxing career, Ricky Hatton won 45 of 48 professional fights, including a memorable win over Jose Luis Castillo in 2007 that lasted just four rounds. Ricky has held no less than 12 professional titles.

If that’s not achievement enough, he’s published three successful books about his life and career, gives his time to several notable charities, and has been running Hatton Promotions successfully since 2009, with many champions on board and a growing clothing range.

Busy as he is, Mr Hatton took the time to talk to The Cut and explain how he looks so dapper every time he makes one of his many public appearances...

Fashion and style appear to be important to you. What do you look for in a suit?

I attend a lot of events where I have to dress more formally, so I like to wear a good suit.

I’m not a flashy person, but I like to look the part, so I tend to choose classic designs in blue, black or grey.

How do you choose an outfit?

I have to say, I’m more than happy for the staff at Slaters to advise me. I pick a few options that I think fit the bill, and then ask the experts. Then I ‘accessorise’ with the shirt, tie and shoes… maybe even a pocket handkerchief!

You’re a regular at Slaters’ Manchester store. When did you first shop there, and what kept you coming back?

I’ve been going to the Manchester Slaters since a friend recommended them about 10 years ago. I haven’t looked back – their attention to detail and the alteration service are brilliant.

I have a busy schedule and I’m not a retail-therapy kind of bloke, so I like to get everything in one place I can count on.

Slaters ticks all the boxes for me, every time, and I usually end up with five or six outfits I feel really good in.

Do you think a relationship with your outfitter is important? Does it create a mutual understanding of what you like and what looks good?

Absolutely, yes. When I’m at Slaters it always amazes me that the staff remember my previous purchases, and my size. And they’ve developed a real sense of what works for me.

What’s your favourite style? Classic, contemporary… or, as a popular public figure, do you dress to the occasion?

I would say classic when it comes to suits, but I also wear more casual clothes a lot of the time, and Slaters is great for that, too.

I also spend many hours in tracksuits and t-shirts when I’m in the gym with my boxers, training them for fights. So yes, the occasion dictates the dress code.

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You’re a big Manchester City fan – you share the same motto: Pride in Battle… what are your thoughts on new manager Pep Guardiola? Any style tips for him?

He’s an exceptional manager. He’s won everything, wherever he’s gone, and I hope he’ll do the same at City. He’s a class act and definitely looks the part – I wouldn’t dream of giving him any fashion tips!

You have your own successful boxing equipment and clothing line. Have you considered a Hatton suit range?

We haven’t thought about doing Hatton suits, but if we did you could have them in any colour you want… as long as it’s blue.

What advice would you give to any of your fans thinking of trying the Slaters suitbuying experience?

Go to your nearest store with something in mind, and then let the staff work their magic.

You won’t regret it – they’re expert tailors and have a great eye for fashion, so they’ll really help you achieve a look that suits you. Before you know it, you’ll be a Slaters veteran like me!

“It always amazes me that the staff remember my previous purchases, and my size. And they’ve developed a real sense of what works for me.”

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the cut autumn / winter 2016

S P OTL I G HT: G U TH R I E & VA L E NTI N E

Timeless style Guthrie & Valentine is a time-honoured British brand, established in 1796. The entire Guthrie & Valentine shirt range features two-fold yarns that create a stronger, longer-lasting fabric – and shirts with a smoother, silkier finish.

Guthrie & Valentine shirts are available in a tailored and regular fit, and in three sleeve lengths (available in shorter, regular and extra-long sleeve). The tailored fit means a more ‘shaped’ garment for a smarter, more flattering look. The regular fit is perhaps more comfortable and ‘roomy’ if you’re on the go, with larger armholes and a spacious fit across the body – plus three different body lengths to ensure everyone can enjoy the quality look and feel.

These are fine quality shirts that stay the course. So it’s good to know they’re easy to live with. The 100% cotton fabric means they’re easier to iron and care for – and are natural, breathable and comfortable. Collars remain crisp and sharp, and the collarbones are removable.

The range also includes double and single-cuff shirts, so they can meet all occasion requirements.

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£79* Suit Package Suit package includes suit, shirt, tie and shoes.

*Please note from a 48”+ chest Suit Package price is £89 T&C’s Apply

Stores throughout the UK Aberdeen, Ayr, Basingstoke, Birmingham, Bolton, Bristol, Canterbury, Cardiff, Cheltenham, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Hull, Inverness, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle, Norwich, Nottingham, Preston, Reading, Stirling, Swansea.

Telephone: 0800 028 4632

www.slaters.co.uk Image: Fellini Tailored Blue Suit from £99, Guthrie and Valentine White Shirt £25, ONESIX5IVE Tie & Clip set £6, Handkerchief £5, Frank Wright Shoes £35.