ESCAPIST ESSENTIALS

Accessories made for getting away – even if it’s just to explore your backyard.

During a recent interview, we asked the head of a watch brand about the relevance of one of its campaigns that focused on the great outdoors, at a time when many people are spending their time indoors as a result of the pandemic. He replied that it was precisely because of global movement restrictions that people would, now more than ever, seek to get out and explore nature. And if heading away from home wasn’t an option, then at least in their backyards.

Exploration – whether near or further afield – is what Hermes’ latest accessories are designed for. This season, there’s a playful ruggedness to the luxury house’s footwear. Water-resistant (all the better for stepping in puddles) and characterised by their stompy appeal, the chunky rubber lug soles feature on a variety of its autumn/winter footwear.

These range from tan suede hiking-style boots with a removable strap and coloured laces to black calfskin derbies.

The men’s silks continue the theme of getting away. Those still lamenting the cancellation of the Singapore Formula One night race can console themselves with a double-faced scarf by French artist Dimitri Rybaltchenko on which the driver’s view of a vintage car becomes that of a Formula One race car when you turn it over. Alternatively, select your preferred mode of escape from the motifs found on the back of silk ties – a race car, motorbike or rocket (we like the third).