CLOTHES MAKE THE MAN

The appeal of purchasing luxury items is undeniable, and for many buyers, it is important to make the right decisions about what to buy. Considering that celebrities and social media stars have a significant impact on the world of luxury goods, it is important to recognise which items will remain as an investment for any buyer’s wardrobe.

Experts at Chrono24 have revealed a buyer’s guide for the most desired luxury items for anyone wanting to splurge or invest in luxury and designer goods while making sure their item lasts a considerable amount of time and is sustainable in terms of investment and wear.

Watches

Not only is a luxury watch an excellent way to express personal style, but it is also one of the most popular ways of making, at times, significant amounts of profit. Similar to buying luxury cars, a watch can see depreciation in value for a few years after purchase to then later regain and increase price value due to the demand for the premium item and its rarity. This is a big bonus for buyers when seeking out their next investment watch as they know more likely than not – they will see their money increase years down the line after selling.

Some of the most popular luxury watch brands to consider are Rolex, Omega, Patek Philippe, TAG Heuer and Cartier – all of which provide watches that hold significant amounts of investment value as well as deliver tremendous craftsmanship.

Another benefit of possessing a luxury watch is the ability to create a family heirloom which can be passed through generations, building character and can give overwhelming sentimental value as years go on should the watch be cared for accurately.

Handbags

Handbags are forever a staple in any fashion lover’s wardrobe, but the quality of the item will hold all the power in terms of lasting a lifetime. When buying a luxury handbag, it can be challenging to know which designer or brand to go for as there are so many beautiful choices which is why it’s important to do some research and figure out which one represents your own ethical and personal values.

Some luxury handbag designers and brands to consider for purchase and will appreciate as time goes on are Hermes, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Chanel. Although there are hundreds of other brands to choose from, these brands are most widely known for holding value. It is also important to note that vintage handbags have become increasingly popular in the last decade as many buyers like to own a bag which has a history or looks as if it has been worn for decades before.

Jewellery

Undoubtedly, jewellery will remain one of the most desirable luxury accessories and can hold tremendous value for many years, should you choose the right pieces. Not only can jewellery show class and style, but it can also be an effective way of telling a story which is why many buyers choose pieces they know will be passed down for generations.

Buying jewellery can seem challenging, but with such a wide variety of options in jewellery, such as earrings, rings, necklaces and bracelets, the choices are endless.

Jewellery with diamonds or other impressive stones like emeralds or sapphires can be excellent investment pieces as the quality of a stone can make older pieces of jewellery look more vibrant and desirable.

The interest in selling jewellery has been on the increase for years and with worldwide searches to ‘sell jewellery’ on Google seeing a 114% increase over the past two months it is clear to see just how eager people are in this busy market.

Jewellery brands to consider are Cartier, Tiffany, Van Cleef & Arpels and Harry Winston.

Wallets or Purses

Investing in a solid top-quality wallet or purse is a solid option for any buyer. Everyone needs somewhere to hold their most essential items like bank cards, personal details and photos. They are also effortless to take care of, making them pay for themselves more often than not.

The interest in buying luxury purses has seen massive growth over the past decade as searches on google for ‘buy luxury purse’ have seen a 518% increase just this year alone. The term ‘buy luxury wallet’ had also seen an increase of 287% proving just how desirable the goods are.

In today’s day and age, wallets and purses come in many different forms; therefore, the only option of leather is no longer as many stores offer vegan faux leather or similar quality items, which can be perfect for those who may not want to own leather items.

Some designers and brands that produce high-quality wallets and purses are Louis Vuitton, Stella McCartney, Telfar, Nanuska and Alkeme Atelier.   

Trainers

Although trainers are a given in every buyer’s wardrobe, they can also be a very lucrative purchase. Many limited-edition trainers have increased in value due to the desire to own a very exclusive pair or from a one-time drop.

For example, back in 2020 iconic resale website StockX explored the appreciation of one of the most famous pairs of trainers in history – Jordan 1’s. The results showed that although Jordan 1’s mature in age, the consensus that the trainer retains and increases value overtime is a given. Not to mention the ‘Jordan 1 High Travis Scott’ trainers seeing an appreciation value increase of $1 per day since the release.

Even if buying a pair of trainers for the value increase isn’t the desired aim, many luxury brands sell trainers that last a considerable amount of time if looked after correctly, meaning there would be no need to keep repurchasing and therefore provide a lasting item that will be a staple for years to come.

Trainer brands to consider are Off-White X Nike, Adidas X Yeezy, Dior, Balenciaga, and Gucci.

Experts at Chrono24 commented:

“Buying and investing in luxury goods has dominated the fashion industry for decades, and with today’s generation wanting everything at the click of a button, it can be easy to make irrational and fast decisions when purchasing expensive pieces.

This guide gives a perfect example of which items would provide buyers to make the most out of their money and shows insight into which areas of luxury goods tend to increase in value. The guide also shows how incredible finding the perfect luxury item can be and helps to remain friendlier to the environment, create family heirlooms, and provide years of enjoyment.”

Mens tailoring has changes is such an understatement. Groovy styles of the 1960’s, a decade that took men’s wear to a whole new level, is back!  With the popularity of 007, most recently evident in the blockbuster hit, “No Time To Die”, men are rediscovering the groovy styles of the ORIGINAL James Bond era and the ability to play with colors, patterns and textures brought on by the British invasion.  

From tapered “pencil leg” suit pants (that hit ever so right at the ankle) to form fitting suit jackets that weren’t afraid to showcase the male physic, men are showing they are not afraid to play with bold and bright colors in sherbet and patterns that are out of this world!!  

Now, enter GRAYSCALE, the ultimate in men’s tailored, suiting that offers todays man an arsenal of dapper and bespoke pieces that will stand the test of time!  Pulling from inspirations that incorporates that 60’s and 70’s flare, designer BJ Gray brings to the fore bold and rich solids, contrasting prints and eye-catching patterns that are “far out” taking you to a whole other universe!  

Transcending time without looking costume-y, Grayscale presents sharp retro elegance that will easily have every eye in the room on you as you walk through the door or even the red carpet.  Though the collection is inspired by the 60s, it is clearly every bit modern with clean lines, precision cuts, eye catching silhouettes and prints/patterns that exude a confidence befitting Bond himself.  

Overcoats and trenches that step away from the safety zones of fashion and incorporate geometric prints, multicolor patch work and color blocking.  Jackets offer an array of styles utilizing velvets, Moire, double breasting, shawl collaring and peak lapels.  Trouser and shirt sets that blend houndstooth patterns with solids giving a never-before-seen contrast from the shirt bottom that continues through to the pants waistline.  Not only does this create a “look” but each can be worn separately and still make a statement!  So be it a night on the town, date night or walking the red carpet, you will for sure be the sharpest dressed man in the room!  Hollywood is paying attention as well as celebrities such as Neo, Daniel Kalua, Simu Liu, Snoop, Maluma and Derek Hough among others being fans of the brand.

Created to bridge the gap between mass produced, readily available fashion and premium menswear brands, The Good Neighbour is a label that designs built-to-last, quality pieces using ethical fabrics and production. The Good Neighbour pieces are made to last, using quality fabrics and construction methods to ensure clothes can be worn for years, not just one season.

It also encapsulates the spirit of local neighbourhood shopping for all customers, no matter where they live. Since launching in 2018, this has been achieved via a series of strategic pop-ups around London and the UK, away from the traditional high-streets and in places that have embraced the buzz and personality of local shopping – especially since the pandemic. For those unable to get to one of the many pop-ups, all of the pieces are available online at the brands website.

The design ethos is based on the paired down but trend-conscious style of the men that inhabit the neighbourhoods where the pop-up stores are based. The day-to-day uniform of work-from-home dads, young professionals and those looking to create an off-duty look that is stylish and considered, yet relaxed. The collections are largely seasonless, and include outerwear, trousers & jeans,  sweatshirts and knitwear, shirts and tees; all designed to be layered or stripped back depending on the weather. Key pieces from the current collection include a cord jacket in lilac, ecru, blue and mustard, tan pleated trousers, light wash jeans and a pair of striped t-shirts in blue and white. There will also be swimshorts added to the range, further into the spring season.

The Good Neighbour was founded by John Bright, a London-based menswear buyer who saw an opportunity for more affordable design-led pieces that appealed to the kind of men he knew. Men who wanted brands that weren’t ‘high-street’, tailored to their tastes and lifestyles, only without a hefty designer price tag.

Knitwear, accessories and winter coats are sourced locally in the England, in smaller ethically sound factories.

Jeans are sustainably sourced from BDA Denim factory in Paraguay. Stone washing and chemical PP sprays have been removed from the process and replaced with ozone- washing and laser technology. BDA are a B-Corp certified factory, which guarantees the factory confirms to the highest standards in the categories of social, environmental performance, transparency and accounting

Where possible existing stock fabrics or end of roll fabrics are used, to minimise fabric wastage and reduce landfill. The majority of pieces are made in Portugal to benefit from higher standards of employment and the quality of manufacture.

Pop-up store locations have included London neighbourhoods such as Clapham, Stoke Newington, Crouch End, Leyton, East Dulwich and Broadway Market, there are also selected stockists nationwide.

All products are now packed and shipped in Plant Based Biodegradable Bags.

You can now offset the CO2 emission from your purchase with CarbonClick, simply click on the button when you checkout.

Introducing newly launched British urban and country heritage brand Laird Utility, a workwear label made of long-lasting garments for today’s man, and woman born out of the already well- established Laird Hatters, a firm favourite for high quality flat caps, trilby and Fedora’s.

Indicative of the brand’s ethos, ‘creating long lasting garments for men and women whilst being produced in the most sustainable way’,

Laird Utility manufactures every garment in their UK based factory and uses the highest quality natural fibres – ensuring that the brand’s carbon footprint is kept to a minimum.

Established during the 2020 lockdown and developed as a natural progression from Laird Hatters, Husband-and-wife duo Alex and Zofia Torun-Shaw created Laird Utility after working from home became the new normal and hybrid dressing was suddenly everywhere. When choosing the name, both Alex and Zofia wanted to reflect the durability of the product as well as the aspect of the clothes.

With Alex’s lifelong passion of workwear and Zofia’s determination to create a British-built sustainable brand, the two worked on creating Laird Utility, a brand specialising in slow fashion wardrobe staples, delivering its customers affordable investment pieces, made to be worn and last a lifetime.

Inspired by Alex’s love of headwear and the nostalgia of watching movies such as The Great Escape and The Godfather, each garment incorporates elements of uniform and military wear whilst adding an urban edge to it. For instance, one of the brands signature pieces, the Indiana Trouser, inspired by, surprise surprise, Indiana Jones, is made from a cotton military twill. Laird Utility allows the wearer to pick and mix different elements of the outfit to make it the perfect combination of smart casual.

The debut collection includes key wardrobe staples, a Boatman coat, Tweed Culotte trousers, Dungger Dress and Harrington Jacket. Each garment is made from the finest British made cloths such as Harris Tweeds, Loden and English Tweed.

However, as we all know the staple piece of everyone’s wardrobe – is the Indigo Denim jacket!

The brand think they may have created the most versatile example of this classic.  Made from 14.5oz Indigo denim, fully lined, All seams are double stitched, with Laird Utility riveted buttons. You just don’t get harder-wearing quality, that gets better the more you wear it, giving a muscular fit.

Laird Utility is a brand for those who are looking for affordable investment pieces, with each item designed to wear better over time.