Gene
Kelly’s umbrella, James
Bond’s lighter, Michael
Caine’s glasses or Gianni
Agnelli’s watch; the list goes on of
accessories which are remembered for their role in building up a
character. Because accessories, apart from being obviously
practical, offer the wearer another outlet to express their
individual style in subtle yet interesting ways. Whether using a
jovial pocket square to lighten a business suit or wearing your
Grandfather’s ring imbued with sentimental value, an accessory can
add as much or as little to a look as needed. Here are a few of
The Rake’s top choices to start your collection.
Tom Chamberlin,
Editor
I thought it best not to speculate this week and choose items
from the list that I actually own, and can attest to their
usefulness in my daily life. Though there may be nothing
intrinsically life-changing about a wallet, a scarf and a cigar
case, it is important to remember that reliability in life is
everything, and these are nothing if not reliable to me every time
I leave the house. Also, the fact is that each of these, once you
look past their purely functional properties, are indeed special
and different. The Russian reindeer hide is idiosyncratic because
of its origins (shipwrecked for two centuries off the coast of
England), the hyper-eccentricity of the Rubinacci
scarf is beautiful to behold, as well as perfect in all seasons,
and the Fallon keeps your cigars healthy and ready for ignition in
a way that no other case has managed to do. Altogether it is a holy
triumvirate of accessories.
Charlie Thomas, Deputy
Editor
Not just reserved for summer, a good pair of sunglasses always
comes in handy for the low winter sun. Don’t let the name put you
off this Bespoke Dudes pair, which is carefully constructed in
Italy; they are lightweight, made of brass and feature a pleasingly
rounded lens design. Forget fedoras. When it’s cold, wear a beanie.
It is the 21st century. Armour
Lux’s nautical blue and white striped example
is an excellent homage to the Breton
T-shirt, in hat form. The only other accessory
desperately required is a simple wallet or cardholder. Try G.
Lancelot, whose Lohty bi-fold is made from a rich brown grain
calfskin that’ll age beautifully.
Jessica Beresford, Managing Editor,
Online
Dressing for the cold is one of those tasks that very quickly
loses its novelty, and with frosty temperatures still plaguing
much of Europe into March, its exciting sartorial possibilities
have well and truly diminished. New accessories are an easy way to
renew enthusiasm for harsh conditions: a fresh pair of gloves, to
keep the frostbite at bay; a bandana, as an alternative to all
those roll
necks; and a handy, hold-all bag, to make
carrying all those layers a little less daunting.
Anna
Prendergast, Online Editorial Associate
In the last two months, I have misplaced my wallet - twice - on
public transport. By some miracle, it’s been returned both times,
thanks to my Rake business cards being found inside, and the
kindness of strangers. I’m pinning my hopes on Ettinger’s
bright red card holder to catch my eye next time I (inevitably)
drop it somewhere on the Central line. I’ll also be zipping it
tightly into Frank Clegg’s chestnut backpack, which is my favourite
thing on the website at the moment because it reminds me of one
that I had years ago and – you guessed it – lost.
Benedict
Browne, Online Editorial Associate
Apart from my keys, wallet and
phone, I never leave the house without my watch, sunglasses and
jewellery. I can’t pretend to own the limited edition Bvlgari for
Revolution but, boy, do I wish I did. It’s sleek, lightweight and
monochromatic, plus it has a ridiculously clever movement. Whether
it’s sunny or not, sunglasses provide the perfect excuse not to
talk to someone deplorable who you just so happen to bump into.
Oliver Goldsmith, in my opinion, rules supreme as its frames come
straight out of the history books, but are very contemporary with
colourful acetate and toned lenses. Finally, I’m all
for man
jewellery, but simplicity is key and Alice Made This definitely knows
that.
Megan Plenderleith,
Copywriter
My father always says that the one day you leave for work
without an umbrella is the one day the heavens will open up and,
funnily enough, he's been spot on. The George
Cleverly umbrella from its coveted Russian Hide
collection serves its purpose splendidly, whilst also making the
awful weather seem less so. Other entirely practical and
easy-on-the-eye accessories to keep your ensemble on top form is
the Mark/Giusti leather documents cover and, of course, a pair of
Aedle aluminium and leather headphones to offer some much-needed
respite from a busy working day.
Natasha Drax,
Online Editorial Assistant
Accessories are useful for one of two reasons: their
practicality, or their ability to enhance an outfit. Frank
Clegg’s navy leather backpack, however,
combines both functions. A deep interior and a buckled front flap
pocket allow plenty of space for anything from a laptop to a change
of clothes without sacrificing on aesthetics, while the smooth
tumbled leather ensures it's suitable for smart occasions. A
well-chosen pair of glasses will give you a refined sophistication
for business meetings, and this leather case will keep your
cherished Montblanc pens in place as you dash between them.
