STARTUP HIGH STREET

If you live in London then the chances are, you might have seen the posters for Startup High-Street. Sir Plus has been selected as one of "Britain's Most Promising New Businesses" and invited to take part in their new scheme - "Popup Britain".

We'll be exhibiting in the Pop up shop in Richmond from Monday the 1st, to Sunday the 14th. There's a bit more info below.

( p.s. There's talk of wine on Thursday evenings..)

StartUp High Street was created to give new British brands the opportunity of a lifetime - to get their products onto the High Street.

With the support of prominent retail entrepreneurs including Sir Charles Dunstone, Luke Johnson and Mary Portas; Richmond MP, Zac Goldsmith; Enterprise Adviser to the PM, Lord Young; and StartUp Britain sponsors, we hope this concept will help invigorate the High Street and give hundreds of start-up businesses a sporting chance.

POPUP BRITAIN

A temporary shop in Richmond which will be occupied by Britain’s most promising small enterprises for two weeks on a rolling basis. All of these start-up retailers already run online businesses, but none of them have the financial clout to take on a shop single-handed.  That's why StartUp Britain has stepped in to offer a co-working, co-funded space for brands to explore new ways of working - and a whole new audience. From Richmond, we hope to take the concept to other High Streets across Britain, throwing open empty shops across the land for the benefit of local start-up retailers. 

Cracking Feedback

Sir Plus loves feedback, but this one takes the biscuit.
It comes in the form of a great snap and a little note, from a customer at the stall in Spitalfields.
It's made our day, so we thought we'd share it with you.

Kind regards,

Sir Plus

Vancouver Sun

Occasionally Sir Plus gets caught off guard. The latest incident happened this week, when there was an influx of orders from Canada. Was this a hoax? Had Justin Beiber stepped out in one of our waistcoats?

Fortunately it was neither. Instead, we had received a wonderful bit of coverage in the Vancouver Sun. A little picture of the stall and a nice feature from a lovely journalist called Rebecca Tay, who was supposed to be on duty, but ended up buying a pair of our finest ladies briefs.

Thanks to all those across the Atlantic who purchased our attire and emailed in support.

Good to have y'all on board!

Regards,


Sir Plus

Our bit says:

"Henry Hales, a 23-year-old real estate grad looking for a more interesting career, is the self-taught designer of Sir Plus (www.sirplus.co.uk). A relative newcomer to Spitalfields, having sold there for just one year, his enthusiasm is contagious and his boxer shorts (£22) and waistcoats (from £65), all made using "cabbage", the offcuts and surplus fabric ends left by other companies, are popular sellers (I can't resist buying a pair). Hales also sells at Portobello Market on Fridays and Saturdays and travels to school shows; he already has customers in the United States, Austria and Germany."

Read the full article online

Maketh the Man

If you've managed to find your way onto our blog, then hopefully you know what Sir Plus does and how it came about. If you don't, here's a little article that sums it up quite well.

Thanks Maketh the Man!

Olympic Opinion

Whilst doing business at Spitalfields a couple of weeks ago, I was approached by an artist called Oleg Tolstoy. He was doing a piece called Olympic Opinion - asking people to write their view of the Olympics onto a Polaroid of themselves.
I went to the preview last week and was really impressed. You can read about it in the Standard, or go to the exhibition at the Bermondsey Project yourself.

Just to clarify - I was hoping it would be good for business, but I'm sure it's great for the busses as well.
Fortunately Portobello and Spitalfields over the weekend were buzzing with Olympic visitors gagging for fresh boxers and smart waistcoats. Looks like I got what I hoped for!

Secret Garden Party

The Secret Garden Party and the Game Fair are two big events in Sir Plus' calendar, which unfortunately clash. The dilemma for Sir Plus is that whilst SGP might be funner, exhibiting at the Game Fair makes more commercial sense.

Where are you more likely to sell boxers, waistcoats and flat caps? A country show, or a music festival?

Therefore the space was booked at the Game Fair and the Secret Garden Party was all but forgotten. Then, the GF was cancelled, due to the poor weather conditions and we were offered a place in the Secret Emporium. It was inevitably going to be be a memorable few days, however, we were interested to see how the Sir Plus gear would be received in a retail environment different from any other. 

We're delighted to report a great sales weekend . Flat caps and woollen socks were all the rage in the first couple of days, when the rain was pouring down. Then the sun came out and T-shirts and waistcoats were on. There was a bit of time in the evenings to enjoy the scene, so delight all round...

Big thanks to all who helped out, visited the stall and to our many new customers. 

Now we have the dilemma of deciding what to do next year, fingers crossed the dates won't clash!

Regards,

Sir Plus

The 2012 (Chap) Olympics

Good fortune was on our side over the weekend, as the rain held off, allowing the 8th Chap Olympiad to take place un-disturbed.

Competitions included Cucumber Sandwich Discus, Umbrella Jousting, Butler Baiting and Not Playing Tennis. All athletes were well trained and the spectators were impressed with the skill and the level of their professionalism.

This was the first year that the event has taken place over two days and this is likely to be a permanent schedule change. The Olympiad is a highlight in Sir Plus' calendar and we thoroughly recommend you attend next year. For more information, visit the Chap Magazine.

Gusset or No Gusset?

Here at Sir Plus, we're committed to making our boxers the best they can possibly be.
That's why we're reviewing our style - to make sure we get the perfect shape.
Although we'd like to think we're pretty knowledgeable in the underwear market, we're calling on your opinion.

Gusset or no gusset, that is the question..

Pros

• The main benefit of a gusset is it acts as a back panel and prevents the seam going down the rear.
• It creates a roomier effect and is a more traditional cut.

Cons

• The major disadvantage of the gusset, is that they can give the boxer short a rather unflattering appearance. Having 4 panels (like a trouser), enables a snugger fit, which looks slicker.
• We're not going to get technical on you, but having a gusset makes it nigh on impossible to have the opening down the side leg. This can make the boxer short a bit more restrictive!

The person with the most constructive feedback will receive a pair of boxer shorts - on the house. An appropriate reward, we think!

Behind the Scenes - Paradise Photo Shoot

Sir Plus and friends had a splendid time recording this video 

We hope it gets across a bit what we're all about - great clothes and big smiles.

Enjoy..

Sir Plus Panamas in Greece

Even though the sun here in the UK seems to be in short supply at present, that doesn't mean that our Sir Plus panamas aren't enjoying the weather.
If you're one of the lucky ones heading out to the Greek island of Zakynthos, make sure you head down to the Peligoni Club. In the shop you'll find a collection of the finest panamas around, woven in Ecuador and trimmed here in the UK.

Best,

Sir Plus

Father's Day

Ladies and Gents,

After a grand weekend of street parties, flotillas, and general jubilation, Sir Plus would like to carry on the party. 

That's why we're offering 10% all orders made before Father's Day. Just enter Jubilee2012 an get the old man something he can enjoy.

Best,

Sir Plus

Celebrating a 60 Years!

Sir Plus would like to wish the Queen a happy diamond jubilee.
One of SP's proudest moments was back in 1977 when he was knighted for his services to cabbage.
God save the Queen!

Sir Plus has such fond memories of when the the Olympics last came to town in 1948 and is looking forward to London 2012 even more.

Watch Chariots of Fire if you need any more inspiration.

Tweed Run 2012

Team Tweed gather before the whistle goes.

You could be forgiven for thinking you were imagining things, if over the weekend you saw traffic come to a halt, to allow for hundreds of tweed clad cyclists tipping their hats and cheering “Tally Ho!”

What you were in-fact experiencing was the third London Tweed Run, which describes itself as ‘a metropolitan bike ride with a bit of style’.

Participants apply online for one of 400 extremely coveted tickets. Successful applicants are sent the location of the meet, where everyone convenes at 10:30 am, before setting off.

As the name suggests, tweed is the cloth of choice. Passers by were bemused by what looked like a scene from Downton Abbey meets the Circus! There was a selection of Penny-Farthings, Bromptons, fixed wheels and glammed up Borris Bikes – their owners standing alongside them beaming, like proud parents on sports day.

Sunday’s route took cyclists on a leisurely twelve-mile tour across Central London. Tea was served at the Imperial War Museum, where cupcakes were handed out freely and Murdocks were available to shape moustaches.

Then it was off for the second leg, which wove around East London, before the finale at a pub called the Blacksmith and the Toffeemaker. Graham Coxon awarded prizes to the most “dashing dame” and “dapper chap”, before a band took stage and revellers danced the night away.

In the bustle of London life, it was most refreshing and enjoyable to share this experience with such friendly people, all enthusiastic and willing to have a good time.

Sir Plus recommends applying for next year!

James Sleater from Cad and the Dandy wearing his Sir Plus Boxers

Sir Plus waistcoats 

Photos courtesy of Marcus Dawes: http://www.marcusdawes.com/

Ladies and Gentlemen,

For Sir Plus, May is a very good month.
With the Tweed Run taking place this Sunday, there is already cause for celebration.
Add to that the arrival of our boxers in Murdock of London and a special birthday, you can probably understand why we're excited!

Some of Sir Plus' range will be on sale at Spirit of Summer, under the Herringwood stand (E28). If you would like tickets let us know, as we've got a few spare.
As always, we will be at Spitalfields market  on Sunday. Our stall moves around, so check our facebook to find out where we'll be.

Murdock of London is a male grooming specialist with 4 stores accross London.
It specialises in hand-crafted British made goods and combines "English sensibilities with modern discernment."Murdock of London is a male grooming specialist with 4 stores accross London.

The Next Big Thing

The Huffington Post has developed an enormous readership since it's inception in 2005.
Sir plus is honoured to be featured in a series of articles by Alex Perry, called the Next Big Thing.
What a compliment!

Click here to read our splendid article in the Huffington Post!

On The Green Carpet

Sir Plus is getting recognised everywhere these days!
Have  a read of our mention in the Financial Times, alongside Armani, Gucci and Tom Ford!

IN THE PRESS

Fancy a bedtime read? Then check out our article on the fandabeedoozee Volt Cafe website

http://www.voltcafe.com/home/?p=11290

A Short History Of The Bow Tie

The bow tie is the most classic of all ties, the knot par excellence! 

After all, it was the first real knot for neckwear, dating back to the 1700's. The bow tie's resilience is largely a function of the knot's simplicity. 

For all its highs and lows over the centuries, the bow tie remains fashionable.

During the Prussian wars of the 17th century, Croatian mercenaries would wear colorful ‘scarves’ around their necks to, among other things, denote rank and distinguish officer from enlisted man. 

The French, who were fighting alongside the Croats, were mightily impressed with this fashion innovation, and took the idea back home with them; adopting it as their own. 

The resulting neck adornments were called ‘cravats’, and became quite the rage among the upper crust of French society.

The bow tie had been born, and was around to stay.

Sir Plus Aeroplane Print Bow Tie

Valentines Day Boxers

Ladies and Gentlemen,

What we at Sir Plus want to know, is why is it normally women that receive underwear for valentines day?
In this modern world we live in, men are just as entitled to a special pair on the day of love..

As with all our boxers, the Valentines Editions are made in our London factory using a super-fine white shirting.
The contrasting floral waistbands are a nod in the direction of cupid, without going over-board.
Get them as a gift, or to impress.

Kind Regards,

Sir Plus

Help Wanted

Lords, Lades and Gentleman,

As Sir Plus nears its first year of trading, its time to get an extra pair of hands on board.
If you know someone who's flexible and keen to get some work experience, tell them to make themselves known. They can either send a pigeon, or contact us using the email address below.

Said intern will be given generous responsibility and will get a real feel for what it's like to work for a small (growing) start up brand.

That's all for today.

Regards,

Sir Plus
info@sirplus.co.uk

Sir Plus and Cad and The Dandy

This week Sir Plus received a call from our good friends at Cad & the Dandy, asking us to deliver some of our acclaimed undies.

Sir Plus jumped on the tube with a trunk containing 50 pairs in a variety of styles.
When you pass their shop in Bank, do go in and introduce yourself. Say your a friend of Sir Plus' and they might even give you a deal on a suit!

Best,

Sir Plus

No Trouser Tube Ride

Last weekend the annual no trouser tube ride came to town.
Although Sir Plus couldn't be there in person, we're relieved to say that there were a couple of our fine creations floating around.
This gent got the right idea..

Regards,

Sir Plus

P.s. You can see more images here

Sir Plus Photo-Shoot

That's right, another Sir Plus photo-shoot is in the pipeline.
Having done a bit of research, we stumbled across this article.
Can anyone lend us the monkeys, lions, etc?

Kind Regards,

Sir Plus

View Article