“What I like about Christmas is that you can make people forget the past with the present.” – Don Marquis, American journalist and author
Here at AGLAIA we understand that those living life at a fractious pace often struggle to find time to search for that ideal gift for their loved ones. We also appreciate that shopping for the gentleman in your life is not always an easy task. But fret not ladies of AGLAIA, we are here to rescue your festive season with some stylish gifting ideas…with the little help of MR PORTER.COM!
Part one in our two-part Christmas gift guide sees us focus on the gentlemanly essential accessories. From cufflinks to wallets, pens to umbrellas, we’ve taken some of the coolest and classiest items out there this season and collated them into one little ensemble for those chaps who are deserving of your generosity and have managed to avoid the naughty list this year.
Cufflinks
The most regal of shirting detail, cufflinks lend a spot of class and sophistication (if done correctly) to an otherwise straightforward item of clothing.
Made in Italy and first used in the 60s, the Bottega Veneta Intrecciato Sterling Silver And Enamel cufflinks have been intricately etched to resemble the brand’s signature intrecciato weave. This sterling silver cufflink set has been traced with orange enamel, which works particularly well with navy suiting.
For those with a playful side to their style, the Deakin & Francis Rocket Silver-Tone And Enamel cufflinks have been fitted with a lever on the reverse which, when pulled, shoots out an enamelled yellow flame. Crafted in England from silver-tone metal.
These stunning Prada Robot Silver Crystal cufflinks are carved into the shape of Prada’s cult-favourite robot motif. Each silver piece is accented with a crystal at the centre.
Italian-made, these elegant Prada Silver Saffiano Leather cufflinks are cast from polished silver inlaid with textural black Saffiano leather. Perfect for formal occasions and paired with formalwear dress studs.
The jewel in the crown of accessorising style, Trianon’s cufflinks are a wise investment. Handcrafted with chalcedony and lapis bars held in 18-karat white gold settings, these cufflinks work just as well for board meetings as they do formal dinners. This extravagant gift is the kind of quality piece that becomes family heirlooms over generations to come.
Wallets
An item upon ones person that travels everywhere with him and is probably the most used accessory one owns, especially at Christmas!
Made from Horween shell cordovan leather that has a lustrous sheen, this George Cleverley leather cardholder is slim and compact enough to slip in your chest pocket without breaking the silhouette of your perfectly tailored suit.
With its shallow central compartment and room for two of your most frequently used cards, this Thom Browne Italian-made pebble-grain leather cardholder is a stylish day-to-day accoutrement.
Pens
Martin Luthur King famously once said, “if you want to change the world, pick up your pen and write”. In order to do so, one must first have the correct pen in their armoury. We’ve picked out three such pens for consideration.
The art of writing has been the century-long focus of the maison Caran d’Ache in Geneva and the perfect addition for all those writing needs. An ode to the talents of the master engraver this ‘Lignes Urbaines’ ballpoint pen is etched with an elegant architectural-inspired guilloché that improves grip and glide. Presented in a sleek box, it makes a perfect Christmas gift for sophisticated gentlemen.
Create an impression with the brand’s iconic Montblanc’s ‘Meisterstück’ ballpoint pen. Impeccably crafted in Germany, it is finished with platinum-plated details and the white star designer logo.
Tipped with a German-made filigree gold nib, the Y Studio Portable Brass And Copper Fountain Pen And Holder is made from weighty solid brass coated in a black lacquer that rubs off over time, leaving traces of your fingertips behind on its cylinder.
Complete with a slim, hand-crafted maple wood case for carrying on the go the fountain pen can also be latched to a bag by the leather yarns that thread through the pen’s cap.
Umbrellas
When it comes to umbrella’s there can only be one choice, the Kingsman + Swaine Adeney Brigg Chestnut Wood-Handle Umbrella.
Made famous from the Kingsman films, this umbrella is made by distinguished British firm Swaine Adeney Brigg. Whilst it may not boast quite the same level of espionage defence qualities as was seen in Kingsman, it’ll certainly see you through many a downpour in style.
Exclusive to MR PORTER.COM, this umbrella has been crafted in England from polished chestnut and finished with a plaque bearing the fictional intelligence bureau’s logo.
For further information on any of the items listed above, please visit MRPORTER.COM
Edward Lumley is Editor-in-Chief for Of Wealth & Life and a Freelance Men’s Fashion Writer. Edward has written for publications such as FashionBeans, Harrods and a variety of online outlets specialising in Men’s fashion for the past eight years. Follow Edward on Instagram.
