THE BEST IN STYLE-FORWARD FATHER’S DAY GIFTS
When today’s modern dads are more likely to go sockless with a pair of of-the-moment trainers than rejoice in the woolly security of yet another pair of socks, it’s time to reconsider what constitutes “dad attire”. At a party recently, a sleek, besuited design impresario was bemoaning his heaving sock drawer – bolstered each Christmas and Father’s Day – as redundant now that he lives his life sans sock. An affectation perhaps (and certainly a First World Problem), but an indication of how your average dad is more engaged with the nuances of style than ever. More Jack Purcells, Sisley eye cream and ipad than pipe and slippers. As such, despite catwalk spectacles attempting to convince otherwise, a host of brands are focused on creating clothes and accessories for a style-literate older man.
Leave the deliberately scuffed trainers and cartoon prints to the teenagers (well, those with High Net Worth parents anyway – such offerings from Saint Laurent and Gucci can run into four figures); a steady drip of wearable, well-made clothing and accessories labels is now focused on a man who is sophisticated, considered and appreciative of well-made, low key, discreetly luxurious pieces.
Perhaps it’s best to start from the feet up; trainers are an ideal way to remind a world-weary dad that he’s still with it. The difference is that, far from the scuffed varieties resigned to bank holiday gardening duties, the trainer has evolved into a cult item, with the likes of Common Projects and Valentino making sporty numbers that are casual but just the right side of grown up. It’s also worth introducing him to the joys of great fabrication without settling down into comfortable sweater territory.
Italian house Loro Piana all but hand-bathes the vicuñas and baby goats they rear to garner the finest cashmeres (all done through a delicate system of combing no less, so no animals are harmed), with prices to match. Alternatively, Slowear is renowned for its mastery of Italian materials, specialising in chinos, jackets and shirting – something lightweight and butter-soft from its label Glanshirt will stand the test of time.
And for the dad who is ever nostalgic about the good old days of vinyl, show him that there’s a
Men are more fashion savvy than ever, so why should your dad be an exception? Time to upgrade the traditional gifts, says Stephen Doig
host of pin-sharp music technology to update alongside his Spotify. Master & Dynamic are leaders in the field of headphones and the pair that is handstitched with Italian leather is as handsome as an oak-panelled gentlemen’s club. The brand’s most recent invention is a wireless speaker designed in collaboration with architect Sir David Adjaye, should you wish to update his man cave.
And finally throw in a scent that’s a tad more refreshing than the heady, woody colognes of the past and your old man will feel anything but.