What To Buy This Week: Vol 10

Of all the linen shirts that circulate the globe, we like to think that our collaboration with Orlebar Brown produced the finest. Made from a two-tone linen chambray cloth and with an oversized cuban collar, it channels a certain ‘70s cool whilst keeping things contemporary with a flattering slim fit. Whilst it’s a key piece from our aforementioned resort collection, you’ll undoubtedly find yourself donning it wherever the sun shines such thanks in no small part to its innate comfort and addictive elegance. £195.00, rake.webdezign.uk/shop.

It’s not long now until the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride, the global motorcycle event where besuited enthusiasts assemble on their two-wheeled steeds in the aim of raising $5 million for charity. Zenith who proudly sponsor the event, which sees rides in London, Sydney and Milan among other cities, have created five unique Ton-Up DGR watches to mark the occasion, although they’re not available to purchase as there’ll be gifted to the best fundraisers all around the world. Unless you fancy yourselves among them, which we hope you do, the closest watch you’ll have access to is the standard Heritage Pilot Ton-up. It’s a proudly rugged timepiece powered by the bomb-proof El Primero 4069 chronograph movement, but more importantly it’ll perfectly complement your ‘café racer’ motorcycle during the DGR and beyond. Price on request, www.zenith-watches.com.

Whilst today the notion of the hot-hatchback or performance saloon is rather common, back in the early ‘60s the idea of taking an ordinary road car and transforming it into a speed machine was a new phenomenon. First built in 1962, the Ford Cortina in standard form was a humble family car, yet with the mighty power of Lotus it became something much more interesting, paving the way for marques to create cars with both practicality and immense speed. In order to attain Group 2 homologation in 1963 Ford approached the founder of Lotus Colin Chapman, asking if he’d equip 1,000 Cortinas with his newly developed twin-cam engine. The fabled Lotus Cortina was born and it went on to dominate saloon car racing throughout the ‘60s, with the likes of Jim Clark and Jackie Stewart seeing victories. Whilst the Lotus Cortina was a road car, it was intended to race and this here is a fine example that could be perfect if you’re looking to dabble. Equipped with a full roll cage, Cobra bucket seat (no passengers I’m afraid), a Luke 4-point safety harness, a Moto-lita steering wheel and a completely stripped interior, it’s fair to say that driving in this Cortina is an uncompromising experience but one that will be wholly worthwhile. £79,995.00, www.4starclassics.com.

As you can see through The Rake’s online shop, we proudly stock Ludwig Reiter’s powerful Husaren boot. The Austrian company are just as adept as producing lightweight summer shoes however and these espadrilles are a case in point. Whilst the shop windows will be currently instructing you to invest in your autumn/winter wardrobe, we know that the summer isn’t over in many parts of the world right now, and these suede slip-ons are ideal for the warmer months. Price on request, Ludwig Reiter, 6 Brook Street, London, W1S 1BB.

Gieves & Hawkes offer one of the most fulfilling bespoke experiences on Savile Row yet their ready-to-wear collection should not be overlooked, especially as their current summer sale is offering up to 70% off. This lightweight checked summer blazer is entirely handmade in Italy, featuring soft shoulders, a modern, slim silhouette and a beautifully soft wool/silk/linen blend fabric. Notice the expert pattern matching throughout the jacket; a testament to the painstaking work that’s gone into its creation. Notice also the price; it’s a bargain and one you’d be a fool to miss out on. Was £1,295.00, now £515.00, www.gievesandhawkes.com.