Luxury Men BriefCases

7 Men's Fragrances Set To Become Future Classics

2017-02-22T07:49:00.002-08:00

We all want fragrances with a bit of staying power. But the ability to linger on the skin isn’t the only kind of longevity that’s important when it comes to scents; staying power on the shelf is useful, too.

The amount of fragrances that stick around long enough to enter the olfactory hall of fame, however, is pretty small. “Since commercial perfumery began at the end of the 19th century an average of 250 fragrances have been launched globally each year, but less than 0.2 per cent of these have achieved the status of being classed a true classic,” explains acclaimed British perfumer and fragrance historian Roja Dove.

Spotting a future classic is complicated business – even for those behind the launch. When Paco Rabanne came up with 1 Million in 2008, the brand had no idea it would go on to become one of the bestselling men’s fragrances of all time. “We could not have imagined how successful 1 Million would become,” admits Vincent Thilloy, a vice president at fashion and fragrance firm Puig, which owns Paco Rabanne. “I suppose key to its success, though, was the fact that we took a risk with it, especially with the bottle. Few companies are willing to take real risks these days – but the way I look at it, it’s not taking a risk that’s the risk!”

Terre d’Hermes; Bleu de Chanel; Aramis Classic, all fragrances which seem likely to be around in another 10, 20, 30 years’ time, but what launches of the last few seasons have that elusive ‘future classic’ potential? We asked industry experts to put their money where their nose is.

Paco Rabanne 1 Million

Up first up is the aforementioned bling-in-a-bottle from Paco Rabanne. “1 Million is simply too successful for it to not be a modern classic,” says Dove, of the fragrance that now sells a bottle every five seconds and will be 10-years-old in 2018. “The intensity of the formula combined with the striking name and packaging grab the attention and make it an incredibly impactful perfume that is sure to endure for many years to come.”

The gold bullion is also the choice of Thomas Dunckley, founder of award-wining fragrance blog The Candy Perfume Boy: “It’s had the same impact that Jean Paul Gaultier’s Le Male had in the 1990s, it has become the scent of a generation,” he says.

“In a sea of freshness and sportiness, this smoky apple-pie gourmand reminded men that they could smell sweet and unique, affording them the luxury of something excessive but undeniably masculine.”

Frederic Malle Monsieur

An instant success with the grooming press, Frederic Malle’s Monsieur – the creation of French perfumer Bruno Jovanovic – is one of those niche fragrances that has classic potential spliced into its DNA. Javanovic was the co-creator of Abercrombie & Fitch’s Fierce, but this crisp-yet-sensual mix of mandarin orange, patchouli and musk couldn’t be more different in tone and character.

According to Josephine Fairley, of The Perfume Society, Monsieur owes its future classic potential to the fact it takes a tried-and-tested formula and makes it even better. “Colognes like this are hot news at the moment – but this one truly offers a new spin on that classic structure,” she says. “Suffused with a come-hither musk, I’ve hardly ever met anyone who doesn’t love it, and you can still smell on a chap’s neck 24-hours later.” Staying power in every way then.

Dior Sauvage

It may not be a patch on Dior’s Eau Sauvage (a fragrance that’s over 50-years-old and still going strong), but Dior’s behemoth creation Sauvage has to be a future classic contender thanks to its uber-commercial blend of bergamot, lavender, vetiver and ambroxan. Not to mention its (almost inescapable) ad campaign.

“It may have only launched in 2015 but it’s already our number one fragrance for men,” says Hayley Jones, key brand manager at online retailer FeelUnique.

Jones puts the scent’s success down to its wearabilty and versatility: “What gives Sauvage classic potential is the fact that it’s fresh enough for the day but has deeper, woody elements that make it perfect for the evening too.” Having Johnny Depp as the face of its campaign hasn’t exactly harmed its chances either.

Dunhill ICON

Naming a fragrance ICON (and spelling it in caps at that) is a bold – some might say foolhardy – move for any company. But instead of inviting ridicule, Dunhill’s confidence in ICON turned out to be well-founded as it garnered almost universally great reviews when it launched just two years ago.

A spicy, leathery and smoky fragrance, it’s as refined and grown-up as the century-old brand and the attention to detail throughout is superb. “What makes this a future classic is the whole package,” says Fairley. “It has one of the most stylish bottles to be unveiled in years (and one that’s hefty, with it), and is a fabulous modern take on the classic, luxurious English gentleman’s scent. It’s one fragrance that will truly live up to its name in years to come.”

Christian Dior Leather Oud

“I’ll give my vote to Leather Oud from Dior,” says award-winning fragrance writer, author and blogger Persolaise. Released in 2010 as part of the brand’s initial line-up of Collection Privée scents, it’s one of the most striking examples of what can be achieved when a ubiquitous fragrance note like oud is handled by a talented perfumer – in this case Francois Demachy.

“By linking the central note with an equally dry cypriol facet and combining the lot with honey, cloves and uncompromising animalics, he’s succeeded in creating a masterpiece and one that’s nothing less than a desert storm in a bottle,” Persolaise adds. “I certainly hope it’ll still be in Dior’s range in decades to come.”

Byredo Super Cedar

With niche fragrance houses producing some of the best scents of late, there’s a strong possibility that lesser-known fragrances like this one from Swedish perfumer Byredo will endure better than fly-by-night flankers from bigger, better-advertised houses.

“As woody as it gets; once the rosiness of Super Cedar has ebbed away, it’s virile without being overwhelming,” says Fairley. “Pencil-shaving perfection, with nothing not to love. Hipster heaven, actually, but destined for survival long after the last beard’s been shaved off in Shoreditch.”

Chanel Allure Homme Sport

Still going strong 13 years after its release, Chanel’s Allure Homme Sport is one of the best-selling (and just one of the best) sport fragrances on the market. “Allure Homme Sport is a modernised variant of a classic vetiver harmony that is successful because it’s quiet,” says Dove. “Like Tom Ford’s Neroli Portofilo, it takes a lot of very classic materials and combines them with interesting modern synthetics one to create something new.”

According to Dove, it’s this spirit of re-invention and innovation that gives many potential classics the edge. “It’s exactly what’s been done with past scents that have endured and become classic,” he says. “They have delivered something innovative and original, which is why they have the potential to be around in 10 years’ time.”

Do you have a fragrance you think has what it takes to become a future classic?

Credit: Lee Kynaston

The 15 Best Trainers Of 2016

2017-01-11T05:46:00.001-08:00

Another year (almost) over, another banger-packed assortment of sneakers to slide our feet into. There have been monster releases with queues that have lasted days, unexpected collaborations that have blown our minds, and nice simple designs that have reminded us why we all got into trainers in the first place: they’re just easy, aren’t they?

Thousands of drops from the last 12 months have been whittled down to a final selection of FashionBeans’ favourite trainers of 2016. In no particular order, here they are.

BAIT x Diadora Shrek N9000

Yes, they are movie tie-ins. Yes, Diadora is what your mum used to buy you for school when you wanted Nikes. Yes, Bait is a funny word. But the Shrek N9000 continued the Italian label’s collaboration hot-streak, this time with Dreamworks and the cult West Coast retailer.

Adidas Gazelle GTX London

Designed in pillar box red and black to honour the British capital, the Gazelle London is thankfully kitted out in Gore-Tex tech, making it as waterproof as the name it bears requires. Even in suede, the shoes’ practicality stands out and the low-profile, lightweight structure retains all the support of an athletic shoe, giving you the best of both worlds.

Puma Clyde Select Away

A design that’s barely changed since it graced the oversized feet of NBA legend Walt ‘Clyde’ Frazier in 1973, paired with a bit of gold-leaf on the signature. That’s all that was needed to make these navy trainers – usually such a hit and miss colourway – one of our favourites this year.

Nike Roshe LD 1000

Nike’s lifestyle runner, however controversially, made our list of the ugliest trainers ever made. So how does it appear here as well? Well, this shape is more of a hybrid of that and the Cortez, nicking the former’s construction and the latter’s lines. The result is a banger.

Adidas Skateboarding Busenitz Pro 10-Year Edition

Falling somewhere between a skate shoe and the Adidas Samba, The Busenitz is a trainer way too nice to pretend you can kickflip in.

Clarks Torcourt Super

Clarks Originals’ hurtle into trainer grail territory continued this year with the Torcourt Super. A stacked suede shape with tennis shoe styling and that trademark crepe sole make for a standout shoe that’s been cruelly overlooked by footwear fans.

Highsnobiety x Adidas Consortium Ultra Boost

In March, hype lifestyle publication HighSnobiety hooked up with Adidas to produce the kind of trainers Arnie’s Terminator would wear to his spin-class. A gunmetal knitted upper with a tonal leather lace cage is enough to make anyone say: “I need your clothes, your kicks and your motorcycle.”

Nike Air Max 97 Silver

The 20th anniversary re-release which all of your #GainsGoals are wearing on Instagram are sadly an Italian exclusive. Best book your flights now, then.

Ronnie Fieg Asics Gel Mai Militia

Ronnie Fieg’s friends-and-family issue Asics Gel Mai drop drove fans wild with jealousy in November, and rightly so. The hiking boot ropes, the gym shoe construction, the burnt orange pigskin suede. It was a hit through and through, but at just 750 pairs, was snapped up in no time at all.

Nike Air Max 95 W Multi Pony

*Plays Ginuwine on repeat.* The Air Max 95 is a classic straight from the brain of footwear designer Sergio Lozano, a man who went against all the designs that made Nike, well, Nike. The sneaker may have been ahead of its time when it was first introduced, but this version with the multi-coloured ponyhair detailing is pure 2016.

J.Crew x New Balance Moonshot 997

When J.Crew and New Balance first teamed up, the partnership marked one giant leap for trainer collaborations. Built to commemorate the Apollo 11 moon landing in 1969, this year’s Moonshot 997 drop offered enough luxe material to give any sneakerhead a real Buzz. Each pair even came vacuum-sealed in silver packaging, like the food astronauts eat in orbit. Only tastier.

Adidas Stan Smith Primeknit Wool

It would have been too easy to fill this list with all the models that received a Primeknit update this year. However, one kick stood head and shoulders ahead of the herd: the Stan Smith in wool. The design classic’s new standout upper in grey is tastefully contrasted with an off-white sole, making them easily the most wearable of 2016.

Adidas Moskva City Series

Say what you will about its foreign policy but Russia does inspire some pretty cool trainers. Turning a city into a shoe once again, Adidas paid tribute to Moscow with this beefed-up Gazelle profile. A white full-grain leather upper nods to the original colour of the Kremlin walls while the Gore-Tex construction makes it a winner for colder climates.

Beauty & Youth x Reebok Club C

Tokyo retailer Beauty & Youth’s take on the re-emerging Reebok Club C shoe is ultra-soft and incredibly wearable. There’s only one issue: that luxe off-white suede upper just begging to be ruined the first time you wear them.

Adidas Yeezy Boost 350 V2

Yeah, they’re a little weird looking, ugly even – it’s just a chunky stripe up the side of a plain old Adidas Boost. And yet here we are, how can you have an end of year list without them? It’s the most sought-after shoe of the last 12 months and it’s pretty much totally, totally awful. How dope is that?

Credit: Sam Diss

GROOMING FOR MEN

2016-12-23T05:45:00.000-08:00

Over the years ,grooming has become a requirement for African men , In the old days it was very easy for a man to not pay attention to his looks , most men used washing detergents on their skin and follwed it up with heavy application of petroleum jelly . it was all one needed in those times to look decent .In the new age however most men have remain sceptical to groom as there were not enough products specially made for men , There is nothing more embarrasing for an African man than to be smelling of sweets, vanilla or to smell of his mother or sister's moisturing lotions or sprays in the midst of his friends .
These days however, more companies are making provisions for men grooming products, walk into any supermarket and you will be faced with many choices of men moisturing lotions , Nivea for men, Dove for men, Palmers men's lotion , you name it. Same goes for hair cream, shampoo , body sprays and perfumes . Here are a few tips on how to groom yourself from head to toe

HAIR
While most African men keep a low fade which is very easy to maintain, you will still find a number of men who tend to grow out their hairs ,this can be a little tricky to maintain due to the changing climates in Africa but here are a few steps i have found very useful in grooming my hair . Firstly , to have a Healthy hair you will need a shampoo to wash your hair regularly, what i have also found useful is to use warm water as this will enable it wash out excess oils on your scalp which if un attended to gives white powdery substance on your scalps which leaves you embarrassed at the barbers and no it is not dandruff and sometimes it is. what is usually means is you need to pay more attention to your scalp whilst washing and making sure there are no soap residue or oil residue on your scalp , It is also useful to use a conditioner so as to enable the hair breathe . Due to excess heat one is bound to lose hair nutrients thereby causing hair to thin out or break in which case it is required to use hair creams , while most people go with obvious choices as coconut oil and shea butter , most men require products that require less maintainance , you can find a variety of products with sulpur or menthol which helps clear dandruff. It is also very useful to have a hat , fedora , face caps for the outdoors as dust particles can easily be caught up in your especially if it is very oily.

BODY
While most african men wash themselves atleast once a day , it is important to note that after a days of sweats and dusts your pores are bound to get clogged by dirts ,it is adviseable to take a shower before going to bed , As regards types of body wash or soaps to use ,it is important to note skin type , same also goes for moisturising lotion as using body wash /lotion that is not for your skin type might leave your skin very dry or oily as the case implies .But it is best to not use lotion at night as to enable the skin to beathe .

NAILS
In as much as most people are tempted to chew out their nails when they are anxious , as much as it is unhygenice it is also bad for your nails as it leaves them chaffed and still looking unkept . Most men regard going for a manicure appointment as unnecessary and expensive , there are various ways one can maintain healthy nails without breaking a bank. It is always easy to find a cheap nail cutter that can be used as a key holder so that anytime you have the impulse to chew them you can always use the cutter to trim them .

Credit: Ismail Ibrahim

A Man's Life In 8 Fragrances

2016-12-22T03:30:00.000-08:00

According to a recent global fragrance report commissioned by Heathrow Airport, the average man will own eight different fragrances over his lifetime. It’s a novel idea, isn’t it? That the scents you select are in many ways milestones, olfactory markers of moments past.

So here’s a man’s life in eight scents – from the one you should invest in with your first paycheck to the one to spray once you’re old and grey – taking in some brilliant special occasion scents along the way. After all, a man’s not so much as old as he feels but as old as he smells.

A Boy’s First Fragrance

“Lynx Africa remains the pre-eminent fragrance appetiser for millions of teenage boys,” says Lizze Ostrom, author of Perfume: A Century of Scents. And though the brand has had a bad rap over the years, it’s clearly been doing something right. “Lynx fragrances are big business, and developed by some of the most experienced perfumers in the industry,” she says.

They’re not exactly scents known for their subtlety though (which probably explains their success with callow youths) and with teenagers today altogether more sophisticated customers, James Craven, perfume archivist at Les Senteurs, suggests a young man pops his olfactory cherry on a tried-and-tested classic like Chanel’s Pour Monsieur instead. Fresh, woody, spicy, it’s masculine without being polarising or too challenging.

Since fragrance can interact and intensify on contact with skin oils, fresher, citrusy scents like L’Occitane’s Verbena and Clinique Happy For Men are likely to come across as less overpowering on oilier teenage skin too.

The ‘Fit In’ Fragrance

A man’s early twenties are the years when he’s most likely to do most of his late nights (not necessarily in the office) and a lot of that time will be spent with his mates, rather than getting dressed up for dinner dates.

When you want to smell good but not too good, it’s worth turning to a modern fougère – a family of fragrances typically built around notes of lavender, geranium, oakmoss and coumarin – which are widely regarded as safe bets when it comes to men’s scents.

“The fougère accord is considered to be one of the freshest and most aromatic within perfumery and fragrances built around it have exceptionally broad appeal to men, and women love them too, which makes them extremely versatile,” says British perfumer Roja Dove. Jean Paul Gaultier’s Le Male is a classic updated fougère (hence its enduring popularity) but if you’re looking for a bang-up-to-date example try Burberry’s Mr. Burberry.

The Scent Of Dating Success

Whether you’re seventeen or seventy, chances are you wear a fragrance in the hope of increasing your chances on a date. You may even be one of the 15 per cent of men who that Heathrow survey discovered buy a new fragrance to herald the start of each new relationship.

Which is fine if you change partners as often as you change houses, but hard on the pocket if you’re a bit of player. So it’s worth investing in a killer fragrance that’s going to work every time.

And while sweet, spicy ‘oriental’ fragrances are generally considered to be sexier, if you fancy employing a bit of science you might want to look at scents like Dior’s Eau Sauvage and Paco Rabanne’s Invictus, which are big on an ingredient called hedione. A study by physiologists at the Ruhr-Universität Bochum in Germany showed that this synthetic citrus-floral note stimulates an area of women’s brains responsible for releasing sex hormones. It’s the nearest science has come to proving fragrance really is a weapon of mass seduction.

The Eau De Toilette To Wear At The Altar

According to the Heathrow study, nearly one in 10 men will select a new fragrance especially for their wedding. The perfect candidate is something that’s sexy but not so overpowering that’ll it leave them reeling in the aisles. Most importantly though, it needs to be meaningful.

“It’s really important to choose something that you feel comfortable with and are likely to think fondly of over the years to come,” says fragrance expert Thomas Dunckley, founder of The Candy Perfume Boy blog. “I always recommend picking a trusted favourite that has personal significance to you; perhaps the scent you wore on your first date for example or even your partner’s favourite fragrance.”

A word of warning though: given the fast turnover of brand new launches (many are ‘retired’ after just a few years to be replaced by updated versions) you might want to plump for something that’s already stood the test of time and you know will be around to remind you of the event in years to come – like Hermès’ Terre D’Hermès.

The ‘Fk You!’ Fragrance**

We’ve all done it – worn something ridiculous to grab attention and as a two fingers up to convention (Rick Owens’ penis-flashing man-dress anyone?).

You might only do it once, or you might fall in the love with the way it makes you feel and abandon that bottle of Hugo Boss for good, but every man should get experimental with his eau de toilette at least once in his life.

The easiest way to switch things up is to bend gender boundaries and consider a fragrance traditionally classed as a ‘women’s perfume’, like Guerlain’s legendary Shalimar. “Fragrance doesn’t have a gender – that’s just an idea instilled in us,” says award-winning fragrance writer Liam Moore. “When a man wears a fragrance like this it doesn’t just show he’s savvy and modern – it shows he’s got balls.”

A Scent For A Man In His Forties

With an increasing appreciation of the finer things in life, no peer pressure to buckle to and a bigger disposable income, this is the perfect time for a man to experiment with richer, more complex fragrances. According to Craven, it’s also the perfect time to explore classic heritage brands that reflect your growing maturity and sophistication. “It’s only when you reach this age that you really appreciate what it means to buy into a treasured tradition,” he says.

And if heritage is what you’re after, look no further than brands like Creed (founded in 1760); Floris (1730); Penhaligon’s (1870) or Acqua Di Parma (1960). Or try true classics like Aramis – a fragrance redolent of leather-bound books and gentleman’s clubs – Creed’s Green Irish Tweed, Yves Saint Laurent’s Pour Homme or the grown-up, patchouli-based sexiness of Givenchy Gentleman.

If you’re daring, Craven recommends giving Knize Ten a whirl. A leathery number dating back to the hedonistic 1920s, he describes it as ‘disturbing’. In a good way, obviously.

The ‘I’ve Arrived’ Fragrance

Once a man is in his fifties he rarely has anything to prove: he’s confident in himself, has a bit more cash to flash and appreciates the finer things in life. “You have lived and your mind has expanded,” says Craven. “Your imagination is broader, you’re less judgemental and more open-minded – you’re your own man.”

Now’s the time, then, to opt for a finely crafted boutique fragrance like Kilian’s Light My Fire, which is big on notes (like tobacco) that have a whiff of the grown-up about them. “This fragrance smells of a Monte Cristo cigar; the smell of power, affluence and influence,” says Craven. “And in the same way a big cigar can be too much for a young man to handle, it’s a fragrance not all younger men can handle.”

Don’t worry about smelling like a 1950s gentlemen’s club (just in case that was a concern). “It’s far subtler and sexier than that,” says Craven reassuringly.

The Finely Matured Fragrance

As we get older, production of sebum – the skin’s natural oil – slows down, making skin much drier, which doesn’t just have implications for the way our mush feels but for the way fragrance reacts on our bodies too.

“Dry skin doesn’t retain fragrance as long as oily skin, so you may find you need to opt for a stronger fragrance or re-apply the fragrance more often,” says perfume consultant Mary Ellen Lapsansky. So now might be the time to ditch anything light and citrusy and go for a big, bold chypré fragrance – one characterised by notes of rose, vetiver and cedarwood – designed to have staying power on the skin. Roja Dove’s Vetiver Pour Homme being a perfect example.

An eau de parfum based around the musty, woody root that’s key to many classic men’s scents, it displays a longevity on the skin mass-market fragrances can only dream of. “I created it to be the ultimate in how a man should smell,” says Dove of his luxury creation, which is pretty much what any man wants from a fragrance – whatever his age.

Credit: Lee Kynaston

5 Boots Every Man Should Own

2016-12-16T03:51:00.000-08:00

Winter: the only season that can dampen your style from a stride to a squelch. But no man should suffer a perpetual snail trail. Ditch the trainers, stash away the brogues and lay off the loafers – here are the five essential boots you need in your wardrobe.

Black Chelsea Boots

Although popularised in the Swinging Sixties, Chelsea boots had more regal beginnings – way back with Queen Victoria. Or more specifically, her shoemaker: J. Sparkes-Hall patented the design in 1851, and ma’am was said to wear them on the regular – be it horse-riding or strolling through the palace grounds.

Though you might be more likely to traipse around beer gardens than Buckingham Palace, the core message still stands: these really are as tough as old boots. Not to mention stylish.

“Try a real leather [style] in dark brown or black,” says Giles Farnham, head of personal shopping at River Island. “And, as with any skinned footwear, maintenance is essential. Regular conditioning will ensure your boots age well.”

Example Styles

Suede Desert Boots

Like so many menswear classics, desert boots began in the military. While stationed in Burma during WWII, British officer Nathan Clark (note the surname) noticed officers wearing basic suede boots with crepe soles. Turned out they’d had them specially made in an Egyptian bazaar to withstand the tough desert climate, and clever Nathan, sensing a good idea, brought the idea home to the family business – British shoe giant Clarks.

The suede variation of the chukka boot is now a menswear staple, and while this material requires treatment with a weatherproof coating, they can power through most of what autumn and winter throws at them. Aside from rain. Farnham advises avoiding wet weather at all costs as this can damage even the best quality suede.

“Try your desert boots with a smart denim,” says Farnham. “Perhaps an indigo or raw selvedge, and complete with a crisp inch and a half turn up.”

Example Styles

Hiking Boots

No longer just standard issue for naturists, hiking boots have found a place in the fashion mainstream. But it was a rocky route. Outdoors wear was considered niche apparel until Carhartt WIP popularised the hunter-gatherer trend. From there, the likes of Hermès, Louis Vuitton and Bally followed, showcasing luxury takes on hiking boots for AW14 that skyrocketed what was once a functional piece to the heights of high fashion.

That said, they’re far more than a mere fad. Hiking boots were designed specifically to face the elements and as such, make mush of commuter slush.

When your kicks take a workwear edge, it’s advisable to steer your entire look into tougher territory, says Farnham. “Hardy footwear is best worn with equally hardy clothing, so try styling your boots with a rugged, heavy denim jacket and a chunky knitted cardigan.”

Example Styles

Brown Leather Brogue Boots

The brogue has been a menswear fixture since the dawn of time (well, the 1900s at least). And while brogue boots may be the less traditional footwear option, they’re by no means less versatile. The addition of brogue detailing to a sturdy boot base guarantees a durable anchor that will still chime well with tailoring.

That’s where their strength lies. Brogue boots are a smart and versatile option for those that prefer a sartorial streak to what they put on their feet – no technical features, no metal accents, no Dales-ready design.

“The traditional punch hole detailing means brogue boots look great with heritage pieces, like heavier wool blazers,” says Farnham. “And for extra points, take your trousers to a local tailor and have them slightly cropped and tapered to highlight the boots.”

Example Styles

Work Boots

If brogue boots champion Savile Row, then work boots skew more building site. Which, in 2016, isn’t all brick dust, arse cracks and well-thumbed issues of Nuts magazine.

Thanks to the likes of Timberland, your dad’s work boots are hot property, with the brand having blown up thanks to hip-hop’s finest (Diddy, Kanye and Biggie have all sported their own pair in the past).

True, they may not sit pretty with suiting, but worker boots are the perfect foundation to a jeans-tee combo. (Same can’t be said for that hi-vis jacket, though.)

“As with hiking boots, keep your look rugged,” says Farnham. “A pair of work boots are your statement, so a white tee, bomber jacket and grey marl sweatshirt will balance your look.”

Example Styles

Credit: Murray Clark

How To Pronounce Everything In Fashion

2016-12-13T06:00:00.000-08:00

You’ve saved three long months for a Loewe shirt. The big debut (your partner’s office party) is just around the corner. Your threads are bound to impress. That is until somebody asks you where said shirt is from. It can’t be lerv-eh? Loo-vee? Maybe even low?

Save yourself the embarrassment with our definitive guide on how to pronounce everything that matters in fashion. At least you can sound like an expert.

Alessandro Michele
Gucci’s groundbreaking new creative director.
Al-e-sand-ro Mik-ah-lay

Armani
Italian fashion house that is very good at leathers and fragrances.
Ah-ma-nee

Audemars Piguet
An ostentatious Swiss watch brand worn by rappers worldwide.
Or-da-mar Pee-gay

Balenciaga
Spanish brand that has long pushed unusual silhouettes.
Bal-en-see-ah-ga

Bally
Swiss fashion brand that first offered elastic-closure shoes.
Bah-lee

Balmain
Heavily embellished fashion brand, often worn by Kardashians.
Bahl-mahn

Blancpain
Swiss watch brand famous for meticulous hand-painted dials.
Blon-pan

Boglioli
Italian brand known for classic tailoring.
Bow-lee-oh-lee

Bouchra Jarrar
Balenciaga alumnus, now in charge at Lavin.
Boosh-ra Zha-rar

Brunello Cucinelli
Italian brand famed for its separates.
Bru-nell-o Coo-chi-nell-ee

Bvlgari
Luxury Italian jewellery brand – don’t be fooled, the V is Latin for U.
Bul-gar-ee

Chanel
French fashion house with an often plagarised interlocking C logo.
Shan-ell

Christian Lacroix
French fashion designer that started out in theatre sets.
Kris-te-en La-kwah

Comme des Garçons
The fashion label behind Dover Street Market; actually Japanese, despite the name.
Kom-di Gar-sonn

Demna Gvasalia
A Georgian designer responsible for Vetements, now in charge at Balenciaga.
Dem-na Gva-za-lee-a

Dolce & Gabbana
Italian design duo; fond of Sicilian tailoring and lots and lots of flowers.
Doll-chay and Gab-an-a

Donatella Versace
In charge at Versace, fond of blonde hair and oil-slicked topless men.
Don-a-tel-a Vu-sar-chi

Dries Van Noten
Belgian fashion designer known for striking prints.
Drees Van No-ten

Ermenegildo Zegna
Italian luxury house and the largest menswear brand in the world by revenue.
Eh-men-e-jil-do Zen-ya

Gianni Versace
The late founder of Versace, brother of Donatella.
Jyan-ni Vu-sar-chi

Gieves & Hawkes
Bespoke men’s tailor on Savile Row since 1771.
Geevs and Horks

Givenchy
Aristocratic French luxury brand, founded in 1952.
Zhi-von-shee

Gucci
Italian brand first famous for luxury leathers.
Goo-chi

Haider Ackermann
Colombian designer in creative control of Berluti.
Hyd-er Akk-a-mun

Hardy Amies
English fashion designer who was once official dressmaker to Queen Elizabeth.
Har-de Ay-mees

Hedi Slimane
Former creative director at Saint Laurent; famously dropped the ‘Yves’.
Ed-e Slim-ahn

Hermès
French fashion house famous for very expensive scarves.
Er-mez

Issey Miyake
Japanese designer, likes a pleat.
Iss-ee Me-ya-ke

Jaeger-LeCoultre
Swiss watch brand that first pioneered a reversible dial.
Jzhay-Jzher Le-koo

John Galliano
British fashion designer; led Dior, said some indefensible things while drunk, and is now at Maison Margiela.
Jon Gal-e-ar-no

Junya Watanabe
Japanese designer and former protégé of Rei Kawakubo from Commes des Garçons.
Jun-ya Wat-a-nah-bae

Karl Lagerfeld
Iconic designer behind Chanel and Fendi – has a cat named Choupette (shoo-pet).
Karl Lar-ga-felt

Lanvin
French fashion house often labelled the oldest of its kind.
Lor(n)-va

Loewe
Spanish fashion brand that has undergone major rebranding under Jonathan Anderson.
Lo-ay-vay

Longines
Swiss watch brand with the industry’s oldest registered trademark (a winged hourglass, if you’re asking).
Lon-zheen

Louis Vuitton
The world’s most profitable luxury brand with a world famous monogram print.
Loo-ee Vwee-to(n)

Maison Kitsuné
A fashion brand offshoot from the French electronic record label.
May-zon Kit-soo-nay

Maison Margiela
Formerly known as Maison Martin Margiela; French minimalist designer brand.
May-zon Mar-jel-a

Miuccia Prada
The founding designer behind Prada and Miu Miu.
Me-oo-cha Pra-da

Moncler
French outdoors brand that made the move into fashion.
Mon-clair

Moschino
A tongue-in-cheek Italian fashion brand, now headed by Jeremy Scott.
Moss-ke-no

Nicholas Ghesquière
French fashion designer and creative director of Louis Vuitton, formerly of Balenciaga.
Nee-ko-la Gess-kyair

Olivier Rousteing
Creative director at Balmain, enjoys taking selfies.
Oliv-ee-yay Roo-stain

Ozwald Boateng
An English fashion designer of Ghanaian descent, known for classic tailoring.
Oz-wold Bo-a-teng

Prada
Italian fashion brand, sometimes worn by devils.
Prah-dah

Raf Simons
Belgian fashion designer that enjoyed a stint at Dior before heading up Calvin Klein.
Rauph Sim-muns

Rei Kawakubo
The designer/mastermind behind Commes des Garçons and Dover Street Market.
Ray Ka-wa-koo-bo

Riccardo Tisci
Italian fashion designer in charge at Givenchy.
Rick-ar-do Tiss-key

Richard Mille
Swiss watchmaker known for advanced, futuristic watches.
Ree-shard Meal

Saint Laurent
French fashion brand now known for leathers and rock-inspired threads.
San Lor-on

Salvatore Ferragamo
Italian fashion brand that produces leathers, shoes and apparel.
Sal-va-tor-ay Ferr-a-garm-o

Thom Browne
American designer, enjoys a stripe.
Tom Brown

Vacheron Constantin
One of the oldest (and most expensive) Swiss watch brands.
Vash-a-ron Con-stan-tan

Versace
Italian fashion brand known for Greek meandros-style prints (the tiled borders you see in Roman swimming pools).
Vu-sar-chi

Vetements
Surreal designer brand, part streetwear, part cult label.
Vet-e-mon

Wooyungmi
A leading South Korean menswear brand known for skilled tailoring.
Woo-yung-me

Yves Saint Laurent
The French founder of the eponymous brand.
Eves San Lor-on

Credit: Murray Clark

The Best-Dressed Premier League Managers

2016-12-08T05:55:00.000-08:00

It’s the silverware more coveted than even the Transfer Window Trophy, or the Community Shield. (Note to managers: there is no actual cup for this. Or the Transfer Window.)

FashionBeans has used ‘Optical Index’ stats – i.e. we’ve looked at some pictures on the internet – to scout the Premier League bosses who most dress like one. Of the 20 coaches currently playing musical chairs in the Prem, these five qualify for the Champions League of touchline style.

Well, maybe one of them would only make the Europa League…

1. Pep Guardiola

Guardiola is the managerial and sartorial golden boy, even if the British press are waiting with barely concealed glee for him to fall flat, with his newfangled ‘false nines’ and ‘tactics’. Although to be fair, he’s not exactly helping himself by trying to play three at the back with Aleksander Kolarov.

The new Man City gaffer remains the Barcelona of best-dressed managers but he’s not without his foibles wardrobe-wise either. His slender build and penchant for extremely slim-fitting clothes can leave him looking a little ‘pinched’, and occasionally even exposed on the flanks – like that time at Bayern Munich when his trousers tore down one side, revealing more than the book Pep Confidential (which is a ripping yarn, by the way).

Guardiola also insists on wearing a belt with his suit, which is more overcautious than deploying a double pivot and splits you in half optically. If your suit trousers fit, then you shouldn’t need a belt. And ideally, they should have side fasteners rather than belt loops.

We’re being more critical than Arsenal ‘Fan’ TV though. Pep’s top of the league.

2. Antonio Conte

For those fair-weather football fans not tuned into BT Sport midweek, this summer’s European Championships were a first proper look at Conte on the touchline. The former Juventus midfield general cajoled an Italian side that could be generously described as ‘workmanlike’ through to the quarter finals by the power of gesticulation alone.

The Euros also introduced us to Conte’s nice line in tailoring. Now Chelsea boss, he compared his appraisal of the Blues squad to a suit-maker trying to find the perfect fit – which is encouraging for supporters as it’s a concept that he has clearly grasped. Like Italy, Conte’s rigs are nothing spectacular. But like many Italians he seems to have been born with a higher base level of style along with a natural instinct for grinding out clean sheets.

Conte is a particular fan of the tone-on-tone dark shirt and tie, which give him a vaguely murderous air of mafia hitman. (See also Diego Simeone at Atletico Madrid.)

Then there’s that thatch, which is mysteriously luscious given that, towards the end of his playing career, he was more monk-like than his Juve teammate Zinedine Zidane. A (very good) hair transplant is suspected, but Conte’s taken a vow of silence.

3. José Mourinho

The Special One arrived at Chelsea in 2004 with matching swag to coordinate with his swagger, even if the nickname that has stuck to him tighter than a man-marker ever since was a misquote. (He actually said, “I think I am a special one.”)

With his Armani overcoat, rakish scarf and Clooney-esque coiffure, Mourinho inspired even the most cynical and jaded of tabloid football hacks to pen paeans to the suave continental’s personal style.

But while celebrated more enthusiastically than that late Porto equaliser at his now home of Old Trafford, the Portuguese’s dress sense is in fact as pragmatic as his style of play. He sticks exclusively to muted colours like navy, grey and black with the discipline of a textbook Mourinho away performance. Or at least he did until he moved to the Red Devils.

He’s still got it, though – in the wardrobe department, at least. Man United might have been pumped 4-0 by his former employers (now managed by Conte) at the weekend, but Mourinho could take some scant consolation from the fact that at least one of his outfits looked good.

4. Arsène Wenger

The long-serving Arsenal manager is as consistently elegant as his press conference bon mots.

Unlike many of his less mature peers, Wenger manages to wear a suit and tie – courtesy of the club’s official suit supplier, Duchamp London – without looking like an errant Grange Hill schoolboy, or a footballer on trial. And unlike his team, he doesn’t overcomplicate: dark suit, white shirt, red tie, perhaps a dark knit.

Fourth-place trophies and parsimoniousness aside, Wenger is particularly renowned for his outerwear, which is inexplicably difficult to fasten and often likened to a sleeping bag – or less kindly still, a bin bag. Not exactly the height of chic, you might say – to which we would reply: “Au contraire, oversized down jackets are very Raf Simons autumn/winter 2017.” Although we might not say that too loudly in the pub before kick-off.

Besides, the Frenchman could have worn an actual refuse sack for the last two decades and he would still qualify for inclusion on the basis of the astonishing fashion shoot that he did with L’Équipe’s Sport & Style supplement last year. En. Fleek.

5. Bob Bradley

That sound you can hear is the barrel being scraped. Seriously, selecting five genuinely well-dressed Premier League managers is more best-of-a-bad-bunch than selecting an eleven-a-side team from The Dirty Dozen.

Leicester City’s Claudio Ranieri can look dapper, while a trawl of Google Image search results reveals that Watford’s Walter Mazzarri has worn a pocket square in the past. (Is it just us or does he bear more than a passing resemblance to Jack Donaghy in 30 Rock?) If you squint then West Brom’s Tony Pulis could’ve copped the latest Palace drop.

But we’re sticking our neck out with Swansea’s recently appointed Bob Bradley. This is entirely based on his debut against Arsenal: a normcore black jumper – or sweater, as the former USA coach would call it – and slacks that made him look like a cross between Steve Jobs and JK Simmons in Whiplash. Which is pretty much an ideal combination for a football manager: inspirational genius meets arse-clenchingly terrifying disciplinarian.

Besides, Bradley’s all-black-everything game plan attracted criticism from no less an authoritative pundit than Gary ‘Party Shirt’ Lineker. So he must be doing something right.

Is there more flair on show here than playing a whole game of FIFA 17 solely using the right control stick? Or did you quit halfway through in frustration? Compile your own ultimate five-a-side team of best-dressed Premier League managers in the comments below.

Credit: Jamie Millar

7 Of The Most Stylish Men You've (Probably) Never Heard Of

2016-12-07T07:48:00.000-08:00

Red carpet events are predictable affairs – and we don’t just mean the tailoring. Browse any major event coverage online and most of the ‘best dressed’ slideshows you click through tend to throw up the same familiar faces: Hollywood actors styled in luxury labels and chart-topping musicians paying their dues to the brand paying their rent.

But what about the men who – although not front-page news – are every bit as fashionable? Here, we introduce seven of the most stylish, and their styling tricks worth tapping:

Alan Ferguson

Alan Ferguson is a music video director whose fame was relatively confined to music circles until late 2014 – when he married Solange Knowles.

After rubbing shoulders with ‘Yoncé at what was arguably the most hipster wedding of all time, Ferguson proved himself a worthy style icon, thanks to his distinctive blend of heritage style and sleek minimalism. A glove-fit two-piece might read traditional, but Ferguson rejigs it slightly – adding in an oatmeal leather trench coat, or in the case of his all-white wedding suit, a pair of gold toecap shoes. Subtle enough to wear, but bold enough to sing.

Anderson .Paak

The understudy of ex-N.W.A member and billionaire headphone peddler Dr. Dre, Anderson .Paak (real name: Brandon Paak Anderson), is a walking, talking example of when the student becomes the master.

Hip-hop’s most exciting rising star is more than just a multi-talented singer-songwriter-instrumentalist. The 30-year-old has a style as distinctive and free-spirited as his original stage name: Breezy Lovejoy (no judging). Part grunge, part hipster, he looks just at home suited up or streetwear-ed out.

Simon Porte Jacquemus

Paris-based designer Jacquemus might be best known for his NSFW fashions, but it’s his knack for reinventing French classics like the Breton stripe that’s earned him his.

As headline-grabbing as his womenswear designs are, though, it’s his personal style that we think deserves some spotlighting. Like his work, this man’s wardrobe is mostly timeless pieces given a remix – jeans and an asymmetric gingham shirt or an unstructured navy suit styled with black Chelsea boots and a red neckerchief. Bon travail.

Eric Rutherford

Eric Rutherford spends most of his time in the buff. But on the odd occasion he does actually get dressed, he’s really quite good at it.

The actor/model/instaceleb has amassed a global following thanks in no small part to his razor sharp wardrobe, most of which involves well-crafted transitional staples. The remainder? Statement pieces that toe the line between trend and novelty, like a bold checked blazer or a bright suit – always masterfully anchored with muted staples.

Matthew Healy

When Matthew ‘Matty’ Healy opens his mouth, it’s not just million-selling No 1 hits that come out. The shaggy-haired frontman of eclectic Brit band The 1975 is more than comfortable engaging in a tête-à-tête on his favourite designers and their latest collections.

As a result, his look is in the vanguard of edgy, vibrant rock ‘n’ roll style, with effortlessly cool, often all-black, outfits comprising Saint Laurent (of course), Dries Van Noten and J.W. Anderson.

Roberto Raro

We can all identify a Pitti peacock, but rarely can we actually name one. Which is why Roberto Raro, in all his suited glory, gives a face to the anonymous gaggle.

As director of several menswear stores in the Middle East, Mr Raro encapsulates the sort of bird that nests in Florence for January; the primary colours, the pinstripes, the razor-sharp tailoring. But despite the excess, Raro still pulls it off with that essential Italian ingredient: sprezzatura.

Vincent Cassel

If Vincent Cassel’s name sounds familiar, it might be because he’s had starring roles in two of the Ocean’s Trilogy films. Or, and perhaps more likely, you still can’t quite get over the fact that it was him, not you, that got to spend four glorious years married to Monica Bellucci.

But Cassel can teach you more than how to woo cinema’s greatest beauties; he knows how to, er, nail smart-casual too. His go-to? A good shirt – a versatile piece he spruces up with a suit in a complementary shade or plays down with a contrasting blazer, relaxed trousers and sneaker-loafers. Parisian insouciance at its best.

Credit: FashionBeans

10 Of The Most Versatile Men's Bag

2016-12-05T05:25:00.000-08:00

The key to buying a good bag is knowing exactly what you want it to do in the first place. Need something to get your laptop to meetings in one piece? You’ll need a leather briefcase. Need something to cart your sweat gym gear home? A nylon or cotton barrel bag’s your best bet.

But what if you want your bag to do more? What if – having discovered that neon camo drawstring bag isn’t exactly what you’d call a ‘hit’ at boardroom meetings – you need a bag that works everywhere? Or at least for more than just stowing a pair of swimshorts in?

To save you dropping wads on bags that won’t pull their weight, we rounded up some of the best styles to take you from work to workout and more.

Mi-Pac Classic Backpack

A backpack isn’t just for high school – it’s for life. Especially if you’d rather not spend a chunk of yours hunched over in a chiropractor’s waiting room.

This one, from British brand Mi-Pac, comes in brown and navy, AKA the ultimate smart-casual colour combo. Wear it to the office (yes, it’s got a dedicated laptop compartment), or for a weekend getaway.

Available at Mi-Pac

Ralph Lauren Polo Sport Nylon Duffle Bag

Versatile needn’t mean black or brown leather. This dome-shaped duffle, made from durable nylon, makes perfect sense if your style skews more athleisure than actuary. Plus, bonus points for its bang-on-trend quilting.

Available at Ralph Lauren

Harvest Label Brick Urban Sling Pack

Like those cross body bags you’ve seen every grime fan sporting, but want something that reads less ‘roadman’? Check this ‘sling pack’ from Japanese brand Harvest Label – a smart blend of everything’s that good about a messenger, backpack and cross body rolled into one.

With three interior pockets in addition to its three zipped main zipped compartments, it’s got plenty of stashing space.

Available at Urban Outfitters

R.M. Williams RMW City Medium Overnight Bag

With almost a century’s experience in built-to-last footwear, Australian brand R.M. Williams has set its sights on the leather accessories market, launching a collection that combines tough-as-nails construction with a luxury finish.

This overnighter – crafted from pebbled cowhide leather, and featuring a contrast suede lining – is a stand-out. Subtle, sturdy and supremely finished, it’ll take you pretty much everywhere in style.

Available at R.M.Williams

Graf Lantz 1951 Carrier

LA duo Graf Lantz’s extra-large tote lets you carry a lot in its roomy 15″W x 17″H x 6″D interior, including a little piece of history: the bag itself is made from rare 6″ military webbing that dates all the way back to 27 February, 1951.

Available at Graf Lantz

ASOS Barrel Bag

More than just somewhere to chuck your trainers, a low-profile barrel bag – like this one from ASOS – makes a solid, sportier alternative to the classic leather holdall.

Available at ASOS

Want Les Essentiels Kastrup Backpack

Constructed using premium leather and breathable mesh, American brand Want Les Essentiels de la Vie’s backpack can take a beating.

Not that the Kastrup looks rough – in fact its bias-cut front pocket and subtle stitched leather logo give its utilitarian shape a sleek and sophisticated edge that makes it ideal for wearing with smarter looks.

Available at Want Les Essentiels

Cambridge Satchel Company Classic Batchel

Gimmicky portmanteau names aside, the Cambridge Satchel Company’s batchel is an all-time classic.

Handmade in Britain, it’s got all the hallmarks of a bag that’s built to last – from its goes-with-everything deep damson colour to a 100 per cent leather and brass construction.

Available at Cambridge Satchel

Ted Baker Small Clipper Holdall

Not every business trip needs a roller bag. Ted Baker’s Clipper holdall combines travel-friendly capacity with a design that’s every inch the suited professional – from its leather-style handles to a fabric body that takes its cue from the brand’s tailoring collection.

What’s more, its convenient size and comfortable double top handles mean you won’t feel like you’re carting a cadaver around.

Available at Harvey Nichols

Nudie Jeans Mattsson Patched Denim Tote

Swedish jeans authority Nudie knows denim doesn’t just mean trousers. Alongside its ever-expanding roster of skinny, slim and straight-leg fits, you’ll find pieces like this 100 per cent organic denim bag too.

Quite possibly menswear’s toughest tote.

Available at Nudie Jeans

Credit: Cillian O'Connor

What Makes a Bag a Perfect Everyday Carry?

2016-12-01T01:12:00.000-08:00

Some style choices require more careful deliberation than others. Just like shorts and bow ties, backpacks should be approached with some degree of consideration. Opting for a bag that suggests classroom rather than boardroom can throw off an otherwise confident look. For a distinct, grown-up pack, go with a classic design kitted out with premium materials. Functional and stylish, here's why the this is the perfect everyday carry.

It goes with everything

Versatility is key. Being your everyday carry bag of choice means the ability to pair it with almost any outfit, from shearling to short sleeves, patterns to perfectly worn denim.

It's the right size

Too big and a backpack will look like a it wandered off the Appalachian Trail; too small and it'll look like it escaped from a field trip. At nearly 12 inches wide and almost 20 inches high, this one presents enough cargo space for busy modern lives without looking overstuffed or losing its shape. Throw in all your daily essentials, from a laptop to gym gear, and still have room to spare.

It has a smart shape

Before zipper-top designs became the norm, backpacks opened from the top with a buckled flap covering the opening. One part classic styling, one part considered proportions, the bag features a versatile rectangular main shape with outdoor-inspired symmetrical side pockets.

It's durable

In addition to the sturdy fabric interior, the exterior is the mark of a backpack that has school in its rearview mirror. Glove-tanned leather that's durable yet buttery smooth is an indicator of the craftsmanship and quality. Over time, it will age uniquely, telling a story all its own.

It has style chops

Classic pieces are best when there are a few fresh aesthetic details thrown in. The Gotham takes the right amount of risk, offering a hint of contrasting color on the straps and stitching. The variation sets off the rich texture of the leather and makes for an eye-catching, modern accessory.

It has handy outside pockets

On the Gotham, the main compartment includes includes a laptop sleeve, a zippered section perfect for chargers, and a crucial key clip. But it's the exterior pockets that are really great when you need something in a pinch. Magnetic button closures offer quick access while keeping the classic styling in check.

It doubles as a briefcase

There are plenty of times a backpack won't be worn on your back. Whether you're in a crowded subway or elevator, or just accessing the pockets, a sturdy handle is essential. The Gotham's thick leather handle makes carrying the bag as comfortable as wearing it.

It doesn't skimp on the details

Craftsmanship aficionados know that the best pieces set themselves apart in the details. Between heavy contrast stitching and sturdy metal hardware, the Gotham shows its premium character in every detail.

Credit: Esquire for Coach 1941

These Are the 5 Best New Sneakers of the Week

2016-11-30T06:05:00.000-08:00

Gosha Rubchinkskiy Vans Old Skools

Russian designer Gosha Rubchinkskiy is quickly making his name mashing up street style and high fashion, but all that doesn't even matter with a colorway this clean.

Old Skool sneaker ($178) by Gosha Rubchinkskiy for Vans.

Y-3 Yohji Boost Trainer

These black runners with neoprene uppers are everything you want from Yohji Yamamoto's line for adidas.

Yohji Boost Trainer in black ($305) by Y-3.

Kith Asics Gel Lyte V

A cool gray colorway and pigskin uppers are the perfect combination of minimalist style and rugged construction.

Gel Lyte V sneaker ($130) by Asics for Kith.

Tod's Suede Sneakers

These taupe suede sneakers are the defintion of understated luxury.

Suede sneakers ($465) by Tod's.

Nike Air Huarache Black/Antracite/Reflective Silver

The cleanest colorway of the hottest shoes in the streets. Don't sleep, these will sell out soon.

Air Huarache ($109.99) by Nike.

Credit: Andrew D. Lueckee

The 10 Best Boxer Briefs to Wear Every Day

2016-11-28T02:37:00.002-08:00

The Classic

Marky Mark may be a thing of the past, but Calvin Klein still makes some of the simplest, best underwear in the world. The brand's basic boxer briefs sit low on the waist—just below the waist of your jeans, where they should—and high on the thigh—you know, for comfort. This helps to explain why Calvin Klein has been making underwear for over 30 years.

The Athletic

The good people at Under Armour know that sometimes heat is your biggest enemy. Their Iso-Chill mesh fabric helps disburse body heat and the Moisture Transport System helps wick sweat away. And with the four-way stretch fabric, you'll have plenty of mobility.

The Strong and Sturdy

The jersey on Jack Wills boxers is surprisingly hefty, which isn't at all a bad thing. As much as a barely-there pair of underwear can be nice, sometimes it's good to have a strong pair, too—especially as fall approaches.

The Slim Jean's Best Friend

Elastic waistband, sure. but elasticized leg openings? These boxer briefs from Uniqlo will shadow your every move—perfect for those without such muscular legs and/or with tighter pants—and at a great price, too.

The Undressed Man's Best Friend

Sometimes it's nice when your underwear has personality. (But not too much personality; you don't want to be wearing Underoos.) A tasteful pattern, like this one by Related Garments, can really spruce things up compared to boring solids or stripes.

The James Bond

The Brits wear Sunspel—even the Brit. There is a kind of obsessive attention to fabric at the brand, and in this, its most modern and fitted brief, the Egyptian cotton counteracts any rigidness from your pants.

The International

The Germans, it turns out, also know how to make undergarments. Schiesserdoes, anyway, and has since 1875. The cut is just so, the fabric breathes but feels sturdy, and the button-front pouch keeps everything in place.

The Soft Pack

Etiquette Clothiers is a brand on a mission to redefine basics. And boxers are pretty basic. Unless they're this soft—like downy-supima-cotton soft.

The Upscale

These boxer briefs from Dolce & Gabbana aren't "designed" so much as they're engineered. They're snug, with a flexible signature-embroidered waistband and nice pin-dot detailing, too.

The Downscale

A five-pack of Hanes, of course, is still just as suitable as it was for Michael Jordan 20 years ago. The company still has the best elastic in the game, and sometimes, well, you just want your underwear to stay on, to last, and some things to never change.

Credit: Esquire Editors

A Guide to Men’s Hat Styles

2016-11-27T13:00:00.000-08:00

Hats are slowly becoming a daily accessory for more and more modern gentlemen, reminding us of a time in America when men wouldn’t leave the house without one.

Men’s hats come in many shapes, sizes and fabrics. So to make it easier for you, we’ve broken down the basic hat styles, offered a little background history, and provided some pointers for adding them to your wardrobe.

The Fedora

A fedora is typically creased lengthwise down the middle of the crown, then “pinched” near the front on both sides. Fedoras have become widely associated with gangsters and Prohibition, which coincided with the height of the hat’s popularity in the 1920s to early 1950s. They were a daily accessory for many American men until JFK, a style icon in his own right, started making public appearances sans-chapeau and started a 40-year trend toward general hatlessness.

A good felt (or straw) fedora has a sturdy but flexible brim that can be “snapped up” or “snapped down” in the front or back, allowing you to mold the brim and achieve the perfect, slightly-askew shape. My favorite are unlined and crushable. Find one in a quality lightweight felt (probably a versatile shade of brown) with a brim that’s roughly 2.5″ wide (depending on the size and shape of your face), then start working on perfecting the subtle side tilt (RIP MJ).

The Homburg

The fedora’s dressier cousin, the homburg, also made primarily of fur felt or straw, is a good choice for a formal business look. It has the same center-creased crown as the fedora (although sometimes not the side pinches), but the brim is stiffer and has an upturned lip all the way around (which usually cannot be molded or “snapped down”).

The Trilby

The trilby has a shorter (thus narrower) brim which is angled down (“snapped down”) at the front and turned up at the back, versus the fedora’s wider brim which is more level and flat. The trilby also has a slightly shorter crown than a typical fedora design.

It reached its zenith of common popularity in the 1960s; the lower head clearance in American automobiles made it impractical to wear a hat with a tall crown while driving. It faded from popularity in the 1970s when any type of men’s headwear went out of fashion. They had a moment of rise with 90’s boy bands and cheesy musicians, but lately they’ve landed closer to being a symbol of nerd culture, especially cheap versions made of synthetic fabrics.

The Porkpie

The porkpie has a narrow brim that is always turned up and a flat top with a circular indent. As fashion writer Glenn O’Brien once joked; “the porkpie hat is the mark of the determined hipster, the kind of cat you might see hanging around a jazz club or a pool hall…it is often worn with a goatee, soul patch, and/or toothpick”. The most famous porkpie in recent television history is worn by Bryan Cranston‘s character Walter White in Breaking Bad when he appears as his alter ego “Heisenberg”, whose persona is largely associated with the hat.

The Panama

The Panama hat is a traditional brimmed straw hat of Ecuadorian origin. Similar in shape to the trilby (down in the front, curled up in the back), but with proportions more similar to the classic fedora. Traditionally Panama hats were made from the plaited leaves of the Carludovica palmata, a palm-like plant rather than a true palm.

The rarest and most expensive Panama hats can have as many as 1600–2500 weaves per square inch. These hats are known as Montecristis, after the town of Montecristi, where they are produced. The Montecristi Foundation has established a grading system based on a figure called the Montecristi Cuenta, calculated by measuring the horizontal and vertical rows of weave per inch. A “superfino” Panama hat can, according to popular rumor, hold water, and when rolled for storage, pass through a wedding ring.

Although the Panama hat continues to provide a livelihood for thousands of Ecuadorians, fewer than a dozen weavers capable of making the finest “Montecristi superfinos” remain. Production in Ecuador is dwindling, due to economic problems in and competition from Chinese hat producers. Our friend and favorite LA hat maker Nick Fouquet explored the gradual extinction of this cultural tradition during a recent trip to Ecuador, as capture in this video.

The Boater

The boater is a men’s summer formal hat made of stiff sennit straw. It’s characterized by it’s inflexible brim, flat top, and wide grosgrain band (which is often striped, or solid black for traditional summer formal occasions). Similar in formality to the homburg, a boater is correctly worn with a blazer, smart lounge suit, or even with black tie (as seen here by the one and only Dandy Doctor Mr. Andre Churchwell).

The Wide Flat Brim

A cross between a wide-brimmed fedora and a western country hat, the large, stiff, flat brim is the trendiest hat in menswear right now. These heavy beasts are the opposite of the crushable/packable hat. They are stiffened and made to hold their artistically flat shape, no matter what.

The Newsboy

The working man’s cap. Flat caps were very common for North American and European men and boys of all classes during the early 20th century and were almost universal during the 1910s-20s, particularly among the working ‘lower’ classes. A great many photographs of the period show these caps worn not only by newsboys, but by dockworkers, high steel workers, shipwrights, costermongers, farmers, beggars (such as Oliver Twist), bandits, artisans, and tradesmen of many types. This is also well attested in novels and films of this period and just after.

The Driving Cap

The Ivy cap, or flat cap, is similar to the newsboy, only without the floppy 8 panels and the button on top. This style, which traces its history from Southern Italy, Northern England, and parts of Scotland, also wins the awards for the most names. It is also referred to as a cabbie cap, longshoreman’s cap, cloth cap, scally cap, Wigens cap, ivy cap, golf cap, duffer cap, driving cap, bicycle cap, Jeff cap, Steve cap, Irish cap, Paddy cap…in Scotland as a bunnet, in Wales as a Dai cap, and in England and New Zealand, as a cheese-cutter.

Cloths used to make the cap include wool, tweed (most common), and cotton. Less common materials may include leather, linen (as pictured) or corduroy. The inside of the cap is commonly lined for comfort and warmth.

The Baseball Cap

Time to grow out of the snapback with the flat brim and the stickers still on it. It probably wouldn’t be a back look to lose ant heavy sports memorabilia from your casualwear altogether. Think about a baseball cap that is a little more discreet, mature, and versatile – like this simple worn-in cotton cap by our friend Josh Woods.

The Beanie

This one is pretty straight-forward. Wool or cashmere, usually. Keeps head warm, not great for keeping hair in place.

As men, we wear a lot of hats…

So what’s your go-to style? Feel free to share in the comments.

Thanks, as always, for reading.

Credit: Dan Trepanier

The Versatile Burgundy Suit

2016-11-25T03:58:00.000-08:00

As for those of you who don't know, I’m a huge fan of the color burgundy. It looks regal, confident, mature and flatters just about any skin tone.

Lately it’s also one of the most popular colors in menswear, so I couldn’t resist putting together a burgundy suit.

It’s more versatile than you might think – here’s three ways to wear it.

1. Formal Event

Burgundy is a terrific color for evening wear. It’s subtle and looks especially regal in a dimly lit room.

It also looks very sleek against black accessories.

2. Date Night

The best outfits, in my opinion, come down to simple pieces in solid colors that compliment each other.

No gimicks, no pattern matching, just the simple use of colors that flatter each other and don’t distract from the subject. Simple, mature, rakish.

3. Office Chic

Trying to be the most dapper guy at the office? The dark burgundy jacket will work with all your other suit trousers – navy, grey, khaki, brown, etc.

Thanks for reading.

Credit: Dan Trepanier

The Best Sneakers to Wear with Suits

2016-11-23T23:43:00.000-08:00

The keys to pulling off the suit + sneakers look:

The fit of the suit is everything, especially the trousers which should tapered with little-to-no break
The suit needs to be unstructured. Shoulder pads with sneakers will have you looking like Jerry Seinfeld.
The fabric should be textured and seasonal. This gives the suit an appropriate, leisurely, non-corporate vibe.
The right sneakers, or course. Think low-top, no-frills, classics.

We tapped downtown NYC legend, and former backcourt mate, Niko Scott to show us a few kicks that are designed to be well-suited.

Lanvin Captoe Trainers

The quality of the sneaker goes a long way in keeping up with a good suit.

Vans Authentic Low

If you’re planning to sharpen-up a pair Vans, make it a pair in a unique fabric that is slightly more luxe than the traditional cotton canvas – like these genuine suede versions, for example.

Common Projects Achilles

Readers often ask if Common Projects are worth the $400 price tag. As anyone who has owned a pair will tell you, yes, they are. There’s something about the leather and construction of these – they last incredibly well and actually build a patina over time, similar to pair of benchmade lace-ups.

This pair is more than four years old and have been worn through the worst of NYC winters. The “serial number” is completely rubbed off, but they are still kicking – a fresh shine would probably go a long way as well.

Adidas Stan Smiths

If the $400 price tag is too steep, you really can’t go wrong with low-top classics in all white, like Stan Smiths.

Scoring a rare release (like these “whole-cut unstructured” versions) will elevate the selection for the sneaker connoisseurs, too.

Thank you for reading.

Credit: Dan & Niko

Top 5 Bag Styles for Men

2016-11-23T07:29:00.001-08:00

Choosing men bags can be confusing and intimidating.

As with any element of style, the bag you carry should be functional and appropriate for your lifestyle and fit comfortably and naturally within your personal style.

Here, I broke down my five favorite styles of bags for men, in no particular order.

1. The Briefcase

If your lifestyle calls for you to carry a computer and/or documents, this is your best friend.

For a casual business outfit I like a more rugged canvas briefcase. It looks just as good with a shirt and tie as it does with a sweater and jeans. The alternative is a messenger bag, which in my opinion is less convenient and looks more feminine.

If your day-to-day is a little more corporate, go with a sharp leather briefcase that can keep up with your power suits. Like this one:

2. The Medium-Sized Duffle

For the gym-gooers to keep their gear.

For the light packers who only carry-on.

For anyone, like me, who lives in a big city and gets around all day without a car. It’s the trunk for us on the subway.

3. The Tote

For those who are hauling supplies – books, notepads, art stuff, camera equipment, ipods, lunch, etc.

This style looks the most feminine of the bunch (especially in a smaller size) so I recommend sticking with a rugged fabric and wearing it in.

I find myself grabbing this tote often because it’s so easy – I can throw anything and everything in one big compartment but keep items that need easy-access separate in the front pockets.

It’s also nice that the handles are long enough to wear over the shoulder, as shown here:

4. The Backpack

For the casual guys, for the students, for the bike riders.

Hands free, no fuss.

5. The Carry-On

For the travelers.

There is plenty of variety here. As with any style selection, you should find what works best for you.

We are men. We are practicality-oriented and have specific preferences, especially when we travel.

The most practical (and durable) luggage is a wheeled hardcase (like a classic Globe-Trotter, for example). It protects the shape of your merchandise and lightens the burden of carrying.

I don’t know what it is, but I’ve never been a wheeled luggage guy. Maybe it’s because I’m a notoriously light packer (believe it or not), or maybe it’s from hauling so many bails of hay on the farm as a kid, or maybe it’s because I studied psychology… There is something much more optimistic and satisfying about packing only what I need and carrying it with me rather than packing everything I want and dragging it behind me.

Nevertheless, this is about the biggest big I carry. I could pack for 2 weeks in this thing (it’s all about versatility), and any longer than that I would find a laundromat.

Thanks, as always, for reading.

Credit: Dan Trepanier

How to Fold a Suit & Shirt in a Suitcase

2016-11-23T00:48:00.001-08:00

Here's a quick guide on how to fold a suit and shirt to avoid wrinkling in your suitcase.

The Suit

First, lay the jacket flat:

The key is that all four panels are laying perfectly flat (front and back, including the vents). The pin is optional (I wouldn’t use it on cottons or fragile fabrics):

Flip the perfectly-flat jacket over:

Fold the side of the jacket, lined-up with the center back seam:

Flatten and smoothen the sleeve along the fold line:

Repeat on the other side:

Now to the trousers. Fold them in half, keeping the front crease in tact by inverting the front waistband (fly open):

One more fold to get the trousers into quarters:

Place the trousers on the top half of the jacket, waistband along the sleeve edge:

Fold the jacket in half over the trousers:

Flip it over. Boom.

The Shirt

Fully button the shirt and lay it on its front. Fold the right sleeve straight back at the shoulder:

Fold the sleeve upward over the center of the collar:

Fold the cuff (buttoned) downward:

Repeat with the left sleeve, on top of the right:

Fold the right side of the shirt over the folded sleeves, creating a straight fold roughly one inch from the edge of the collar:

Repeat with the left side over the right side:

Fold the bottom third of the shirt upward:

Fold one more time from where the hem landed. The first folded edge should land just below the collar:

Flip it over. Boom.

Finally, to really avoid wrinkling, place the garments in extra-large ziplock bags and seal them with a little air so that the garments do not get squashed by other items in your suitcase (the pressure creates wrinkles). For a video tutorial check out this guy – he really gets it.

Another trick to avoid being a wrinkled mess while traveling is removing all of the garments from your suitcase and hanging them on proper hangers ASAP upon arrival. If needed, most hotels have irons, too. If not, you could always get away with the old shower steamer trick.

Thanks for reading and safe travels!

Credit: Dan Trepanier

A Guide to Shirt Collar Styles

2016-11-22T01:07:00.000-08:00

A lot can be said about a man from his choice in collars. Today, we give you several options for collar styles to choose from.

Here are the most common styles in menswear, along with a little guidance.

The Forward Point Collar

Distinctive quality: the narrow space between the two collar points, which are often not covered by the jacket lapels.

Recommended for: traditionalists, minimalists, bowtie wearers, formal shirts, guys with round faces, narrow ties.

The Button-Down Collar

Distinctive quality: the buttons, of course.

Recommended for: casual settings, preppy guys, sportsmen, students, non-tie wearers.

The Spread Collar

Distinctive quality: the roughly 45 degree angle of the collar points.

Recommended for: businessmen, rich guys, men with large necks, wider neckties.

The Cutaway Collar

Distinctive quality: the severe angle of the collar points and the visible “noose” ends of the necktie.

Recommended for: fashionistos, statement makers, guys who wear Italian suits, guys with narrow faces.

The Club Collar

Distinctive quality: the rounded collar points (shown here with a collar pin).

Recommended for: club members, brainiacs, Ivy leaguers, guys who play by the rules, guys who appreciate exclusivity.

The Tab Collar

Distinctive quality: the hidden button that fastens the two collar points together under the tie knot (causing the knot to lift and the collar to crease at its midpoint).

Recommended for: guys with strong attention to detail, guys who hate collar flares, guys who take pride in their tie dimples, guys who enjoy the art of dressing.

The Power Collar

Distinctive quality: a taller neckband that has two buttons on the collar.

Recommended for: large athletic guys, guys with long necks, confident guys, substantial neckties, guys with large personalities.

The Band Collar

Distinctive quality: the lack of a collar, really. It’s just a neckband.

Recommended for: artists, outdoorsmen, guys who work with their hands, guys who enjoy layering, guys who are nostalgic about old times.

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Thanks, as always, for reading.

Credit: Dan Trepanier

The Capsule Wardrobe: Chocolate Linen

2016-11-18T07:06:00.001-08:00

Welcome!!! Hope you enjoyed the Men's Fashion History and how it evolves over the year. Here at Luxury Men we don’t want you to buy more clothes. We want you to buy the right clothes, so you can wear them comfortably and not have to replace them every year. A smart wardrobe is one that is built around versatility and longevity. Ideally, the majority of the pieces can be mixed-and-matched to create different outfits for different occasions.

To illustrate this point, here’s the first installment in our “Capsule Wardrobe” series, where we give an example of a smart wardrobe built around, what else, a tailored suit in a seasonal fabric. Here’s 10 pieces (with a couple accessories) to make 5 different outfits.

One 3/4 length khaki trench coat
One chocolate brown pure linen suit
One washed selvedge denim jacket
One green striped oxford shirt
One chestnut brown patterned silk tie
One long-sleeved striped linen crewneck
One pair of stone grey chinos
One pair of chocolate brown suede chelsea boots
One pair of cognac brown leather loafers
One brown felt fedora

All Business

A lightweight trench coat is an essential for Spring, especially if you live in a rainy climate. It’s functional, versatile, and it’s never going out of style. Trench coats like this were invented by the military to keep soldiers dry and anchor their weapons, and they’ve been a staple in classic menswear ever since.

Date Night

We just highlighted the uber-versatile slim-fit denim jacket. The chocolate suede chelsea boots are part of our current Spring Menswear.

Business Casual

A neutral chino, especially in light grey, is one of the best pieces you can invest your hard earned money in. Have them properly tailored and you’ll be wearing them for just about any occasion.

Dining Out

An unstructured suit jacket in a textured fabric, like this pure linen, is virtually identical to a sportcoat. It works just as well with chinos or jeans as it does with the matching trousers.

Weekend Chillin’

I really can’t say enough about unstructured suits in seasonal, textured fabrics. They are the foundation of my wardrobe, and the cornerstone of the upcoming Articles of Styletailoring collection. Just like the jacket, a well tailored suit trouser in a seasonal cloth can be a workhorse in your casual wardrobe too.

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I hope this gets you thinking about adding some versatility into your wardrobe and getting the best bang for your buck by investing in quality menswear that you can rely on.

Thanks, as always, for reading.

Credit: Dan Trepanier

A Brief History of Men’s Style - 2010s: The Evolution of Style Online

2016-11-17T05:30:00.000-08:00

2010s: The Evolution of Style Online

The 2010s have brought us the evolution of the “fashion star”. Fashion bloggers have become mainstream. On the one hand, suddenly fashion is in the hands of the people, producing a larger variety of styles, reviews, and opinions than ever before. On the other hand, those being watched are naturally encouraged to try harder and harder to stand out from the crowd. “Peacocking” became a menswear term in the early part of the decade for “trying too hard”, although men have generally become more confortable with subtle, tasteful styling.

This period also marked the widespread acceptance of online shopping. Style enthusiasts from all over the world now have access to more brands than ever, from the convenience of their homes. The internet also allowed for more start-up brands than ever, marketed using social media and funded with online resources like kick-starter. In a way, we’re starting to see the re-surgence of the small brand, fueled by the power of the internet and the desire for consumers to have something limited and exclusive. The best part is, middle men are getting cut-out every day. Department stores, who’s business is marking-up goods that have already been marked-up by the wholesaler, are losing their stranglehold on the market as designers now have a scalable solution to sell their products directly to their consumers.

Ultimately my hope for the future of menswear is that we can get back to the ideals of classic dress established in the 1930s, and gradually add personal influences from there. Its starts with understanding that there is one style that is best suited for each of us…our bodies, our lifestyles, our personalities, etc. Sure there is plenty of variation within that one style, but it shouldn’t require purchasing a new wardrobe every season, but rather adding well-made items to a lifetime collection of beautiful pieces that properly present, and represent, the wearer.

credit: Dan Trepanier

A Brief History of Men’s Style - 2000s: Hip-Hop & European Tailoring

2016-11-16T07:12:00.000-08:00

2000s: Hip-Hop & European Tailoring

Menswear in the new millennium was influenced primarily by hip-hop culture for the youth, and European “slim fit” tailoring for the older gents. The suit finally started to slim down, as the “European cut” became highly sought after in America, to the point where eventually it became hard to find stores that didn’t carry “slim fit”. The internet also made it easier for men to learn about menswear and share their opinions with fellow style enthusiasts. We saw the birth of the first menswear blogs, with this one starting in 2009.

credit: Dan Trepanier

A Brief History of Men’s Style - 1990s: Baggy Business Casual

2016-11-15T03:50:00.000-08:00

1990s: Baggy Business Casual

This may be perhaps the worst-dressed decade of them all. The fashion in the 1990s was the genesis of a sweeping shift in the western world: the beginning of the adoption of tattoos and body piercings. This brought back the indifferent, anti-conformist approach to fashion, leading to the popularization of the casual chic look; this included T-shirts, distressed jeans, oversized hoodies, and trainers. “Business Casual” also enters the lexicon as corporate offices generally become less formal, ultimately causing the suit to get bigger and uglier than ever.

credit: Dan Trepanier

A Brief History of Men’s Style - 1980s: Power Dressing

2016-11-11T06:29:00.000-08:00

1980s: Power Dressing

In the 1980s things got a little more serious, with broad shoulders framing power ties and suspenders. Bold colors and graphic patterns conveyed a new national confidence and businessmen took to power dressing with an emphasis on expensive clothing and gaudy accessories.

credit: Dan Trepanier

A Brief History of Men’s Style - 1970s: Disco Funk

2016-11-10T07:50:00.000-08:00

1970s: Disco Funk

The early 1970s were a continuation of late 1960s hippie rebel fashion. For men this particularly meant bell bottom jeans, tie dye shirts, and military surplus clothing. The most popular accessories of the early 1970s for men were homemade, with necklaces, headbands, and bracelets being made from all-natural materials such as wood, hemp, and leather.

Men began to wear stylish three-piece suits (which became available in a bewildering variety of colors) which were characterized by wide lapels, wide legged or flared trousers, and high-rise waistcoats. Neckties became wider and bolder, and shirt collars became long and pointed as the “disco funk” was all the rage.

credit: Dan Trepanier

A Brief History of Men’s Style - 1960s: Rebellion & Individuality

2016-11-09T08:02:00.000-08:00

1960s: Rebellion & Individuality

The 1960s were a decade of unrest and rebellion against the establishment and the conservatism that was celebrated in the 1950s. Clothing reflected this new attitude, especially with the youth who were more concerned with self-expression and individuality than classical dressing by the “rulebook”. The clothing industry caught on to this new wave with the youth, and offered a plethora of styles. Stores carried more variety than ever. It was approaching an “anything goes” period, where often the thing that mattered the most was not what you wore, but what you didn’t wear.

The was also the first time that fathers began looking to their sons for advice. The first time in history that grown men wanted to look young and care-free. This trend, of course, only took us further away from the rules of elegance that were established in the 1930s.

credit: Dan Trepanier

Luxury Men BriefCases

7 Men's Fragrances Set To Become Future Classics

Paco Rabanne 1 Million

Frederic Malle Monsieur

Dior Sauvage

Dunhill ICON

Christian Dior Leather Oud

Byredo Super Cedar

Chanel Allure Homme Sport

The 15 Best Trainers Of 2016

BAIT x Diadora Shrek N9000

Adidas Gazelle GTX London

Puma Clyde Select Away

Nike Roshe LD 1000

Adidas Skateboarding Busenitz Pro 10-Year Edition

Clarks Torcourt Super

Highsnobiety x Adidas Consortium Ultra Boost

Nike Air Max 97 Silver

Ronnie Fieg Asics Gel Mai Militia

J.Crew x New Balance Moonshot 997

Adidas Stan Smith Primeknit Wool

Adidas Moskva City Series

Beauty & Youth x Reebok Club C

Adidas Yeezy Boost 350 V2

GROOMING FOR MEN

A Man's Life In 8 Fragrances

A Boy’s First Fragrance

The ‘Fit In’ Fragrance

The Scent Of Dating Success

The Eau De Toilette To Wear At The Altar

The ‘F**k You!’ Fragrance

A Scent For A Man In His Forties

The ‘I’ve Arrived’ Fragrance

The Finely Matured Fragrance

5 Boots Every Man Should Own

Black Chelsea Boots

Example Styles

Suede Desert Boots

Example Styles

Hiking Boots

Example Styles

Brown Leather Brogue Boots

Example Styles

Work Boots

Example Styles

Credit: Murray Clark

How To Pronounce Everything In Fashion

The Best-Dressed Premier League Managers

1. Pep Guardiola

2. Antonio Conte

3. José Mourinho

4. Arsène Wenger

5. Bob Bradley

7 Of The Most Stylish Men You've (Probably) Never Heard Of

Alan Ferguson

Anderson .Paak

Simon Porte Jacquemus

Eric Rutherford

Matthew Healy

Roberto Raro

Vincent Cassel

10 Of The Most Versatile Men's Bag

Mi-Pac Classic Backpack

Ralph Lauren Polo Sport Nylon Duffle Bag

Harvest Label Brick Urban Sling Pack

R.M. Williams RMW City Medium Overnight Bag

Graf Lantz 1951 Carrier

ASOS Barrel Bag

Want Les Essentiels Kastrup Backpack

Cambridge Satchel Company Classic Batchel

Ted Baker Small Clipper Holdall

Nudie Jeans Mattsson Patched Denim Tote

What Makes a Bag a Perfect Everyday Carry?

It goes with everything

It's the right size

It has a smart shape

It's durable

It has style chops

It has handy outside pockets

It doubles as a briefcase

The ‘Fk You!’ Fragrance**