Stylepedia
Mr Porter's Glossary of Men's Fashion
Crafting high-quality goods from animal horn takes enormous skill and know-how, qualities that Abbeyhorn has in abundance with more than 260 years' experience in the field. With a team of just nine artisans, the company expertly produces all of its items in the UK using local raw materials whenever possible.
Its name standing for "Ambition to Create Novel Expressions", the Swedish design collective Acne came to the attention of the fashion world in 1997 when founder Mr Jonny Johansson designed 100 pairs of raw-denim jeans and handed them out to friends and family. Since then, the label has branched out from denim and is now a byword for sleek, easy-to-wear modern classics. Read more about Acne
After graduating from Central Saint Martins and gaining experience on Savile Row, Mr Alexander McQueen became one of the most important (and controversial) designers of his generation, with men's collections that were characterised by immaculate tailoring and dark, dramatic styling. After the designer's death in 2010, Ms Sarah Burton took up the design post. She brings a new energy to the collections while respecting the McQueen heritage. Read more about Alexander McQueen
New York-based designer Mr Alexander Olch has put a lot of work into perfecting the ties that bear his name, and we can't help but agree that it was worth the effort. Most obvious is the superb choice of fabrics, including tweeds and tartans. But perhaps even more important is the shape - slim but not skinny, slightly tapered towards the knot - and the handmade construction, which gives the tie a flexibility and fullness of knot that is lacking in machine-made ties. After all, it's the small details that can make or break an outfit.
Alpaca cloth is spun from the wool of this Peruvian cousin of the llama, and is used for summer suits and jacket linings.
Although a relatively new label, Ami has already caught the attention of those in the know, having captured a perfectly Parisian vision of off-duty cool. This is thanks to the label's young designer, Mr Alexandre Mattiussi, who gained valuable experience at Dior, Marc Jacobs and Givenchy before going solo. He aims to create clothes that are quietly stylish, eschewing trends in favour of building a wardrobe of classic, timeless items. The easy-to-wear basics and sharp tailoring in snappy fabrics make this covetable label one to watch over the coming seasons.
Founded by Mr Jean Touitou in 1987, A.P.C. (which stands for Atelier de Production et de Création) was born from a reaction against the ostentatious fashion that was all the rage in Paris at the time. With a belief that clothes should not overshadow the personality of the wearer, A.P.C. quickly became renowned for its simple, well-tailored wardrobe staples, inspired by workwear and free from embellishment. Today, the label's stylish, pared-down aesthetic seems as appropriate as ever; while trends come and go, there is something reassuringly constant and no-nonsense about Mr Touitou's signature brand of Parisian cool. Read more about A.P.C.
This Canadian label specialises in advanced performance clothes, with especially developed fabrics, designs and construction techniques combining to provide real protection from the elements. But this is only part of the Arc'teryx Veilance story. Meticulous attention to detail means that these items also have a clean, minimalist appearance. Unlike so much utility wear, pockets are discreet, colours are classic and construction is kept as lightweight as possible. Essential kit for the active gent.
Mr Alberto Aspesi has founded three brands in his distinguished career, and the Italian's eponymous line has gained a solid reputation for practical, well-made clothes for stylish men. Developing unique fabrics and particularly practical clothing have given this brand a lasting following, and the company is now more than 40 years old. Look out for the ever-popular padded outerwear.
A type of curled wool from very young lambs. The material takes its name from the south-western Russian city where the wool initially came from. Seen most frequently on a Cossack-style hat.
Aubin & Wills was launched in 2008 as a sophisticated sibling to the popular collegiate outfitter Jack Wills. Combining British heritage with a modern take on preppy style, the brand offers a range of easy-to-wear pieces, perfect for constructing a smart off-duty look. The label's motto is "Exclusively for the discerning", and the brand has forged links with the art world thanks to its London show space, which includes a gallery and cinema.
The classic teardrop-shaped, wire-rimmed sunglasses originally developed for military pilots, as the name suggests. Other classic frame styles include ovals (worn by Mr John Lennon), shades (wide, almost ski-goggle frames initially developed for race car drivers), splits (tortoiseshell top and lenses open at the bottom), wayfarers, and wraparound (worn by Mr Aristotle Onassis).
