THE JOURNAL

Very few brands can say, in 2020, that they have created a piece in celebration of the centennial of their founder’s grandson joining the company. And yet, for English heritage brand, Purdey, which has been around since Mr James Purdey launched a gun- and rifle-making business more than 200 years ago, that’s exactly what it has done in its excellent AW20 collection. Its distinctly English heritage is poured into every single garment that Purdey constructs – whether it’s a modern raincoat, perfect for drizzly shooting weekends, or classic lace-up pebbled leather boots, again perfect for a romp through dewy high grasses – which is why we, at MR PORTER, are thrilled to present the brand’s latest collection of tweeds, trousers, knits and a modern man’s must-haves.
“Its distinctly English heritage is poured into every single garment that Purdey constructs”
For the outdoorsmen among us, these pieces will see you through an adventurous weekend of quail hunting or whatnot. For those who prefer a seat by the fire to a camp chair in the woods, well, you’ll find plenty of cosy knits and woollens that go swimmingly with a glass of scotch and a good book.

Believe it or not, this lightweight rib-knit jacket is a windbreaker – only exponentially more stylish and luxurious than your typical wind jacket. Constructed with an outer layer of pure cashmere, and a Sympatex inner lining, this jacket will protect you from those bluster autumn days to come.
Underneath, we’ve pulled on a cashmere polo which has a flattering blouson-fit and a ribbed waist to maintain precious warmth. Chocolate-hued trousers in a lush fine-gauge corduroy are a delightful break from daytime denim or woolly suits (whichever you typically find yourself in). If you are a denim man – or even a cashmere sweatpants man – these trousers will serve as an upgrade to your quotidian look by being smart enough to wear to dinner, but low-key enough to pull on in a pinch. And keeping with the theme of warmth, corded trousers are infinitely more suitable than jeans for chilly weather.

Now, let’s talk tech. This shooting coat is built for just that: shooting. Like the wind jacket above, it is designed to block the bluster, but its added length and shell-like composition mean you’ll be protected from all the elements in this one-piece wonder. Micro-fleece pockets and cleverly placed drawstrings ensure added warmth when you’re shivering in the fields. We love the oxblood hue – what a delightfully rich break from the norm of a black or tan raincoat. Be bold and pair it with trousers (again, corduroy, naturally) in a matching tone – this is an advanced styling look that might seem wrong at first but is surprisingly right (just peruse pictures from any men’s fashion week for proof).
Tonal togs, such as this, benefit from a splash of complementary colours so we’ve chosen a sea foam sweater for contrast. But if you take anything away from this get up it should be this: just because you need to dress for the weather, doesn’t mean you can’t look elegant, modern and classic at the same time while you’re doing it.

Form and function come together in this distinct yet endlessly classic backpack. It comes preloaded with features from various full-grain leather handles to grab hold, internal key rings for organisation, polished hardware and a simple leather lanyard closure. Of course, the most obvious feature – the excellent blanket strapped securely to the front of the bag – is perhaps our favourite bit. We like to think you will use it for a picnic on a sunny day with a delightful companion, but perhaps you’ll use it as a dry place to rest some gear while you stake out the perfect spot for the day.

A loden field coat has town and country written all over it. Streamlined pockets, a clean boxy fit and a contrast collar make this the perfect jacket for popping on for a trip to the pub, or a walk with your hound. But the same features make it a must-have in the countryside. Lightweight, warm wool keeps you cosy, but breathes so you can have a walkabout without overheating. We’ve layered it over a 100 per cent cashmere zip-neck pullover, which adds a touch of sleek city style.
But the subtle star of this outfit are the boots (seen throughout and also in glorious detail below). These full-grain leather lace-ups are sturdy and slip-proof and, when properly maintained, will gleam – a quality that will only get better with wear. Roll up your trousers and show these specimens off. They might be workers but they sure are handsome, as well.