In the hallowed halls of the Royal Albert, where centuries-old grandeur reverberates through every ornate curve and soaring note, a symphony of elegance unfolded. As Maestro Vasily Petrenko lifted his baton, guiding the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO) into its score, the audience was treated to the union of exquisite sartorial flair with musical virtuosity.
This moment marked the formal overture to an inspired partnership between two cultural institutions that define British excellence: dunhill, the storied luxury menswear House, and the RPO, one of the UK’s most revered ensembles. Announced on July 8, dunhill was appointed Official Luxury Clothier to the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, including bespoke wardrobe for Music Director Vasily Petrenko, and setting the stage for a remarkable two-year global alliance built on shared values of craftsmanship, precision, and legacy.
“It is an honour for dunhill to partner with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra – an institution that, like our own storied House, represents the highest standards of British tradition and innovation. This collaboration allows us to create exceptional experiences for our clients and audiences, while supporting the enduring legacy of one of the world’s great orchestras,” said Andrew Holmes, CEO ad interim of dunhill. Reflecting this sentiment, "The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra is delighted to welcome dunhill to its growing family of distinguished partners who support the RPO’s work and share a commitment to ensuring the continued success and development of the arts in the UK," said Huw Davies, Deputy Managing Director and Business Development Director at the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. "The RPO looks forward to collaborating with dunhill to create unique and memorable experiences that inspire journeys of orchestral discovery, as we continue in our mission to bring the thrill of orchestral music to the widest possible audience."
What began as a captivating performance by the RPO at dunhill’s Autumn Winter 2025 show in Milan has evolved into an ongoing creative dialogue. That debut—a runway set to a live orchestral performance—blurred the boundaries between sartorial and symphonic elegance. Models walked among musicians, elegance echoing in every note and every silhouette. It was a bold gesture, but one rooted in harmony: two disciplines that demand discipline, artistry, emotion, and most of all, heritage. Now, the collaboration extends far beyond the catwalk. Over the coming seasons, dunhill and the RPO will present a series of elevated cultural experiences—from private recitals and intimate salons to international showcases. Most notably, a quartet from the orchestra will return to Milan to perform live at dunhill’s Spring/Summer 2026 presentation, reinforcing this rare alliance between British tailoring and classical music on the world stage.
While dunhill has long embodied British style through its refined tailoring, leather goods, and hard luxury offerings, this partnership positions the House firmly as a cultural curator. Following acclaimed collaborations with BAFTA and Frieze Masters, the alliance with the RPO underscores dunhill’s evolving role not just as a fashion brand, but as a steward of heritage and the arts. The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, meanwhile, continues to define contemporary relevance within classical tradition. Performing over 200 concerts annually to a global audience exceeding 60 million, the RPO’s reach spans symphonic repertoire, cinematic scores, and pioneering community initiatives through RPO Resound. In every performance, the orchestra upholds its mission: to enrich lives through uncompromising musical excellence.
To see the RPO dressed by dunhill reveals a new idiom of British identity: one of quiet confidence, cultural depth, and tailored grace. Here, clothing becomes visual resonance. Music, no longer confined to the concert hall, takes its rightful place in the wider conversation of design, elegance, and expression.
Photo credit: Andy Paradise