Some of New York’s most stylish men (and women) dropped by the Fine And Dandy shop in Hell’s Kitchen recently for its first in-store event since the pandemic lockdown: a book launch and signing of “Homespun – True Tales of Tweed” by J. Joseph Pastrana. Amidst the city’s gradual re-openings and easing of mask mandates, proprietors Matt Fox and Enrique Crame III have remained understandably cautious over the number of people they let into the 300-square foot space. But for almost a decade, this jewel-box of a shop has housed a mix of remarkable essentials for sartorial gentlemen that hosting an intimate signing of the non-fiction page-turner on tweed was too much of an almost custom-made match to resist.
The book has already earned praises from leading menswear platforms, citing its captivating behind-the-scenes look at tweed’s use by fashion, costume, and interior designers including Joseph Abboud, Tracy Christensen and Peter Sandel as well as pivotal moments of its history at Chanel, Ralph Lauren, Vivienne Westwood, Alexander McQueen, and the legendary tailors of Savile Row. It’s been dubbed as “Not Your Father’s Book on Tweed”, “a meticulously researched and brilliantly woven account”, and among “the Most Highly-Anticipated Books of 2022.” Among those present at the signing to purchase their copies were Patrick J. Hamilton of Patrick James Hamilton Designs, Gerrit Geurs, media strategist Jono Waks, American Scottish Foundation chairman emerita Heather L. Bain, advocacy and public affairs communications consultant Deni Robey, along with an assortment of stylists, designers and other prominent New Yorkers.
In between chats with the author, guests shopped from the wide variety of the store’s various statement items from bow ties, suspenders, cuff links and hats to timepieces, scarves, gloves and other accoutrements. Ahead of the shop’s tenth anniversary later this year, Matt disclosed they were slowly gauging the public’s willingness to return to brick-and-mortar shopping before making definite celebration plans or resuming their full slate of in-store events. Meanwhile, the just-launched Fine And Dandy Throwback Showroom next door with its rare vintage items curated and supervised by Enrique is being met with equal enthusiasm. Although it’s only open on weekends and by appointment on weekdays, all the items at showroom (along with those at the flagship) are also available online at FineAndDandyShop.com.
