Getting Hot

The season's outrageous heat has begun. You can see it on the faces of the passers-by on the street, in the sweaty attire adhering to every human being not enclosed in a climate controlled zone, in the dizzying optical waves of heat rising from the blacktop in the noonday sun.

Great hats are a necessity in this unforgiving climate. With so many choices available, why settle for just one?

Above is a classic two tone Panama hat from Lanvin available at Barneys New York. The cream and grey are a perfect complement.

Above is a wonderful vintage Milano style woven hat by Julius Garfinckel and Company available from one of my favorite stores on Etsy - PearlModern. The perfect hat for leisurely rowing on Central Park Lake or sitting beachside at a resort as the waves roll in.

Above, Mr. Theophilus London in a fantastic summer ensemble including a brilliant camel colored hat.

  
Below is a great cotton hat from Lock & Co Hatters in an eye-catching grey, navy and red plaid. Available from Mr. Porter.

Above, the contrast fedora from Etro - Available here. A very tasteful combination of patterns shows true artistry.

Below, the Funk hat in grey caviar double face with elephant-grey shiny lambskin trim from Hermès. Simply elegant.

Below is a photograph of the inimitable Don Cheadle looking suave while beating the summer heat in a great straw hat.

Below, a great straw fedora by Albertus Swanepoel. Available from Barneys New York.

Below, the Singer Sargent hat from Worth and Worth, available here.

 

Below, a delightful ad from quality French hatmakers Mossant. Quite debonair. There was such a magic to old advertising posters that has been lost in the digital age.

A great woven flame pattern two tone Panama hat from Agnes B. This one really makes a statement without being vulgar or verging on the ridiculous.

 

The Woven Super Sport 750 from Worth and Worth. Available from Hatshop.com. 

Below, it was apparently too hot for Michael Fassbender. Here, he keeps cool with a great stingy brimmed hat.

Beneath is a photograph of a linen flat cap by Borsalino available at Harrods.  Classically understated European style that is perfect for reflecting those harsh sun rays.

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.