It is a bright, clear morning in London’s fashionable Soho neighbourhood. In an intimate, discreet store on Newburgh Street Nikhl Adwalpalkar and James Wright are smiling just a bit brighter than the welcome sunshine.
The store, Fourth and Main was founded by the two friends less than two years ago by the men who studied English and Philosophy (Nikhl) at Leeds University and Politics at Bristol University (James) respectively.
Adwalpalkar’s winter-proof daytime uniform is a Woolrich vintage jacket, Fourth and Main navy cashmere scarf, Fourth and Main white club collar shirt, slim black cotton trousers and green mix lambswool crew neck, all of which are from the store. The team is so close the do not only work and go to the pub together but travel wherever the inspiration leads. While plans for the rest of the year are still in the works at the start of the year James, Nikhl and a few others went to Pitti Uomo and Capsule Paris.
Whatever your style, classic or modern, James and Nikhl somehow manage to keep London’s men about town dressed in the finest Lancashire and the warmest Yorkshire wool. Cole Simmons sits down with the founders to discuss how the team at Fourth and Main keep calm and carry on in an industry of trends and how quality can make all the difference.
How important is youth-driven inspiration to a store like Fourth and Main where old-fashioned values appear to take pride of place?
Extremely important, we use classic cloths and styles but style them with a contemporary cut. This opens the garments up to a wider audience and makes the smart casual look more accessible to a younger market.
Is there a continuous dialogue within the team in terms of what is the kind of gentleman you look to design for or is the type of man you design for constantly evolving?
There is a degree of evolution, as with any new concept. But we are committed to delivering classics that will be timeless editions to any wardrobe. Menswear is unique that we are wearing similar garments to our fathers, therefore style references have tremendous longevity. We have looked at the 60s- Redford, Newman, McQueen for inspiration, these icons are as relevant now as then.
What are the core strengths of working with such an intimate, small team?
There is no bureaucracy, decisions can be made quickly.
How long have you all known one another?
Between 1 and 14 years.
People often classify British menswear as specific only to London. In what ways has rural Britain influenced Fourth and Main?
In our cloth choices. Our cotton is made in Lancashire, our wool in Yorkshire. These cloths are born out of necessity in a rural context, tweed is a good example. They are now appropriated in the city, but their traditional use was far from an urban setting.
How do you find inspiration? In a period of constant trends how does the team find the balance of quality over quantity?
The 60s in the US & UK provide me a with a lot of inspiration. There was a sense of daring and cool that is not so evident today. It is difficult to pinpoint the moment you decide an exact garment to make but it usual derives from a personal desire and perceived lack of availability.
By keeping the collection small we can focus and specialise in certain items. We have been working our unlined blazers for three collections, A/W 13 will showcase the fruits of that work.
Is being such an integral part of Fourth and Main in anyway like what you’d expected?
Difficult to say, I’m doing my dream job so what seems like hard work is actually enjoyable. I look forward to work everyday.
Where are the clothes made and how often do you commute from the factory to the London store(s)?
It depends on the item, we have a great shirt and trouser make in India. Our outerwear is being produced in Italy (as of A/W 13), blazers are made in England., knitwear and knitted accessories are made in Scotland.
How time consuming is having a store?
Very, the work is never done. It could always look better, stock more interesting items. The opportunity is fantastic and the options are therefore endless.
Can customers order online and if so, how soon can clothing be delivered?
Yes from www.fourthandmain.com, delivery takes 2-3 days.
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