An Archive Lighter Inspired dunhill’s Rollagas Collection
While dunhill springs to mind luxury, British tailoring, the brand actually had its start as saddlery and, with the changing times, began crafting automobile accessories. In 1904, founder Alfred Dunhill patented the ‘Windshield Pipe’, an innovative gadget that allowed drivers to smoke while operating their vehicle. This development led to the company being one of the first producers of butane lighters, most famously with the introduction of the Rollagas in 1956. Counting Elvis Presley as a carrier of the firestarter, the sleek design has seen many iterations, with the tactile art-deco inspired facade released in the 70s being the brand's most recognisable.
Fast forward to A/W 22 menswear shows in London, and the design’s patterned surface is as relevant as ever thanks to creative director Mark Weston’s trip down the brand’s archives. The Rollagas collection, aptly named after its inspiration, breathes new life into the geometric facade and is reimagined as accessories accompanying Weston's signature suiting. Striking the perfect balance between the past and the present, supple nappa leather is quilted into a tubular shaped pattern mimicking the art-deco facade of its iconic lighter.
The collection was conceived by Weston who first joined the brand back in 2017. Since showing his first collection for S/S 18, the British designer has established new house codes with his affinity for architectural suiting, innovative use of leather, and brilliant eye for reimagining archival designs. His A/W 22 offering presented staples like wrapped jackets, timeless tailoring, kimono sleeved overcoats, and quilted jackets inspired by seat cushions of classic cars. It's his expertly cut silhouettes and flair for draping that akin to the sartorial stalwarts of Savile Row that have helped revitalise the heritage brand since his appointment.
Dunhill’s Rollagas collection is rolling out in stores and online now.