Buy it now: Mr DRG picks his top gentlemen’s classics
All my girlfriends are envious of Mr DRG’s taste – in clothes I mean. He’s a very good shopper for both me and him, but when it comes to him it’s all about the gentlemanly classics. And he loves to talk detail. Here’s a little spring edit from him…
TOP ROW
Suede chukka boots, Common Projects
It’s rare that anything stacks up against a pair of vintage Chuck Taylors in the casual footwear stakes for me, but these could well be the exception. Ideal for not-too-smart, not-too-formal, meetings, I think these will likely prove a very useful addition to the wardrobe.
Dunoon Raincoat, Mackintosh
An absolute classic, and for very good reason, the car-coat length is ideal and always looks sharp in this colour – think Steve McQueen in The Thomas Crown Affair (though I’m guessing that his was probably a Brooks Brothers). Quality is unquestionable, and this will give a lot of service for your money.
Watch, Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Collection
There aren’t too many watches that get me hot under the collar (or should that be cuff?), and I’m perfectly happy with my trusty IWC Fliegerchronograph. But if I was in the market and had the necessaries, this one would be top of my list. Introduced to mark the 40th anniversary of the Royal Oak design, this watch is in the original 39mm case size, rather then the 41mm of the watch in the main-line collection. For me, the smaller case is eminently preferable with a more discreet approach than the recent trend for over-sized, rather gauche, sports watches. This watch strikes a fine balance of the smart and functional that few have matched since.
SECOND ROW
Heptagon-print scarf, Jil Sander
A rather lovely recent present from DRG that instantly became my new favourite scarf – perfect modernist gentlemen’s neckwear.
Varsity shirt, Gitman Vintage
Having been a long-time fan of Gitman shirts, and in particular the quality of them, I’m glad to see this take on the timeless Oxford. Featuring contrasting college-style sleeves and a button-down club collar, it’s a neat update on a classic that doesn’t shout ‘trying too hard’.
Nastor Logger Boot, Tricker’s
I’ve worn Tricker’s for the best part of twenty years, so I can attest to the quality of the Northampton-based bootmaker. Made in calf leather with (my preferred) Dainite sole, these heritage-angled low-leg logger boots have the aesthetic down pat. It has to be said that Tricker’s do take some breaking in (as do Church’s, unlike Crockett & Jones), but after a few weeks they’re as comfortable as old socks.
