What good’s a pair of cufflinks when he’s not worn French cuffs since before the pandemic? Ditto ties, tie bars (though they’re a no-no on any occasion), briefcases, fountain pens, pocket squares, lapel pins and, to be honest, formal shirts in general (unless, of course, you’ve got a wedding on the horizon. In which case, Eton shirts gets our vote).
Nope, now that dressing up is on the way out and office dress codes belong to a time of fax machines and VCR recorders, Valentine’s Day 2023 is all about toys, tech and tasteful accessories.
Here’s what the man in your life really wants this Valentine’s Day…
Hermès Montre Arceau Automatic watch
You can never go wrong gifting a great watch but, if your other half isn’t a seriously clued up watch guy, best stick with a brand he knows for maximum kudos. Luckily, many of the world’s most famous luxury houses now also do a fine line in stylish mechanical watches. With its clean, classic dial, stainless steel case and navy alligator strap, this Hermès Montre Arceau Automatic watch is a brilliant addition to any collection.
Adidas X9000L4 running trainers
During the period when team sports were cancelled and social interactions banned, dopamine hits became hard to come by. If, during the pandemic, your other half turned to running as a way of generating some feel-good chemicals (and keeping the lockdown weight gain at bay) chances are he also developed a mild obsession with running trainers. Not only have Adidas’s latest Jetboost shoes been developed to be more comfortable than ever, they also feature uppers made from a minimum of 50 per cent recycled materials. Choose this classic white pair for something he can wear straight to the pub, once he’s finished pounding the pavement.
A staycation at Sopwell House
Summer holidays are now firmly back on the agenda. Schedule some you-and-him time at Hertfordshire’s Sopwell House, a country spa hotel that’s less than an hour’s drive from central London. Formerly the summer home of Lord Louis Mountbatten – and one-time refuge for Anne Boleyn – today, Sopwell House is a contemporary spa retreat set in 12 acres of landscaped gardens, which boasts indoor and outdoor swimming pools, two restaurants and a cocktail bar. Because, although he’d never admit it, he enjoys a spa break just as much as you.
Lanvin cuff
There was a time when signet rings were exclusively for stockbrokers, and sovereign rings were for men who minded doors. Those days are gone (although probably still best to steer clear of sovereign rings). These days, men are free to ornament themselves with as many rings, cuffs, bracelets and earrings as they like. Into this space has stepped a smorgasbord of brands established to help men elevate their outfits with a grown-up accessory, or several. Not sure what to pick? Remember the sacred style maxim, KISS (Keep it simple, stupid) – this Lanvin cuff is a case in point.
Rapha Pro Team Long-sleeve Thermal Jersey
Sliding temperatures might have kept him off the saddle during the winter, but now that the mercury’s rising, the tarmac will be beckoning. This mid-layer, long-sleeve Pro Team jersey from Rapha has been engineered to provide warmth without adding extra weight – perfect for long rides in cool conditions. The fabric’s four-way stretch and seamless construction creates a streamlined silhouette while reducing bulk. The three rear pockets provide plenty of space for his energy bars and sarnies. He’ll be over the moon, trust us.
Yoshida Hamono ZDP-189 Bunka Black kitchen knife
Family-owned knife brand Yoshida Hamono traces its history back to blacksmiths on the Japanese island of Kyushu. As well as high-grade swords, the company manufactures smaller blades – like the seven-and-a-half-inch one on this hand-forged chef’s knife. It’s made from ZDP-189 stainless steel, the hardest money can buy, and has been left unprocessed at the top, where it will develop a unique patina.
Pasqua PassioneSentimento Tasting Box
If you’re staying in this Valentine’s Day, dial up the romance with Pasqua PassioneSentimento wine tasting kit. Hailing from Veneto, and inspired by the classic love story of Romeo & Juliet, the set contains everything you need for a sophisticated dtae night, including a bottle eahc of 2021 red and white wines, instructions for food pairing, two glasses, a corkscrew and invitation for a virtual wine tasting with the Pasqua cellar master.
Read more: The best Valentine’s Day gifts for her
The post Stylish gifts for him: What men really want for Valentine’s Day 2023 appeared first on Luxury London.