Blazers are a gentleman’s style essential. For both smart and casual occasions, there’s always a place for a gentrified jacket to help promote one’s style and individuality, without going overboard.

Smart and understated, yet elegant and refined, the male blazer is the perfect garment of outerwear that every gent should take advantage of this coming autumn and winter.

A staple item in any gentrified dandy's wardrobe, here at Gentry Style, we’re going to take a look at our top five.

Boden Wool Blazer

 In Boden’s new male autumn range is this rather suave woollen blazer. Available in grey check, olive check, navy and brown herringbone, it is perfect to throw over a plain t-shirt or sweater, for those brisk Saturdays walking around London markets hunting for gifts in the run up to the festive period. Made with finest English fabrics and each lined with imperial purple, they are cut to compliment the male physique. With sharp shoulder pads and with a mid-length fitting, it allows a comfortable fit without drowning the wearer in wool.

Gieves Classic Single Breasted Navy Blazer

Made out of 100% wool, this blazer from the fine tailors at Gieves is classic style simplicity. Finely cut to fit, it is perfect to help dress up a polo shirt or dress down a smart shirt, allowing ultimate choice when it comes to achieving the smart-casual image. With slender arms and an added white handkerchief in the breast pocket, it oozes masculine elegance.

J.Crew Cashmere Ludlow Legacy Blazer

Made out of super soft cashmere, this blazer from J.Crew is one of their modernised Ludlow styled garments. With narrow lapels and a trimmer silhouette, it is ideal to pair with a light shirt and some beige chinos, for those casual trips to a gallery or a museum. Lined with high quality Bemberg lining, the interior has contrasting pick stitching and silk foulard trim at the welts. It’s a timeless jacket that would appeal to young and old alike, and it is sure to dandify any outfit it is worn with.

Norton and Sons Bespoke Tweed Jacket (Vintage)

Norton and Sons was established in 1821 and has grown to become one of the most respected tailors on Saville Row. All of their jackets are unique and tailor made to fit. Here we have a vintage piece from Norton and Sons. With red, blue and brown check, upon tweed, the jacket is the epitome of British prestige and heritage. Reminiscent of classic Sherlock Holmes, it is the ultimate jacket for the gentleman with a more refined and vintage tastes. Paired up with a check shirt and vintage tie, it will evoke English elegance. Paired with a polo shirt it can be used to create a contemporary gentleman’s look, effusing both classic and modern styles for fashionable individuality.

A.Sauvage

New British label A. Sauvage has unveiled their Autumn 2010 line, entitled ‘This Is Not A Suit’. With the theme of Captain, Adrien Sauvage has recruited the likes of Alex Turner and Bill Nighy (whom he considers captains of their art), to model some of his latest designs. A. Suavage aims to utilise the traditional suit and transform it into an outfit of individuality by radicalising it, but still maintaining an element of male elegance. With this single breasted country blazer he uses blue flannel Prince of Wales check. He pairs it with a pair of bright blue corduroy trousers, to create a unique and exciting outfit, suitable for those who are more creative and daring with their wardrobes.

Written By Lewis Corner

Post from: Gentry Style

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In a time when the public are quickly losing faith in the railway networks due to continuous delays and increasing ticket prices (yet no apparent increase in service quality); we’re going to take a look at five of the best train journeys, and attempt to recapture the romance, adventure and luxury that railway trains used to (and still can if you know where to look), possess.  

The Toy Train, New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling, India

With its status as a World Heritage Site, the Toy Train remains one of the most sacred vehicles in the steam engine industry. Travelling 30 miles from the steaming plains of Bengal to the edge of the Himalayas, the journey takes a staggering 9 hours, as the train never surpasses walking speed. This gives you plenty of time to take in the wonders of the Indian countryside, full of scenic landscape and sleepy villages. Built in 1881, its purpose was to escort the elite of the Raj out of an unbearably hot Calcutta to cooler climates. After gently chugging through India through the night, you are greeted towards the end of your journey by the sun, rising over Everest; a sight that a 9 hour train journey would definitely be worth sitting through.

The Blue Train, Cape Town to Pretoria, South Africa

 Built in 1946, The Blue Train is the longest established luxury train that still remains today. Its history is entwined with the gold and diamond discoveries of the 1940’s and 50’s, and continues to pass through the diamond capital of Kimberley. With recently refurbished carts, it offers exquisite luxury and comfort, while being able to take in the dusty plains of South Africa, with its plethora of Sahara trees and wild beasts. The experience is like a steam ran safari, allowing you to mix luxury travel with adventure.

The Deer Stalker Express, London Euston to Fort William, United Kingdom

At least there is still one train that can recapture the scenic beauty of the British countryside. The 21.05pm sleeper, allows you to depart from the busy and fast paced city chaos at Euston and wake up in the mountainous calm of the Scottish highlands. Looking out the windows in the morning you’ll be greeted by vast landscapes of deep purple heather and the occasional stag. The carriages are opulent, yet traditionally British, and are all pulled along by a vintage steam locomotive. With scones and tea on the menu, it gives the passenger the opportunity to rediscover the romance of classic British elegance at its best.

Oriental and Eastern Express, Bangkok to Singapore, Eastern Asia

The iconic Orient express is still in service today. Departing Bangkok, the magnificent and legendary steam engine glides through the tropical landscapes of Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore. With scenery full orient mystery and adventure, on view are ancient temples, rubber plantations and rice paddies, as well as many bustling villages. One of the main attractions of the journey is the passing over the glorious river Kwai, with its rapid and glistening waters. The Orient Express is made up of 22 carriages, which includes 2 restaurants, an observation cart and 6 pullman cars. Ultimately it is a luxurious hotel on wheels. At night when the stars are on full view in the clear sky, fireflies can be seen wafting above the passing jungle’s canopy.

Le Train Bleu, Calais to Côte d’Azur, France

Although no longer in service, ‘Le Train Bleu’, as it was colloquially referred to, was a resplendent blue steam train that began in Calais and strolled through the night down to the warm and glamorous Côte d’Azur. Frequented by the British elite such as Charlie Chaplin and F. Scott Fitzgerald, they would stop off at Paris to pick up French contemporaries Cocteau and Coco Chanel. The service was exclusively first class, with an infamous haute cuisine five course meal to be enjoyed in the restaurant carriage. The aroma of fine French wines and flavoursome cheeses would have wafted throughout the refined and cultivated social atmosphere.  Dandy aesthetes and their ladies would visit French Riviera communes such as Grasse, to buy exclusive and unique fragrances. They would stop by perfume houses such as Molinard, which is still in business today, helping to cement Grasse as the international capital of fragrances. Other destinations the Blue Train would stop at include Cannes, Antibes and Monaco, still some the most glamorous and fashionable places in Europe today. In 1938 ‘Le Train Bleu’ was nationalised and added second and third class carriages, marking the end of its luxurious status and becoming one of many nocturnal trains headed for the south of France.

Written By Lewis Corner

Post from: Gentry Style

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As the clouds begin to grey over here in Mayfair, we can’t help but notice that the fashion house windows are too.

Walking down the street, designer shop windows are signalling the end of summer style and beginning to embrace the autumn wardrobe. And like the sky, grey is seems to be the choice of colour this season. Set to take over gentleman’s fashion for Autumn/Winter 2010/11, we’re going to take a look at how to wear this season’s palette ā la mode.

For those slightly (or seriously) style challenged gents, dressing smart and on trend will never be easier. With grey the usual and obvious choice when selecting a winter jacket that needs to go with all colours and outfits, drenching the remainder of your wardrobe with a plethora of tones and textures of the monochromatic look will make you stand out, and cement your image as a Gent with style.

Pairing your suit with a grey shirt and tie allows you to instantly achieve uni-colour chic, while still being appropriate for the boardroom. Although some outfits may make you look like a villain out of an art house mafia movie, we don’t think this is such a bad thing. Attitude, presence and confidence are what fashion is all about. Mix and match tones of grey to break up the outfit and bring the style alive. Light touches of black or white help to refine the look, without disturbing the overall image too much. More creative types can infuse jeans or boots into the outfit to create a more smart-casual ensemble.

To loosen up the outfit, try wearing a grey turtleneck under a suit. Suitable for gents at leisure or for men who work in an industry where uniform can be relaxed, but retain a certain level of smartness; the turtleneck is a sophisticated alternative to a shirt. It evokes 1970’s male chic, which has been seen across all male catwalks for the autumn season, and offers the gent more freedom and comfort in his outfit. Choose a turtleneck with a different textured material to add extra dimension, and play with different tones of grey to create a stand-out outfit. The turtleneck alternative offers flair and aptitude, while still retaining gentry elegance.

Images

Top – Left to Right: Les Hommes, Dior, Ermenegildo Zegna

Bottom – Left to Right: Costume National, Z Zegna, Dunhill

Written By Lewis Corner

Post from: Gentry Style

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With our newly formed Twitter page created, be sure to follow us @GentryStyle to keep posted on the latest news on all matters Gentry!

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Unfortunately, these days football is publicized more through the lifestyles of the players, rather than the sport itself. But with Martin O’Neill’s shock exit from Aston Villa providing the drama days before the English Premier League kicks off this Saturday, we’ll cover the glamour, looking at some of the most fashionable footballers to have graced the game.

David Beckham

When you partner fashion with football, nine times out of ten you’re going to think David Beckham. One of the most famous footballers in the world, Becks is continuously setting trends. Whether it’s smart or casual, Beckham effortlessly effuses contemporary gentry chic. Here we see him in a fitted beige blazer, with black tipped edging. The strong, angular shoulder pads and pointed lapels give the jacket a sharp, smart and masculine quality. With an open crisp white shirt to complement, Becks establishes a casual, but sophisticated image, demonstrating an outfit that oozes confidence and elegance.

David Beckham has always been the ‘look-to’ inspiration for modern men’s hair. Here he is sporting a twenty first century quiff. Short and controlled on the back and sides, his hair is longer on top, allowing it to be styled into an offside quiff. Gently moulded to the right of his head, it is contemporary, yet smart. With a bit of lightly groomed stubble, he is able to pull off the rugged look, without stepping into ‘dishevelled’ territory. A modern family man, Beckham leads the way in current gentleman’s fashion.

Gerard Pique

This Spanish born player is able to pull off modern gentry with ease. Pique’s style is contained and smart, exuding assurance and class. His image has evolved into a status of dashing contemporary gent. Here we see him in matching blazer and waistcoat. The light grey tone and finely patterned check gives the outfit elegance and prestige. With a sharp white shirt and delicately designed cravat, he evokes a style of heritage and status. Like a modern day Dandy, he fuses nineteenth century style with a modern twist, creating a timeless outfit that is au courant.

Pique keeps his hair simple and stylish. With short back and sides, he is in command of his no fuss approach. Controlled and defined, it is effortlessly masculine. Finely groomed, short-length facial hair helps to shape his face to create a strong, yet charming quality that is reminiscent of early twentieth century class. With a look of an elegant and refined modern gent, Pique’s style is the definition of contemporary male gentility.

Cristiano Ronaldo

Over the last few years Cristiano Ronaldo has emerged as football’s new internationally acclaimed superstar. The Portuguese player has followed in the footsteps of Beckham by becoming the new model of Armani underwear and continuously pushing the boundaries of contemporary male fashion. Although Ronaldo regularly appears immaculate and dapper in his collection of designer suits, we’re going to look at the more casual side of his style. Here we can see him in a simple, deep burgundy/purple tee, with contrasting white collar. Plain and fitted, it is staple item in the increasingly popular modern gent’s style of casual-smart. Complemented with denim jeans, white rimmed aviator sunglasses and a chunky white watch, it gives the outfit a co-ordinated, yet ostentatiously retro feel.

To capitalise on this retro quality to the outfit, Ronaldo has his dark hair slicked back with product. Short on the back and sides, the fringe is swept back. Composed and refined, it is reminiscent of late 70’s glamour, provoking an image of rich and powerful men on their luxury yachts in St. Tropez. Clean shaven, Ronaldo is facial-hair free, exposing his boyishly good looks and reinforcing his clean cut image.

Freddie Ljungberg

After appearing in an advertising campaign for CK underwear, Freddie Ljungberg cemented his place as a style icon in football. The Swedish player is never one to shy away from modern trends, always sustaining a youthful and modish confidence. Double denim is the style tip of the season, and as Ljungberg shows here, it’s not as bad as it sounds. With denim jeans and a denim shirt, he breaks up the outfit with a scoop neck black vest and a black leather biker jacket. Infusing early 90’s denim with a 1960’s rock twist, Ljungberg evokes contemporary cool, without appearing to dress too young. Able to keep a sophisticated dominance, his style is the ideal level of casual for the maturing gent, while continuing to be on trend.

Ljungberg keeps his hair short and simple. Shaved all over, it helps define his chiselled facial features, as well as being the ultimate way to combat a receding hairline. Lightly shaped stubble enhances his jaw as well as reinforcing his rugged but smart image, evoking pure masculine fortitude.

Written By Lewis Corner

Post from: Gentry Style

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Marc Jacobs, BANG[Exclusively at Harvey Nichols, available nationwide from 25th August]

Smooth and warm, the scent is reminiscent of a glowing autumn day. It’s no surprise then that the cologne is created with a threesome of black, pink and white peppercorns along with the heart and base of the fragrance wrapped with primal masculine woods. The scent is refined yet comfortable, and will happily linger upon your body, with an alluring and affable quality. The bottle looks like a futurist’s hip flask. Made out of black heavyweight faceted glass, it is contrasted with metallic silver plaques on the front and back. The design's metallic edges reflect light all over, somewhat resembling a cubists interpretation of a disco-ball. It's an.. interesting.. concept..

Tom Ford, Tom Ford for Men Extreme

Rich and warm is the only way to describe this new fragrance from Tom Ford. Blended with spices, the scent is distinct but sensuous, oozing with confidence and masculinity.  Rooty and smooth, it retains an air of maturity and power. The deep flavours blend to create a soothing fragrance of prestige and male elegance. The bottle is a simplistic yet stylish dose of déjà vu, allowing you to rediscover the luxurious era of 1970’s glamour. The dashingly retro design features amber glass topped with gold, making it a truly classic piece, and one that we love.

Ralph Lauren, Polo Blue

Hailed as the new definition of casual elegance, Polo Blue is a blend of melon de cavaillon, basil verbena and washed suede. Refreshing and light, the fragrance is a cool breeze of modern masculinity. Zesty and sweet, it is an inoffensive charm assault, with an edge of contemporary sophistication. The bottle’s design is a safe and smooth affair. Made out of frosted blue glass with a silver metallic lid, it’s a bottle you’d expect from Ralph Lauren. Simple and conventional, its job is to reassure the consumer that they are buying Ralph Lauren Polo Blue, and it does just that.

Paul Smith, Extreme for Men

Keeping to Paul Smith’s style of ‘classic with a twist’, his fragrance for men is a woody, spicy scent with a dash of citrus. A blend of bergamot with rosemary, and spices nutmeg and cardamom, exudes an essence of youthful debonair. The fragrance is alluring and refined, with an effusion of style and substance. It comes in Paul Smith’s classic cubed bottle. A smart and modern design, Paul Smiths trademark coloured stripes adorn the glass sides of the bottle. Minimal yet iconic, it is a design of class and credibility that any contemporary gent would like to adorn his shelf with.

StefanoFreccari, Acqua di Genova

First made in 1853 for the Royal Family of Savoia, Acqua di Genova still has the same recipe today. With a prestigious heritage, this fragrance is light dash of citrus notes, complemented by middle notes of rose and neroli. Its base has notes of woods, giving the scent depth and distinction, making the fragrance a plethora of finely blended flavours and delivering a truly exquisite classical scent. The bottle is pure Italian elegance. Made out of clear last with ribbed detail towards the top, the lid is a metallic gold, emphasising the illustrious status of the brand. With a vintage designed label, the whole package is a luxurious product that effuses nineteenth century Italian class at its very best. 

Written By Lewis Corner

Post from: Gentry Style

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Rikorderlig

Rikorderlig is Sweden’s most popular premium cider. It is made by Sweden’s oldest brewery in Vimmerby with perfectly balanced spring water, using the same methods since their beginnings in 1856. Created with an array of fresh apples, pears and berries collected from the Swedish countryside; when served with ice, Rikorderlig delivers a blast of sweet, but subtle flavour, which makes it the perfect beverage to unwind with after a busy day at the office.

Rikorderlig comes in Apple, Pear, Wild Berries and Strawberry and Lime flavours.

Aspall Cyder

Made in the countryside of Suffolk at Aspall Hall Farm, Aspall Cyder is steadily becoming one of the most popular home-grown ciders in the UK. Using a blend of Cox and Bramley apples, Aspall manages to sustain the perfect balance between sweetness and acidity to give their cider (or Cyder, as they like to call it) both taste and kick. The combination of bittersweet apples gives the cyder a heady perfume, body and a depth of finish. Served chilled, it is the ideal drink for laid back weekend BBQ’s.

Weston’s Cider with Cider ICE

Based in the Herefordshire village of Much Marcle, Weston’s Cider is quickly emerging as one of Britain’s favourite premium ciders. Established in 1880, Weston’s has come a long way in developing new products and is currently leading the way when it comes to innovativeness to chill. Served with Weston’s contemporary carbonated, smooth cider, Cider ICE is a unique system where crushed ice made out of pure cider (no added water) tops one 1/3 of the drink; achieving ultimate refreshment. Available in pubs in a handful of major cities in the UK, Weston’s Cider with Cider ICE is the supreme answer to a cold drink on a hot summer’s day.

To find your nearest pub that served Weston’s Cider ICE, click here.  

Written By Lewis Corner

Post from: Gentry Style

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Using bikes, its follows the rules of standard polo, but unlike the traditional prestige and privilege that horse-based polo represents, this variant of the sport has gone rogue. Hugely popular across Western Europe and North America, bike polo (or as it’s known on the streets, hand court bike polo) has become fast-growing underground past-time, quickly emerging as a fully-fledged global sport. With international competitions like the Greif Masters in Germany and the World Championships being held in Berlin next week, it is evident that the sport is gaining serious momentum.

When asked about the future of Bike Polo Jonny Hunter and Kevin Walsh of the League of Bike Polo responded,

“Well, there are definitely some barriers. One is the equipment needs are very individual and specific. The mechanic at your local bike shop isn’t going to know how to work on a polo bike. There have been a couple of bikes manufactured specifically for bike polo—the Fleet Velo Joust and Milwaukee Bike’s Bruiser—but the sales, so far, are low. So I don’t see it becoming commercialized.

On the other hand, we have a major sponsor involved in this tournament [the upcoming North American championship], Trek, and that has been fantastic. We have an organizing body now, and I think that within the community we have enough organizing talent and potential to steer the sport in the direction we, as players and fans, want it to go.”

Although the sport is not as generously funded as other major sports, its growth in popularity is expanding extremely rapidly. Clubs are being formed in almost every continent. Speaking on the expeditious spread of the sport globally, Hunter and Walsh comment;

Walsh: “Three or four new local clubs register every week. We just had Moscow register — and I just looked at their club logo, and it is amazing.”

Hunter: “We had 48 teams playing in the Midwest Championships, 48 teams playing in the Eastern Championships. Internationally, you’re starting to see teams in Latin America — Santiago has a club, Buenos Aires has a club, there’s bike polo in Colombia now. That’s really exciting, because it means you can go anywhere and play. And, obviously, it’s exciting for the future of the competitive game.”

Back here in the UK, the London Bike Polo League was setup in 2008. In the 09/10 season twelve teams managed to play 33 games over the winter months, with BAD Polo winning the league with 47 points. Although the league is small and independently funded, with a rise in bike polo’s international profile, it may not be long before this bastardised event is gracing the Olympic World stage once again.

To read the full interview with Jonny Hunter and Kevin Walsh of the League of Bike Polo, click here.

Written By Lewis Corner

Post from: Gentry Style

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Molloy wasn’t always an artist. In 1962 he joined the Daily Mirror and for over two decades worked at the tabloid to become its Editor-in-Chief. After leaving the Mirror Group in 1990, Molloy embarked upon writing best-selling novels and children’s books, often making the shortlist of some of the literary world’s biggest prizes.

It’s only over the last ten years that Molloy instinctually went back to his roots and began painting again, having attended Ealing Art School as youth in the late 1950’s. His work is unmistakably British, with many scenes of mid-twentieth century families enjoying themselves in the picturesque surroundings of the British suburbs and countryside.

On completing his first masterpieces he started to exhibit his art in galleries in the South of France and London, attracting fans such as Delia Smith and Anne Robinson.

In September 2010, Molloy’s work will be on sale at the Belgravia Gallery in Mayfair. Speaking of his art Molloy explains, “I think my work is quintessentially English and mostly drawn from the suburbs of London and the outlying villages and countryside. As a child in West London I often saw shots of familiar streets in the movies made by Ealing Studios, which also helped to blur the barriers between reality and creativity in my imagination”.

Vintage Britain is a clear thematic motif that is evident throughout Molloy’s work. He says it’s something of a passion for him, drawing inspiration from old photographs and black and white film stills, to recapture the lost Britain of the mid-twentieth century. He explains his fascination with this period as “A condition that I believe is sometimes referred to as ‘Post generation nostalgia.’ It is a world that is all but gone from our cities and suburbs, apart from the parks and some of the older houses, but it can still be found more abundantly in the unchanging English countryside."

If you would like to view the work of Michael Molloy, you can visit the Belgravia Gallery in Mayfair in September, where his work will be on sale. It is located on Albemarle Street, just around the corner from Murdock London’s Mayfair store.

Written By Lewis Corner

Post from: Gentry Style

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Italian shoe-specialist Tod’s, not only supply some of Europe’s finest footwear, but also some of the best leather goods you’ll find anywhere in the world. Here’s a look at their range of quality crafted bags:

The Work Bag

Long gone are those chunky briefcases of the nineties. Sophisticated and distinct, this leather briefcase from Tod’s Iconic range is an essential for the present day businessman.

In dark brown leather with five front pockets and a silver metal lock, the design is a modern classic that oozes masculine elegance.

The Computer Bag

Portable laptops are rapidly replacing the desktop computer; for the everyday commute, a practical but stylish solution is required.

Tod’s Computer Bag, also from the Iconic range, comes in a dapper shade of light brown. With adjustable shoulder straps, and increased internal padding, I think it’s safe to say that if Don Draper had a Mac Book, he’d also have one of these.

Men’s Tote Bag

A simple but chic design, this men’s tote bag is perfect for a bottle of wine and a book to go to the park, or for your gym kit after work.

Part of the Pashmy range, this tote would complement any well-dressed modern gent, effusing twenty first century class. With Tod’s high quality craftsmanship, it is a wardrobe investment that will last for years.

The Weekend Bag

Made with Tod’s technical fabric, along with a bi-colour leather stripe, this holdall is the perfect size and style for city breaks and weekend getaways. It exudes perfect balance between sophistication and casual that the modern traveller is looking for.

To visit Tod’s homepage and views other styles they offer, click here.

Written By Lewis Corner

Post from: Gentry Style

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