Two MBAs fresh out of Oxford University — Paul Watson and Paul Trible — found themselves in a London pub last fall, both without jobs in the wake of global economic turmoil.
They decided to start a business based on a shared interest — men's shirt design. Trible spent five months learning the art from a London tailor, then he and Watson created a line of menswear, Ledbury.
Named in honor of the pubs off Ledbury Street where the duo pieced together their business plan, the primarily online concern launched on Dec. 3 from the company's Shockoe Slip showroom/workspace. A Feb. 4 event (5:30 to 8:30 p.m.) will feature music, champagne and the chance to shop their two shirt styles — classic and slim fit. In the future, the 1209 E. Cary St. space will offer regular business hours. For more information, call (888) 233-1942 or visit ledbury.com.
