I’m always interested in single-product brands and how they progress. It seems to me the sensible way to start out. Ralph Lauren famously started with ties, Alexander Wang with his capsule line of cashmeres and Palmer Harding are doing well with their inventive shirt-based pieces. (more…)
Valextra is about to get a whole lot more attention and I’m slightly torn. New design director Alvaro Gonzalez (previously at Jimmy Choo) has injected a glam fashion element to the Valextra SS14 offer with some shinier textures and softer shapes. Just look at the Trick Track in alligator below. I was always a fan of Valextra’s quiet modernist aesthetic so I’m hoping it won’t lose that, but I can’t deny that these bags are going to bring it more mainstream attention. (I have a hunch there will be more celebrity gifting too.)
Some of the designs showed up on Instagram. You can have a peek here…
A new leathergoods name on my radar: La Contrie. It’s not cheap, it’s all bespoke and beautifully made – think Hermes, and you’re on the right track. The simple shapes in luxe skins stood out for me, particularly this crocodile bag…
Oh look, Mr DRG’s been fantasy shopping again! Here’s a look at his autumn picks…
TOP ROW
Plaid jacket, £845, Saint Laurent
Pure Brando in ‘On The Waterfront’, this is a great take on that classic look, but with a slightly longer body and sharper lines. Just the thing to keep out the chill on November 5th.
Leather snaffle loafers, £385, Gucci
Having worn Gucci loafers on and off for the last 20+ years, I coudn’t resist a pair of these recently (and that’s despite the distasterous purchase of a raffia pair back in the summer, which didn’t wear at all well). Pleasingly, Gucci has reverted to the classic 1953 shape, having wandered from this in various ways over the years, and as with most things in life, the original is the best. The only question I have is when and why did they decide to rename the snaffle a horse-bit?
Navy baby alpaca-blend coat £1,440, MP di Massimo Piombo
A beautiful double-breasted overcoat that’s clearly heavily inspired by the late 50s and early 60s. This is the sort of thing that I imagine the smartest original mods may have worn while frequenting Soho’s smokey jazz clubs.
SECOND ROW
Hammered silver card case, £900, Bunney
An elegant, if extravagant, card holder from the very talented Mr Bunney. Clearly a luxe item, it manages to be decidedly un-bling and played down due to the hammer-tone finish. Andrew, if you’re reading this, a Zippo case in the same would be rather nice…
Black Pepper shaving oil, £18, Molton Brown
A recent discovery, and one that I can highly recommend. Having used Kiehl’s products for years, the company inexplicably decided to cease manufacturing its Close Shavers shaving oil. Initially peeved, I was forced to research alternatives, and this led me to the Molton Brown oil, which I’m actually finding to be a far better option for me. Brands take note – you risk losing loyal consumers when you stop a popular product line without immediately offering a replacement!
Trainers, £75, Nike Air Pegasus
I’m not often seen in a running shoe these days, but the Nike Pegasus has a special place in my heart. Back in ’85 I was the proud owner of a pair of graphite and silver Pegasus GX, and these – together with the Internatlionalist – were the shoes to have, or at least they were in my part of the world. I love the wide-weave mesh on this update, and the new colourway feels both authentic and modern. Top marks to the Nike heritage dept.
