David Gandy x Aspinal Aerodrome Collection Review

Aspinal of London, pioneering English brand, has joined forces with iconic British supermodel, David Gandy, to launch a design collaboration capsule that takes its inspiration from the skies of Great Britain’s heroic past. I haven't seen a man stand next to a plane and look this good since Tom Cruise released a production still from the upcoming Top Gun 2 movie. 

Firstly, you should check out the promotional video of David Gandy boasting the Aerodrome Collaboration, a comprehensive collection of 18 pieces of a modern man’s accessories and travel kit, launched to coincide with the centenary of the RAF.

Not only does the collection look great, of course David looks on the money, but the shearling coat he is wearing is sublime! I must have it David.

DAVID DAVID!! (Whispering husky voice). I can't help but do the guy from Independence Day whenever I say the name David, followed by 'I better call my lawyer, oh forget my lawyer'. 

Carl please dispense with the 90's references and talk about the Aspinal Aerodrome Collection.

But of course.

You know me I'm a sucker for a good story and the details of any garment or accessory. Here we have both. 

There is a bag for any occasion, weekender bags, backpacks, business etc. Distinguishing features include the leather used; the same grain as a traditional pilot’s flying jacket and the lock on certain pieces is an exact copy of the Spitfire Mk I firing button.

Masculine, oiled calfskin leather in rugged chocolate or tan combines with lightweight khaki or navy canvas to offer a highly functional and desirable collection to compliment every modern wardrobe.

The price point is at the luxury end of the market, but what you're paying for is the quality of the robust stitched leather and intrinsic design details. 

The core leather used is traditional pilot’s flying jacket grain and a stunning vegetable tanned golden tan, whilst the hardware closely reflects specific key components of the plane. The lock for several pieces of the collection is an exact copy of the actual Spitfire Mk1 firing button.

Pared back military styling, robust stitched leather, the precision of aviation design and the distinctive uniforms and goggles of our brave and dapper wartime pilots have all additionally provided design inspiration for the collection in a concept created by M&C Saatchi Merlin, David Gandy and Aspinal.

Who is the Aspinal Aerodrome Collection for? 

It's certainly catering towards the demographic with a disposable income. For men that are looking for a stylish yet practical companion for their traveling needs. Perhaps men of a certain age that will appreciate the heritage of our armed forces, the RAF in particular. 

Also business men that commute, that require a bag that can offer cable pathways, charge packs for their devices etc. It's a mini bug bear of mine that I can't find room in modern bags for a pair of trainers. We can't live in our shoes for the entire business trip. 

All the key travel bags also have tech capabilities, with tech path cables and functional pockets for gadgets. For business needs, a classic briefcase, business bag and zip folio are included in the collection, with day to day, more casual requirements taken care of with a choice of canvas or leather backpacks.

Small leather accessories including wallet, travel ID card case and key rings complete the collection, which is built to last like the Spitfire, crafted from the finest European pebble leather and robust English canvas.]

Let’s not forget the fans of David Gandy. He is one of the best British style icons we’ve had in a generation. A keen promotor of British Fashion, always championing British brands and a regular at the St James Catwalk on Jermyn Street for London Fashion Week Mens.

 

About the collaboration, David Gandy added:

“I’m delighted with the 18 pieces of beautifully crafted bags and accessories form my Aerodrome collaboration with Aspinal of London. My inspiration for the design and details of the collection have been taken from the RAF Spitfire, arguably one of the greatest pieces of British engineering of all time.

All of the individual items are an extension of my own personal aesthetic where the sophisticated, subtle feel of luxury and heritage meet with modern usability and technology. I’m very proud that the attention to detail has been captured through the quality the materials as well as the finer details such as the stitching and hardware.

It feels masculine, yet functional and stylish. As a frequent flier and keen traveler, this collection is an extension of my travelling wardrobe and truly a representation of my own personal style blended with luxury heritage English design.” - David Gandy