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"Continuous effort... is the key to unlocking our protential."
- Winston Churchill
Inspired by the Imperial War Museums, the Realm & Empire Collection is truly unique. Enriched by British Heritage, authenticity and the credibility of the past, attention to detail, finest quality and good old fashioned British design goes into every piece of the Realm & Empire collection.
The Realm & Empire Winter collection for 2013 - arriving soon! - centers on two main themes this season; Naval style and endurance - which in turn inspired the HMS Belfast photoshoot, and the celebration of the 70th Anniversary of the 617 Dambusters Squadron.
Here's a sneak peek at the Realm & Empire HMS Belfast photoshoot, as well as a preview of the winter styles - arriving soon at Atom Retro.
'Holdfast' is a traditional naval term, often tattooed on the knuckles of sailors to bring them good luck at sea. 'Hold fast' is a reminder to keep a firm grip on the lines (ropes) and ensure they are secure at all times when up in the rigging. In everyday parlance the term is used to encourage us to keep our resolve in difficult times and to keep on top of everything. A great phrase which captures the Winston Churchill philosophy, is coupled here with a great image of the man on the Mulberry Harbour at Arromanches, iconic cigar in mouth.
On board the HMS Kelvin, to be exact. This iconic warship fought in several battles in the Second World War as well as carrying Winston Churchill and other dignitaries across the Channel during 'Operation Overlord', code name for the Battle of Normandy, or D-Day. Here is a striking image of Churchill in conversation with Field Marshall Sir Alan Brooke, chief of the Imperial General Staff and one of Churchill's foremost military advisors.
Harking back to the naval theme for Winter, this military style short Peacoat is elegant, simple and practical. Made in wool and with a double breasted fasten for extra warmth, the jacket also features a large collar which can be pulled up to protect the neck against the elements. The Realm & Empire Peacoat is true to its Navy origins, with a 100% wool-cavalry-twill-constructed tailored fit to create a sharp silhouette and great attention to detail including wooden buttons, chocolate leather badge and British Millerain wax under collar.
The typeface used on the HMS Vengeance Sweater is a faithful recreation of the exact lettering found engraved on the original ship's bell. The HMS Vengeance was a Colossus class light aircraft carrier and one of the few ships to of its kind to be completed before the war ended in 1945. Colossus carriers were always intended to be disposable warships which would be scrapped after 3 years or as soon as the war ended, HMS Vengeance however ended up with a service life of over 55 years, serving several more years in the Navy, before being loaded to the Royal Australian Navy and later sold to Brazil. They built things to last then - even disposable things!
The V for Victory symbol has become synonymous with WW2 and Winston Churchill. In this iconic image, Churchill is acknowledging the cheering crowds aboard HMS Renown, the battleship on which he sailed from the USA. In 1941, Victor de Laveleye, the former Belgian Minister of Justice and director of the Belgian/French speaking broadcasts on the BBC, suggested on air that the Belgian people used a V as an emblem for Victory, to make the enemy realise he was constantly surrounded bu a crowd of citizens ready to exploit any weakness. The V for Victory campaign was soon adopted by Churchill himself.
This reworking of the previous British Wax Jacket sees a new all Navy version for Winter 2013. Inspired by Captain RF Scott and based on a traditional expedition jacket, it is beautifully made in 100% British Millerain Waxed Cotton. Attention to detail is sublime once again, with adjustable studded cuff tabs, branded wooden buttons, antique brass finish snaps and a chunky two-way zip with leather pulls and hanging loop.
No naval collection would be complete without a Parka! Also pictured at the top, this precision designed coat is based on the shape and structure of a traditional military sniper's jacket and comes with oversized removable tunnel hood with a full wire peak. A detachable quilted lining allows the wearer to adjust the warmth offered by this unique coat. Made from 100% coated cotton twill and finished with chest height hand warmer pockets, drawstring waist and adjustable cuff fasteners.
Wing Commander Guy Penrose Gibson was the first commanding officer of 617 Squadron, the RAF's specialist air division created to undertake the hazardous Dambusters mission in 1943. Affectionately known by his team as the 'Arch Bastard', he led his squadron of Lancaster Bombers on the low flying operation and, having dropped his own bomb, Gibson repeatedly turned back to fly over the Mohne and Eder Dams in order to draw enemy fire away from the other attacking Lancasters. Gibson was awarded the Victoria Cross in recognition of his gallantry, not just for the Dambusters raid but for all his leadership and valour demonstrated during many bombing missions.
Look out for all these arriving soon!
Or check out the current available range of Realm & Empire here.
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