CORDING'S 2003 – Present In February 2003 the current management team approached Cordings best customer and asked if he would assist in a management buyout. A presentation was prepared for him and after 3 minutes of this carefully prepared presentation he declared he would support it, he never did hear the final 17 minutes. Suffice to say the best customer was Eric Clapton.
Since that date the emphasis has been firmly on tradition and re-establishing the reputation of quality. All merchandise is made to exclusive specifications from materials traditionally found in the UK. The marque of Cordings is now attracting back sons and grandsons of followers from previous decades.
The stylishly dressed guitarist moonlights as the co-owner and design Director and since February 2003 has been masterminding its re-launch. "My favourite pieces are the tweed shooting and hacking jackets" he says.
We now have a women's collection, this range was born out of the demand from women who came into the store with their husbands looking at the huge array of tweed on offer for men and requesting traditional hacking jackets made for women as well.
This range will be based on the five Cordings core products and specializing in items such as fitted tweed jackets, covert coats, rubberised mackintoshes, leather blazers and beautifully handmade Spanish riding boots.
Clapton rescues gentlemen's shop
Monday, 2 August, 2004 BBC News
Eric Clapton wanted to save the store so he could shop there
Eric Clapton has shed his rock star image to step in and save an historic gentleman's outfitters from closure.
Clapton, 59, bought a 50% share in Cordings, which has been in Piccadilly, central London, since 1839, after it got into financial difficulties.
The guitarist said he has been fond of the shop since a window display caught his eye when he was 16, and has been a regular shopper for the past two years.
The shop stocks apparel for countryside sports and pursuits.
One of the changes to be introduced since Clapton bought the share is the shop's first women's collection.
Noll was thinking what could be done to save the shop and thought `I will go and talk to my best client'
Spokeswoman for Cordings
Clapton said: "I am a big fan of English traditional tailoring and have always been intrigued by the balance between functionality and style in the development of men's fashion.
"I wanted to help preserve Cordings for myself so I could continue to shop there."
A spokeswoman for Cordings said Noll Uloth approached Mr Clapton for help soon after he started working at the shop.
"Noll was thinking what could be done to save the shop and thought `I will go and talk to my best client"', said Melanie Cable-Alexander, spokeswoman for Cordings.
"He contacted Eric and within five minutes he had a reply saying `I can't let this happen"'.
Cordings was the originator of the Covert coat and the Tattersall shirt and made riding boots for the Queen Mother, the Duke of Windsor and Mrs Simpson.
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