Frank Sawkins’ Seasonal Switch
June 2024
With warmer weather upon us, we sat down with Czech & Speake’s founder Frank Sawkins to discuss the seasonal wardrobe switches he makes each summer – and how his fragrance selections shift.
FRAGRANCE ESSENTIALS
These items are part of my basic relaxed leisure kit, my essentials, which I have travelled with extensively throughout the world.
I have a much needed villa break – a few days just south of Lisbon in Portugal – coming up, so I am trying to decide my choice of fragrance. So far its Cuba – amazing in the warmth of a summer days, just spicy enough to be acknowledged.
Or invigorating and soothing Oxford and Cambridge, which has a freshness that I enjoy at the beginning and end of a hot day. Plus, of course, No.88. Instantly recognised worldwide, and much admired!
MY SUMMER FAVOURITES
Watch: One of my oldest summer essentials is my Rolex GMT Master, bought with my first bonus in 1973.
Sunglasses: Persol Tortoiseshell folding sunglasses.
Shoes: Cotton and rope soled espadrilles first discovered in Menorca in my youth, perfect for this villa vacation.
Shirts: Bespoke from New & Lingwood made from my choice of Liberty lawn cotton fabric, always laundered and folded for travel.
Fine linen scarf bought from Yohji Yamamoto’s first store in Omotesando, Tokyo. Much needed when travelling.
A much-loved, sun-faded sweatshirt top: soft and comfortable.
An Englishman abroad! A full-length black light weight raincoat which cleverly folds into integral pouch. I am not calling it a pack-a mack – it’s the chicest version I could find!
And finally…
I never travel without my Czech & Speake Air-Safe Manicure Set. As well as ensuring I am perfectly groomed, there is always an annoying label to remove!
