TUCKED AWAY in New Street is an independent fashion retailer seeking to change the approach to clothing stores.
The ethos of Regent is complex and is in part, as a result of the owner's upbringing.
Owner Jason Regent said: “I have wanted to do this since I was 14. It is all about ‘wabi sabi,’ beauty in imperfection. It is about getting old naturally. We are on the ethical side of life.”
Jason’s childhood shaped his vision especially through his family’s connection to James Bond author Ian Fleming.
“My grandfather was the butler to Ian Fleming. I used to go to Glen Coe as a child, hence the stags’ antlers on the stairs. The Fleming family gave Glen Coe Manor to us as a family for the millenium. They said to my grandparents, bring your family, and you can have it.
“My mother was a little like Vivian Westwood – American jumpsuits, coloured hair, who was quite a character and worked for Sue Ryder. This is where I got the knowledge of these beautiful double-breasted suits. The Fleming family used to own Sue Ryder Home and gave it to Sue Ryder foundation, my mum set up Sue Ryder shops in there to make money for them. “
His love of fabrics and clothes came when as a young boy, Jason used to listen to his mother and quietly absorbed the talk about fashion. His grandfather was always smart and wore classic clothes and taught him to always buy good things.
He said: “I have been very lucky to see the life of those who are very wealthy as in old money and the classic side of life. So, if you are going to buy a pair of jeans, buy a good pair of jeans and buy good shoes because they last.
Regent’s shop is an eclectic mix of old and sustainable new.
Jason said: “We listen to our customers. Our niche may be the 50–55-year-old man who has lost his way fashion-wise. It is best to have a simple product and simplicity is the first lesson to learn. We try to advise our customers. They can trust us.”
“I am very good at helping people to find themselves. That’s my niche.”
There are seven rooms within, and it is a shop designed with browsing in mind. There are old-fashioned enamel plates, clothes pegs made from bamboo, tea-strainers and even, washing powder.
“We always keep sustainability in mind.”
Jason said: “There is something for every man, but there’s also something for women too because many women wear men’s clothes. I choose items that are sustainable and want to be sure that companies treat people carefully.”
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There are seven rooms filled with items of clothing and vintage pro. They sell new vinyl, Japanese tools, Swiss army knives and aftershaves. In the Mint room, they offer essential menswear although there are some items of clothing for women.
Jason said with a smile: “We call this the ‘feeling guilty rail’ as when men spend a lot of money on themselves, they often feel inclined to buy something for the wife or girlfriend.”
The Boiler room has artisan whisky, organ gin and local beers and the Study provides finest cloths, braces, and ties.
Jason said: “Every room has got to have a different feel. It’s not just about buying a product; it’s about buying the history.”
Regent is a shop within a shop. There is so much to see, and add-on products are everywhere but the impression is one of timeless quality. From bespoke clothing, and ethically made and organic items, there are clothes for the casual town or city gent to specialist items for explorers and hikers.
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