Budd Shirtmakers is delighted to announce a distinguished second collaboration with Kirby Allison, this time also partnering with cigar legend and owner of the hallowed Davidoff of London store, Eddie Sahakian. Eddie is joined at the store by his remarkable father, Edward Sahakian Sr.
The partnership heralds the creation of a small collection of limited-edition luxury Guayaberas - an elevated interpretation of one of the world’s most iconic shirts. Drawing on a shared appreciation for craftsmanship, heritage, and elegance, this partnership brings together three names synonymous with timeless style and refined living.
The Guayabera is a garment deeply rooted in Latin American and Caribbean tradition. It is instantly recognisable by its twin rows of vertical pleats, four front pockets, and airy, open construction. Typically crafted from linen or cotton, it was designed to keep the wearer cool while maintaining an appearance of poise and distinction. Over the centuries, it has become a symbol of relaxed sophistication — the formal shirt of the tropics and long associated as an iconic shirt to cigar lovers worldwide.
Now, this beloved design finds new expression in the hands of Budd Shirtmakers, Kirby Allison, and Eddie Sahakian. Together, we have revisited the Guayabera’s storied form through the lens of British tailoring, creating a shirt that pays homage to its origins, whilst refining its construction, silhouette, and finish with Budd’s heritage, storied craftsmanship and expertise. Cutters, Lizandra Cardoni and Darren Tiernan distilled a collective career of over 40 years into the project to ensure the perfect result.
The Guayabera, Reimagined by Budd
Cut from the finest Italian-milled linen, the Kirby Allison & Eddie Sahakian x Budd Guayabera is crafted to the same exacting standards as every Budd shirt. Its hallmark pleats and pockets are intricately worked. The front and rear pleats are meticulously folded and hand-sewn, and pockets designed for an enhanced wearing experience. The left chest pocket has been stitched with multiple channels in order to safely carry your cigars, whilst lower pockets have been reinforced with an extra inner pocket, so as to hold weighty lighters and a cigar cutter. Balance and proportion are thoughtfully considered throughout, the collar is nuanced and one piece whilst the drape reflects Budd’s restrained, English approach to tailoring.
The result is a shirt that straddles two worlds - from the tropics to St. James’s, combining history and modernity. It is both light in spirit and rich in story - a garment designed for warm climates, long lunches, and elegant ease. Choose from a choice of three colourways, ideal for every mood and moment.
Light on the skin, steeped in tradition, and made with quiet precision, the Budd Guayabera represents a meeting of minds and crafts - an enduring symbol of refined simplicity.
The Guayabera — reimagined by Budd. Crafted with purpose. Worn by the best!
