Sleek gloves and a knit with a storied history: the latest men's style news
Our expert on the pieces to see you through the depths of winter in style...
All in hand
The vogue for industrial-strength outerwear – which has been one of the key stories of the streetwear revolution – doesn’t mean that the basic requirements of a winter wardrobe can be overlooked. That is, it must keep one’s extremities warm. Fortunately, nothing sets off a well-groomed appearance quite like a pair of premium-leather gloves.
Cashmere-lined styles may appear comforting but could give too much insulation, particularly in the city. Do look for those useful details that improve on protection, though, whether that’s an elasticated cuff, a zip detail, or something more technical (most likely a combination of nappa and neoprene). Accessories rarely deserve ‘essential’ status, but the offerings this winter from Ralph Lauren, Prada and Mulberry, to name a few, are very much the exception.
Good sports
Since the late 1980s, the British heritage sporting-goods company Holland & Holland has been owned by Chanel, and it consistently exhibits a degree of flair generally absent from the sector. The reason: the appointment in 2016 of Isabella Cawdor and her friend Stella Tennant as co-designers of its ready-to-wear collections.
The pair have elevated ‘country casual’ to a whole new level, most recently in a fit-for-purpose autumn/winter collection that’s rich in mossy-coloured moleskins and well-cut corduroy – and at least one example of pitch-perfect peacockery. This V-neck sleeveless patchwork jumper has been inspired by a similar item knitted by Tennant’s godmother, Lady Victoria Percy, for her husband, Aidan Cuthbert, back in the 1970s.
"He was that perfect English gentleman," explains Tennant. "His sartorial style was… eccentric is a bit too strong a word, but certainly a bit surprising. He knew what he liked, and that made an impression on me. A lot of clothes we design for Holland & Holland are quite classic, so we try and make updated versions that are luxurious and fun." £690,hollandandholland.com
Bill Prince is the deputy editor of British GQ
Sign up for the Telegraph Luxury newsletter for your weekly dose of exquisite taste and expert opinion.
