CLOTHES MAKE THE MAN

Now this is probably one of THE most important of the Christmas gift guide posts, yes for the man who has everything, it could be your Dad, Brother, Uncle, Cousin, one of your in-laws or your boyfriend, but universally we all have one in our life’s and every year, we stress and worry about what to buy them. Here we go then….

There are some brands that are so iconic they can be recognised by just one feature. In the case of streetwear label A Bathing Ape, it’s the hairy primate logo. This cotton-jersey T-shirt plays host to the brand’s distinctive emblem, and this time, it’s cloaked in a Union Jack flag print (where’s the camouflage). A design exclusive to Selfridges, you can stay in keeping with the label’s aesthetic by rocking yours with camouflage-print jogging bottoms or simply just jeans.

Hovertech brings drone camera technology to all with its Hover Camera Passport. A fold-up, bag-sized drone, it liberates you to become your own personal flying photographer. Pick from still or video – once released, it’ll follow you, always keeping you in the frame wherever you are. Working with iPhone and iPad, it needs no tripod and no programming, staying steady and capturing the moment in HD, 4K footage.

Consider William & Son’s games bag your rainy-day kit. It’s filled with all of the classics, including solitaire, dominoes, backgammon and chess and also comes with playing cards, multicoloured perudo cups and dice should you fancy a spot of poker instead

Now did you know Alfred Dunhill would frequently send business correspondence from London to the South of France, and the full-grain leather cover of this notebook is inspired by those parcels. A sophisticated choice for boardroom meetings, it’s filled with gilt-edge ruled pages and has a grosgrain page-keeper.

In a covetable rose-gold hue, this Plum shot gift set by Tom Dixon presents the perfect opportunity to drink in style. A sculpted finish smooths the glasses while hold indents make for ergonomic bliss. Cut from copper plate by hand, the contrast interior begs to be filled with a favourite tipple. With four shot glasses and measure, this set is an ideal gift for the design-savvy man who has everything.

Newsflash: we’ve reached the future of tech, and it comes in the form of the Keecker entertainment robot. Five years of extensive development brought this multimedia projector into being; responding to voice commands via the associated app, it projects onto any wall or ceiling. With a 90-degree adjustable video projector and 360-degree audio, it plays your music and films anywhere in the house, moving independently from room to room.To make him feel like a true Master Ham, Juan Pedro Domecq provides all the elements to enjoy its products with this Maestro Jamonero ham set. Set contains Iberian acorn ham and accessories including a knife, apron and wooden board, what more does he need?

Wearing your favourite childhood cartoon character, literally, on your sleeve has become a bona fides trend with everybody from Loewe to Moschino getting in on the act. Ahead of its AW18 presentation, Calvin Klein,  tweeted out a call for fans to “Toon in” to the show’s live feed – we know now that the runway featured iconic Looney Tunes on pieces like this oversized wool sweater. Intarsia-knitted with none other than Wile E Coyote, it’s a surefire way to liven up casual outfits.

What would Christmas be without slippers, yes even the man who has everything and Bottega Veneta’s backless slippers are the latest take on the house’s signature ‘Fiandra’ loafers. Expertly crafted using the unmistakable intrecciato weave, this pair is made from supple storm-blue leather that’s lightly buffed to reveal a lighter navy shade at parts.

Another inspiring idea for the food lover is this lil beauty from Elektra, who have been engineering specialist coffee-making tools since the late 1940s – the label has even amassed a lengthy list of patents over the years. Made from silver-tone brass, this ‘Micro Casa Semiautomatic SXC’ model is designed with a built-in cup heater, filters, press and high-tech steaming system so you can whip up barista-level drinks. The sleek retro design will look so cool on your kitchen counter.

Don’t just walk on the wild side, but climb, ski, mountain bike, canoe, surf and even skydive. This action-packed encyclopedia from FatFace showcases the best outdoor experiences in more than 150 countries across the globe. Featuring inspiring photography, maps, interviews and expert authors, it’s the ultimate introduction to a thrilling new world of adventure. Pack his passport and a compass and get ready to conquer the planet.

Socks needn’t be boring and nobody does colour quite like Missoni. These socks have been crochet-knitted in Italy from cotton-blend with touches of wool for more insulation and a hint of stretch for flexibility. The patchwork pattern features several tones of blues and reds, so they’ll pair nicely with subdued navy or grey suiting.The breathable cotton-blend is spun with a touch of elastane to keep them spring.

Never mind the man who has everything, who wouldn’t want the LG OLED TVs which will be configured to display over 130 million self-emitting pixels, producing unmatched contrast ratio and true blacks that define OLED TV’s iconic picture quality and make true Dark Skies a reality, imagine watching the Queen’s speech with this????

Want to experience true simple luxury, try the Oliver Spencer Loungewear collection from the Great British Designer, who offers all the style and sophistication the mainline is known for – but with your downtime in mind. This ‘Farrow’ robe is cut in a relaxed fit from organic cotton patterned with blue stripes.

Well the big day is getting ever closer and if we haven’t purchased, probably, one of the most important gifts yet, TIME IS RUNNING OUT! Yes today’s post is offering gift inspiration for the lady in your life, whether that be Mum, Sister, friend or wife. OK not all the selected items are going to be appropriate for all of the aforementioned but we do want to inspire you fellas.

Now this is a gift idea that you just can’t go wrong with no matter what the relationship you have with the chosen individual. These Ted Baker Betanie Bow Detail Leather Gloves with Wool/Cashmere lining.

OK maybe not one for Nanna but describing Gucci’s AW16 collection as eccentric and colourful, Alessandro Michele demonstrates the aesthetic with these New Ace trainers. Crafted from smooth leather complete with signature web stripes, the iconic Italian brand’s Creative Director updates the classic style with an embroidered bee detail and snake-embossed metallic leather panel

Imagine finding the perfect bauble to really add that special Christmas spirit to your tree. Now, imagining opening up that bauble and finding milk chocolate coins inside! Hanging from a delicate ribbon thread, this ornament is a treat for both the eyes and the taste buds.

I mean you can’t seriously go wrong with Jo Malone London’s ‘Cracker Gift Set’ is one of those rare kinds that really is just as special on the inside as out. It includes miniature-sized versions of three of the brand’s coveted products – perfect for a pampering session post-festivities. The ribbon-tied, iridescent packaging will look so elegant on your table settings.

I kid you not ladies love personalisation and this gift idea shows a lot of thought. Founded by designer Annoushka Ducas MBE in 2009, her namesake jewellery label embraces the spirit of modernity. Exclusive to Selfridges only and due to popular demand, this pendant has been crafted from 18-carat white-gold with a satin finish. At the centre of this special piece, the letter is displayed, formed with 0.07 carats of micro-pave silver diamonds. Wear yours to represent your own name or of someone you  L O V E.

A rich nectarine fruit character and lingering toasty vanilla notes make this Veuve Clicquot Brut Ponsardin a popular classic. Bearing the famous ‘Clicquot Yellow’ label, this bottle is housed in a signature arrow gift tin, complete with a glittering font to mark the occasion. Once again, go the extra mile by personalising it with your hometown, a special city or the name of your favourite person for a gift to treasure long after the bubbles have popped.

This super versatile “Amelia” bag from FatFace is made from soft, supple leather, this shoulder bag comes in a slouchy shape with tonnes of pockets inside and out. The buckle fastening details are a stylish finishing touch, while the cotton lining ensures it’s strong on the inside. Wear it from on a weekend walk with the dog to a festive night out with friends.

This is what is known as a key winter piece, this fully lined wrap style coat from Jigsaw is designed with a narrow slim fit and self tie belt. Featuring two large patch pockets and a revere collar. Looks equally as good over a flowy dress or with jeans and a knit.

Smythson’s ‘Wafer’ notebook is a scaled-down version of the label’s signature ‘Panama’ jotter – so it’s perfect for stashing into your bag. Handmade in the UK, it’s constructed from metallic textured-leather to match the gilt-edged featherweight pages and has a grosgrain ribbon to keep track of recent entries. The #winning lettering stamping at the front makes it a great congratulatory gift.

OK not another one for your Mum or Gran, but this Lauren Ralph Lauren Satin and lace PJ set makes for the perfect gift for the one you love. Also, just putting it out there, maybe not suitable to be unwrapped in front of the outlaws, or potential ones.

This coming Friday not only sees it being Christmas Jumper Day in aid of Save the Children, but according to research is the most popular day to hold your Christmas work’s party !!!!

Yes that one night of the year, when your told to let your head down with your co-workers, but not too much. To informally chat with your boss, but not too much. To get blind drunk and photocopy your body parts and stick the copies all over Pat from accounts desk. 

Yes the office Christmas party, can come in so many different forms. Push all the desks and chairs to the corners and get Sandra from HR’s brother in law, Alan, to bring in his decks and can play inappropriate music mixed in with a bit of Slade and Mariah. Or maybe it’s all off to the local fancy Italian for a traditional festive meal and a little too much chianti is mixed with Limoncello and Bob from IT is caught kissing Sue the receptionist under the mistletoe, ahhhh until Monday. 

Anyway enough of all that, let’s get down to the important stuff, what to wear. In past years we’ve informed you on the importance of not looking as though you’ve tried too hard and spend time labouring over your chosen outfit, but at the same time make sure you look like you care and have made an effort, which is super true and great advice. So with this in mid our advice for you this year is dress to impress ! Yes dress up, make an effort and ensure when you walk in the room, everyone looks at you for all the right reasons. The simple an easy way to do this is to Tux it up, yes wear a tuxedo, channel your inner bond and out shine the rest and we have one to suit not only every pocket but every age too. 

First up we have, get ready for it, drum roll please, M&S !!!!! I know, now this is a little diamond and is crazy light on your wallet. Old Marks & Sparks have done a sterling job on seasonal party wear this year and get in quickly before they’ve gone.

Next on the list is something a touch more expensive, OK a whole lot more, but see it as an investment piece, which if you don’t indulge too much in the mince pies and brandy butter over the Yuletide you’ll have for many years to come. This beautiful number from Hugo Boss, Classic, Cool but not Conformist.

Young or young at heart, add a bit of colour to the festivities and enter into the Christmas spirits with this burgundy two piece from ASOS.

OK so hear me out on this one, Tom Ford is a master of style, I mean he does dress 007 himself. This amazing sartorial piece of tailoring may set you back a bob or thousand, but it is worth every penny the talent Texan is definitely worth it.

Now we swing from the Classic to the Contemporary with this great example from Twisted Tailoring, formerly Noose and Monkey. But what this wonderful piece of styling also show us is, you don’t have to always team a Tux up with a shirt and bow tie, roll neck is a brilliant spin on this classic.

Finally, we’ve all seen the classic black traditional tuxedo but this twist on a classic is brilliant, from the Flintoff range at Jacamo this great Navy take will have you looking tip top wherever your Yuletide Festivities are, without breaking the bank.

WORDS BY ISAAC PERRY

Yes, it is the season to be jolly and what is the best way to do this? Well, obviously it is to bust out your best and most ridiculous Christmas jumper that you have or can physically find. Christmas is creeping up on us incredibly quickly so here is a gentle reminder that if you haven’t brought any presents yet you should really be getting your rear in gear and checking out some of our most recent posts.

1) A classic cable knit is the perfect jumper for this festive period being both warm, stylish and a great alternative for those of you not to keen to wear a penguin on your stomach. However, sometimes these knits can be too heavy but we have found one with the perfect balance! FatFaces Men’s classic cable crew neck jumper is a level above the rest as it offers the same look in a medium weight jumper whilst being incredibly soft. It was incredibly hard to pick but you should defiantly have a look at their knitwear section.

2) Now we are going full-on granddad on you with this awesome sleeveless jumper from M&S, they have taken some classic knitwear pieces and taken a very fun approach in the designs this year with many of them allowing your inner child to come out over the Christmas period! Don’t be boring go extravagant with some fishing penguins and dependant upon how festive you are feeling chuck some tinsel in there.

3) Doesn’t everyone love a bit of a pun? Well if you remember LMFAO from you may have heard of ‘I’m sexy and I know it’ but what could potentially be better than that, well something which includes a snowman and says ‘I’m sexy and I snow it’. Boohoo men are offering some of the more humorous jumpers that we’ve seen and they won’t break the bank so check them out.

4) When you think of Santa Claus you think of a rather large gent who has an obsession with mince pies and milk but what if we told you that he had a six-pack, classic biker tattoos and looked as though he drinks protein shakes? Let’s face it you wouldn’t believe us! Well, maybe you should check out Burton and change the classic Santa look. For the price of £25, you can’t complain.

5) Christmas dinners can take an incredibly long time to cook and I’m sure that many of you get bored cooking them, so board games are always something fun to result too but carrying them around is slightly annoying. This jumper from M&S allows you to carry a game around at all time but on the front of your jumper so no worries about forgetting it.

6) Now we are going for something which will bring out everyone’s inner child this Christmas jumper has a bit of everything from Snowmen, Santa Clause, Christmas tree’s and ho ho ho! Next, have offered something for all in one jumper, you should really check out their latest Christmas jumper collection.

7) For those of you with a higher price point we have found two incredibly cool jumpers that will definitely make you stand out from the crowd for their bold patterning and colour. Mr Porter is always a store, which you should check out.

Firstly the Acne Studios Slim-Fit Fair Isle Knitted Sweater is the perfect standout knitwear piece with a vibrant mustard colour found throughout with blue and red patterning. For the brands A/W 18 collection they got a group of 14-year-olds to sketch and well this piece came out amazing.

8) Kent & Curwen has always been a brand, which we at Clothes Make the Man love, and this piece is no exception! The Davidstow Fair Isle Wool And Alpaca-Blend Sweater is a classic Cricket sweater made in Italy. Made from a mixture of Wool and Alpaca it is one of the softest in the fashion game!

Whether it be for ourselves or for a gift,  Christmas gets the Grooming brands a thinking, whether fashion houses or grooming brand specific they have really surpassed themselves this year, in terms of productions creative and interesting gifting inspiration.

The Wahl Beard Care Kit contains the essentials you need to maintain a well groomed beard. The rechargeable cordless trimmer provides freedom of movement and a run time of 60 minutes from a single charge. 4 guide combs will help you create your desired look, with a beard brush to keep your facial hair in shape and beard oil to smooth, soften and condition. Store your kit in the stylish carry case. With precision ground blades and ergonomic shape, the rechargeable cordless trimmer provides a superior cut every time with the freedom of movement to style your beard effortlessly.

Christmas Stress takes a toll on our body and skin? Discover our anti-ageing stress resist red range with 4 simple steps to help you fight the signs of ageing and fight against stress. 100% designed for men with ageing skin. L’Oreal Men Expert Vita Lift Bundle Includes: 

L’Oreal Men Expert Stress Resist Roll On Deodorant 50ml. L’Oreal Men Expert Stress Resist Shower Gel 300ml. L’Oreal Men Expert Vitalift Eye 15ml. L’Oreal Men Expert Vitalift 5 Moisturiser.

The ‘Colonia Sandalo’ gift set includes a eau de cologne concentrée, a refreshing shower gel and a mini glass candle, infused with this long lasting, captivating, modern and refined woody aromatic scent. The collection is presented in a festive gift box decorated with a seasonal design by the British artist Clym Evernden. The Set contains:

‘Colonia Sandalo’ Eau De Cologne. ‘ Refreshing Shower Gel and a Mini ‘Colonia Sandalo’ Scented Candle.Opt for Braun’s efficiency and comfort with the 8-in-one precision face and head trimming kit. Included with the trimmer are four combs covering 13 precision length settings, a detail trimmer for achieving fine, close-up looks and an ear and nose trimmer. There is also a free Gillette Fusion ProGlide razor with Flex Ball technology included.

The ‘High Performance’ duo set featuring two of LAB SERIES’ best sellers paired for powerful results – the Multi-Action Face Wash 100ml and the ‘Pro LS’ All-in-One Face Treatment 100ml. Every day skincare made easy. The Set contains:

Multi-Action Face Wash  and Pro LS’ All in One Face Treatment.

 Filled with a carefully curated line-up of favourites from Selfridges’ Beauty Workshop, The Men’s Grooming Headliners Bag is ready to amp up your grooming regime. Among this show-stopping selection worth £275.50, you’ll find the likes of Hanz De Fuko, Peter Thomas Roth and Dermalogica  – perfect for a little festive self-indulgence, or as a gift.

The perfect gift for any man on the go including ‘Aveda Men Pureformance ‘ Shampoo, Shave Cream and Dual Action After Shave. Suitable for all hair types, Paraben free, Cruelty free, Natural ingredients, Suitable for vegans. The Set contains:

Men Pure-formance Shampoo, Men Pure-formance Shaving Cream  and Men Pure-formance Dual Action After Shave.

EXCLUSIVE AT MR PORTER.COM.Harry’s shaving set includes everything you need for a close, comfortable shave. The rose gold-tone razor handle has a rubberised grip for optimal control. Each cartridge is fitted with five German-made blades, a flex hinge and lubricating strip for a smooth, close shave. Enriched with hydrating Aloe and Cucumber, the shave gel lathers up into a rich foam that helps the razor glide across your skin. The logo-stamped cover will keep your blades protected while travelling.

Talking of travelling, Every traveller has a home of his own, and he learns to appreciate it even more from his wandering. The Murdock London A Gentleman of two cities travel Kit
Contains:

Texture Paste with travel sized Sea Salt Spray, Black Tea Body Wash, Quince & Oakmoss Shampoo, Black Tea Cologne.
Take a little piece of home with you with our grooming fundamentals in carry-on friendly sizes. Shampoo and Body Wash to keep fresh, Sea Salt Spray and Texture Paste to look sharp, Black Tea Cologne to add intrigue