In an era of globalization and homogenization of consumer experience, it's a source of sincere joy to discover that establishments like Kevin & Howlin still exist. Masters of not only the sartorial arts, they retain that most elusive of all retail traits; top notch customer service.
My utmost satisfaction began during a visit to Ireland in early October of this year, while my wife and I were on holiday celebrating our first anniversary. After contemplating what sort of practical keepsake would suit me best (pun intended), I asked myself "what do the Irish do better than just about anyone". The answer, of course, is proper Donegal tweed. Don't get me wrong, the Scots' Harris tweed is a wonderful, robust weave, to be sure, but it lacks the more refined subtleties and texture that Donegal possesses in abundance.
After perusing various travel sites and listening to my instincts (surely, a tweed shop located directly across from Trinity University must be doing something right to stay in business for 80 years and counting), I called for a taxi, and directed the driver to take us to Kevin & Howlin.
The moment I entered the store, I knew I'd made the right choice. The selection of fabrics and collection of already made clothing were of the highest quality. It was from that foundation of excellence I began my engagement with the neatly attired owner of the establishment (or so I presume). He was keen, attentive, and the depth and breadth of his knowledge about his wares was unparalleled. Together, we selected a tweed we both agreed worked for me, and attempted to find a coat in my size. Now, I'm larger than their average client, I'm guessing (I stand 6'2", and am about 17 stone), so there were no coats there to fit me in the selected fabric. All the better. The owner skillfully and deftly got to work with his tape measure, and wrote my measurements down in a ledger that would have looked perfectly at home in the 19th century, using penmanship that would have put Platt Rogers Spencer to shame. This, folks, was old-school tailoring at its finest.
After selecting vent style, button configuration, and liner (I went with the purple paisley... trust me, it works), I happily paid the very reasonable bill.
A word of advice based on my experience: Go ahead and have a custom coat made and have it shipped to you back home (presuming you live outside the EU). Kevin & Howlin take the VAT off the price right then and there, and file the paperwork for you. It saves considerable hassle, and is yet another facet of their exemplary service.
So, approximately 10 weeks later, I'm now the proud owner of a bespoke Donegal tweed coat about which my coworkers are envious, and I am extremely proud. It was packaged beautifully, and wearable right out of the box!
Thank you, Kevin & Howlin, for renewing my belief in the existence of quality, human retail establishments, and a fine coat that is sure to last me decades. read more