The Roots of British Masculine Style

There's something about British fashion that appeals to the masculine spirit. It has a solid foundation upon which one can build their own style. Perhaps it's this enjoyment that draws people to British goods, including clothing. From the past to the present, let's delve a little deeper into the world of evolving British fashion.

Tracing the roots of British masculine style leads us to George Bryan Brummell in the early 19th century. Kaori Nakano, a scholar of men's fashion history, writes in her book "The Genealogy of Dandyism - Men Admired by Men" that Brummell was "the man who laid the foundation for modern menswear."

Henry Poole is a renowned British tailor. Located on Savile Row, known as the street of gentlemen, this tailor was also a favorite of The Beatles. It is said that the suits worn by John Lennon, Paul McCartney, and Ringo Starr on the album cover of "Abbey Road" were tailored by Henry Poole.

However, stylish individuals don't seek out old styles by going to British tailors. While the fundamental rule advocated by Beau Brummell – "a fit that suits oneself" – is maintained, there is actually more freedom. After all, from the 1960s to the 70s, rock musicians, including The Beatles, were at the forefront of the counterculture alongside writers. These young men, who represented a desire to break from convention, wore suits made by Henry Poole, a long-established tailor founded in 1806. Why?

It was because the established tailor's creations helped them forge their unique styles. The venerable establishments on Savile Row, and those lining Jermyn Street known for fine shirts, shoes, and accessories, possess solid craftsmanship. This allows them to skillfully blend innovative ideas with tradition. This is the essence of bespoke (full custom order) tailoring, which brings out the individuality of the client.

*From the book "The Genealogy of Dandyism - Men Admired by Men"

21st Century Style

In the 19th century, tailors in Britain were supported by the aristocracy, known as gentlemen. Henry Poole, for instance, before tailoring suits, crafted various military uniforms for them, and this experience was later applied to suit making.

After The Beatles era, and into the 21st century, those who appreciate custom-made suits are often called dandies rather than gentlemen. Kaori Nakano, mentioned earlier, defines the dandy as "an ideal image of a man." She lists terms such as "a man who created legendary, unconventional feats," "an unconventional hero," and "a samurai" when referring to dandies.

Even in today's era of fast fashion, the dandy who maintains their personal style may fit this evolving definition. Furthermore, if we rephrase "dandy" as "new gentleman," there are many individuals in Britain who live up to that title. Musicians like David Bowie, football star David Beckham, and actor Benedict Cumberbatch...

These individuals are symbols of contemporary British culture. They favor suits from the new generation of bespoke tailors, also known as new tailoring. They wear them not in the traditional British style, but with a more liberated approach to styling. This can be called 21st-century style.

Adapting to the changing times while providing the best to clients requires both skill and taste. The enduring appeal of British bespoke likely stems from this very "power." Of course, this tradition of British bespoke lives on not only in suits but also in cars. That is precisely why they are so captivating.

If tradition and innovation characterize British craftsmanship, exemplified by suits, then the MINI is the car for a dandy. The "MINI JERMYN," in particular, is packed with exclusive features meticulously finished by hand by artisans.

It includes a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a beautiful horizontal wooden surface on the dashboard, and meticulously finished leather seats. These elements evoke the tradition of British craftspeople who, through conversation with clients, created suits, shoes, and shirts offering the ultimate comfort.

A car that embodies tradition while incorporating top-class modern performance and "advanced technology." The MINI itself is like a modern gentleman. A vehicle crafted for the discerning owner, finished in a special body color. The MINI JERMYN is a model that has arrived from the land of bespoke for the Japanese dandy.

A Special MINI Evoking Bespoke

The MINI JERMYN is a special vehicle with unique interior and exterior features that evoke British bespoke tailoring. Much like London's new tailors who blend 21st-century appeal with traditional craftsmanship, the MINI does the same.

The current MINI inherits the charm of the Classic Mini, once loved by The Beatles and successful in rallies, known for its styling and performance. It combines carefully selected high-quality materials, sophisticated design, and meticulous craftsmanship with the highest standards of modern technology.



The MINI JERMYN, in particular, features a body color that pursues the deepest hue of lapis lazuli, a profound shade of deep blue, achieved through a special process. It is further enhanced with exclusive equipment, including 18-inch alloy wheels and leather seats embossed with an original emblem.

The aesthetic of a British gentleman is said to be understated – not flashy, but possessing a clear sense of quality. The MINI JERMYN, tailored with this value in mind, is the perfect car for the Japanese gentleman.

MINI COOPER S 3 DOOR
Body Size | Length 3,860 x Width 1,725 x Height 1,430 mm
Wheelbase | 2,495 mm
Weight | 1,270 kg
Engine | 1,998cc Inline 4-cylinder DOHC MINI TwinPower Turbo
Bore x Stroke | 82.0 x 94.6 mm
Max Output | 141 kW (192 ps) / 5,000 rpm
Max Torque | 280 Nm / 1,250 - 4,600 rpm
Transmission | 6-speed AT
Drivetrain | FF
Tires | 205/40 R18 (Run-flat)
Wheels | 7J x 18
Trunk Capacity | 211 Liters
Fuel Efficiency (JC08 mode) | 17.6 km/ℓ
Seating Capacity | 4 persons
Steering Wheel Position | Right
Price | 4.11 million yen

MINI COOPER S 5 DOOR
Body Size | Length 4,015 x Width 1,725 x Height 1,445 mm
Wheelbase | 2,565 mm
Weight | 1,320 kg
Engine | 1,998cc Inline 4-cylinder DOHC MINI TwinPower Turbo
Bore x Stroke | 82.0 x 94.6 mm
Max Output | 141 kW (192 ps) / 5,000 rpm
Max Torque | 280 Nm / 1,250 - 4,600 rpm
Transmission | 6-speed AT
Drivetrain | FF
Tires | 205/40 R18 (Run-flat)
Wheels | 7J x 18
Trunk Capacity | 278 Liters
Fuel Efficiency (JC08 mode) | 16.4 km/ℓ
Seating Capacity | 5 persons
Steering Wheel Position | Right
Price | 4.29 million yen

Special Equipment Details
■Exterior
MINI JERMYN Exclusive Body Color: Lapis Lazuli Luxury Blue
MINI JERMYN Exclusive 18-inch Alloy Wheels: Vanity Spoke 2-tone
Chrome Line Exterior

■Interior
MINI JERMYN Exclusive Leather Lounge Carbon Black
Seat Heater
MINI JERMYN Exclusive Sport Leather Steering Wheel
Multifunction Steering Wheel
MINI JERMYN Exclusive Interior Surface Dark Cottonwood
Color Line Satellite Grey
Chrome Line Interior

■Communication & Technology
MINI JERMYN Exclusive LED Door Projector (Front/Left & Right)
Sport Automatic Transmission (with paddle shifters)
Cruise Control
MINI Driving Modes
Rain Sensor (with automatic driving lights)
MINI Excitement Package
Lights Package
Storage Compartment Package