As the days start getting darker and there’s a chill in the air that you can no longer ignore, it’s time to stock up on the season’s latest warm clothes and haute accessories. If you have to brave the bitter cold as you walk across the tarmac from your FBO to your private charter jet, it doesn’t hurt to look your best!
Sweaters
The sweater is a wardrobe essential. This year, lace, pop art, trompe l’oeil, frills and peplums help make knitwear into statement pieces for women this season. For men, it’s all about sophistication, simplicity and lush fabrics, like cashmere.
Women, layer a collared shirt with the new intarsia grey knit with an image of a fox from Aubin & Wills. For something warmer, the merino-wool offering from JW Anderson is an eye-popping chunky knit in black, red and cream. Miu Miu gives you a feminine sweater this season in the form of a sky-blue knit and jeweled collar. But for the evening, go with the finer black wool-blend knit with an embellished light peach collar. To wrap yourself in opulence, look to Valentino’s black wool-cashmere blend with a flattering peplum at the waistline.
Men, the new French cashmere company Exemplaire personifies this season’s fashion for men. Established by Jean-Victor Meyers (the grandson of L’Oréal’s Liliane Battencourt) and Louis Leboiteux, the line features comfortable garments that will remain fashionable through the years. The hand-sewn sweaters come in a handful of neutral earth tones, some with elbow patches or lambskin insets. Also available are rare fabrics, like the kind found on the hooded sweater made of cashmere and chinchilla. Have your personal shopper place an order quickly—Exemplaire only crafts 30 to 50 pieces of each garment. (http://www.exemplaire.com/en/)
Umbrella
An umbrella is merely a shield from water droplets until you possess a Burberry umbrella from the Prorsum collection. With a handle made of brass, the Italian-made “walking” umbrella features Italian craftsmanship and wooden or gold-plated handles made to look like the head of a duck, pheasant or hound. If animals aren’t your thing, opt for the sartorial walking umbrella with a hand-stitched studded handle. (www.burberry.com)
Handmade Slippers
When your private charter jet is stocked during the fall and winter months, make sure to include a pair of bespoke My Slippers made of velvet, wool or linen, and soft leather soles. Available for men and women, you can choose from a square or round tongue, a selection of colors and trims, and an embroidered monogram or motif. (http://www.myslippers.co.uk/)
Women’s Scarves
While everyone still loves Alexander McQueen, Vassilisa is the new popular kid on the block who only caters to the world’s most exclusive retailers. As the 2012 British Fashion Council ELLE Launch Pad Award Winner, celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow and Kate Moss are gracing the glossy pages of magazines wearing the Italian-made, limited edition scarves made from natural silks, cashmere and modal. This season, the fashion industry is buzzing about the Foxes Masks & Tails Print, Snake Print and Mink & Tails Print scarves. (http://www.vassilisa.com/)
Men’s Shoe Boots
Guys can stylishly keep their feet dry with the ultimate, must-have accessory of the season—the shoe boot. From classic oxford styles to patent leather, the shoe boot is versatile enough to wear at the office or with a weekend outfit. The patent leather lace-up boots from Fratelli Rossetti, for example, look like patent leather dress shoes when paired with a suit. Trade the suit for a pair of jean to make the purple undertones tastefully pop. The Silvano Sassetti textured Bordeaux-and black lace-up boots from Bergdorf Goodman are slightly textured for a snakeskin-like look, but have a marble-like smooth polish around the toes and ankles. Forgo the laces all together with the sleek shoe boot from Yves Saint Laurent. The zipper on the side makes it simple to kick back and relax quickly.
