So a couple of weeks ago I was working, pretty quiet shift and I was upstairs, I happened to glance at my phone and I had a direct message on twitter from a PR called Jessica inviting me to an event! As soon as I read the invitation to the 10 year anniversary of Gieves and Hawkes I was obviously elated!
Not only had I been invited to my first event since I started blogging but by a brand such as Gieves and Hawkes was an honour. I mean come on, 10 years. Savile Row darling!
I enlisted the help of my good friend Rach who is an amazing photographer, click her name to see her work! She really knows her stuff.
The invitation offered a complimentry beard shave or trim, obviously having a penchant for beards I opted just for the trim, Jy without a beard is absolutely no bueno! know that
I must admit I was a bit nervous about the whole thing, god knows why! I think it was more because I didn’t know what to expect, in my head I imagined an episode of Gossip Girl everyone in gowns, suits a plenty, champagne flowing like an absolute river. I couldn’t be more wrong, but not in a bad way at all ! There were a few people exploring the store, which by the way was beyond well presented, it was my ocd dream, everything had its
place, it all looked exquisite. That’s just what I saw from the outside!
A guy in a white shirt and bow tie approached me outside the store asking if I was here for the event, very friendly and warming personality. I sat and had my first ever beard grooming session. Valentino knew exactly what he was doing, he said he had been in the business for ten years and loved the shop where he works in Manchester (Which I will be visiting very soon!) The Gentry Grooming Company where Valentino works offered a wide range of products for the every day man. From beard serums to balms
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The images above show Valentino hard at his craft, pausing only briefly to let me have a sip of my complimentary G&T !
Apparently many beards had passed his chair over the two day event, some leaving with tamed and shaped chin wigs, some leaving clean shaven and ready to take on the world. Valentino was happy at work as the sun was beaming through the metquarter roof onto him. Who doesn’t love a bit of sun?!
Me & the debonair Valentino from The Gentry Grooming Co
After being groomed to the gods I took the opportunity with Rachel to look around the store and eye up future buys
An elegant space filled with beautiful garments, in the back two plush couches with champagne laid out, a giant curtain leading to a fitting room, a giant ornate wooden table infront of a wall filling mirror, with a gent looking very don draper in his suit, tailoring suits for the gentlemen.
Just a little light reading trying not to lock eyes with the bag of my dreams behind me
Post beard groom, obviously looking absolutely chuffed with the result.
As far as first events go, I loved every minute of it, the people I met loved what they did and it showed, everyone was so pleasant and welcoming. Thanks to Jess for inviting me to the event, thanks to Gieves and Hawkes and thanks to Valentino and The Gentry Grooming for a fantastic day. Also big shout out to Rach for her photography!
@GievesLondon 10Y Anniversary event with @GentryGrooming @Metquarter So a couple of weeks ago I was working, pretty quiet shift and I was upstairs, I happened to glance at my phone and I had a direct message on twitter from a PR called Jessica inviting me to an event!