In this episode of The Gentlemanly Things, Brian welcomes Luke Mayes, North American representative for the legendary House of Dormeuil, to explore what truly makes a fabric—and a life—luxurious.
Luke’s journey spans the Royal New Zealand Air Force, decades in the fine cloth trade, martial arts mastery, and world travel. Together, he and Brian dive deep into the technical artistry behind Dormeuil’s fabrics—from top dyeing and two-ply weaving to finishing with Yorkshire’s rare crystalline water—and connect these details to broader values of respect, authenticity, and intentional living.
This is more than a discussion about cloth. It’s a reflection on how the choices we make, in what we wear and how we show up, become a daily act of respect for ourselves, our environment, and those around us. Whether you’re a connoisseur of fine tailoring or simply seeking to elevate your presence, this episode offers insights into living and dressing with purpose.
0:00 Intro
2:00 Luke’s journey to luxury cloth ambassador
6:48 The history of the House of Dormeuil
10:20 What defines true luxury fabric
16:05 Top dyeing, color depth, and Dormeuil’s proprietary processes
22:58 The role of intentionality in fabric creation and life
28:32 Respect as a cornerstone of the gentleman’s image
36:10 Dressing with purpose to influence how you’re treated—and how you treat others
40:15 Closing reflections on comfort zones, authenticity, and daily excellence
Resources Mentioned:
🌐 House of Dormeuil – Luxury fabrics since 1842: https://www.dormeuil.com
📘 Happy Samurai by Luke Mayes: https://a.co/d/a1fBzWR
📘 Fear Less Samurai by Luke Mayes: https://a.co/d/6pjhqsp
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