December 18, 2009

Men’s Holiday Gift Guide

By Robert Cordero

Men’s fashion is a precarious, often highly nuanced, trade. This holiday season, make sure you pick up the proper items for the men in your life to avoid veering into the wastelands of impersonal, generic gifts. Follow our advice on items for just about every kind of man and no one will be left feeling disappointed.

For the young, achingly hip male who prides himself on acquiring the latest on-trend fashion item, pick up a knit from Resistance, a pullover take on the Fair Isle sweater. Raf Simons and Doc Martens‘ 8-hole boots offer an emphatic punctuation to those beloved skinny jeans—like this Ksubi bleached number—and the fact that they’re limited edition means they won’t succumb to trend-chasing product ADD ways. Speaking of trends, grab an electric blue 10 Corso Como Commes des Garçons tote from the Italian emporium that’s always ahead of the curve.

The sports enthusiast must still be in disbelief at Tiger Woods spectacular downfall from his philandering ways, so make him feel more secure—or at least just stylish—with his game by picking up a stripe Polo from Dunhill By Kim Jones. If he prefers forehands over swings, then this Commes des Garçon short sleeve Play shirt is an infinitely cooler alternative to the ubiquitous Lacoste variety. Have the gym rat ditch those old sweatshirts in favor of something decidedly more stylish, such as Balenciaga‘s light weight knit jersey jacket and personalized kicks with the Nike Air Mogan iD shoe. Both are versatile enough that he can also wear them outside his weightlifting sessions.

For the more pensive, professorial-type males in your life, go with Prism’s Rome frames, can make even an erudite man look classic and current at the same time. Sartorially speaking, no fabric exudes intelligence and sophistication more than herringbone, so opt for Stowers Bespoke‘s double-breasted number or Edward‘s two-button blazer. There’s also a Silver Bulldog paperweight from the Dunhill collection to give any desk an uppercrust British accent, while this Prada Saffiano briefcase will house documents and give off an Italian allure.

Just as erudite, but with a hint of fey and artsy, the sensitive, foreign film watching male is in need of holiday gifting with a heightened aesthetic. Few cater to this discerning fashion set as well as the French, so try Lanvin’s shirt with a knit collar, which lies poetically on the body, or the label’s gold and black raw edge scarf. For the feet, Pierre Hardy‘s casual luxe suede ankle boots with eyelets make perfect parings to languid trousers that are stylishly secured at the waits by Marni‘s sleek belt. Once you’ve satisfied the wardrobes, pick up Francis Bacon: A Terrible Tragedy from Steidle to satiate their artistic curiosities.

For men who prefer to be less manicured and a bit more rugged, the best bet is a durable-looking wardrobe that harkens back to American workwear. Richard Chai‘s arc seamed plaid buttown downshirt and Kris Van Assche‘s combat trousers both scream urban utilitarianism. Also consider giving an accessory in the form of Woolrich‘s buffalo check attaché. Though not quite industrial, nothing is more American than a leatherman jacket ironically from Japanese label Neighborhood. Oak‘s Merino wool hat will keep them warm, and if they like jewelry, then Martin Margiela‘s ring has just enough toughness to be properly pulled off.

For boys with an intense passion for fashion, added color and shine makes everything that much better. Alexander McQueen‘s OTT gladiator sandals will surely be hit, and can even be worn over Paul Smith‘s colorful socks. Ann Demeulemeester‘s dark looks wouldn’t normally be on this kind of radar, but it’s hard to deny the appeal of this sequined waistcoat. And above all, every male peacock just wants to look young—so go with Alford & Hoff‘s facial serum with anti-aging qualities to preserve that youthful beauty.

From hip to sporty, from intellectual to romantic, from arty to rugged and to totally over the top, there’s something for every type of man. The hardest part is just remembering that you’re supposed to give these items away.

—Robert Cordero



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