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.
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.
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.
A man's feet are like the girders supporting a bridge. They are an integral piece of the human body that must be respected and protected. A great deal can be learned about a man from the keen observation of his choices in shoes. The right pair affords a man both strength and protection. Without proper footwear, even Atlas could not support the weight of the world.
A bespoke shoe can be worn with pride, knowing that it has been made to support every idiosyncratic angle of one's own foot. The cordwainer's trained hands give you entree to generations of gentlemanly culture, from the carving of the last to the selection of the finest materials, the application of hundreds of steps of leather work and stitchery, down to the presentation and final fitting of the personalized end product. If you can only afford this experience once in a lifetime, the cost, time and effort are well worth it and repaid ten-fold in comfort and quality.
Below is a photograph of HRH Prince Charles of Wales touring the facilities of John Lobb, observing shoemaking history in the collection of lasts.
For those who would like to take in the John Lobb experience before committing to the bespoke process, below is a gorgeous John Lobb ready-to-wear shoe, the William II Boot.
For those interested in high end shoes from the United States, a great choice is shoemaker George Esquivel. Mr. Esquivel's custom shoes generally run from $800.00 to $4,000.00 USD with his ready to wear line between $500.00 and $1,000.00 USD.
Like a peacock's colorful plumage, certain shoes make a bold, graphic statement for the modern dandy... "I am here". A man's powerful expression of self confidence and non-conformity while retaining decorum and style.
The above shoe is from designer Giacomo Morelli's Giacomorelli Shoe line. This shoe exhibits characteristics reminiscent of fashion of the 18th century. These shoes are available here.
Below is a pair of snakeskin shoes from Fratelli Borgioli.
Next is a pair of antique finish Teak colored shoes from Salvatore Ferragamo, the Farese 2 lace-ups. A tasteful statement shoe, I must say. Available here.
Below, gorgeous peacock blue lace ups from Lanvin.
Lanvin's incredibly talented designer, Lucas Ossendrijver, surrounded by a wall of shoes.
In certain situations, a more rugged aesthetic is called for. Whether chopping wood at the lodge in preparation for cooler weather, surveying your vines in the vineyard, or traversing the landscape of Williamsburg, Brooklyn - these boots will do the trick.
Meanwhile, let the smell of the leather inspire you to take in a glass of Lagrein from the Alto Adige.
Below, Saddle Oxford inspired boots from Billy Reid. Southern charm at its refined best. Available here.
Above, an excellent desert-island pair of Alexander McQueen boots that look both well-worn, tough and immaculate all at once. Below, the man himself. Attending the McQueen show at the Metropolitan Museum of Art was a highlight, the five hour long line an astonishing tribute to the man's genius. Rest in peace, dear Sir.
Now, some reinterpreted classics for today's man. Beneath, a photograph of talented shoe designer Mr. Hare walking the brisk streets of London sporting a note-perfect outfit for the birth of fall.
A great example of Mr. Hare's handiwork, a modern interpretation of the saddle shoe, 'Zukies'. Are you ready for this?
Below, the 'Dorney' from Church & Co. Inimitable British style with a tiny hint of crimson to keep you perfectly on trend. Fine handiwork.
A pair of must-have laceless wingtip Oxfords from Florsheim by Duckie Brown. A most desirable honey color for a most desirable pair of classic shoes.
Below, perfect shoes for those compulsory black-tie events that come up every season. Look sharp, gentlemen. The Ferragamo clan have done it again.
Menswear designer Thom Browne looking sharp in crisp black and white. Below, Mr. Browne's superb black boots for Moncler Gamme Bleu with his signature red white and blue accents. The man can seemingly do no wrong.
Time to relax and take it easy. Time to take off the dress shoes and move into some more leisurely attire.
These shoes from Creative Recreation will do the job just fine. 'Turino'. Spartan, modernist and affordable. Available here.
Below, two twists on the classic basketball shoe from PF Flyers. Tasteful pops of color to complete your outdoor attire.
Next, the Prada Grip-Strap shoe in black for fall. Properly understated. Thanks, Miuccia.
In celebration of one of history's ultimate men's men, this delightful blue shoe from Clae is named for famed deep sea explorer Jacques Cousteau. This brash reimagination of the classic boat shoe brings a bit of well needed levity to the seas.
