NEW CULT: CONNOLLY ENGLAND

Get ready for the new Connolly man

Fashion, design and art have always been inextricably linked and it's my belief, that to truly understand luxury, you need an appreciation of all three. Connolly's new boutique on Clifford Street, housed over three floors of an elegant 18th century townhouse, is the very embodiment of this idea. Of course Connolly has an auspicious history, founded in 1878, it's leather has been used by many of the automotive greats, including Bentley, Rolls-Royce, Jaguar and Ferrari; it even covers the benches of the Houses of Parliament. In the late 1980's, Anthony Hussey, a family member and directer, decided he wanted to make Connolly the English Hermès, and so it all began. 

Indeed after years of conspicuous consumption and yuppie culture, Connolly taught us how to be tasteful. Both it's first store, in a mews off Belgrave Square, and it's second on Conduit Street, were designed and decorated by the venerable Andrée Putman. At the time, in the early 1990's, London had seen nothing like it. Connolly was the go-to destination for leather goods and accessories that were simply not available elsewhere. Sebastian Conran created an in-car espresso kit, and Connolly was first to stock the original Car Shoe. Valentino was a regular and Ralph Lauren raved about it, even the Prince of Wales was a fan of it's accessories. Now, having closed it's doors after the death of the label's owner in 2010, Connolly is back with a new collection. 

The store itself is incredible, with carefully curated art and antiques interspersed between cashmere sweaters and suede chukka boots. The first floor functions as a private gallery, currently hosting an exhibition of the work of renowned British photographer, Chris Killip. As Killip himself puts it, “it is so important for luxury brands to engage with the arts and culture. It must be a little surprising for visitors to come across my work at Connolly, and find themselves in an unexpected encounter with other people’s lives.” Unexpected maybe, but connecting with the arts and culture is very much part of the Connolly brand, and it has always hosted photographic exhibitions. The brand’s owner, Isabel Ettedgui, explains, “Neither the arts or culture should serve as a dressing for the experience. The gallery space works because one informs the other and adds a depth of interest to Connolly.” No.4 Clifford Street is testament to the brands ethos, and like nothing else in the Capital. It is a truly unique shopping experience. 

Connolly is now open at 4 Clifford Street, London W1S 2LG.
connollyengland.com