A-list-endorsed menswear, bespoke shoes, a smart watch in more ways than one – and anyone for cabbage?
Brand watch: Hanro
Albert Handschin and Carl Ronus founded their underwear company in the Swiss town of Liestal in 1884, combining their surnames to form the brand name Hanro. Right from the off, they specialised in using high-quality fabrics, and Hanro is still a class act.
After experimenting with menswear in the Thirties, Hanro started producing a full range of it in 1980. George Clooney and Tom Hardy have worn Hanro pieces on and off the screen, and gymnast Louis Smith is another admirer. New items include this long-sleeved top, £86.50, in 70 per cent merino wool and silk, and a Sea Island cotton V-neck T-shirt, £95.50 (hanro.co.uk).
A recipe for cabbage
The Alfred Nehru jacket, from Sir Plus, is made from “cabbage”, the name given to the offcuts supplied by London’s fabric dealers and factories – hence the brand’s name. The company also offers knitwear and accessories, but cabbage doesn’t come especially cheap – this piece will cost you £185 (sirplus.co.uk).
If the shoe fits
Portuguese shoe brand Undandy offers a bespoke online service for you to satisfy your footwear fantasies. Choose your style – Oxford, Derby, etc – and build your design from there, selecting colour, material, laces and so on (£100-£170; undandy.com).
5 reasons why we love… Vector Luna smartwatch
1. The watch links to your smartphone to keep track of notifications and events, and also works as a fitness band … 2. … but with a round brushed stainless-steel face and a padded leather strap, it looks like a normal watch. 3. Messages can only be read by the wearer … 4. … and can be dismissed with a flick of the wrist. 5. The battery lasts up to 30 days on one charge (£249; vectorwatch.com).
Mantalk
“People come up and say, ‘You are a total nutter.’ Or if I am in a bar they might say, ‘Pint of urine, mate?’” Bear Grylls