Part 2: A Sartorial Journey From Concept to Reality

January 26, 2025 | WRITTEN BY: RJQ

A black and white photo of a Holland & Sherry sign on Savile Row in London, England
WM Brown magazines laid out on a brown leather couch

If you recall in our very first The Chronicles entry, I introduced you to the essence of what Arc & Iveagh prides itself on. It is my intention that these core pillars are experienced by our readers through thoughtful topics and written words—the weekly The Chronicles, of all things rugged and sophisticated, will blend cultural storytelling, timeless style, and worldly curiosities with a mission to build a vibrant community around them.

This week, I invite you to explore the brand anew as I retrace the journey of Arc & Iveagh, offering its backstory to enrich your understanding of how humble these beginnings really were, and still are for that matter. With this context, not only am I setting the stage for what’s to come in the months ahead but also lend some credence to our pillars of heritage, tradition, and craftsmanship.

For the last 10 months, I’ve embarked on an introspective journey to bring the brand to life. Each step has been a carefully curated collaboration, weaving together the insights of expert creatives in the hopes of plotting a course for the broader vision. From organizing the foundational concepts to studying styles and fabrics, every detail has been aligned to the spirit of this brand. The collections will stand as a testament to this commitment, fitting seamlessly into the broader Arc & Iveagh story—where rugged sophistication meets timeless elegance, ready to inspire and ignite the adventurer within.

And so, it is in this week’s issue that you’ll get to peer behind Arc & Iveagh’s own tapestry and understand, from more of a sartorial sense, what it is we hope to become and why we chose to do so.


Whispered into Being — The Origin Story of Arc & Iveagh

Home office with blue walls and a brown leather Chesterfield sofa

Arc & Iveagh wasn’t born in the sterility of a company boardroom, nor was it conceived in a high-fashion atelier on Savile Row or Milan (although the original concept had me reaching out to a few of those). No, the brand’s origin story is as unexpected as a fox at a henhouse party. So let me romanticize a bit and ask you to picture this scene: a cool summer night, tucked away in the rolling hills on the edge of any ivy-soaked forest, the only sounds being the soft crackle of a fireplace, the occasional creak of my not-so-well-worn leather chesterfield, and the gentle coos of my newborn daughter, at the most ungodly hour of the night.

If I’m being completely honest, much of the above is true, albeit slightly less poetic than what was described—as I recall, the initial thought started approximately three episodes into Guy Ritchie’s The Gentlemen series. I found myself admiring the myriad of classic British styles worn by Theo James, Giancarlo Esposito, and Ray Winstone—all with a touch of bravado: tailored puppytooth suits, iconic Scottish tartans, rich Donegal wool overcoats, and a particular wax cotton that was the chef’s kiss.

However, the reality of that moment was that I was on the night shift, feeding my newest addition, the third in our all-girl triumvirate, sweet baby Callie. It was in this sleep-deprived, deliriously peaceful moment that the idea for Arc & Iveagh struck, certainly not like a bolt of lightning but more like the slow, steady dawn after a long, sleepless night, or rather many of them.

And so it was there, during this nightly routine, in my thoughts and in between Dad-bops (IYKYK) that I found myself glancing around this dimly lit office, cluttered with remnants of a life that was solid, dependable, but maybe just a little too comfortable. After nearly 15 years in the corporate world, I had developed an allergy to boardroom buzzwords and a hankering for something more—something that combined my passion for style, a love for old-world traditions, and an unwavering preference for the journey that leads to an experience.

As this idea began to take shape, I incessantly returned to the notion that I am an adventurer at heart. Not necessarily the sort who scales Everest or wrestles crocodiles (although my bedtime stories to my kids might lean a bit more that way), but one who revels in the details and unique experiences—like discovering the samurai-cut ice diamond at Tokyo’s High Five, tracking down a centuries-old tailor in a hidden corner of London, or enjoying a single-blade shave by a barber in one of Marrakesh’s Menaras. I was determined to create a brand that authentically and intentionally celebrates this love for style, tradition, and adventure.

Vibrant architecture in Marrakech, Morocco

Thus, amid midnight feedings, diaper changes, and bedtime stories, Arc & Iveagh began to take shape—not merely as a brand but as a testament to the willingness to bet on myself. It is a brand that reflects the best of the old world while embracing the excitement of the new, designed for those who appreciate the art of a well-made jacket, the charm of a handwritten note, and the thrill of a life well lived.

The name itself has a symbolic tone: "Arc" represents the bridge we build between the past and present—let's call it our journey—but more importantly, it is the first initial of each of my daughter’s names. A motivating factor for me, in more ways than one, as their future college tuition payments depend on the final landing spot of said arc. While "Iveagh" pays homage to the rich cultural heritage we are committed to preserving, as well as one of my favorite hotels in Dublin.

So here’s to Arc & Iveagh: a brand that’s all about the balance between the elegant and the adventurous, the timeless and the daring. It’s a tribute to those late-night epiphanies, the ones that remind you that life’s too short for anything less than extraordinary. And that’s a story worth telling, whether you’re in a boardroom, on an adventure in some far-off land, or just sitting in a dark room with a baby in one hand and a dream in the other.


The Heart of Arc & Iveagh

A Mongolian man plays the guitar in front of a bonfire in the Altai Mountains

Arc & Iveagh exists in part as an ode to the power of storytelling, which in turn elevates the importance of preserving the skills and traditions that have shaped people, places, and cultures for centuries. The content created and eventually, the products themselves, will be a testament to this belief. A&I’s passion lies in creating content and products that stand the test of time, both in terms of quality and style.

In refining the aesthetic and ethos of Arc & Iveagh, I've drawn inspiration from key elements poised to shape our collections: the rich heritage of classic European tailoring, the enduring elegance of investment-worthy outerwear, and the distinct nuances of bespoke pieces that instill pride in their owners.

Arc & Iveagh emerged from a desire to celebrate the rich tapestries of cultures yearning to be explored, creating pieces imbued with deep significance. Every design, each crafted item, will embody our unwavering commitment to timeless style and superior quality, intricately weaving the narratives of the regions we seek to feature.


Why Outerwear & Accessories?  

Why focus on outerwear and accessories, you ask? Well, a well-rounded wardrobe requires more than just suits and sport coats. While a finely tailored jacket or a crisp shirt is essential, what do you do when the skies darken and the winds start to howl? Or when you need that perfect detail to transform an outfit from "Oh, that's nice" to making even Daniel Craig’s version of James Bond ask the question, “That jacket, where can I find one?”

Outerwear and accessories are the true unsung heroes of the wardrobe—the pieces that, when done well, don’t just complement your style but define it. I knew this all too well, having spent countless mornings searching for the perfect coat, less to brave the elements and more to elevate the entirety of my look.

So, when it came time to decide what Arc & Iveagh would offer, it wasn’t even a question. Outerwear would be the armor for our modern adventurers, crafted to protect against whatever the world may throw at you—be it a surprise rainstorm in the city or an unexpected chill in the countryside. These pieces would be as rugged as they are refined, made from the kind of materials that tell stories, not just keep you warm.

As for accessories? Well, that’s a bit more down the road—but as to why? They’re the details that make the man. I knew that a carefully chosen accessory could speak volumes without uttering a word. A leather belt that only gets better with age, a scarf woven from the finest wool to keep the cold at bay, or a pocket square that illustrates the fall of an empire—these are the pieces that set us apart, that show we’ve put thought into every aspect of our appearances, even when the world might not notice.

But appearances weren’t the only driver of these collections. These items need to be functional, too, because what good is a beautiful leather explorer bag if it can’t hold up to a weekend in the wilderness, or a stylish pair of boots if they can’t walk the distance? Arc & Iveagh’s outerwear & accessories won’t just be about looking good—they’re about living well, with products that are as reliable as they are stylish.

In the end, it was simple: outerwear & accessories would be the perfect companions for the modern adventurer—pieces that offer both protection and personality, crafted with the same care and attention that many of us put into every aspect of our lives, whether we’re off on an adventure or simply trying to survive another night of late-night parenting.


  Who Are Arc & Iveagh Products For? The Rugged & Sophisticated 

A man wearing a fur coat sits in the snow surrounded by caviar, vodka and champagne in St. Moritz, Switzerland

Arc & Iveagh products are for those who don’t just walk through life—they stride with purpose, even if that purpose is just to find the best cup of coffee in the city. Our collections are designed for those who seek out unique, high-quality pieces that tell a story and add meaning to their lives.

It is for those who are as comfortable in the boardroom as they are in the backcountry. They might spend weekdays in tailored suits, but come the weekend, they’re swapping the sport coat for the field jacket and heading out to explore—be it the nearest hiking trail or a hidden corner of a new city. They value the art of craftsmanship and aren’t afraid to invest in pieces that will last a lifetime because they know that true luxury is in the details.

They’re also the guys who appreciate the little things—like the way a perfectly fitted coat can make even the coldest day feel a little warmer or how a hand-stitched leather bag can carry not just their belongings but also a sense of history and adventure. They’re the kind of people who still write thank-you notes by hand, who have a favorite chair that tells as many stories as they do and who believe that there’s no such thing as being overdressed—only well-prepared.

Arc & Iveagh products are for the modern gentlemen who live by a code of rugged sophistication. They’re drawn to the thrill of the hunt, whether that’s tracking down the perfect piece of clothing, the quest for more knowledge, or pursuing life’s greater adventures. They’re the guys who see clothing not just as something to wear but as an extension of who they are—a way to express their love for tradition, their appreciation for quality, and their thirst for experiences that are anything but ordinary.


Sharing the Journey: From Ideation to Launch  

As the sand in the hourglass continues to fall toward our first launch collection, there is an intricate—although admittedly, sometimes ungraceful—dance from ideation to creation. Each piece is born from spirited brainstorms, where we’ve woven the essence of our brand into tangible, timeless designs. 

As we move through the stages of development, we invite you behind the scenes to witness the transformation of ideas into elegance. We cherish the insights and experiences of our community, encouraging you to engage and share your thoughts as well as your unique stories. Together, our conversations enrich the Arc & Iveagh adventure, celebrating the shared love for timeless style and exploration. 


End. Scene.

It is here that we wrap up this week’s Chronicles. We've explored the journey from the brand’s heartfelt beginnings to the recipe of this first collection and all collections we produce, blending rugged sophistication with timeless elegance. From late-night inspirations to the focus on details and craftsmanship, each collection will be representative of a new region of the world, each piece capturing the stories of the people, places, and cultures of that region (more on that in a future issue).

We invite you to join this adventure and become part of the Arc & Iveagh community. Share your thoughts, inspirations, and ideas for future collections. Connect with us on social media, explore our brand, and stay tuned for upcoming stories and launches. Let’s shape this journey together.

Until next time.

Stay curious & venture boldly.

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