‘Tis the season for festive color palates, warm drinks and feelings of comfort. ‘Tis also the season for long work days, crazy schedules, last-minute shopping and feelings of being overwhelmed. Does anyone else find it ironic that a season that’s packed with excitement has the ability to breed such feelings of anxiety?
I, for one, am not going to let the stress of the holidays affect my enjoyment of them this year. No, sir. This year it’s all about putting the excitement back into the Christmas spirit! And the way I’m going to try to do it is with style.
| WEARING | Daniele Alessandrini Grey coat, J.Crew blazer, Al Bazar shirt, Pants c/o Banana Republic, Reiss tie, Oliver Peoples sunglasses, Brooks Brothers gloves, Suitsupply shoes | PHOTOGRAPHY | by Rob McIver Photo
I had something of a minor style epiphany when we were over in Europe a couple weeks ago. And that epiphany had to do with the power that dressing classically and simply with an attention to detail has on my daily outlook on just about everything.
I’ve always been more or less a classic style guy, but hanging out with my friend Giampaolo Alliata reinforced that stance – that classics never go out of style. Dressing that way is easy (for me, at least) because it feels right. And it has an unquestionable effect on my mood – just what I need for the holidays!
I’ve discussed the importance of choosing the right fragrance based on the time of year before. The time of day makes a difference as well. If cologne is the final detail you add to your look, this is something to be sure to pay attention to.
| NIGHT & DAY | A scent for day and a scent for night. Lacoste’s L.12.12 Blanc and Noir help you with that perfect day/night transition.
Recently, I’ve been alternating between two fragrances from Lacoste – L.12.12 Blanc and Noir. Both are perfect for the winter season. Blanc is fresh and clean with notes of wood, while Noir is a bit richer with elegant notes of absinthe, chocolate and lavender – perfect for the evening.
Thanks for reading.
Stylishly Yours,
Brian Sacawa
He Spoke Style
In partnership with Lacoste. The opinions expressed herein are mine alone and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Lacoste.
One aspect of the trip that made it so enjoyable – other than the scenery, of course – were the many innovative features of our 7 Series. Here are just a few of my favorites.
Active Cruise Control. I have to tell you that this was one of my most favorite features of the car. We’re all familiar with cruise control – and having to constantly deactivate, reactivate and adjust when the car you’re following decides to change speeds. With active cruise control, our car would “see” the car in front of us and automatically react to changes in speed. If the car in front slowed down, our car would slow down – automatically. Same if it sped up. Plus, I could set four different follow distances.
This kind of self-driving feature was completely new to me and took a little bit of practice and trust to get used to. However, once I did, it made the trip so much more comfortable and relaxing because all of those small accelerations, decelerations and just plain thinking about the car in front of you add up over the course of six hours or so and take a mental and physical toll.
Gesture Control. With BMW Gesture Control, selected functions can be operated by means of defined hand movements. Simple gestures such as swiping or pointing are identified in the recognition area above the center console and trigger a specific function.
You saw in the video me using gesture commands to operate some of the car’s features, including the Bowers and Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System as well as a custom gesture – the two finger point – which I could assign to any function. (In my case it was simply to return to the main menu.) A feature like Gesture Control isn’t just next-level luxury, it’s the cutting edge of innovation and the future of luxury.
Concierge.BMW Concierge Service is like having your own private butler/personal assistant right in the car. And for someone like me who’s always on the go and traveling to new places both stateside and abroad, it’s an incredibly convenient and invaluable tool.
For example, if I’m in a foreign city and looking for a nice place to eat (or a high-end cigar shop), with the push of a button, I can talk to a representative at the BMW Call Center who will hook me up with the info I need, including sending the address straight to the car’s Navigation System. A much safer option than fumbling around with a cell phone while driving, which, of course, you should never do.
On our way from Zürich to Milan, we actually used the Concierge to find out traffic information. About halfway through the trip, traffic came to a complete standstill in the Alps. The Concierge let us know there’d been an accident and that we’d be moving again in 15 minutes. Where has this service been my entire life?!
Massage Function. You know how when you’re on a long road trip and about two or three hours in you start to get cramped up and uncomfortable? Yeah, I know that feeling. It’s something I experienced more than a few times on the long drives from Zürich to Milan and again from Milan to Munich.
Usually, there are only two options for relief: 1) stop for a bit to get out of the car and stretch or 2) suck it up and deal with it. BUT, in the 7 Series there was a third option which I (and Rob in the passenger seat and Robin in the back seat) took full advantage of – the massage function.
Surround View & 3D Top View. Though my parallel parking skills are considered legendary by some, parking a large vehicle is not easy. I’m not going to lie. So the surround view – yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like, cameras all around the car – as well as the birds-eye top view were helpful and welcome innovations.
Thanks for reading. More European adventures coming up!
The luxury watch world is one I’ve generally admired from afar for a couple reasons. First, there’s a slight barrier to entry – you’ve got to make the commitment to seriously invest in a luxury timepiece – but also because there are so many bona fide watch geeks out there that for a relative novice, it’s somewhat intimidating.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years, it’s that even if something is overwhelming or intimidating, if you’re thirsty enough for knowledge, you’ve just got to jump in and start learning. Which is why when I recently had a chance to get my hands on the new Raymond Weil Freelancer Piper Automatic Chronograph, I jumped at the chance to check it out. Here’s what I thought.
| WEARING | Montezemolo topcoat, Reiss blazer, Al Bazar shirt, Pants c/o Banana Republic, Raymond Weil Freelancer Piper watch, Vintage silver bracelet, Drake’s tie, Paul Stuart leather driving gloves | PHOTOGRAPHY | by Rob McIver Photo
Despite the fact that this watch is a collaboration between Raymond Weil and Piper Aircraft, there’s very little cross-branding going on. In other words, you don’t see Piper logos on the watch, which aesthetically speaking isn’t necessarily such a bad thing. They do include a model of a Piper Aircraft with each watch.
The airline-inspired details are subtle and stylish. Take the sub-seconds dial at 9 o.clock, which has horizontal lines to allude to an airplane’s altitude indicator. Also, the handset and chronograph second hand has some detailing at the tip that resembles the propeller blades on the front of a plane.
There are also some nods to a classic pilot’s watch, including GMT time along the outer edge of the watch face. One of the nicest touches on the watch, in my opinion, is that the GMT hand is only red at the very end, which reduces potential distraction from the rest of the face. You’ve also got a chronograph with minutes at 12 o’clock and hours at 6 o’clock as well as a tachometer on the bezel.
The case is large at 45mm, but not as big as some pilot’s watches. In fact, I tend to stay away from this style of watch because of size – I’ve got a small wrist – but I have to say that this one fits quite well.
Thanks for reading.
Stylishly Yours,
Brian Sacawa
He Spoke Style
In partnership with Raymond Weil. The opinions expressed herein are mine alone and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Raymond Weil.
To some, my affinity for Milan comes as something of a surprise. Venice, Florence and Rome, for example, all have that sort of fairytale Italian look and beauty – as in, the look that we envision in our heads when we think about Italy. Milan, by contrast, can be a little dreary sometimes. It certainly does have it’s fair share of beautiful architecture, but it’s also a true metropolis with a pronounced modern feel, not just a tourist attraction.
Because of that, Milan has always felt more authentic to me in a certain way. It feels like you’re walking with real Italians – people just going about their work and their day – and not just throngs of tourists. It’s that balance of history and heritage with a modern sensibility that appeals to me so much about the city.
After our journey through the Alps and an extremely restful night at our hotel, our first stop in Milan was a lovely breakfast meeting with Matteo Perego di Cremnago at Cambiaghi, a luxury handmade hat and leather goods boutique. If you buy into my description of Milan – that it’s an exquisite and elegant balance of heritage and modernity – then Cambiaghi would be considered a quintessentially Milanese brand.
Founded in 1880 by Matteo’s great-grandfather, Giuseppe Cambiaghi, his eponymous brand became synonymous with quality and Italian craftsmanship. In fact, in a matter of just a few short decades, Cambiaghi grew from its humble roots to a global company that was producing eight million hats a year. That was a hundred years ago. Think about that. For Matteo, continuing the Cambiaghi brand is all about carrying on the memory and passion of his family.
The quality and craftsmanship that helped distinguish Cambiaghi a century ago is still evident today. I could feel that quality just putting on one of the their classic hat designs. It really embodies everything I love about menswear and men’s style – classic styling with a fine attention to detail that reveals itself upon closer inspection.
| A SENSE OF HISTORY | Matteo keeps a book of old Cambiaghi photos around as a reminder of the heritage he is carrying on.
In the case of my hat, that includes the band consisting of three separate strips of leather – each one a different color but so subtle you hardly notice – the unassuming brass buckle that fastens the band and the hidden mirror on the inside of the crown. A classic with a few perfect contemporary updates.
Aside from the obvious quality of materials and care that had gone into the design craftsmanship of each Cambiaghi piece, I was doubly impressed with Matteo’s resolve to keep the brand at a place where those things were always of primary concern. There’s something virtuous about being content with one’s place.
That’s not to say Matteo doesn’t want the brand to grow, but right now he’s more interested in cultivating a devoted clientele and focusing on what really matters – timeless design and high quality craftsmanship. It’s not pretentious to say that your brand isn’t for everyone. It’s noble. After all, this isn’t fast fashion. Respect.
That focus on individuals is why Cambiaghi also offers custom pieces. If you’ve ever gotten a custom suit made, you know what it feels like to have something that’s made just for you. There’s really nothing quite like it – you feel a true sense of ownership as the garment is unique to you and an extension of your personality.
Of course, it takes a combination of craftsmanship and exquisite materials to deliver a high-quality custom product. And the new BMW 7 Series Individual Collection gives the owner that same sense of custom control over the interior of their vehicle. We actually got to check one of these machines out when we picked our car up in Zürich.
It’s hard to put into words a sensory experience like sitting in one of these seats – leathers from special breeds of cattle, the contrast stitching and hand-woven braided leather piping details. But that’s okay because quality and style can communicate things – your personal tastes, your personal style, your values – in a way that words could never express.
| A PERSONAL EXPRESSION | The BMW 7 Series Individual Collection give the owner the ability to customize many interior details of their 7 Series with high-quality leathers and trims.
The older I get and the more I experience, I notice a definite pattern in my tastes – I am drawn to people, places and things that are steeped in history and tradition but that don’t get so caught up in that sense of heritage that they remove themselves from contemporary relevance due to stubborn attitudes about change.
I am also drawn to quality and passion. In everything – especially when it comes to design. I always want something that’s timeless and will never go out of style. Doesn’t matter whether it’s a custom suit, an accessory like a watch or a hat, or a car. It’s one of the reasons I’ve always been a BMW lover.
Body styles will change, new features will be added, there will always be updates and improvements for safety and performance. But you always know a BMW when you see one. It’s iconic.
And when you’re dealing with an icon, you don’t go messing around with its DNA and all the stuff that helped it reach its iconic status. That was one of the big takeaways from my conversation with Matteo about what he’s doing with Cambiaghi.
What you can tinker with, however, are the details. And the new BMW 7 Series is a great example of how attention to these sorts of small details can pay big dividends when it comes to precision, elegance and refinement.
While not technically a seasonal pattern, chances are you’ll be seeing Tartan pop up more and more as we get closer to the holidays – probably mainly due to it’s traditional red and green colors. Regardless, it’s a classic menswear pattern with an incredibly rich history.
At its most basic definition, Tartan is a plaid like many others, consisting of criss-crossing perpendicular lines. The weave itself is a simple twill, and the vertical and horizontal lines are spaced evenly apart so that the pattern appears in squares, as opposed to rectangles. In whole, the particular combination of colors and the pattern that they are woven in is called a ‘sett.’
Tartan is almost always associated with Scotland, but the earliest uses have been found far from the UK, among the Celtic tribes of central Europe. However, the pattern definitely set down roots in the British Isles, and is largely considered a Scottish tradition.
In Scotland, the coloration and patterning of setts was originally determined largely by region – weavers would use certain colors that were more available to them based on their location. As the cloth became more widely traded, and purchasers were not limited to setts from their immediate surroundings, people were able to choose setts based on their personal aesthetic preferences – the same as we would today. Of course, certain colors would come in and out of favor, but there was no deeper underlying meaning.
Now here’s where it gets really interesting – without getting too deep into the history of the British Isles, the 1700s were a time of great turmoil, and the Scottish Highland clans (who traditionally sported regional Tartan uniforms in battle), found themselves continuously on the side of the rebel Jacobite armies. When they were defeated definitively in the battle of Culloden in 1746, the British government, as part of their efforts to permanently crush the clan system, banned Tartan dress with legislation that lasted until 1782.
By the time the law was repealed, many of the original producers and designers of Tartan patterns were deceased, and the tradition was largely lost. As such, when Tartan plaid came back into fashion in the early 1800s, new patterns were invented and many (if not all) of today’s Tartans actually have no direct link to any historic clans or regions.
These days, the most popular Tartan pattern is by far the Blackwatch plaid, likely because it’s utilization of dark green and blue colors is more subdued than many other brighter (sometimes garish) colors, and therefore easier to work into an everyday outfit. While you can still find authentic traditional Scottish pieces like kilts (and heck, bagpipes) decked out in the pattern, these days it is much more common as a shirting fabric (found often in heavier pieces like oxfords and flannels), neckwear (again, in more seasonal fabrics like wool), and outerwear (a favored punch of color for garments like duffle coats, or as a lining on more traditional macs and trenches).
That said, as the holidays approach, keep an eye out for those bolder, brighter patterns that herald in the season as they show up everywhere from your favorite menswear garments to festive accoutrements all the way down to wrapping paper and ribbons!
I’ve alluded more than once here on HSS that I’m big on the classic Italian gentleman style. Well-tailored suits cut from beautiful cloth, a nice pair of loafers or double monk straps and a couple great accessories with just a little flair not only make you look good, but also make you feel good. Right? Because style isn’t just how you dress, but how you live. And often these go hand in hand.
Our biggest picture of Italian style here in the states largely comes from Pitti street style photos. In them, we see guys going all out with boldness – colors, accessories, layering, high-low. And while there are certainly a few elements of Pitti style that transcend the peacocking, not all Italian men dress like the dudes at Pitti.
Beyond the peacocks, there are plenty of gentleman who just dress nicely but have that little bit of style something that’s hard to put into words. We’ll meet one of them on HSS tomorrow.
I’m not an Italian, nor do I have any Italian heritage, but that doesn’t preclude me from an affinity for Italian style. One of the most important elements to fall/winter style is a great coat. Doesn’t matter whether it’s an overcoat or a topcoat – yes, there’s a difference – it’s just got to fit great.
Judging by the comments here, on Facebook and elsewhere, many of you have really been digging the topcoat I’ve been favoring this season. It’s by Daniele Alessandrini Grey and is actually on sale right now. Every once in a while you hit a homerun with a piece and I’m glad I picked this one up.
The classic Italian gentleman always seems to work within a neutral color palate. Just to reiterate: it’s okay to keep it classic. It’s not boring, it’s impressive – especially if your clothes fit you right. Let your neutral suit be a blank canvas and add a little bit of color with your accessories, like ties, pocket squares and hats.
Thanks for reading and stay tuned tomorrow for a very special feature.
It reminded me of that famous scene in Goodfellas, when Ray Liotta walks Lorraine Bracco into the Copacabana, greeting everybody along the way. Henry Hill seems to know everybody, or at least, everybody seems to know him. That’s how it felt walking into Acqua Pazza with Giampaolo Alliata that night in Milan.
I first met Giampaolo a year ago, when he was still working as a sales manager at Al Bazar. (N.B. He has since moved on and can now be found at the Doriani Cashmere sartorial room at Via S. Andrea.) After being greeted at the door by Lino Ieluzzi and judged to not be able to communicate aptly in Italian, I was quickly introduced to Giampaolo, who speaks English fluently. (Lino’s English is about as good as my Chinese.)
Everything about Giampaolo exuded elegance, class, knowledge, generosity and positivity. He knew my shirt size without measuring me. He determined that I needed my blazer taken in one centimeter on each side to fit perfectly. He suggested a nice restaurant for dinner and told us to mention to the owner that we were friends so they’d take care of us. He pointed me down the street to a small boutique that sold his (and now mine as well) favorite cologne.
| MEET ME AT THE GREEN DRAGON | Having some fun at one of the quintessentially Milanese water fountains.
Some people command attention simply by being the loudest guy in the room or, in style terms, the one who dresses the flashiest. But others achieve the same result through more subtle means – by something cultivated throughout a lifetime. You don’t need to be a peacock to be intriguing. Giampaolo is one of those people.
Our visit to Cambiaghi the previous morning got me thinking a lot about permanent fashion, classic style and what it means for something (or someone) to be iconic. Of course with anything, over time there are elements that change, but for me, a true icon is someone or something that is still recognizable because of something embedded in its very being – a design signature, a confidence, an undefined aura.
Whether you realize it or not, you’ve probably seen Giampaolo. He’s on the cover of Closer by Scott Schuman, walking across a street much like we are in this post. While there are a few things that are different between his cover photo and our photos here – a different outfit, a little older, more salt and less pepper – he is still unmistakably himself.
That quality of being recognizable despite years going by, culture evolving, and trends coming and going was what I was getting at when I was talking about the DNA of BMW recently. The car, whether you’re looking at a 1970s model or the new 7 Series, distinctly a BMW. There’s something to be said about anything that transcends trends and retains its character. And that something is overwhelmingly positive.
Thanks for reading. And as Giampaolo likes to sign off on his Instagram: Be gentle, be generous… Peace, love and a lot of passion!
The idea of drinking whiskey like a gentleman is primarily to not do it a disservice. At HSS, we feel that anything crafted with such care and passion should be enjoyed correctly. Here are five ways to make sure you’re drinking your whiskey like a gentleman.
1. Know your whiskey. If you love whiskey then take time to educate yourself as much as you can in the subject and share your knowledge for the greater good of enjoying your chosen spirit. Know the regions and types as well as your own preferences to avoid poor selections. When asked, explain what you are drinking, its merits and why you prefer it.
2. Sip with care and intention. Gentleman don’t do shots. Avoid inebriation and all the pitfalls involved in the pursuit thereof. Take the time to swirl your glass and nose your whiskey before you taste it. Sip slowly so you can focus on the complexity and flavors of your selection. Enjoy and savor each sip and the journey it takes over your palate from start to finish.
3. One drink at a time in the right vessel. Avoid using improper glassware for sprit sipping like highball glasses or pint glasses. Also, filling your glass more than a quarter full or ordering a double will degrade your ability to swirl your spirit as well as ruining the nosing of your drink. An overly full glass could also give the appearance of bad intentions.
4. Friends first. Always pour your company’s drink first. If your unsure of their willingness to partake, then allow them the option to pour for themselves. This also applies if you pull out a flask, as I am known to do so often. Don’t forget to give fair warning if you are drinking barrel proof or cask strength spirits.
5. Give a gift. A carefully selected bottle of whiskey is a great gentleman’s gift. If your friend has a certain preference like bourbon or Irish whiskey, then find a limited or special release. Do a little research and acquire something typically hard to find. Accompany your gift with a note on why the bottle is special.
I’ve never been too big on making New Year’s resolutions, but the time has come to start thinking about that. Rather than the stereotypical eat right and exercise more variety, I’m going to break my no-New Year’s resolution streak this year by making mine menswear-focused. Here are three style-related New Year’s resolution ideas I’ve got on my mind. Hopefully, they’ll inspire you as well.
Keep it classic. In the nearly three years I’ve been writing HSS, it’s been interesting to monitor shifts in the menswear industry, especially online. It’s crazy to think that the resurgence of classic men’s style was a trend, but I honestly think there might be something to that idea. I plan on getting into that topic in greater depth in my annual trends that need to die post.
I don’t think classic men’s style is ever going to go away, but the public’s awareness and acceptance of it is directly related to those peddling influence. As trends begin to swing back to a more urban and casual approach to style – athleisure, anyone? – and a once sharp dresser seems to give up on classic style, you have to wonder about what motivates them.
I understand that changing one’s personal style is, well, a personal choice. And I’m nobody to tell anyone what’s right or wrong. Maybe it’s because I’m older, know what it is that defines me and have seen more than my fair share of trend cycles. But, I personally think that classic men’s style is always on trend and I resolve to continue carrying that torch and promoting it in 2016.
Keep it simple. This is a perennial resolution and something to think about all year long. As anyone with an interest men’s style can attest, a style rut is real and breaking out of it can yield negative results. We all naturally get a little bored with what we wear sometimes. And that can often lead to making an unnecessarily drastic change or addition.
Invest. 2016 should be the year of investing classic pieces that will stand the test of time both in terms of timeless style and durability. The first step is to go back to the basics and determine what holes you need to fill in your closet. Next, decide on how you want to fill your closet. Made to measure suits? Or OTR items from a quality retailer?
This past year, I’ve done both of those things and have especially enjoyed having the chance to explore the classic side of the menswear offerings from Luisaviaroma. And being an old-soul Italian gentleman at heart, I love that many of brands I’ve discovered as a result are 100% Italian and highly focused on quality as well as style.
Thanks for reading.
Stylishly Yours,
Brian Sacawa
He Spoke Style
In partnership with Luisaviaroma. The opinions expressed herein are mine alone and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Luisaviaroma.
How is it that Christmas is suddenly right around the corner?! Though I am generally a procrastinator, believe it or not, I’ve actually gotten just about all of my Christmas shopping done. I’ve been so busy, however, I really haven’t had a chance to make my own list – much to my mother’s dissatisfaction.
If there’s one thing I could use right now, it’s . . . well a few things. First, I’ve somehow recently become extremely adept at losing my mobile phone accessories. Over the last month and a half I’ve managed to leave no more than three iPhone chargers behind in hotels and lost my Mophie cord.
And then there have been times I’ve been unable to find cords in my own apartment. I really don’t know where they go! So, I could definitely use some nice mobile accessories.
One thing I’ve actually been eyeing for a while how is an iPad Mini 4. I used to own a second generation iPad, but gave that away to someone who gets way more use out of it than I did. It wasn’t that I didn’t like the iPad, but for me, it was a little too big, which is why I think a Mini would bridge the gap between my iPhone and laptop in terms of getting the best content experience.
Let’s see, what else? A smartwatch? No, not really my thing. Wearable technology like a stylish fitness tracker? Already have one. Android tablet? Nah, I’d prefer the iPad Mini 4. Holiday deals? Absolutely.
If, like me, you’re in the mood for a good holiday deal right about now, T-Mobile is daring you to take their naughty or nice quiz for a chance to win a $50 Visa gift card to spend on last-minute Christmas shopping (or yourself). Simply take the quiz below and share your results on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram including the hashtag #GifTMobile for a chance to win. Good luck and Happy Holidays.
During our travels that week, I thought a lot about the nature of luxury and what it means for something to be luxurious. Here’s what I came up with. Luxury is about quality. Luxury is about design. And it’s the quality and design of products that endure expressly because of their timeless appeal that makes them luxurious. But there’s one other component of luxury, in my opinion: luxury is about service.
| POWER IN THE PALM OF YOUR HAND | The BMW Display Key shows a variety of information, including time, remaining fuel and service notifications and can even be used to park the car.
We tend to think of luxury as relating to “nice things” – and there is certainly an element of truth that – but I came to realize how much of a role service plays into the luxury equation during a conversation I had with Bardia Torabi, the Hotel Manager of the Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski München. With over 20 years in the luxury hotel business – the last five of those being with Kempinski Hotels – Mr. Torabi knows a thing or two about taking care of people. And that’s really what the business is all about.
He told me a story about a famous movie star who’d stayed at the hotel. Some of the staff’s first instincts were to provide champagne, caviar and other such stereotypically luxury items for this individual. But Mr. Torabi knew two things: 1) this person didn’t care for champagne and 2) that he had been away from his wife and young daughter for nearly two months. So instead of bubbly and fish roe, the first thing the gentleman saw upon entering his room was a photo of his family on his pillow. Talk about individual attention.
How does a hotel even know this kind of information? It’s because, as Mr. Torabi explained to me, they take the time to get to know and understand their guests prior to, during and after their stay.
On a personal note, as we were talking, I mentioned solely in passing that I was something of a cigar aficionado. Later that night when Robin and I went back to the room to get ready for dinner at Schwartzreiter, the hotel’s restaurant, there was a Cuban Cohiba waiting for me. Nothing gets by Mr. Torabi and his staff.
Luxury also means a sense of relaxation, of taking the “noise” of life for a moment so you can sit, think and actually accomplish something. And, personally, that is what I’ve come to appreciate and value most highly.
I work very hard. And I truly enjoy it. In fact, I can’t imagine my life without the level of activity and intensity that has found it’s way into my daily being since starting HSS nearly three years ago now. It can get overwhelming at times and the work never stops. Which is why when I have an hour to savor a fine cigar with Rob in the lounge at a hotel like Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski München, I savor every second. Sometimes I wish I could hit ‘pause’ for a week and just disconnect.
That there’s always work to do, content to publish and emails to field is also why I was thankful to be driving a new 7 Series for this trip. Because even on the road, there are things to take care of. So when I had to tend to something HSS-related, it was great to be able to hand over the wheel to Rob and kick back in the car’s Executive Lounge.
| WORKING ON THE GO, IN COMFORT | The BMW 7 Series Executive Lounge allowed me to keep up with blog business in maximum comfort even as we toured Europe.
And when I say “kick back,” I literally mean kick back and kick my feet up. With a touch of a button, the front passenger seat moves all the way forward and a footrest comes down for maximum legroom and comfort. There was a folding table for my laptop and every one of the car’s innovative functions – including my favorite seat massage – was available to me via BMW Touch Command, a 7-inch tablet integrated into the rear seat’s center armrest. When I finished my work, I could have enjoyed the rear seat entertainment system, but the view was too beautiful to pass up.
As our week in Europe came to an end, I reflected on the many experiences we had and the ways in which we experienced luxury and the interplay of quality, design, service and personality that contributed to making something luxurious. For me, this trip defined luxury. Actually, check that – it redefined luxury.
And that was the sentiment that really encapsulated our entire week, which is one I’ll remember for the rest of my life. I’m glad I was able to share these experiences and the stories of all the amazing people we met along the way with you. I hope you found them as exciting and inspiring as I did.
Happy Festivus, everyone! For those not familiar with the “holiday,” Festivus was unleashed into popular culture in 1997 in Season 9, Episode 10 (“The Strike”) of Seinfeld. (N.B. It’s a little crazy to me that an interest in and encyclopedic knowledge of Seinfeld can easily date a person these days.)
So, What is Festivus?
For the uninitiated, Festivus is a secular holiday celebrated on December 23 that serves as an alternative to participating in the pressures and commercialism of Christmas. The fake holiday was “invented” by Frank Costanza and has as its symbol, an unadorned aluminum pole, prized for its “high strength-to-weight ratio,” as well as its lack of distracting decorations, like tinsel.
Included amongst the Festivus festivities are the traditional dinner, followed by the “Airing of Grievances,” during which members of the family innumerate the ways in which they have disappointed them throughout the year, and the Feats of Strength – when the head of the household challenges attendees to a wrestling match, which concludes Festivus only when the head of the household is pinned.
So, dear readers, though HSS won’t be providing a Festivus dinner or invitations to wrestle today, I would like to open the floor for the Airing of Grievances – the best part of Festivus, in my opinion.
I’ll kick it off with a few of my own and invite all of you to let the world know in the comments how it has disappointed you this year. Festivus begins now!
HSS Airing of Grievances
Brooks Brothers & Thom Browne. Nothing against either of you individually, but the break-up, which means the end of the Black Fleece line, is extremely disappointing. It was a great collaboration and the only bright spot that I see in the split, is that I can get the best button-down oxford shirt on the market for one-third of its original price right now.
Follow me on Snapchat! Now, this could be a generational thing, but Oh. My. God. Can everyone please shut up about the fact they’re on Snapchat? I don’t “snap” and never will – seriously, how desperate for approval must one be to share so much with complete strangers? – but if you are compelled to do so, there’s absolutely no need to hit me over the head with it in Every. Single. Instagram. Caption.
People who use internet slang. Hey, guys! Here I am with “the homie” [insert name]/my #squad and just letting you know about my #[anything] goals. So what do I find so egregious about this? Lack of substance. This is the dribble of someone who wants to be involved in a conversation without actually contributing anything of value to it. We’re going to dig deeper into this phenomenon next month.
Now it’s your turn! Air your grievances in the comments!
What are the holidays without procrastination? With all the last minute shopping, trips to the grocery (or liquor) store and writing of cards, it’s entirely possible you’ve forgotten to think about what to wear. If that’s the case, here are seven last-minute holiday outfit ideas that will have you covered in any situation.
1. Family Casual
If you’re just hanging with the fam for the holidays, you don’t need to get super dressed up. But, if relatives you see just once a year are coming over it might be nice to make a slight effort. Layer an athletic sweater over your favorite blue button-down, add a nice pair of pants and call it a day.
2. Plans Afterwards
Going home for the holidays, often means meeting up with old friends and hanging out in bars, which you probably weren’t doing back in high school. If that’s the case, choose something more edgy – all black will do – and throw on a plaid scarf for a dash of the holidays.
3. Meet the Parents
If there’s a new significant other in your life and you’re meeting her parents for the first time over the holidays, perhaps over a meal at a nice restaurant, you want to keep it classic. Avoid kitsch at all costs – no crazy holiday socks, ties, or sweaters – and show a little holiday spirit with subtle, but appropriate touches, like a burgundy scarf or hunter green tie.
4. Not a Total Grinch
For whatever reason, maybe you’re not quite as much in the holiday spirit as others this year. Don’t force it. Wear muted colors, but try to add one festive touch, like a plaid coat with a little bit of red.
5. Layered Festive Sweater
A classic look for the holidays. Just keep the sweater classic – i.e. no ugly Christmas sweaters – as in a nice, subtle fair isle patter. Layer up your grey tweed blazer and maybe throw in some deep eggplant colored pants, if you’re feeling extra festive.
6. Festive Turtleneck
A different kind of festive sweater. Simple, clean and classic. Wear with muted colors like grey for a more sophisticated gathering.
7. Christmas Dandy
You’ll have to be the judge about which situation this might be appropriate for you. Perhaps everyone in your family has a similar style. Maybe you roll with a group of guys who do as well. Or maybe you’re just feeling like being the peacock at the office Christmas party.
There’s a lot of style advice online that shows you how to dress for New Year’s Eve parties that nobody really goes to. Like, when is the last time you attended a black tie NYE event? Raise your hand. I see maybe one or two hands up out there.
The truth is that the majority of us spend New Year’s Eve in one of three ways: 1) out at a bar (or someone’s apartment) with a small group of friends, 2) enjoying a meal with a loved one at a nice restaurant, or 3) at home on the couch watching TV in our pajamas.
If you’re doing option one or two this New Year’s Eve, the key is to look nice, festive, and appropriate all at the same time. So, no tuxes (or blue suits masquerading as tuxes). Here’s a New Year’s Eve outfit you can actually wear.
| WEARING | Reiss blazer, Al Bazar shirt, Pants c/o Tommy Hilfiger, Gitman Bros. tie, Shoes c/o Coach | PHOTOGRAPHY | by Rob McIver Photo
Black watch has a fairly short expiration date – once Christmas and New Year’s tick by, you don’t see it at all – so if you have some pieces in your wardrobe, now is the time to trot them out with a vengeance. I haven’t been able to get enough of my black watch plaid pants this holiday season.
In the world of plaids, black watch resides on the more subtle end of the spectrum. However, the three-color check – blue and green separated by black – is unmistakeable and is certain to stand out.
Styling black watch plaid can seem a bit tricky, but if you stick to the cardinal rule for styling statement items – keep the rest of the outfit simple and classic – you shouldn’t have any trouble.
A natural inclination would be to add some green – perhaps in a tie or pocket square – but unless you’re known for your personal style and plan to own that look, it could come off as trying too hard. Instead, bring out the navy and tone down the green with a navy blazer and tie. Subtlety always wins the day.
Thanks for reading and stay tuned for another New Year’s Eve outfit idea later this week.
When you raise a glass, you should want to toast with class. That’s why it’s important to know the right way to hold your champagne glass. Here’s a quick tutorial.
Flute or coupe? First things first: choosing the right kind of stemware. Though the flute is thought to be traditional, according to some industry experts, it is the completely wrong glass for champagne. A glass with a wider bowl – like a white wine glass or coupe – will open up all the aromas and complexities of the champagne.
| THE COUPE IS KING | Though a flute is thought to be traditional, a coupe is the better choice if you want to get the best flavor.
Hold by the stem. Always hold your champagne glass by the stem. Champagne is best enjoyed chilled and holding the glass or coupe by the bowl will warm the drink.
| IF YOU MUST | Holding by the stem is preferred, though the rim will do. | WEARING | Velvet blazer c/o Banana Republic, Reiss shirt, Barney’s bow tie | PHOTOGRAPHY | by Rob McIver Photo
The rim also works. A champagne glass or coupe should never be filled all the way up. The proper etiquette is to fill it 3/4 of the way. If your champagne is poured in this manner, you have a little bit of the rim of the coupe you can hold and still not warm the drink.
After publishing our What to Wear on New Year’s Eve post on Monday, I can’t tell you how many comments we got asking to flip-flop the black watch plaid from pants and solid blazer to plaid blazer and solid pants. So, for those of you who asked for that, here you go. And for those who didn’t, well, here’s some last-minute New Year’s Eve style inspiration.
If you’re not quite ready for black watch plaid pants, but love the pattern, a blazer is definitely a more “conservative,” easier to style choice.
| WEARING | Blazer c/o Tommy Hilfiger, Al Bazar shirt, Banana Republic pants, Gitman Bros. tie, Watch c/o Uniform Wares, Shoes c/o Coach | PHOTOGRAPHY | by Rob McIver Photo
The great thing about black watch tartan is that navy is one of its primary colors, which means it will pair with just about any pants in the classic menswear palate. Dark navy pants are safe, as are dark grey. Make sure your trouser fabric matches the season – wool is a staple of my winter wardrobe.
With most every winter outfit, I’m looking for ways to incorporate some sort of texture along with a pattern. A solid color knit tie in navy or brown is one of the first I reach for and should be one of your 10 essential ties.
There is definitely a certain visual vocabulary to menswear Instagram accounts. You’ve got to see the full length shot, preferably in mid-stride, the chest region, which showcases one’s tie/pocket square complimenting prowess and, of course, the worm’s eye view shoe shot.
I have to admit that although I enjoy seeing these shots from time to time, it does get a little monotonous. Doesn’t everyone’s feed start to look just a little bit similar? I think it’s time menswear Instagram evolves a little.
So this is a call to have a much more creative 2016. But in the meantime, here are menswear’s worst Instagram trends that need to be retired in 2016.
The Chestie
Ah, the chestie. That faceless square of blazer, shirt, tie, pocket square combination goodness. While we can’t fault Chestie-takers for providing endless inspirational possibilities, the -ism does sort of condone the unhealthy idea that you need to do something different every single day. Which you don’t.
I can’t imagine the anxiety felt by the most prolific of these folks – “Oh, no, I’ve run out of permutations! Time to buy more ties and pocket squares.” Maybe they do repeat combos every now and then, paving the way for an innovative niche troll, the Chestie Dick (short, for detective, people! Sheesh…).
The Headless Shot
Though The Chestie is technically a headless shot, it’s not The Headless Shot. The Headless Shot is an otherwise fine photo of someone except for the head being cut off.
Proponents of this menswear Insta -ism will tell you 1) that style is about the outfit and you shouldn’t be swayed by so-and-so’s handsome face and 2) that by removing the head, you can imagine your own head on the body! On some level I get that logic, but style isn’t just about the clothes you wear, it’s the whole package – including someone’s face. So… On with their heads!
The Shameless Shirtless
Okay, we get it, bro. You’re fucking ripped. Good for you. Don’t be such a narcissist and keep that shit to yourself from now on.
Applying Cologne Casually in Absurd Places
A favorite trope of #influencers trying desperately to make an interesting photo of a bottle of cologne for a paid campaign, because a photo of a bottle of cologne is, well, a photo of a bottle of cologne – i.e. not that interesting by itself.
The idea is to be “organic,” but when’s the last time you just happened to be walking across the Brooklyn Bridge and thought to yourself, “Hey, I could use a splash of fragrance!” only to reach into your satchel and whip out a fresh bottle of department store cologne which you proceed to apply over your overcoat with the perfect sun burst lens flare behind you?
The My Feed Is Other People’s Photos Feed
The person or people who manage this kind of feed are the worst kind of parasites, in my book. They steal other peoples’ photos, rarely give credit and pass off the feed as something original.
There’s nothing wrong with curation, but these people who rack up hundreds of thousands – sometimes millions – of followers are making shit tons of money. Without creating anything original. That’s really not cool. Actually, that’s fucking despicable. (If you’ve read Lawrence Lessig’s Remix, let’s have a chat in the comments.)
Leaning Against Cars/Motorcycles That Aren’t Yours
All I’ll say is that if I ever saw a blogger sitting on my bike or leaning against my car for a photo (without me, like, if I just came across them doing that), they’d better run. Get your own!
The Neatly Organized Laydown
Before you say it, yes, yes, I know I am guilty of this one. Like, more than a little guilty. I’m willing to be lenient on the styled table, shoes, or accessories, but the overly neatly styled #ootds need to go. Why? Because I know how long they take to stage and I would like to encourage those who make these on a daily basis to reclaim some of that wasted time and apply it to another creative endeavor.
The Staged #Squad Photo
When a street style photog posts a hyperlapse of 200 shots and you see a crew of 12 dudes getting organized then walking up stairs 12-abreast, twice… Let’s get real, gentleman.
It’s finally getting cold out there – and while it might not be the dead of winter yet, we’ll be there before long, so it’s time to firm up your winter outerwear game. One of our favorite pieces has always been the duffle coat. The style is timeless, classy, versatile, and if you buy the right one, warm as hell. On top of that, they’ve got a pretty iconic history.
The first version was created by John Partridge in the early 1850s, but the piece saw its first widespread use when it was adopted by the British Royal Navy in the 1890s. After being issued heavily throughout World Wars I and II, the resulting post-war surplus made the coats widely available to the general public.
British clothier Gloverall purchased many of the original military pieces for resale, and eventually started producing their own civilian version, which they still make today and is considered by many to be the classic standard.
| BRIAN WEARS | Duffle coat c/o Tommy Hilfiger, Michael Andrews Bespoke tweed suit, Al Bazar shirt, Brooks Brothers tie, Mario Portolano gloves, Silvano Sassetti shoes | PHOTOGRAPHY | by Rob McIver Photo
The affordability and availability of the duffle coat in the 50s and 60s made it very popular, especially among students. That ‘collegiate’ connection, along with its nautical origins, enabled the duffle coat to become a staple in the lexicon of classic preppy style.
Now, with all that said, perhaps the most interesting thing about the duffle coat is that the name is (more often than not) technically a misnomer these days. The term ‘duffle’ actually refers back to ‘duffel’ cloth, which originated in – you guessed it – a Belgian town called Duffel. Originally, duffle coats (along with duffle bags), were all made from ‘duffel,’ which was a thick, woolen fabric with a distinctive nap.
These days, it’s actually much more common to see the coats made from Melton wool, which is known for its durability as well as its wind and water resistance – which is why the duffle coat is such a good cold-weather pick. Some retailers offer other fabrics (often synthetic) at lower, more approachable prices, but such pieces will be much less cozy. You get what you pay for.
While the modern duffle coat may not be made from the same fabric, it retains many of its defining characteristics – most notably the toggle closures, traditionally made from wood or horn fastened to rope or leather loops. Additionally, most duffle coats are hooded, mid-length with a slightly boxier cut, navy or camel, and often lined with a tartan liner – oh so British!
It’s good to get a different perspective every now and then. And when it comes to matters of style and la dolce vita, there is no better person to consult than an Italian guy.
We introduced you to Giampaolo Alliata not too long ago, and now we’re happy to welcome him to the team as our resident Italian guy.
Let’s kick things off with something I’m sure we’re all dying to know…
Why are Italian men so stylish?
My personal opinion is that it’s something we have in our culture. It’s in our DNA. It’s the way that we like to show off, the way we like to be like a “Latin lover.”
How far back in Italian culture do you think this goes?
I don’t want bore you with history, but there’s a story about the 14th century Medici Family in Florence. In the middle of the Renaissance, the Medici’s and many other rich families were obsessed with developing and solidifying their identity. As a result, they spent lots of money on fabrics for their clothing. You could call that the dawn of Italian fashion.
And then?
Well, we’ll fast-forward quite a bit but in the mid-20th century – July, 1951, to be exact – again in Florence at the old Pitti Palace, designers like Emilio Pucci, Roberto Capucci, the Fontana sisters and many others had the opportunity to show international buyers their wonderful collections. More of the world was beginning to see Italian fashion.
Not to bring it back to America, but did the U.S. play any role in the world’s really “getting” that Italians had some serious style?
Actually, yes. Hollywood gave us a big boost with movies about the Mafiosi. Yes, they were criminals, but they were always well-dressed!
Then also Cinecitta and Federico Fellini in the 1960s with La Dolce Vita with Marcello Mastroianni, who is one of my style icons. That brought to the world the Italian way of enjoying life and caring about one’s appearance.
Is it just a small subset of Italians or do you think most people care about having style/being stylish?
In Italy there was an old tradition, especially in small southern towns, called the rite of the struscio (translates as ‘rub’) which occurs after work and on Sunday after church. All kinds of people – rich people, farmers, regular workers – like to get together and walk in the town’s main street to show off their best suits and be seen. It’s known as the struscio because the street is so crowded that people are literally rubbing against one another.
Sum it up for us.
So, to sum things up, I think I have to go back to the beginning of my answer… We like beauty and we like to show who we are! Just look at Italian history – our art, sculpture, painting, and architecture. This kind of style has been a part of us from the Roman Empire to now. And, of course I’m to proud to be Italian!
When it comes to winter accessories, I’d say that we spend the most time talking and thinking about hats and scarves. Gloves always tend to be an afterthought and not necessarily something given proper consideration.
If details matter to you – and they should – it’s important to have the right pair of gloves for the right situation. Here are five pairs that you should have this winter.
1. Brown Leather
Your go-to, everyday, workhorse, most versatile pair of gloves. Dark brown leather goes with everything and anything you’ve got in your closet.
A pair of wool or cashmere knit gloves are the perfect casual option. They’re not great for gripping things – whoops, there goes your phone! – so if you’re going to be handling anything you’d rather not drop, try to find a pair with suede or felt padding on the palm and fingertips.
I don’t wear my black leather gloves that often – like a black suit, they’re often reserved for special, dressier occasions. Good to have them in your arsenal, though. Better to have a pair and not wear them as often than not have a pair when you really need them.
Full disclosure: these won’t keep your fingers warm when it’s freezing out. But they will provide some warmth when you first get into your car on a cold morning. And once the heater kicks in, leave them on for looks and to keep a better grip on your steering wheel.
Best for: Long drives; when you’re feeling like a badass
