24 November 2011

Ode to Fallen Leaves - Current Inspiration and Exceptional Gifts for Gents


It has been a jam-packed season, darting around from one international terminal to another with hardly enough time to get fitted for a new winter wardrobe, but I make time because style comes first and the Alps aren't going anywhere...

While lingering over a stellar Armagnac, I peruse the overwhelming gift giving options presented to me. One must think thematically when choosing the perfect gifts. For instance, this year I am thinking about Bauhaus architecture and the French avant-garde. Maybe you visited a chateau over the summer and you just can't get the Chinoiserie out of your head. Play on these aesthetic themes when choosing the right gifts and it is no longer a chore, but an adventure.








Below, a gorgeous George II style giltwood mantel mirror available from N.P. Trent antiques. This would set off a modern fireplace with incredible panache.





Magis Proust chair designed by Alessandro Mendini, romantic baroque with a modern pop of color.



Below, the Arne Jacobsen Ox Chair, 1960s. Perfect for the end of a long day.




Gemini Towers, Copenhagen, Denmark.








Howard Hughes wasn't crazy. Just eccentric. Very eccentric. I'm crazy about this camel colored fedora made by Hückel of Czechoslovakia available from PearlModern.


                                                                                                                                     


Errol Flynn looks great above in his fedora, pipe in hand.


Above, a great hat and jacket combination from GQ, 1967.

Men need to have the guts to wear the animal print jacket below. Why be overly conservative?


Below, actor Gabriel Mann of television's "Revenge" sporting two seasonal looks with style.





Bill Nighy was very impressive in the Masterpiece Contemporary spy drama "Page Eight". Intrigue and great clothes alongside excellent performances from Michael Gambon, Judy Davis and Rachel Weisz. I'll take that scarf right now.



Below, one of my absolute furniture favorites, the Milo Baughman burled rosewood and maple campaign desk. This desk is well built, looks wonderful from all angles and anchors a room. There really should be a coffee table book of Mr. Baughman's designs featuring his innovations.








This outfit was worn by Steve Buscemi while portraying the infamous Nucky Thompson on HBO's "Boardwalk Empire".  Fine period styling and still wearable today. Below, a modern take on the lapel pin from Lanvin.





The photo above depicts an outfit I would like to see Werner Herzog (pictured below) wearing.



Werner Herzog book recommendation:




One should never attempt to read a book without the proper lighting. This Tiffany Studios Damascene lamp does the trick perfectly with understated style.                                                        Available Here





Below, Alexander Skarsgård's hair looks impeccable in this photo by Inez and Vinoodh.




Yves Saint Laurent presents his stern side while finely attired.








 A gentleman's classic car. The Muntz Jet from 1953. Wonderful lines.






Above, a handsome double breasted notch lapel jacket from Hentsch Man. This could be a go to piece for any man's wardrobe.


Below, a ribbed shawl collar sweater from Maison Martin Margiela.




A wonderful holiday gift from Hermès, the Samarcande Cristal paperweight. Elegant and useful.