With a signature flourish, a jaunty leg kick mid-song, hearty chuckles, his ever-present top hat perched just so, and a cane completing the dapper ensemble – he captivated audiences across the nation. 

Frankie Vaughan, a true titan of British entertainment, wasn't just a singer - he was pure showbiz charisma.

Sydney Mans Shop, once gracing St Mary’s Street in Southampton, wasn't merely a place for menswear in its heyday; it was the definitive destination for the most impeccably sharp and stylish suits the city had perhaps ever seen.

What links the high-kicking singer to this bastion of tailoring? 

The glittering connection was forged in November 1959, when none other than Frankie Vaughan himself lent his star power to the grand opening. 

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He ceremoniously cut the ribbon, officially declaring the shop open for business under the proud ownership of the late Sydney Tendler.

Tendler was a fascinating figure, deeply embedded in the local scene. 

Not merely a purveyor of fine threads, he moved comfortably within the dazzling world of show business. 

This familiarity stemmed partly from his own past as a cabaret entertainer, treading the boards under the stage name Eddie Swann. 

These connections undoubtedly played a crucial role in establishing his shop's burgeoning reputation among the stars.

While St Mary’s Street might have seemed, to some, an unlikely setting for such a high-profile fashion hotspot, Sydney Mans Shop rapidly defied expectations, becoming a veritable magnet for the era's brightest lights. 

The customer list soon read like a 'who's who' of British entertainment and sport. 

One could browse the rails alongside legends like the effervescent Bruce Forsyth, the multi-talented Roy Castle, popular comedian Jimmy Wheeler, or smooth vocalist David Whitfield. 

The harmonious King Brothers were known patrons, as were character actor Bill Maynard and beloved bandleader Billy Cotton.

The allure extended to chart-topping singers like Alma Cogan, the brooding Billy Fury, teen idol Mark Wynter, and the popular Michael Holliday. 

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Even comedy actor Reg Varney, later famous as Stan Butler in On the Buses, was spotted within its walls. Adding a touch of local pride, Southampton Football Club's own heroes, the legendary Terry Paine and John Sydenham, frequented the shop, seeking that distinctive Sydney style.

For every customer, famous or not, there was an undeniable glamour clinging to the place. An exciting frisson filled the air, fuelled by the tantalising possibility of bumping into a household name also in pursuit of the perfect suit or shirt. 

This reputation for style wasn't accidental. 

Sydney Mans Shop was synonymous with the very latest designs curated with an expert eye. "Mr Sydney," as he was universally and respectfully known, possessed an unwavering commitment to quality and distinction. 

He wasn't afraid to go the extra mile – quite literally. 

He embarked on ambitious international buying trips, traversing America, Canada, Holland, Italy, and France, tirelessly seeking out garments that possessed that extra touch of flair, that unique quality setting them leagues apart from the offerings in competitor stores.

The success story rapidly gained momentum. 

Just one year after Frankie Vaughan had snipped the ribbon on the first shop, Mr Sydney expanded his sartorial empire, opening another prestigious branch in Winchester's High Street. 

This new location proudly boasted an impressive inventory – rumour had it, some 2,000 shirts and several hundred suits – catering to the discerning gentlemen of Hampshire.

The expansion continued. 

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In 1961, the spotlight turned to Shirley High Street for the opening of yet another store. 

This time, the celebrity honours were performed by another entertainment giant, the ever-popular Max Bygraves. 

Max shared a special bond with Mr Sydney, forged during their time as comrades in the RAF.

The public response to this opening was nothing short of overwhelming, vividly captured by the Daily Echo on June 13, 1961: "Scores of young Sotonians formed the majority of the crowd of hundreds who, under police control, swayed this way and that outside the small shop."

The newspaper report painted a picture of barely contained excitement: "The crowds – a large one had also formed on the opposite pavement – welcomed Max with cheers and friendly greetings when he appeared in the shop doorway." 

Such was the fervour generated by Bygraves' appearance that, the Echo noted, "Max had to leave by the back entrance. But, inevitably, there was a crowd of fans waiting for him. He reached his car without difficulty, still smiling broadly."

Adding to the star power that memorable day was a young Terry Paine, already making waves as a skilful England right-winger. He graciously joined the occasion, delighting fans by signing autograph books.

Sydney Tendler, a passionate and keen supporter of the Saints, remained a prominent and well-liked figure in the community. 

Tragically, his vibrant life and entrepreneurial journey were cut short in 1972. 

He passed away at the relatively young age of 49 while serving as the entertainment director at Rhinefield House near Brockenhurst, still deeply connected to the world of performance and style that he clearly loved so much.