History

Shirt making for us has always been, at its heart, a form of personal expression, and our principle always constant; reaching out to the future while never losing sight of our origins. That is why since opening the doors to our first store in 2005, we have combined our hold on tradition with the curiosity and drive to experiment and innovate.
Tradition and experimentation have helped us break new ground in design and construction, from a tri-coloured lapel to a collar made from 16 individual pieces.

Our Story

From a childhood first spent in London, accompanying his father on visits to the tailors of Savile Row, to following the migratory heards of the serengeti in Kenya, life for Faraz Salehjee began with a deep influence of impeccable attire, and an enriching experience of radically differing cultures.

Following in his father’s footsteps, professional life first began in banking. This was followed with a period of teaching A’level economics.

But the influences of early life had made an indelible mark, and this had culminated with a vision and urge for design and expression.

Starting out at first supplying small boutique stores with capsule collections of avant garde formal mens shirts, In 2005, he launched the Chester Bernard flagship store in Zamzama, Karachi Pakistan.

This space was the first manifestation of a collection of ideas and experiences that were now coming to life, expressing themselves along the plackets and collars of shirts, and the interaction of customer and curator.

Keeping It Fresh

We understand the importance of the relationship with our customers. At our stores, the staff are dedicated to giving our patrons an experience which is centered on the trust that the shirt they are wearing is not only of the highest quality, and also that they will see something new to have with each visit. We have something new for you every week. The commitment to innovative design presents to us the challenge to give you not a seasonal collection, but a weekly one. Every week we add a new product to our ever growing catalogue.

Our Designs

Our orientation is global. Wherever we go we find joy and understanding in cultural differences. Good design supports the scale of what comes next; the splendid amalgam of textiles, threads, and other shirt accessories.

Luxury implies the highest level of quality, and quality is tied to authenticity, not showmanship. Truth of purpose and excellence workmanship are [prime ingredients in a successful shirt. By this we mean the care in which the shirt has been cut, sewing has been executed, and layers of design have been added. We build layers of nuances that become more apparent the longer one experiences the shirt. Luxury, therefore, is revealed subtly through beautiful detailing and fine materials.

Our capsule collections are all about mixing styles and thus scales general interest.

There are design elements that link traditional simplicity to modern concepts and design. Cohesion is often something that is best felt and not intellectualized.

These capsule collections can be very layered, complex, or simple as a reflection of our personal perception of the times we live in.

Quality materials convey luxury quietly. The shirts at Chester Bernard are elegant but at the same time offer a level of comfort, so that the wearer feels at ease throughout the day whilst displaying an iconic sense of design.