Albam Keeps It Simple

Simplicity is everything when it comes to London menswear label Albam. Noting a distinct lack of well-made men's basics that didn't break the bank, Alastair Rae and James Shaw decided to take matters into their own hands. Inspired by their own personal wishlists, they based their line on the bare essentials: the perfect white tee, that well-cut pair of jeans, a check shirt and some striking but understated leather accessories. Initially, the clothes were sold only online, but demand and interest were such that their first store, a light and airy space just off Carnaby at 23 Beak Street, soon followed.

In the age of the mass-produced quick fix, Albam takes a more considered approach. All of their pieces are crafted in the UK with luxe fabrics sourced from abroad—Egyptian cotton, Italian merino wool and the ever-popular Japanese denim. Each style is sold in limited runs and designed to stand the test of time. Albam bet that modern classics were the way to go, and thus far they've been right on the mark—their wildly popular Fisherman's Cagoule sold out within days and their hybrid deck boot looks set to do the same. As Rae and Shaw put it, "The devil is in the details—men look best when they are themselves, not 'dressing up'."

—Lena Dystant