Actor, model, singer, philanthropist Hu Bing has recently added international ambassador of LCM to his already impressive list of occupations. He's in good company, the roster of ambassadors includes model David Gandy and rapper Tinie Tempah, although Bing marks the first time the British Fashion Council looked overseas to fill this role.
We met with Bing as he toured St James's and Jermyn Street. Because when it comes to championing British menswear, where better to start than where it all began?
First things first, Bing tries on a plush dressing gown at New & Lingwood, with the help of brand director Simon Maloney.
On second thought, perhaps best to stay in the ensemble he arrived in. Here we see Maloney adjusting a pocket square.
Once topped off with a bowtie – one that gets its skull and crossbone motif from a centuries-old society at Eton – the look is complete.
Next stop: Turnbull & Asser. Bing inspects the selection.
All those shirts are sure to make even the most seasoned shoppers thirsty. Over at Berry Bros & Rudd, Bing fills a shopping basket with a modest selection of wine to take home. (We made that last bit up). In actuality, he's getting acquainted with the coffee scales at the shop. Over the store's 300-year history, it became a fashionable tradition for customers like Napoleon III and Lord Byron to be weighed.
Bottoms up!
After a quick afternoon tipple, we find ourselves at Lock & Co., one of the oldest hat shops in the world. Here, Sue Simpson is seen measuring Bing's head with a conformitor, a historic tool for measuring one's head for a top hat.
It fits.
