F.M. Allen

Discovered these photos of F.M. Allen’s new Franklin, Tennessee location on photographer Melanie McGaughey’s fantastic blog, The Velvet Trunk. If you’re unfamiliar with F.M. Allen, Miss McGaughey offers the following introduction:

The company began life in 1947 when F.M. “Bunny” Allen moved from his native England to Kenya and began his professional hunter/safari guide service. Allen was one of the last great gentlemen hunters of Africa, and led safaris for everyone from Prince Aly Khan to H.R.H. the Prince of Wales to Mick Jagger. He is responsible for guiding the largest luxury safari of all time, leading a cast and crew of 500+ for John Ford’s 1953 masterpiece Mogambo.

When I visited their New York location on Madison Avenue, I marveled at the quality craftsmanship and selection. I’ve featured their version of the pelican belt in a post about casual belts, but theirs is a collection of all things essential to a well-traveled, continental man. Think Denys Finch Hatton; think Ernest Hemingway; think Sir Edmund Hillary; think of any member of The Explorers Club. Better yet, don’t think. Do.

For more on F.M. Allen, visit their website.