Theodore English and Oscar Leal first opened their menswear boutique Belancé on William Street in 2014, where they still own a compact store of modern men’s accessories. The pair hunt down casual menswear from around the world, and forge their own Australian style in the form of made-to-measure suiting, crafted here in Sydney. They opened a second branch in Barangaroo in 2017, and it’s here where they send their customers for the full bespoke service.
This store is so well curated, you could walk in naked, bar a wad of cash, and you’d sashay away ready for a business trip to Tokyo within a couple of hours. They’ve got the same mix of contemporary T-shirts and traditional tailoring on offer, but their custom-made service has more space to stretch out. The designated wedge of the store is curtained off for privacy, so you can point out your preferred suit buttons, designed silk pocket squares and Peter & Porter brogues in peace and solitude.
If you have the paypacket to support such opulent service, you should. They offer five categories of fabric to choose from. The Staples range starts from $890 and you’ll have 100 per cent Merino wool to play with. The Business Class option gets a little pricier at $1,200, but just like turning left on the aeroplane, you get more comfort. This status level offers you pure wool, cotton and linen in a variety of textures and patterns. Christmas bonus? Splurge on the Solbiati Italian cotton or linen range, from $1,500, or the Cerruti, from $1,700. And get it in the Prince of Wales check for ultimate regal sass.
You can top-up from there, with silk bow ties, rose gold cufflinks or a Bravur timepiece (starting at $849). On the hunt for something more casual? They’ve got cotton T-shirts from Bandsome ($69), which are designed and made in Sydney. There are affordable socks, leather belts and ties in every possible shade – and for a fresher bathroom routine, stock up on activated charcoal face scrubs or beard oil from brands like the Groomed Man Co and Baxter of California. And, to make sure you’ll waltz straight into that hotel upgrade, they’ve got chic weekend bags, totes and briefcases.
However unpolished you were on entering the store, these gentlemen outfitters will have a simple – or totally extravagant – wardrobe overhaul ready and waiting.
