

Mr KJ Apa is hot. To be fair, it’s 19°C, which feels lovely under the shade of million-dollar Mediterranean landscaping in Laurel Canyon, Los Angeles, but sweltering in the sun. Mr Apa is cheerfully roasting himself on the deck of a house borrowed for our photo shoot. The house is all sharp brutalist lines and stern concrete. It looms in striking contrast to Mr Apa, who exudes Abercrombie joie de vivre.

He moves around the table like a sundial as we speak, following patches of shade. He undoes a few buttons of his shirt, a beachy brown seersuckerish button-up, to better take the breeze. Then he grabs a cigarette from a pack of American Spirits that materialised on the table before he sat down.

Mr KJ Apa is hot. To be fair, it’s 19°C, which feels lovely under the shade of million-dollar Mediterranean landscaping in Laurel Canyon, Los Angeles, but sweltering in the sun. Mr Apa is cheerfully roasting himself on the deck of a house borrowed for our photo shoot. The house is all sharp brutalist lines and stern concrete. It looms in striking contrast to Mr Apa, who exudes Abercrombie joie de vivre.
He moves around the table like a sundial as we speak, following patches of shade. He undoes a few buttons of his shirt, a beachy brown seersuckerish button-up, to better take the breeze. Then he grabs a cigarette from a pack of American Spirits that materialised on the table before he sat down.


Mr KJ Apa, star of The CW’s Riverdale, on the hardest year of his life and his leading-man movie debut in I Still Believe.

Fashion: Actor Mr KJ Apa

For Riverdale’s Mr KJ Apa, The Only Way Is Up



You have probably noticed that, in recent months, the MR PORTER website has had something of an overhaul. One of the key features thereof is that, now, when you hover over “designers” on the homepage, you are reminded of the fact that we now offer somewhere in the region of _600_ brands. We have to admit, even the members of the team here have to do a bit of a double take each time we see that number. And, while we know that a certain stripe of intrepid customer will be nothing but galvanised by the idea of such choice, we also know that there are many people out there who don’t have the time or inclination to verse themselves in such a universe of menswear. Below, then, we present a selection of brands that we feel, this spring, are particularly worth your attention – a feeling that is reflected in the way we have bought into these especially noteworthy collections. Consider it a cheat’s guide to the season, perhaps, or, to use the terminology of the trading floor, the latest “buy now” from our trusted team of experts…

You have probably noticed that, in recent months, the MR PORTER website has had something of an overhaul. One of the key features thereof is that, now, when you hover over “designers” on the homepage, you are reminded of the fact that we now offer somewhere in the region of 600 brands. We have to admit, even the members of the team here have to do a bit of a double take each time we see that number. And, while we know that a certain stripe of intrepid customer will be nothing but galvanised by the idea of such choice, we also know that there are many people out there who don’t have the time or inclination to verse themselves in such a universe of menswear. Below, then, we present a selection of brands that we feel, this spring, are particularly worth your attention – a feeling that is reflected in the way we have bought into these especially noteworthy collections. Consider it a cheat’s guide to the season, perhaps, or, to use the terminology of the trading floor, the latest “buy now” from our trusted team of experts…


From AMI to Prada and Acne Studios, discover why these designers have fielded the most intriguing collections of the season.

Fashion: Brands To Watch Spring 2020

Seven Menswear Brands To Watch For Spring 2020



As I walked through Hyde Park on a golden London evening last summer, I couldn’t remember ever feeling as good. Rather than enduring rush hour with my face pressed into the armpit of a stranger on the Central Line, I was 20 minutes into a six-mile hike home, listening to my favourite Spotify playlist, enjoying the sun on my face and the endorphins coursing round my body. I had recently given up smoking after 35 years, while the mosaic of wellness and fitness apps on my phone, one of which was tracking my walk, were symbols of a renewed determination to fashion a better version of myself.

Completing my calorie-burning target of 12,500 daily steps recommended by BetterMe: Walking &amp; Weightloss was only one part of my new app-based regime. The day now began with a tap of the Sleep Cycle icon to check how well I had slept. The soothing voice of Yoga Studio’s female instructor then talked me through low-intensity back-strengthening stretches, which then set me up for a 10-minute mediation session on Calm. At work, my phone bleeped, chirped and gurgled with notifications reminding me to drink more water, eat more healthily and project positivity. The messaging quickly became an onslaught, but the advice was sinking in, even if my weekly screen time was spiralling.

I had needed to hit the reset button. The combination of being trapped in a job that was wearing me down, the frenzy of home life with three small children and my residual angst about career, money and the future had left me feeling frayed and increasingly frustrated. The looming spectre of my 50th birthday didn’t help either, mocking me with every glance in the mirror, every twinge in my back and every flare of my bald patch on the CCTV screens of London buses.

As I walked through Hyde Park on a golden London evening last summer, I couldn’t remember ever feeling as good. Rather than enduring rush hour with my face pressed into the armpit of a stranger on the Central Line, I was 20 minutes into a six-mile hike home, listening to my favourite Spotify playlist, enjoying the sun on my face and the endorphins coursing round my body. I had recently given up smoking after 35 years, while the mosaic of wellness and fitness apps on my phone, one of which was tracking my walk, were symbols of a renewed determination to fashion a better version of myself.
Completing my calorie-burning target of 12,500 daily steps recommended by BetterMe: Walking & Weightloss was only one part of my new app-based regime. The day now began with a tap of the Sleep Cycle icon to check how well I had slept. The soothing voice of Yoga Studio’s female instructor then talked me through low-intensity back-strengthening stretches, which then set me up for a 10-minute mediation session on Calm. At work, my phone bleeped, chirped and gurgled with notifications reminding me to drink more water, eat more healthily and project positivity. The messaging quickly became an onslaught, but the advice was sinking in, even if my weekly screen time was spiralling.
I had needed to hit the reset button. The combination of being trapped in a job that was wearing me down, the frenzy of home life with three small children and my residual angst about career, money and the future had left me feeling frayed and increasingly frustrated. The looming spectre of my 50th birthday didn’t help either, mocking me with every glance in the mirror, every twinge in my back and every flare of my bald patch on the CCTV screens of London buses.


Health apps and fitness trackers are great, but there's more to health and mental wellbeing than relying on technology. 

Lifestyle: The Effectiveness Of Wellness Apps

Why Wellness Isn’t The Answer To Everything



If the past few years have taught us anything, it is that the British have a very confused sense of self-image. Nowhere is this better illustrated than with the depiction of the Brit abroad. The British see themselves as the embodiment of rationality, with a handle on everything from science, politics and the arts to cuisine and style. When travelling overseas, they bring with them civility, which they aim to disseminate across foreign lands, usually by speaking English very loudly and slowly.

Read our take on British tourists’ style as depicted by Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon in The Trip To Greece TV show, plus shop holiday travel looks.

Fashion: Travel Style Lessons From The Trip To Greece

Why The Trip To Greece Is Brits-Abroad Style Done Right



Here we are again: the fast-moving merry-go-round of fashion has swung round once more and its gaily-coloured horses – that is, this season’s new trends – are transfixing us with their mad, glassy eyes. Or something like that. But, how is it all looking? In truth, in this post-haute-streetwear, anything-goes era, it becomes increasingly difficult to provide pithy summaries of the comings and goings of men’s style. But if we were going to give a general indication of spring’s predilections, it would be: still rather loose and relaxed, somewhat bohemian, but undeniably a little more grown-up than last year (if you forgive the odd crochet cardigan or two). Of course, there are also plenty of options for the wild cards among us, primarily thanks to a growing sense of quirky homemade-ness that has been infusing collections as the fashion world gloms on to the idea that slick, mass-produced luxury is beginning to look less and less appealing at a time of [growing eco-consciousness](http://www.mrporter.com/journal/the-knowledge/how-to-care-for-your-clothing-sustainably/5114). Does it mean, by next year, we’ll all be storming around in hessian sacks? Well, no one saw the [Triple S](http://www.mrporter.com/mens/search/balenciaga%20triple%20s) coming, did they? In the meantime, if you’re interested in a slightly more granular (and less speculative) look at what you’re going to be wearing this spring, do scroll down.

Here we are again: the fast-moving merry-go-round of fashion has swung round once more and its gaily-coloured horses – that is, this season’s new trends – are transfixing us with their mad, glassy eyes. Or something like that. But, how is it all looking? In truth, in this post-haute-streetwear, anything-goes era, it becomes increasingly difficult to provide pithy summaries of the comings and goings of men’s style. But if we were going to give a general indication of spring’s predilections, it would be: still rather loose and relaxed, somewhat bohemian, but undeniably a little more grown-up than last year (if you forgive the odd crochet cardigan or two). Of course, there are also plenty of options for the wild cards among us, primarily thanks to a growing sense of quirky homemade-ness that has been infusing collections as the fashion world gloms on to the idea that slick, mass-produced luxury is beginning to look less and less appealing at a time of growing eco-consciousness. Does it mean, by next year, we’ll all be storming around in hessian sacks? Well, no one saw the Triple S coming, did they? In the meantime, if you’re interested in a slightly more granular (and less speculative) look at what you’re going to be wearing this spring, do scroll down.


The Men’s Trends To Know For Spring 2020



So, you’ve mastered the art of pulling on a crisp shirt and a pair tailored trousers. Perhaps you’re a workwear god, maybe even a streetwear king. But if you’re getting dressed in the morning and sleeping on accessories, you’re missing not one, but several tricks. A well-chosen accessory – or tie, scarf, hat, belt, etc – is the element that takes a dressed man to a best-dressed man. (Seriously, take a look through our street-style roundups from over the years and you’ll notice that often, the item that really takes a look over the edge isn’t trousers or a sweater, but a luxurious printed scarf, or a vibrant hat.)

Here, we’ve gathered some of our favourite examples of great outfits where accessories are doing much of the heavy lifting, elevating staid tailoring, lending a bit of high-fashion humour, or sending an _I-am-luxurious_ signal to the world. Learn from these men and, next time you get dressed, think about adding a little something extra to your look.

So, you’ve mastered the art of pulling on a crisp shirt and a pair tailored trousers. Perhaps you’re a workwear god, maybe even a streetwear king. But if you’re getting dressed in the morning and sleeping on accessories, you’re missing not one, but several tricks. A well-chosen accessory – or tie, scarf, hat, belt, etc – is the element that takes a dressed man to a best-dressed man. (Seriously, take a look through our street-style roundups from over the years and you’ll notice that often, the item that really takes a look over the edge isn’t trousers or a sweater, but a luxurious printed scarf, or a vibrant hat.)
Here, we’ve gathered some of our favourite examples of great outfits where accessories are doing much of the heavy lifting, elevating staid tailoring, lending a bit of high-fashion humour, or sending an I-am-luxurious signal to the world. Learn from these men and, next time you get dressed, think about adding a little something extra to your look.


Discover the finishing touches every look needs, from belts and scarfs to leather goods and watches. Plus shop Gucci, Cartier and more.

Fashion: Accessories That Complete Your Outfit

Why Accessories Maketh The Man 



Anyone familiar with the wares of [Schaffhausen’s International Watch Company](http://www.mrporter.com/mens/designer/iwc-schaffhausen) will no doubt recognise the [Big Pilot’s watch](http://www.mrporter.com/mens/product/iwc-schaffhausen/luxury-watches/aviation-watches/limited-edition-big-pilot-s-heritage-46mm-bronze-and-leather-watch-ref-no-iw501005/336416600167551), a flagship model with a military heritage that stretches back to WWII. Fewer, however, will be intimately aware of the design’s subtle evolution over time or the way in which its original codes – the black dial, the minimal typography, the onion crown – changed the visual direction of watches for ever. To tell this story more fully, we decided to do a little archive digging and compare one of the 1,000 original ref IW431 pilot’s watches produced by IWC in 1940 with today’s Big Pilot’s watch, examining the lineage between the vintage model and the present-day bestseller.

Anyone familiar with the wares of Schaffhausen’s International Watch Company will no doubt recognise the Big Pilot’s watch, a flagship model with a military heritage that stretches back to WWII. Fewer, however, will be intimately aware of the design’s subtle evolution over time or the way in which its original codes – the black dial, the minimal typography, the onion crown – changed the visual direction of watches for ever. To tell this story more fully, we decided to do a little archive digging and compare one of the 1,000 original ref IW431 pilot’s watches produced by IWC in 1940 with today’s Big Pilot’s watch, examining the lineage between the vintage model and the present-day bestseller.


Watch our video to find out how the IWC Schaffhausen Big Pilot’s watch has changed from the 1940s to today’s modern version, plus shop our collection of luxury watches.

Watches: Before And After IWC Schaffhausen Big Pilot’s Watch

Video: The IWC Schaffhausen Big Pilot’s Watch, Then And  Now

Highlights



Irish or not, celebrating St Patrick’s Day is always going to be fun. On which other holiday is it socially acceptable to drink Guinness for breakfast and embark on a full day of revelry, fuelled by carb-laden food? But getting it right is a fine art. Especially with the current unprecedented climate – with pubs in Ireland closing, and the cancellation of parades across the world. If you’re staying indoors this year, St Patrick’s Day is the perfect excuse to embrace delicious Irish produce and heartwarming tradition. To help you celebrate in style, we asked three of the finest Irish chefs cooking today to share their own food traditions – no novelty headwear necessary.

From Guinness for breakfast to sausage stew, discover tips from three Irish chefs for your St Patrick’s Day celebrations.

Lifestyle: St Patrick’s Day

How To Celebrate St Patrick’s Day At Home (According To Three Irish Chefs)



In the old days (ie, around the millennium), the world of men’s [bags](https://www.mrporter.com/mens/accessories/bags) was somewhat limited. You had a [backpack](http://www.mrporter.com/mens/accessories/bags/backpacks), certainly, a [briefcase](http://ww.mrporter.com/mens/accessories/bags/briefcases), if you were highly business-minded, and, perhaps, a [messenger bag](http://ww.mrporter.com/mens/accessories/bags/briefcases), if you were a student, or a bike courier. Imagine, then, what Homo Sapiens circa 2003 would make of today’s bag-filled world, in which, if a man isn’t clad in matching [chest rig](http://www.mrporter.com/mens/product/ambushr/accessories/belt-bags/leather-trimmed-cotton-canvas-chest-rig/14097096494276398), bum bag and mini neck pouch, he is considered decidedly underdressed, and, what’s more, underprepared.

We exaggerate, of course, but on the basis of a truth: as flexible and adaptable as we are these days, in the age of smart working and digital nomadism, our lifestyle changes also necessitate the carting around of much more stuff: gadgets, chargers, changes of clothing – and don’t get us started on the [grooming](http://www.mrporter.com/mens/grooming) regimen. In light of this state of affairs, we thought it high time to round up some of the very best bags currently on the market, below, which should come in handy whether you have travel plans in your immediate future (though, ahem, we’re guessing not) or you’re simply looking to rationalise your complicated, connected life.

In the old days (ie, around the millennium), the world of men’s bags was somewhat limited. You had a backpack, certainly, a briefcase, if you were highly business-minded, and, perhaps, a messenger bag, if you were a student, or a bike courier. Imagine, then, what Homo Sapiens circa 2003 would make of today’s bag-filled world, in which, if a man isn’t clad in matching chest rig, bum bag and mini neck pouch, he is considered decidedly underdressed, and, what’s more, underprepared.
We exaggerate, of course, but on the basis of a truth: as flexible and adaptable as we are these days, in the age of smart working and digital nomadism, our lifestyle changes also necessitate the carting around of much more stuff: gadgets, chargers, changes of clothing – and don’t get us started on the grooming regimen. In light of this state of affairs, we thought it high time to round up some of the very best bags currently on the market, below, which should come in handy whether you have travel plans in your immediate future (though, ahem, we’re guessing not) or you’re simply looking to rationalise your complicated, connected life.


From suitcases to backpacks and carry-ons, these are the best travel bags to take with you on your next trip.

Fashion: Best Bags

The Best Men’s Bags For 2020



Here at MR PORTER, we usually provide the means to stay ahead of the curve in terms of trends. But in the current climate, it also pays to be one step ahead of any pandemic contagions. With that in mind, if you’re currently working from home, in self-imposed isolation, you’ll want to be dressed for it. (And why risk exposure by skulking around any public retail spaces? Don’t forget, we offer same-day delivery in London and New York.)

First up, because you will likely be called on for impromptu FaceTime meetings, it pays to stay presentable, at least from the waist up (and to keep a corner of your home free from clutter for the same reason). The featured polo shirt by Howlin’ offers the comfort of a cotton-jersey construct with the inclusion of a collar, for the suggestion of smartness.

Below the belt is fair game, though. In fact, forget the belt. Here, we’d point you in the direction of an elevated pair of sweatpants to up your downtime look. Also worth considering: cargo pants. Since you’re not going anywhere, a bag is unnecessary. But since you’ll still have personal effects to carry about – remote controls, tissues, packets of nuts, more tissues – it pays to have storage with easy access.

Here at MR PORTER, we usually provide the means to stay ahead of the curve in terms of trends. But in the current climate, it also pays to be one step ahead of any pandemic contagions. With that in mind, if you’re currently working from home, in self-imposed isolation, you’ll want to be dressed for it. (And why risk exposure by skulking around any public retail spaces? Don’t forget, we offer same-day delivery in London and New York.)
First up, because you will likely be called on for impromptu FaceTime meetings, it pays to stay presentable, at least from the waist up (and to keep a corner of your home free from clutter for the same reason). The featured polo shirt by Howlin’ offers the comfort of a cotton-jersey construct with the inclusion of a collar, for the suggestion of smartness.
Below the belt is fair game, though. In fact, forget the belt. Here, we’d point you in the direction of an elevated pair of sweatpants to up your downtime look. Also worth considering: cargo pants. Since you’re not going anywhere, a bag is unnecessary. But since you’ll still have personal effects to carry about – remote controls, tissues, packets of nuts, more tissues – it pays to have storage with easy access.


The latest shirt, trousers and accessories you need delivered to your door: what to wear if you’re self-isolating.

What’s New: How To Dress If You’re Stuck At Home



When was the last time you truly switched off from your job? We’re living through a time where our never-ending to-do lists follow us home from the office like unwanted colleagues, pestering us with emails that we check in bed before we go to sleep and as soon as we wake up. This rise-and-grind mentality means our working week bleeds into our weekend and hobbies become lucrative side hustles, which is incredibly stressful. It’s no coincidence that burnout was officially recognised as a medical diagnosis last year.

But what would happen if you just stopped working so much? And, by doing so, could you really get the same amount done? These are the big questions in _Shorter_, a book by the Silicon Valley-based futurist and consultant Mr Alex Soojun-Kim Pang. It introduces the idea of the four-day week and is a manifesto for spending less time at work without compromising productivity.

“Overworked or burned-out employees are actually less productive than well-rested workers,” writes Mr Pang. “They’re also less engaged at work, more likely to leave and even more likely to cut ethical corners or steal from the company. Employee burnout costs the global economy an estimated $300 billion a year in sick days and lost productivity.”

When was the last time you truly switched off from your job? We’re living through a time where our never-ending to-do lists follow us home from the office like unwanted colleagues, pestering us with emails that we check in bed before we go to sleep and as soon as we wake up. This rise-and-grind mentality means our working week bleeds into our weekend and hobbies become lucrative side hustles, which is incredibly stressful. It’s no coincidence that burnout was officially recognised as a medical diagnosis last year.
But what would happen if you just stopped working so much? And, by doing so, could you really get the same amount done? These are the big questions in Shorter, a book by the Silicon Valley-based futurist and consultant Mr Alex Soojun-Kim Pang. It introduces the idea of the four-day week and is a manifesto for spending less time at work without compromising productivity.
“Overworked or burned-out employees are actually less productive than well-rested workers,” writes Mr Pang. “They’re also less engaged at work, more likely to leave and even more likely to cut ethical corners or steal from the company. Employee burnout costs the global economy an estimated $300 billion a year in sick days and lost productivity.”


Shorter is Mr Alex Soojung-Kim Pang’s manifesto for preventing burnout without compromising on getting things done.

Lifestyle: Shorter Work Life

How To Work Less (But Be More Productive)



So, you are going to New Orleans. And this year, who isn’t ready for a little debauchery, especially in light of recent events? I think we can be forgiven for letting our hair down a bit.

To party or not to party is never the question in New Orleans, a city given to the finer pursuits of bourbon and fried foods. But the Crescent City does do subtlety, does understand nuance, does allow a man a singularly debauched event such as Mardi Gras, which we celebrated here a few weeks ago, and pulls it off with dignity fully intact. No city parties harder or with such seeming grace and elegance as The Big Easy.

These are times in which we need to let off steam (a lot of steam), but at MR PORTER we also like to think of ourselves as, you know, respectable. And NOLA is willing to accommodate. This is how we do it. 

So, you are going to New Orleans. And this year, who isn’t ready for a little debauchery, especially in light of recent events? I think we can be forgiven for letting our hair down a bit.
To party or not to party is never the question in New Orleans, a city given to the finer pursuits of bourbon and fried foods. But the Crescent City does do subtlety, does understand nuance, does allow a man a singularly debauched event such as Mardi Gras, which we celebrated here a few weeks ago, and pulls it off with dignity fully intact. No city parties harder or with such seeming grace and elegance as The Big Easy.
These are times in which we need to let off steam (a lot of steam), but at MR PORTER we also like to think of ourselves as, you know, respectable. And NOLA is willing to accommodate. This is how we do it. 


A comprehensive guide to the best bars and restaurants to visit in New Orleans in 2020.

Travel: New Orleans 2020

Where To Eat, Drink And Stay In New Orleans In 2020



With spring in the air, and the latest fashion season on the proverbial digital sales floor, I’m looking to add new life into my closet – through colour, prints, and a few practical (and sumptuous) pieces that will no doubt become wardrobe staples. 

From a floral print pouch to a tie-dyed T-shirt, Mr Michael Krueger is ready for spring to start. 

MR PORTER

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