George Ingle-Finch
The unique ethos behind CHUCS Dive & Mountain Shop is encapsulated by the impressive Finch (or Ingle-Finch) family heritage, spanning as it does generations of explorers, scoundrels, actors and inventors.
Our proprietor's grandfather, George Ingle-Finch invented the puffa or down-filled jacket before inter alia ascending Everest with Mallory in 1922 - a historic climb cemented in the record books as the first mountaineering expedition to breach the 8,000 metre barrier. George was known for his sartorial style as well as for his climbing flair and his famous puffa jacket has become as much an essential item on the high street as atop Everest.
Peter Finch, our proprietor’s father, was perhaps more interested in leisure pursuits and he, in his position as an Academy Award winning actor and a noted hell raiser, encountered the island of Jamaica with pals Errol Flynn, Ian Fleming, Noel Coward and Ian Pringle - people who together formed the nexus of Caribbean elegance. Charles, himself born in Jamaica, draws these disparate strands of influence together and continues to carry the spirit of a Caribbean childhood in his heart - as a result in February 2011 he launched CHUCS Dive & Mountain Shop at 31 Dover St, Mayfair, bringing movie business pedigree and luxury savvy to leisure wear. CHUCS aims to add a touch of old world glamour, style and elegance to leisure wear.
“Our hope is that we will make the best quality clothing for ladies and gentlemen who care for such things…that we do so with heart and spirit, and that our customers Live Well – Stand Tall – Give Freely – Explore Often.”