Philip Turner of Smart Turnout Brings British Heritage Alive

Twice a year the Pitti Uomo fair in Florence is the go-to place for menswear brands and buyers to meet and network, and to keep up-to-date on all the latest developments in the fashion field.

Apart from a place to work in, Florence and its attractive environ are a favourite destination for enjoying the good life too.

For example Lucca, which lies in a green valley just north west of Florence and known for its silk trade is a living jewel of medieval architecture that provides much inspiration, according to Philip Turner, founder of British menswear brand – Smart Turnout – a brand that “brings British heritage alive, right down to the details of the stripes and precision of the colour.”

Here Philip Turner, who describes his own style as “classic but with a twist by wearing the different watches and accessories,” talks to My Fashion Connect about inspirational destinations and why he started Smart Turnout, which has its roots in the traditions of the British military and old school style.

Smart Turnout's Military Watch Made in
Switzerland, with
Royal Artillery watch strap.

“ I can think of worse places to have to attend a show!  A little further down the road between Florence and Pisa is the city of Lucca famed for its walled city and narrow streets.   If you go up the Clock Tower you have an amazing view of the City and surrounding area.  Although fun to visit during the summer months it is equally good in the Autumn and (to admire) the amazing colours,“ says Philip, whose autumn/winter 2014 collection was inspired by the golden age of Aviation and 1930s elegance.

Smart Turnout's Watch Set and interchangeable
watch straps.

“What inspired me to create the brand was the time I spent in the British Army,”  Philip continues. “The brand’s origins lie in the regimental and sporting tradition of the British Army.  In British horse racing, each rider wears a unique set of racing colours,” he continued. 

These rules were no different for Philip who,  when racing at Sandown as an officer had to find a jumper in the colours of his regiment - the Scots Guards.  Each piece tells the unique story of the highly-regarded institutions it is connected to by its colours, be it schools, universities or regiments.

Here, Philip lists for us what he brings on a holiday.

“Never a good start to the holiday when you miss the flight or train so the trusted Swiss made Town watch with the Royal Observer Corps watchstrap.  “

Smart Turnout's leather trimmed cotton canvas backpack.  Made in England.    

“For cabin luggage I always take the Princess of Wales’s back pack, based on the design of the old school satchel, made even more special as it is produced in the town I was born!  

“A few good books which are easy to pick up and put down! The Kill List by Frederick Forsyth and Operation Mayhem by Steve Heaney. 

Smart Turnout's Commando Royal Artillery Wallet

“Not far away will be the Royal Navy leather wallet, which will no doubt come back lighter than when it went out

“The old pair of Oakleys had to be consigned to the history books, so a new pair of sunglasses will be acquired at one of the Duty free shops.

Smart Turnout's Cotton canvas briefcase with genuine leather.  Made in England.

“Having so many great accessories means there is so much to select from the Smart Turnout collection but you can’t go far wrong with some of the belts.  The Household Division webbing belt is one of my favourites and was one of the first belts that we ever made. The fabric Yale belt for the more casual look is also another firm favourite as well as being made in Italy!

Smart Turnout's Ipad sleeve with
Argyll Highlanders Stripes.

Smart Turnout's hold-all bag.

“It is always good to check out other brands so some good polo shirts and trousers from MMX are a must for the evening when it cools down.”

Click HERE for more menswear inspiration from the SMARTTURNOUT website.

Photos of Florence by Lucia Carpio for My Fashion Connect.