

Nearly a decade ago, we wrote a list of what we consider to be the foundations of every man’s wardrobe and called it The Essentials. On it were items of clothing that have stood the test of time, such as Converse All-Stars, Levi’s 501s, navy blazers and button-down Oxford shirts, along with a few modern classics, such as Common Projects. The Essentials was founded on the belief that while fashion changes, style remains the same. And while that’s broadly true, and borne out by the fact that much of our original list remains unchanged today, it’s far from the whole story.

These are the pieces that we think should form the foundation of your wardrobe for the next 12 months, and beyond

21 Men’s Style Essentials For 2021



When Ms Kamala Harris is sworn in as Vice President of the US, she’ll be making history: the first woman, the first Black woman, and the first South Indian woman to serve in that position. But don’t forget that her husband, Mr Douglas Emhoff, will similarly be making history as the US’s very first “Second Gentleman”.

Which, naturally, begs the question: _What will he wear?_

When Ms Kamala Harris is sworn in as Vice President of the US, she’ll be making history: the first woman, the first Black woman, and the first South Indian woman to serve in that position. But don’t forget that her husband, Mr Douglas Emhoff, will similarly be making history as the US’s very first “Second Gentleman”.
Which, naturally, begs the question: What will he wear?


Mr Doug Emhoff is, like his wife, making history – so what should he wear for it? We have some suggestions

How Should The US’s First “Second Gentleman” Dress? Glad You Asked…



When coronavirus arrived in the US, the trio behind Pieces, the Brooklyn-based home and product line, was preparing to open a liveable showroom in Maine on the coast of New England. Everything in Pieces Home Kennebunk, the name they gave their shoppable Airbnb in the small town of the same name, was photographed in situ and listed for sale online.

Check into the entirely shoppable, design-forward vacation home in Maine, where you really can try before you buy

Pieces Home Kennebunk: The Ultimate Airbnb, Where Everything Is For Sale



In the space of 13 years, Laurent Ferrier has built up a reputation as one of the world’s very best independent watchmakers. That’s an easy sentence to write, but what does it really mean?

Since the turn of the millennium, Switzerland – not to mention Germany, Japan, Britain and several others – has seen an explosion of new watchmaking brands. Low-volume producers focused on making extremely high-quality watches, all with a significant dependence on traditional handcraft (although often merged with modern technology). Ranging from companies making a few thousand watches a year – see H Moser &amp; Cie – to a mere few individual watches, such as Roger W Smith or Philippe Dufour, they represent a watchmaking renaissance that has provided collectors with an enormous variety of alternatives to the big luxury brands.

Typically, such brands position themselves somewhere on a spectrum from ultra-modern (Richard Mille, HYT, Urwerk) to ultra-traditional, and Laurent Ferrier is one of the most traditional, echoing an aesthetic that’s reminiscent of classic Patek Philippe in particular and mid-century watchmaking design traits in general.

In the space of 13 years, Laurent Ferrier has built up a reputation as one of the world’s very best independent watchmakers. That’s an easy sentence to write, but what does it really mean?
Since the turn of the millennium, Switzerland – not to mention Germany, Japan, Britain and several others – has seen an explosion of new watchmaking brands. Low-volume producers focused on making extremely high-quality watches, all with a significant dependence on traditional handcraft (although often merged with modern technology). Ranging from companies making a few thousand watches a year – see H Moser & Cie – to a mere few individual watches, such as Roger W Smith or Philippe Dufour, they represent a watchmaking renaissance that has provided collectors with an enormous variety of alternatives to the big luxury brands.
Typically, such brands position themselves somewhere on a spectrum from ultra-modern (Richard Mille, HYT, Urwerk) to ultra-traditional, and Laurent Ferrier is one of the most traditional, echoing an aesthetic that’s reminiscent of classic Patek Philippe in particular and mid-century watchmaking design traits in general.


Everything you need to know about the high-end independent Swiss watch brand, now available on MR PORTER


Laurent Ferrier: The Perfectionist Watch Brand (And The Le Mans Racer Behind It)

Laurent Ferrier – The Perfectionist Watch Brand Founded By A Former Le Mans Racer 



You might assume that the “tough guy” trope, at least when it comes to style, is a little passe in 2021. After all, nobody in their right mind is looking to Mr Chuck Norris for wardrobe inspiration right now. But if there’s one figure whose enduring sartorial portrayal of the quintessential tough guy has aged particularly well, it’s Mr Takeshi Kitano’s. By turns a TV host, comedian, actor, director and writer, he is as known for his bizarre 1980s gameshow _Takeshi’s Castle_ (think _Total Wipeout_ on psychedelics) as he is for being an auteur in the film world. Indeed, Mr Kitano is heralded by some as Japan’s greatest living filmmaker, and is a polymathic talent known for his sardonic wit and flair for creating quintessential Japanese gangster movies. He is less noted, however, for his exceptional sense of style.

You might assume that the “tough guy” trope, at least when it comes to style, is a little passe in 2021. After all, nobody in their right mind is looking to Mr Chuck Norris for wardrobe inspiration right now. But if there’s one figure whose enduring sartorial portrayal of the quintessential tough guy has aged particularly well, it’s Mr Takeshi Kitano’s. By turns a TV host, comedian, actor, director and writer, he is as known for his bizarre 1980s gameshow Takeshi’s Castle (think Total Wipeout on psychedelics) as he is for being an auteur in the film world. Indeed, Mr Kitano is heralded by some as Japan’s greatest living filmmaker, and is a polymathic talent known for his sardonic wit and flair for creating quintessential Japanese gangster movies. He is less noted, however, for his exceptional sense of style.


On his 74th birthday, we look back at how the director and comedian built an imitable personal style by playing the tough guy

Mr Takeshi Kitano Is Cinema’s Most Stylish Tough Guy



Motivation is hard to come by in January. No matter how many times that freshly reinstalled fitness app chirps at you, it’s tricky to overcome the mental and physical blocks that engulf us at this time of year.

It’s human nature in moments of struggle to turn to those things that feel comfortable and familiar. For some, that’ll be indulging in their preferred foods or a hug from their mum. But might we suggest the same logic applies to your workout gear?

Motivation is hard to come by in January. No matter how many times that freshly reinstalled fitness app chirps at you, it’s tricky to overcome the mental and physical blocks that engulf us at this time of year.
It’s human nature in moments of struggle to turn to those things that feel comfortable and familiar. For some, that’ll be indulging in their preferred foods or a hug from their mum. But might we suggest the same logic applies to your workout gear?


We all have that one piece of tried-and-tested workout kit we rely on. Here, the MR PORTER Team share the gym essentials they’re putting their faith in this January

The Workout Gear The MR PORTER Team Can’t Work Out Without



One of the great tragedies of adult life is that, no matter how cold it gets, you can’t leave the house wrapped in your duvet. People will stare. There is, however, a simple and widely available solution to this problem and it’s known as the down jacket. Combining the tog rating of a winter eiderdown with the sleeves, pockets, zips and other key features of a coat, these garments – sometimes appropriately termed bubble coats – provide us with a socially appropriate way of indulging our innate mammalian hibernation instinct while doing the everyday activities expected of an adult human, rather than a squirrel, bear or hedgehog.

Big, warm and full of feathers. As the big chill arrives, so does the time to wrap up. Here are seven puffa jacket styles and how to wear them

The Stylish Gent’s Guide To Wearing Down Jackets



For those who are serious about skiing, meticulously planning their packing list for a trip to the slopes is second nature. High-definition goggles? Check. Pro thermal base layers? Check. Yet even the most seasoned slalomer may neglect a critical piece of kit: the grooming bag. Winter’s harsh conditions can play havoc with your complexion, so when you’re spending half the day on a mountainside a proper skincare regime isn’t just advisable, it’s vital. That specialist gear is all well and good, but it counts for nought if you emerge on the other side of your excursion chapped, cracked and red all over. If a jaunt to some snowy peak is on your agenda, make sure these five winter grooming essentials are in your suitcase.

Brrr, it’s cold in here… These are the hand creams, moisturisers and lip balms to add to your winter regimen

Grooming Tips For When It’s Really, Really Cold

Grooming Tips For When It’s Really, Really, Really Cold

Highlights



We live on a warming planet, but that doesn't mean it can't still get very cold indeed. Climate change isn't just leading to higher average temperatures around the globe. As residents of Madrid found out to their surprise last week, the disruption of weather patterns can also bring intense wintry conditions to places where they are least expected. In light of recent meteorological reports that the dreaded polar vortex, a pattern of cold air encircling the North Pole, has begun to collapse – and we all remember what happened last time it did that – now might be a good time to ask yourself whether your winter coat is up to the task ahead. If the answer is no, then read on. We've got just the thing for you.

Moncler, Loro Piana, Nike and more feature in our rundown of this season’s best winter coats for men at MR PORTER

MR PORTER

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21 Men’s Style Essentials For 2021

Highlights

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