To help you shop well, we’ve scrutinised the very best of today’s offerings and distilled it down to a few key pieces you just have to buy. Here’s looking at your Ultimate Wardrobe.
Photographer Roberto Aguilar
Creative Director & Stylist Francesca Barrow at faconner.co.uk
Styling Assistants Claudia Marcelletti and Ines Simoes
Hair Styling Takanori Yamaguchi using Bumble & Bumble
Make-up Yuko Friedriksson using YSL
Model Adrian Allen from Premier
Ultimate Boots - Louis Vuitton
(Opposite page). There’s a new boot in town and it’s made for walking. The hiking boot may be the mainstay of outdoorsy types but this season there were quite a few luxury brands revamping the classic blizzard-beating footwear. The best of the lot was this pair by Louis Vuitton. Lending some serious panache to an otherwise rugged design, they cost 1,300 USD and combine grey pony hair with striking green laces to wonderful effect.
Ultimate Coat - Burberry
(This page). Burberry may have spread across the globe selling 3 billion USD worth of wide-ranging products but they still do wonderful coats, as our pick of the year demonstrates. Using cutting edge neoprene-bonded cashmere, this 4,000 USD double-breasted overcoat has been cut to a skinny fit - accentuated by narrowly arranged buttons - and has a rather unexpected red Melton undercollar. Wonderful, isn’t it?
Ultimate Sunglasses - Mykita
If, like us, you appreciate cool new shades that no else has then it’s high time you discover Mykita and their gorgeous 480 USD Olga sunglasses. The German brand prizes itself on handcrafting all its glasses in its own Berlin workshop. Typically sharp, pared down and fuss-free, Mykita’s magic lies in their proportioned shapes and beautifully clean lines.
Ultimate Shoes - J.P.Tod’s
Forget about laces, it’s time to buckle up with these Monk Straps from the new Sartorial Touch customised shoe service at Tod’s. Branded J.P.Tod’s to further differentiate the line, these 1,850 USD shoes will be made just for you, exactly to your specifications.
Ultimate Tuxedo - Dolce & Gabbana
If you want to be really with it then get yourself a floral print dinner jacket by Dolce & Gabbana. We prefer to err on the side of caution in formal affairs, which is why we have singled out this 2,750 USD slim-fit wool-blend two-piece tux. Together with the brand’s 595 USD shirt, 120 USD bowtie 560 USD velvet slippers and 240 USD silk scarf, it’s a master class in evening elegance.
Ultimate Suit - Bottega Veneta
Perhaps you should blame E.L.James but after a summer of bold statement colours, this season’s coolest suits are all about shades of grey. That, of course, does not mean life has become boring. Quite the contrary. This 3,250 USD dark anthracite three-piece flannel suit by Bottega Veneta (worn with a black Prada shirt) is not just right on trend, it has been seen to literally make women swoon.
Ultimate Watch - Ralph Lauren
In the world of high-end watches, this sporty, new Ralph Lauren RL67 Safari Chronometer is something of a bargain at 3,250 USD. Powered by a Richemont-modified self-winding calibre, its looks are defined by an attractive olive green canvas strap, a burnished 45mm gunmetal case and a vintage car-inspired anthracite dial with a bold red second hand. Simply stunning.
Ultimate Knitwear - Vivienne Westwood
Men rarely take advantage of the spectrum of styles and patterns available in modern knitwear. So, this season, venture out from your comfort zone and buy yourself this 700 USD black cardigan from Vivienne Westwood’s Man collection. Sure, it’s sheer,loose-knit, geometric and round neck, but life tends to reward the courageous.
Ultimate Jacket - Dior Homme
It’s an undeniable truth that too many of us buy too many jackets we rarely ever wear. Well this 2,500 USD grey tailored techno jacket from Dior Homme is here to fix all of that. Forming one of the essential looks of Kris Van Assche’s Sci-Fi inspired runway collection, it’s modern, clean, timeless and versatile to enough to work with almost any outfit.
Ultimate Sweats - James Perse
Embodying a rare combination of elegance and comfort, it’s no wonder Californian James Perse has built such a cult following. His easy-to-wear basics – such as this 95 USD short sleeve v-neck t-shirt, 435 USD vintage fleece hoodie and 335 USD classic sweatpants – are famously soft and meticulously constructed so you can still look the part even when you’re dressing down.