MURDOCK Launch Press Release, 2nd May 2006

MURDOCK is a space dedicated to men situated in the heart of Hoxton. Reflecting a new mood in men’s grooming, MURDOCK is inspired by traditional ideas about men and retail, brought up to date with a modern attitude and laid-back approach, combining the quiet discretion of Jermyn Street with the stylish insouciance of the East End.

We stock a specially selected range of men’s grooming products, everyday essentials and accessories, whilst also offering the services you would expect from a modern barber - wet shaves, stylish hair cuts and other treatments. MURDOCK has a comfortable feel, a relaxed place where anyone who seriously cares about their look can drop in, recharge and rejuvenate. MURDOCK is an intimate retail space and relaxed barber shop, all in one.

The MURDOCK philosophy is reflected in the products, combining traditional and contemporary brands linked by a deep sense of their own history and purpose. All the brands reflect our interest in artisanal manufacture and stylish simplicity, and many are exclusive to MURDOCK in England, we stock Caron, Patyka, Malin & Goetz, Herbais de Ibiza, Brave Soldier, D.R. Harris, Schiesser, Marriage Frère, Matt Fothergill, accessories such as Italian silk scarfs, knitted ties, ribbon belts & a variety of vintage books, magazines and curios.

The store, designed by local architect Seng Watson, blends classic modernism with a vintage feel, features iconic red leather barber’s chairs, bespoke contemporary fixtures, and showcases the work of emerging East End artists, including the taxidermist Polly Morgan and the painter Ross Hanson. MURDOCK is owned by Brendan Murdock, whose passion for grooming and frustration with the lack of comfortable, stylish and accessible environments for men, led him to open his own space. Having spent the past 3 years getting to know the people of Hoxton through his near-by restaurant CRU, Brendan decided the area was just right for the MURDOCK venture.

Schiesser: German, luxury underwear brand whose ‘Revival’ range that includes the Karl Heinz designed line, is available for the first time in the UK. Exclusive at MURDOCK in the UK.

Caron: One of the great Parisian perfume houses, the first to create a perfume especially for men, Pour un Homme, in 1934.

Brave Soldier: Initially sold at sporting events in Los Angeles, Brave Soldier was developed by extreme sports enthusiasts using cutting edge science and natural ingredients with the active man in mind. Exclusive to MURDOCK in the UK.

Matt Fothergill: From his workshop in Herefordshire, Matt and his team of craftsmen use traditional hand processes to produce leather products that are decidedly contemporary in design. Exclusively designed for MURDOCK.

Patyka: Luxury organic, soil certified products from France, particularly known for their regenerating, multi-purpose Face and Body Serum and exceptional fragrances. Available for sale on-line for the first time in the Uk.

Hierbas De Ibiza: This small family enterprise has captured the laid-back attitude of Ibiza by harnessing the natural herbs and plants of the island, to produce a unique fragrance embodying the spirit of the Mediterranean.

D.R. Harris: Traditional, hand-made British products, by royal appointment – a British institution since 1790.

Mariage Frère: Candles and incense from the famous Parisian tea house. Available for sale on-line for the first time in the Uk.

Books: A range of vintage books and magazines, carefully selected to define our eclectic take on modern masculinity, including rare copies of Gentry & Playboy.

Experienced barbers Leon and Juri will be at hand to guide the customer through the MURDOCK experience.

~ENDS~