Meet the Collaborators
Our special edition collection of Guayaberas have got off to a successful start. The project has been a fun one throughout, with Kirby and Eddie’s insight and experience playing a pivotal role in the end result. Two firm friends, we thought we would give you a closer introduction to the pair and the chance to join the conversation! Why not let us know your own cigar preferences too?
Left to right: Kirby Allison, Edward Sahakian and Eddie Sahakian
At what age did you smoke your first cigar and what are your memories of it?
E: I was 16 years old. It was intended to be an example from my father on the importance of only smoking a fine cigar in life, rather than anything else.
K: I started smoking after college whilst working on The Hanger Project business. I’d take my laptop to the local cigar shop, light a cigar and smoke while doing work on my laptop. However, I credit smoking the Edmundo Dante Conde 54 regional cigar in Mexico City over New Years 2011 with igniting my passion for Cuban cigars. The cigar was extraordinary - unlike anything I had previously smoked - and introduced me to just how incredible Cuban cigars could be.
Eddie, were cigars always going to be your path?
E: They were always in my life, but my first career was in banking. I came back to cigars in 2009 – a second career.
Kirby, from hangers to cigars? Elaborate!
Cigars had always been something I had enjoyed, but a visit to the Davidoff of London shop was when things changed. I was traveling to London in the early days of my YouTube channel and met Edward and Eddie when I went into their shop to purchase some Cuban cigars that I couldn’t find back home. I learned so much from them about how to smoke and enjoy cigars. One day whilst enjoying a cigar with Eddie, I proposed the idea of filming a video together about “how to cut, light, and smoke a cigar.” The rest is history!
When do you smoke your cigars?
E: I usually begin my first cigar in the late morning or after lunch.
K: I smoke most mornings when I arrive to the office. I always say that “smoking is the only thing that makes working dignified, so if I’m going to be working, I might as well be smoking!”
Favourite cigar?
E: Davidoff No. 2
K: So many! My favourite “guilt free” daily smoke is a Partagas Aristocrat. My favourite special occasion cigar is a Trinidad Fundadores.
Favourite cigar smoking moment/milestone?
E: Waking up!
K: My favourite cigar smoking moment is my annual Thanksgiving cigar. I usually light up a massive Cuaba Diadema and spend all day smoking it while with my family!
Best entry level cigar?
E: I’d recommend the Regius Nicaragua. It is great for both its price and quality.
K: Partagas Aristocrat.
Dream cigar?
E: A Davidoff Dom Perignon from 20 years ago.
K: A discontinued Cuban Don Cándido
Who are your cigar smoking icons?
E: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Winston Churchill and my father, Edward Sahakian.
K: Edward and Eddie Sahakian! They are archetypes of class and elegance when smoking!
Fantasy cigar companions?
E: Zino Davidoff!
K: King Edward VII at Buckingham palace!
What are you most excited about when it comes to cigars (or events related) in the coming year?
E: The Habanos Festival in Cuba this February and the Pro Cigar Festival in the Dominican Republic.
K: The 60th Anniversary of Cohiba at the Habanos Festival in Havana this month.
The perfect drink to accompany a cigar?
E: It is purely personal preference, but I really enjoy desert wines, in particular Tokaji or Sauternes.
K: Kentucky Bourbon
Favourite locations to enjoy a cigar?
E: My favourite spot has to be sat outside Franco’s restaurant on Jermyn Street, right opposite our Davidoff of London store.
K: The Davidoff of London shop when I am I London, the Carnegie Club when I am in New York and my living room in Dallas when I’m at home.
Where do you plan to break in your Budd Guayabera?
E: Ah, that’s already done. My father and I broke our shirts in on a trip to Doha in November. It was a great and very pleasing time to road test them.
K: In Cuba at the Habanos Festival! 🤞
How was the experience of designing and creating the Budd Guayabera?
E: It was a privilege to peek behind the magic curtain at Budd. I felt like the most important person in the world and to contribute in a small way to real, hand-made Guayabera and see all the work that goes into it will never be forgotten.
K: It was exciting to combine my love for traditional British craft with my love of cigars!
Dream bespoke Guayabera? Fabric, design etc.
E: I’d love to have one made up in cotton and wear it regularly.
K: I'm not sure. I’m super happy with the ones we created! The green linen is my favorite. We did see some great options during the creative process though, so Zephirlino which is a cotton and linen blend and a few other linens and cottons did peak my interest. Let's see what's to come.
