I love old friends.

You can connect with them far quicker than others because of your mutual special links with the past. You feel immediate comfort in their company- a very precious feeling indeed. The clothing equivalent to this feeling for me is the Prince of Wales check suit. Not to be mistaken for the Prince Edward (a red overcheck in the cloth, not blue), albeit a classic in its own right.

I had a 'P.O.W' check many years ago and always felt well dressed in it. That feeling returned when I saw the new season collection of suits from Brook Taverner. Foremost was the Beaulieu, a half canvassed affair comprising Italian wool in a choice of three cloths, and a restrained elegance usually seen only  in suits costing £200 more.

May I introduce you to your new old friends.