Joe's Style Corner
@ALEXANDER.KRAFT
Brand To Know: Alexander Craft Monte Carlo
Smart, elevated dressing is tricky now the fashion landscape feels very different. I often get asked: should we sacrifice style for comfort? Do we abandon tailored fits? Which fabrics should we be avoiding?
Enter the most elegant man in Monte Carlo. Alexander Kraft is CEO of Sotheby’s International Realty France and founder of the newly launched Alexander Kraft Monte Carlo collection. His capsule edit of key pieces can sharpen up even the most relaxed of wardrobes. His life is one continuous, glamorous whirlwind: flitting back and forth between his base in Monte Carlo and residences in Provence, Palm Beach, Paris and Berlin; collecting vintage watches, classic motorcars, antiques and art.
The Kraft Collection embraces this luxurious lifestyle but, happily, without the price tag. It embodies Alexander’s belief that dressing well is all about simplicity and layering – ‘Wear less, combine better’ is his mantra. That means employing a simple, neutral colour palette, with one elegant anchor piece paired to other more casual separates. His approach speaks to me, and his key staples such as long-sleeve polos, chunky lambswool sweaters, cashmere rollnecks and separate blazers and trousers are designed to create a 360º capsule wardrobe. Working closely with renowned cloth mills and the best family owned workshops in southern Italy, he is able to offer these garments at prices rarely, if ever, seen before for clothing of this quality. What’s not to like?
New Trend: Knitted Polos
The death of the traditional shirt and tie is a frequently debated subject in menswear. Even though I don’t believe the look will ever go away completely, I do think the classic starchy poplin shirt has evolved. The modern, fresher alternative comes in the form of the knitted polo shirt. Featuring all the requisite elements of a classic shirt (point collars, plackets, buttons) with none of the crinkly discomfort, knitted polos can be found this autumn in heavy gauge cashmeres and bright shades as well as softer, lighter constructions.
At Ermenegildo Zegna, premium fabrics and relaxed cuts result in the perfect knitted polo. Almost like a sweater, its long-sleeved polo shirt is knitted from a cashmere-silk blend that’s both lustrous and soft against the skin. It’s finished with ribbed trims and a row of pearlescent buttons – simply team with cotton or wool trousers and box-fresh trainers. You are now set for (gulp) autumn.
@LALLEJOHN
Best Dressed Man Of The Month: Lalle Johnson
Lalle Johnson has worked in men’s fashion for decades, becoming widely known for his timeless and integrated style. His résumé spans big fashion magazines to famous artists and fashion brands. Drawing inspo from Italy, there is a lot of ‘Milan’ in his personal style, including soft and comfortable tailoring. At the same time, a Scandi spirit is ever present in his choice of pared-back colours and elegant accessories. Soft, elegant and stylish, he’s my man to watch this month.
Hot Product: Dunhill Trainers
Whether you’re already a bit of a sneakerhead, or are still trying to find the right style for all occasions, look no further than Dunhill’s Radial Runner Leather and Suede-Trimmed Mesh Sneakers. These are trainers crafted with strict attention to detail: each one is made up of 73 pieces and takes 185 steps to create. The Radial pair is trimmed in
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