A new style prize celebrating distinguished male fashion will make its debut at a prestigious luxury automotive gathering this autumn.
The inaugural Concours Style Award, hosted by British tailoring house Clements and Church, forms part of the Salon Privé event programme at Blenheim Palace.
The prize recognises excellence in gentlemen’s tailoring, personal presentation, and individual style, acknowledging the craftsmanship and attention to detail that mirrors the engineering standards of the classic and exotic vehicles on display throughout the concours.
The competition mirrors the ethos of the established Ladies’ Day tradition, extending recognition to male attendees who demonstrate outstanding sartorial choices.
Contestants will be evaluated on garment fit, material cut, construction quality, and how ensembles complement the formal garden party setting at the historic Oxfordshire estate.
Throughout the event day, preliminary selections will be made by Ian Roper, serving as chief business officer, alongside Anna Moore, who holds the position of chief creative officer.
The final determination of the overall victor will rest with Mark Nash, chief executive of the presenting sponsor Clements and Church.
The successful candidate receives a complete bespoke outfit created by the tailoring company’s craftspeople, with the prize package reaching a value of ten thousand pounds depending on selected fabrics and specific design requirements.
Additional recognition extends to two runners-up, each awarded a piece of individually tailored knitwear.
According to David Bagley, director and co-founder of Salon Privé, attire has formed an integral component of the occasion since its inception, with guests consistently demonstrating considerable commitment to presentation standards.
While the Ladies’ Day programme has developed particular renown for its celebration of fashion, gentlemen had previously lacked comparable dedicated acknowledgement, a gap addressed through this introduction.
The judging panel emphasised the parallels between the automotive and tailoring worlds, noting shared values of proportion, precision, and personal expression.
Representatives of the presenting partner expressed enthusiasm for participating in this inaugural category, highlighting the importance of fit and construction alongside individual personality and stylistic awareness.
The new prize operates independently from the concurrent Ladies’ Day programme, sponsored by Boodles, and the accompanying Best Hat Competition, both scheduled to take place the following day on Friday, September fourth.
