Our friends have had their fun picking gift items from the No Man store. Now it’s our turn.
Kyle’s Pick: Talarico Stick Umbrella.
Kyle’s Notes: When it comes time to put together an item-focused email newsletter, I find myself continuously gravitating to the Talarico umbrellas. Not only are they physically beautiful, they're the kind of indulgent thing that one might feel a bit guilty about buying for their self, they're an object of incredible craftsmanship, and the story is hard to beat. Add in that they are actually useful, and you have the makings of an unforgettable gift that will be a nice reminder of your thoughtfulness every time the weather turns.
David’s Pick: Il Micio Key Case.
David’s Notes: I used to keep my apartment key and office key on separate chains so that I didn’t have to carry around my bulky office key when I didn’t need it. As you can imagine, this led to me forgetting my office key all the time. There were weeks when I had to get my office manager to let me into my office every day. This kind gentleman has enjoyed unmolested mornings in the few months since I united all my keys inside this key case. Of course it’s even bulkier than all the keys put together, but it’s got style, so I don’t mind. I keep it in my briefcase rather than my pocket anyway. The perfect gift for the hapless, forgetful aesthete in your life.
Ravi’s Pick: Suzusan Dip-Dye Cashmere Shawl.
Ravi’s Notes: Suzusan makes some of the best scarves I've come across, combining traditional Japanese techniques and modern designs and this is an excellent example. Large, lightweight and unbelievably soft, the gauzy washed cashmere has an almost ethereal quality. The shibori dip-dye creates interesting streaks across the charcoal and brown gradient. It might be the perfect scarf, I had to get one as a gift for myself.
Edouard’s Pick: La Portegna Card Holder.
Edouard’s Notes: The recipient of your gift will be forever in your debt because they will have streamlined their wallet to bare essentials and will no longer be deforming their pockets with bulky apparati. Amazing vegetable tanned leather that will age with a dark vintage-looking patina.
Kevin’s Pick: Master-Piece Backpack.
Kevin’s Notes: I love the mix of material and colors on this backpack. Would be great for short weekend trips or just picnicking in the park with friends.
Greg’s Pick: Samuel Gassmann Epoxy-Covered Shell Cufflinks.
Greg’s Notes: A thoughtful gift is the expression of a unique relationship with someone. A gift that hides a secret is a good wink to that uniqueness. Just like a cameo pendant hides a cherished engraving or note in the past, these Gassman cufflinks hide their true nature under layers of epoxy. Underneath the paint are mother-of-pearl shell buttons mounted on a silver link. Each layer of epoxy is applied by hand by Samuel and makes each link completely unique. Only you and the one who will wear these cufflinks would know.
Willy Cheesesteak is the only No Man team member named after a food item. If you’ve ordered anything from the store this year, your hand-written thank you note complimenting you on your fine judgement and distinguished taste was likely composed by Willy himself. To see more from the man behind the thank you notes, check out his Tumblr or Insta. In his spare time Willy eats fried chicken. Here are the five items to whose new owners he would write the most genuine notes of adulatory gratitude.
1) Eidos Casentino Overcoat.
Willy’s Notes: One of the most beautiful overcoats I’ve ever seen or handled. This is the coat you’ll want to be pictured in when your kids or grandkids are looking through old photos of you.
2) GRP Bubble Stitch Rollneck.
Willy’s Notes: The texture on this sweater is so awesome, meant to resemble the plastic bubble wrap used for packaging, hence “bubble stitch.” I love this sweater so much that I bought both colors and you should too!
3) Dents Rabbit Fur-Lined Gloves.
Willy’s Notes: Whenever winter does get here, you’ll need gloves to keep your hands from cracking. Handmade and lined in rabbit fur (everything should be lined in rabbit fur tbh), you’ll probably never want to take this pair off.
4) Master Piece Tote Bag.
Willy’s Notes: Herringbone tweed from Abraham Moon with navy blue suede trim puts those other boring overnight bags to shame. Detachable shoulder strap so you can wear it two ways.
5) Buttero Side Zip Boot.
Willy’s Notes: Most of our customers are more familiar with the sneakers from Buttero, but they make some fantastic boots too. This pair in particular is my favorite. I love how the sole is a little more substantial compared to most side-zip boots out there.
Guy Ferguson is Brand Director at Viberg, the brand directly behind the kick-ass boots in the No Man store. You can check out more of Guy’s photography at his personal site as well as his instagram. Here are his picks from the No Man store.
1) Niche Short Sleeve Sweater.
Guy’s Notes: Niche is a brand that NMWA introduced me to and i really like what i’ve seen from them so far. There are a lot of simple, easy to wear pieces here with subtle twists, which is something i’m always drawn to. A wool t-shirt might not seem practical at first, but i think it’s a piece that would get a lot of wear in my wardrobe.
2) Stephan Schneider Cardigan.
Guy’s Notes: When one of your favourite designers releases a collection inspired by your favourite board game it’s kind of tough to go wrong. Schneider’s knits are always amazing and cardigans make for an easy gift since they look great sized up. I want to be wearing this right now.
3) Stephan Schneider Scarf.
Guy’s Notes: Schneider scarves are always huge and soft and fuzzy, which is a pretty great combination in my books. I like the more obvious Scrabble reference with the pattern on this fabric and the tan colour is ideal. Plus a scarf truly is the perfect universal gift.
4) Robert Geller Pleated Trousers.
Guy’s Notes: These pants are exactly what i’ve been looking for this season. The fabric and cut are perfect and you could literally wear them with anything. I like the idea of trousers like this worn super casually and think they would look great with white sneakers and a loose (wool?) t-shirt.
5) Sage de Cret Rabbit Fur Parka.
Guy’s Notes: Another brand that i saw at NMWA for the first time. The fishtail parka is in my all-time top 5 articles of clothing and this might just be the best version i have ever seen. The details and fabric don’t stray too far from the original military reference, but the fur lining really puts it over the top. I have a huge appreciation for things that are luxurious in a low-key way. This would be the best gift you gave this year.
One of the best parts of being in the menswear industry is learning about new brands and fresh designs. One of the worst parts is that sometimes people can be pretty catty. Christian offers all of that good stuff, from his cubist cityscape pocket squares to his colorful sneakers, and none of the bad stuff, being one of the friendliest guys you’ll ever find on a Pitti wall. We’re happy to have some of Christian’s designs coming to the No Man store soon. In the meantime, here are a few items in current stock that caught his eye, as well as a preview of an upcoming Kimber goodie.
(above photograph by Sebastian Petrovski)
1) Portugese Flannel CPO Shirt.
Christian’s Notes: I dress like a scruff bag at the moment and wear shirt jackets every day, there is perfection in the simplicity of this jacket. Match with white denim and a polo I am done. I hope my girlfriend reads this. "THIS PLEASE!"
2) Christian Kimber Tote Bag.
(available soon in the No Man store - Christian is carrying his in the photo above)
Christian’s Notes: I decided I wanted a tote that would last, so I developed these, made in England from British Waxed Canvas and leather and washed Molloy and Sons tweed - I sketched this over a year ago, I am so happy with out outcome. The canvas and leather are memory fabrics, as it travels with you each blemish will ensure it looks better with age.
3) Eidos Field Jacket.
Christian’s Notes: No bias, but I saw Antonio wearing this Grey herringbone in our showroom in New York as the coat, it's just beautiful. My favourite fabric from the Eidos A/W season. Just easy.
4) Inis Meain Rollneck.
Christian’s Notes: When I go home to England at Christmas for a cold winter, I can imagine wearing this sipping a local brewed bitter by a fire in my favourite country pub. Inis Meain create such beautfil knits, when you know the heritage of the brand it really become somthing to celebrate. So versatile wear with anything and everything, heavy country boots and an Aston.
5) Camoshita Band Collar Long Shirt.
Christian’s Notes: Yasuto Kamoshita is perhaps one of the coolest people you will ever see. I have started cutting a lot of the collars off my shirts, so it would help if I just got this instead.
Jasper Lipton is a rare individual. He is Styleforum’s editor-in-chief, has been to Pitti Uomo more times than he has neckties, Instagrams as child_of_scorn (and its mate disdain?), and has even written for the No Man blog. And yet he gives every appearance of being a well-adjusted person. He once even mentioned having a girlfriend, although I’m pretty sure that was fake. Anyway, here are his gift picks from the No Man store.
1) Document Shawl Collar Robe Coat.
Jasper’s Notes: I am all about outerwear like this. It looks great, it’s warm, and it’s impressively cozy. Since I skew towards the streetwear end of the style spectrum, I’d wear it with a long, band-collar shirt (hey, Camoshita!), and some trousers and shoes that would take the louche silhouette and just roll with it (Geller flight pants, I’m looking at you). If you’re gonna be a #CozyBoy, you might as well go all-out. Wear it over a tee and you’re gonna like the way you look. I Guarantee It.
2) Frank Leder Great Coat.
Jasper’s Notes: If you’re not going to go for the robe-coat, then take a look at the opposite end of the spectrum: specifically, this Frank Leder great coat. It’s a coat that would look perfectly at home in a fantasy from another era; maybe a story involving a charcoal-burner and a lady with a fox’s tail. Plus, despite that huge lapel and masculine cut, it’s essentially a really thick wool blanket masquerading as a coat.
3) Kanata Hand-Knit Cardigan.
Jasper’s Notes: Here’s a not-very-secret secret: a Kanata knit like this one is just about the best deal you can hope to find on a Cowichan of this quality. Stunning wools, beautiful patterns, and wonderful heft make these pieces more like heirlooms than clothing. Seriously, buy one. They’re so manly it almost hurts.
4) Niche Delgado Trousers.
Jasper’s Notes: I’ve been looking for a pair of pants with this exact cut for years now: cropped and tapered, they’re one part Patagonian horseman and one-part down-on-his-luck aristocrat. If you can fit into them, they’re damn near the best pair of pants I’ve seen in a while. And if you wear them with a tall boot, so that the hem falls halfway down the shaft, you’ll look like the coolest no-name this side of Tatooine.
5) Buttero Distressed Side-Zip Boot.
Jasper’s Notes: Speaking of boots, I’ve just realized that this pair from Buttero would go perfectly with the trousers I just finished talking about. How about that? Of course, they’ll also look great with well-worn jeans (blue or olive!) - or, if you’re Kyle, you could probably wear them with shorts and tube socks and look smashing. If you don’t have the necessary confidence in your ManLeg to pull of that particular look, don’t worry - the beautiful waxed leather will more than make up for your pale, hairy limbs.
As Sergio explained in his No Man interview, his style is about more than just nice shoes: “What counts is truth and culture...a real dandy knows art, literature.” But nice shoes don’t hurt either - you can see Sergio above wearing the Barbanera Gatsby U-cap spectator, one of the items that Sergio has put on this list of gifts suggestions for dandies of true faith.
1) Eidos Chalk Stripe Flannel Suit
Sergio’s Notes: I’m literally in love with what Antonio is making at Eidos, and not just because we are good friends now. I could wear almost everything he designs every day! The fabric, the fitting, the feeling, everything is perfect to me.
I really like how he mixes his american backgorund with italian taste and making. This suit is great! To me it’s like “Jesse James meeting italian tailoring”. The design of the lapels and the fabric make this suit perfect for a classic and, at the same time, “badass” style. You can wear it with oxfords or with some informal suede boots. In fact I have this suit, but in the three-piece version, with the vest.
2) Monitaly Ranch Coat.
Sergio’s Notes: My passion for “western style” is not a secret! This coat has exactly that kind of taste. It’s got a “vintage/retro” soul but it’s modern at the same time. I have a good number of shearling coats, this could be the next one in my collection.
3) GRAY Cardigan.
Sergio’s Notes: I like this! It’s warm and comfortable, and I like tha fact that it can be worn as layer in the winter or as outerwear in autumn/spring. I would wear it a bit “oversize”, on my “countryside weekends”.
4) Niche Paisley Shirt.
Sergio’s Notes: I like paisley. I like to mix this kind of print with suits, without ties, for an informal look with very strong style. In this case the mixing between paisley and corduroy fabric is very interesting.
5) Barbanera Gatsby U-Cap Spectator.
Sergio’s Notes: Last but least...my shoes! When we started the brand, spectator shoes were just a small part of the whole market for the most shoemakers, but following our taste we made them a staple piece of our collection since the first day! Nowadays spectators are “the cool thing” in the shoe business, and this is good! I love the canvas/calf Gatsby, and not just because they are our bestsellers. The good thing about this model is that you’ll be surprised by how versatile these shoes are. Alone, they can competley change and epitomize your look. You can wear them with a solaro suit in the spring/summer for a super dandy style, and with a brown flannel suit in the winter. Or, just with a pair of jeans, a tshirt (or a shirt) and a Borsalino hat for a cool easy outfit. They are timeless, classic, but they‘re not the classic old wingtip spectators - the “u cap” gives them clean lines, making them more dandy and with a modern twist.
Chris Tuazon is a Hong Kong-based writer and style maven. He writes for A&H Mag, one of our favorite online publications. You can also see some of what Chris is looking at on his Instagram and personal site. Here are a few things from the No Man store that caught his eye.
1) Il Micio Soft Billfold Wallet.
Chris’s Notes: Great gifts last through seasons, and none age better than a leather wallet. Il Micio's minimal design also forces you to stay light and avoid sitting atop a textbook of coffee receipts.
2) Post-Imperial Scarf.
Chris’s Notes: Sometimes we need a bit of encouragement to flirt with color and detail. A scarf is the perfect introduction, since you don't have to marry yourself to it all day . . . except this one, which I would resolve to keep even indoors.
3) Monitaly Vest.
Chris’s Notes: A good outdoor vest demands adventure, and Monitaly used handsome quilted barleycorn and playful lining to add life to the winter chill. I'd pair it with muddy boots and rolling hills before the holiday break is over.
4) Talarico Whangee Umbrella.
Chris’s Notes: The adult in me would responsibly fit this under my briefcase flap for any inclement detour towards the office. The kid in me would grip the bamboo like an ancient hilt and prepare for battle. That's two presents in one.
5) Saphir Shoe Care Kit.
Chris’s Notes: Back to leather: a good shoe care kit teaches every man that good things can last if you look after them. Plus, a gift like this gives back. My Sunday shine routine includes my wife's oxfords as well.
Andrew Seibert is a fashion agent and retail investor who works with brands like Inis Meain and Rubinacci, as well as his own polo brand Casablanca Polo. You can follow him on Instagram for a photo journal of his trips around the world in the service of steez. Here are his gift picks from the No Man store.
1) Formosa Tuxedo.
Andrew’s Notes: Every man needs a good tuxedo and this one is from one of my favorite tailors - Formosa. Gennaro Formosa himself is one of the best men you will ever meet, always ready to share a meal and good time and their work is top notch.
2) Inis Meain Crewneck Sweater.
Andrew’s Notes: Inis Meain is still undoubtedly the king when it comes to Aran designs and knitwear. The story is the best, made on an island of a few hundred people off the west coast of Galway, and this piece with a crew neck and brighter blue combine the classic elements of the brand with a modern feel.
3) Monitaly Ranch Coat.
Andrew’s Notes: I went to college in Colorado and have an intense passion for the American SW. Monitaly makes some of the coolest outerwear around and this piece gives me that Western feel yet has the touches or modern trims that would make it right at home in Aspen or Vail. This is a seriously cool piece ... Greg, do you have one in my size?
4) Calabrese Scarf.
Andrew’s Notes: Scarves are a great gift and perfect accessory for this time of year. This one from Calabrese steps it up a notch with vibrant colors and a luxe hand making it useful and also adding a pop to any outfit which is always makes me smile ... the little color puts a pep in my step.
5) Frank Clegg Tie Case.
Andrew’s Notes: This is literally the perfect gift. Frank Clegg makes some of the best leather pieces around and every traveling man with sartorial taste buds needs something like this to protect their ties.
