01 HOT CHOICE FOR THE COLD: BRUNELLO CUCINELLI SUEDE COAT
There are coats, and then there are coats that make you wish the temperatures outside were well below sub-zero every day. This super-lush number by Brunello Cucinelli definitely falls into the latter category. The brand has made
a name for itself with uncomplicated yet ultra- elevated wardrobe staples – think, for instance, track pants, but made in the finest cashmere you’ve ever touched. A cosy affair in warm browns, this coat features a removable bib and hood so you can layer warmly without looking like you’ve been overdoing the festive pies. The detachable bib at the front is made from nappa lambskin, while the hood is lined with smooth, straightened shearling.
02 FANCY FOOTWORK: BERLUTI AND FERRARI BOOTS
Know someone who leaves everybody in their wake because of his or her high walking speed? Or perhaps you are that perennial rusher. Either way, stabilise this person with footwear integrated with Ferrari-style technology. Apparently the lightest shoes that Berluti has made, the collaborative collection between two of our favourite brands comprises Chelsea boots (pictured), Oxford shoes and slip-ons – which are distinguished by, among other things, soles with carbon inserts. These carbon inserts use the same type of carbon fibre that Ferrari uses in its supercars, which should make anyone feel lighter on their feet. Ferrari-red piping and a Prancing Horse logo add some snazzy detail to Berluti’s famously beautiful leather.
03 IN THE BAG: HERMES BRIEFCASE
From bum bags to clutches, plenty of non-traditional men’s bags are trendy these days. But even though we are obliged to report on what’s happening in the world of fashion, we are aware that many folks out there are in no hurry to strap a fanny pack around their waists. Hence, the Sac a Depeches briefcase, a classic for the Hermes-loving man – examples apparently include John F. Kennedy and the Duke of Windsor, since it was created in 1928. The slim, customisable bag can be personalised with your choice of hardware and number of compartments (and so on), and is shown here in light-brown pigskin.
04 ERGONOMIC, AND STYLISH: BOTTEGA VENETA BACKPACK
With a name taken from a mountain in the Italian Dolomites, the Sassolungo is ostensibly a backpack for the person who is as into high-altitude adventure as he is into high fashion. While we haven’t seen too many – read, any – mountaineers toting Bottega Veneta, this backpack is definitely spacious and stylish enough to suit the needs of urban warriors who scale nothing more than faulty escalators. The latest version of this backpack, which has a padded interior for tech devices, is made from calf leather in a striking blue, which is juxtaposed with intrecciato panels in contrasting colours. Consider making your giftee feel even more special by customising this carrier with a stamped monogram.
05 FOR GROWN-UP COOL KIDS: ERMENEGILDO ZEGNA TIZIANO LEATHER SNEAKERS
With the power to elevate casual ensembles and take the stuffiness out of formalwear, leather sneakers are now wardrobe MVPs. Right now, we are feeling the deep teal – official colourway: “clay green” – of these Tiziano high-tops by Ermenegildo Zegna, which has been steadily ramping up its accessory offerings over the past few years. The brand’s Tiziano sneakers are meant to channel its link to fine tailoring, and boast fancy touches such as a leather insert at the heels, and padded sides with perforations. Also important, because we can’t stand when form trumps function: The rubber sole is extra light, helping to temper the weight of the leather.
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