Alfred Dunhill is a British design house specializing in men's clothing, luxury goods and accessories. The business began when Alfred Dunhill, just 21 years of age, took over his father's saddlery business, in 1893. The automobile was an exciting new piece of technology being developed at the time, and Dunhill transformed the saddlery into an automobile accessories store. Among the company's first offerings were such non-standard (at the time) accoutrements as horns, lamps and dashboard clocks. Dunhill also made leather overcoats, goggles and other accessories for drivers.
In 1907, another business transformation took place when Duhill opened a tobacco shop, followed in 1910 by his own pipe factory. The company's pipes are distinguished by their trademarked "White Spot." Tobacco proved a more successful venture for the company and allowed for expansion with shops in Paris and New York.
Lighters have been an important staple in the Dunhill stock. Dunhill was the first company to develop a lighter that could be operated with one hand. The company's distinct Rollagas butane lighter was launched in the 1950s. A special gunmetal edition of this lighter was produced by Dunhill for use in the James Bond film, "Dr. No." Dunhill also began manufacturing its own cigarette brand in 1963.
The Dunhill shopping experience is designed to delight the male luxury goods consumer from start to finish. The retail stores are known as "Homes," and allow the shopper to purchase clothing, luxury accessories and fine wines, followed by a haircut in the onsite barbershop, with a spa treatment to pass time while waiting for the next film to begin in the screening room.
Dunhill revitalized its brand in 2005, introducing its luxury products to a new generation of customers and reaffirming the importance of menswear to the brand by the appointment of its first-ever Creative Director, Kim Jones.
Dunhill fragrances, like the brand's other products, are designed for the male luxury consumer. The company has produced just one female fragrance to date—2001's Desire. The first men's fragrance under the brand was offered in 1934, the original Dunhill for Men.
