In February 2011 Charles Finch launched CHUCS DIVE & MOUNTAIN SHOP at 31 Dover St, Mayfair, bringing movie business pedigree and luxury savvy to his leisure wear. ‘Chucs’, a schoolboy nickname for Charles who grew up in Jamaica and France, aims to add a touch of old world glamour, style and elegance to leisure wear:
“Our hope is that we will make the best quality clothing for ladies and gentlemen who care for such things…that we do so with heart and spirit, and that our customers Live Well – Stand Tall – Give Freely – Explore Often.”
Charles Finch, creator of CHUCS Dive & Mountain Shop
Heritage and Inspirations:
The impressive Finch (or Ingle-Finch) family heritage, spanning generations of explorers, scoundrels, actors and inventors adds a unique barrier to entry to Chucs Dive & Mountain Shop. Charles’ grandfather, George Ingle Finch (pictured below) invented the puffa or down-filled jacket before ascending Everest with Mallory in 1922. This historic climb is cemented in the record books as it was the first mountaineering expedition to breach the 8000 metre barrier. George was known for his sartorial style as much as climbing flair, his famous puffa jacket has become as much an essential item on the high street as atop Everest.
Charles’ father, Peter Finch, the Academy Award winning actor and hell raiser, stumbled on Jamaica after the last war with his pals Errol Flynn, Ian Fleming, Noel Coward and Ian Pringle who together formed the nexus of Caribbean elegance. Charles continues to carry the spirit of his Caribbean childhood in his heart and much of the swimwear collection is inspired by the islands. On a recent trip to GoldenEye Charles was intrigued to find a pair of Ian Fleming’s swimming shorts. It was, if such things exist, a sign…
George Ingle Finch, creator of the down-filled jacket
Charles Finch is CEO and Founder of Finch and Partners, the London and Paris based media power house representing some of the worlds leading luxury brands, movie stars and former Heads of State.
Finch directed and produced movies in his early career, and as a leading talent manager and producer he worked with artists including Cate Blanchett, Kevin Spacey, John Malkovich and Ralph Fiennes to name but a few. Finch owns and publishes Finch's Quarterly Review the men’s luxury publication edited by Nick Foulkes and now in its eleventh edition. Former head boy of Gordonstoun School, a mountain climber and global traveller and adventurer himself, Charles has now become a regular to grace the pages of the Vanity Fair and GQ Best Dressed Lists. His pre-BAFTA and Oscar parties are legendary.
Debut Collection:
The biggest adventure yet...
Chucs Dive & Mountain Shop debut collection is comprised of signature swimwear for men and women, as well as Bermuda and hiking shorts, shirts and t-shirts, Safari Jackets and boots. Fine silk scarves and light cashmere pieces fill out the collection for African or Caribbean travel, and for low altitude trekking, mountain shorts and UV shirts have been especially created. With patterns inspired by leading Savile Row tailor Anderson & Sheppard, all Chucs Dive & Mountain Shop equipment will be finished to the highest quality with the utmost level of craftsmanship.
Charles has collaborated with Cate Blanchett to create ‘‘The Blanchett’; a pair of shorts for women inspired and embraced by the Hollywood Oscar winner. The launch collection also includes an exclusive print which has been designed for the men’s and women’s swimwear by leading British fashion designer Giles Deacon.
Plans for the winter range include a mountain jacket; aptly named the ‘George Finch’.
Ultimately, Chucs Dive & Mountain shop will provide the discerning traveller with everything required for a trip to the beach, mountain or hunting lodge, or even the bar at the Hotel du Cap. The Chucs Dive & Mountain Shop client is a seasonal traveller used to the best quality product. After all, as Chucs says, “a man’s finest hour is often not in the office or the boardroom, but on the sports field, the hill and at sea!”
For further press information, images or to call out samples for editorial photography, please contact:
Natalie Keigher
Finch & Partners
T: +44 207 851 7140
E: natalie@finchandpartners.com
