“The heritage and the archive of the dunhill brand are a great inspiration in the development of new products, but it is the spirit of Alfred Dunhill the man that I want to capture; especially his charm, self-assurance and determination in the search for outstanding quality. Us Brits are by nature eclectic, but we also always have a respect for appropriateness and the presentation of oneself. Being correct for every occasion or prepared for any event is the key strength of dunhill”.
JOHN RAY, CREATIVE DIRECTOR
John Ray, Creative Director
BIOGRAPHY
With a background in international luxury, but his feet firmly planted in British tailoring, creative director John Ray is perfectly placed to preserve and develop the dunhill story. John Ray was born and grew up in Scotland, before moving to London to study menswear at Central Saint Martin’s College of Art. Graduating to join the prestigious masters course at the Royal College of Art, his approach is defined by a combination of this rigorous formal training with Scottish spirit and British eclecticism. Focusing on provenance, tailoring and materials, Ray eschews the logo-obsessed approach to fast-luxury that has developed in recent years. Joining dunhill in 2012, he continues to apply this commitment to quality and heritage, whilst imbuing the brand with a contemporary sophistication of design.
FUTURE VISION
Ray is building on the proud history of dunhill, crafting a contemporary brand that is both functional and luxurious. From the morning suit to the perfect weatherproof outwear, every piece in the dunhill range has been crafted to meet specific needs and occasions. The international menswear market has never been so sophisticated, and dunhill celebrates the rise of this newly discerning customer. There is nothing nostalgic about this return to quality; it is being driven by a new and urbane generation of men who recognize that there’s no shortcut to quality. “The heritage and the archive of the dunhill brand are a great inspiration in the development of new products, but it is the spirit of Alfred Dunhill the man that I want to capture; especially his charm, self-assurance and determination in the search for outstanding quality. Us Brits are by nature eclectic, but we also always have a respect for appropriateness and the presentation of oneself. Being correct for every occasion or prepared for any event is the key strength of dunhill”.
INSPIRATION
From Savile Row to the bustling streets of the city, London has become a byword for the best in 21st century menswear, and the city is a constant source of inspiration for John Ray and his team. From the craftsmanship of a bespoke suit to the roots of sporting attire, Britain has a unique place in the history of menswear, and few brands have contributed to this history more than dunhill. Ray’s passion for the fundamentals of the brand and the industry, combined with his bold approach to design, is helping to bring this story to a new global audience.
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