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Rake Commends: Hot Chocolate
Don’t be discouraged, although the humble colour brown is often associated with all things unappealing, in fashionable circles sophisticated shades of chocolate, cream, caramel and taupe are enjoying a healthy renaissance. For proof, The Rake commends some of our favourite spring/summer style staples.
Words Aleks Cvetkovic
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Ralph Lauren Purple Label Silk Double-Breasted Suit
For evidence of tan’s effortlessly chic character when applied to tailoring, look no further than Ralph Lauren Purple Label’s spring suiting. This rich double-breasted pure silk creation is genuinely exquisite – channeling 20s Ivy League style in marvelous fashion. RL has tweaked the suit’s silhouette for the season, introducing a little more belly into the coat’s lapels and adding patch-and-flap pockets into the mix, blending the lines between sports coat and suit. Paired with sky blue or cream shirting, and earthy accessories, the resultant look is thoroughly distinguished and timelessly elegant. www.ralphlauren.com
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Edward Green Kid Suede Slippers
To pair with said tan silk suit, what better than a pair of louche suede slippers from elevated English shoemakers, Edward Green? Perfect for balmy weather, these super-lightweight, understated slip-ons are ideal for breezing about town in. What is more, whilst unmistakably a slipper to the untrained eye, they’ve been rather re-invented thanks to the clever use of kid suede – which is suitably durable for consistent wear out and about, whilst remaining thoroughly luxurious, supple and breathable. As with all Edward Green’s suede, only the finest un-split skins are used and the result is a thoroughly rakish spring shoe. www.edwardgreen.co.uk
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Italia Indepedent For The Rake Camouflage Sunglasses
Now this, you’ll be glad to hear, is an exclusive sneak preview of a forthcoming e-commerce collaboration that will be heading your way this spring; our exclusive Italia Independent for The Rake Camouflage Sunglasses. Five sets of ten will be available, made with different coloured lenses of which these graduated brown variants are particularly striking. Based on Italia Independent's iconic ‘No. 24’ wayfarer design (a particular favourite of Mr Elkann’s no less) we rather love the resultant juxtaposition between utilitarian pattern and elegant, old school silhouette. www.shop.rake.webdezign.uk
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New & Lingwood Cream Fox Flannel Cricket Trousers
On the cream spectrum, there’s arguably nothing so elegant, nor more coveted than a pair of proper cricket flannels for the warmer months. Finding a pair that feels authentic though is often a real challenge. It is fortunate then, that Jermyn Street outfitters New & Lingwood have taken it upon themselves to cut a pair of cricket flannels at their finest. With a high-rise, generous leg, brace-tops, proper 2” cuffs and twin reverse pleats these are the real deal. What’s more, they’re cut in Fox Brother’s original 13oz cream cricket flannel. What’s not to love? www.newandlingwood.com
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Lock & Co. 'Bowie' Fedora
What better way to make the most of the last few fedora wearing months this spring than to go all out and invest in a new design from legendary hatters Lock & Co.? This beautiful toffee coloured ‘Bowie’ fedora is suitably light in colour for spring. Made from practical rabbit fur with a tonal chocolate grosgrain band, tall crown and heroically wide brim, it’s ideal for cutting a dash. wwww.lockhatters.co.uk
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Chester Barrie Superfine Cotton Stretch-Pique Shirt
This is no ordinary chocolate brown dress shirt. Rather, it is a superfine cotton pique shirt and the brainchild of contemporary Savile Row tailors, Chester Barrie. With a strong cutaway collar and barrel cuffs, the shirt is cut in an exquisite, stretchy cotton pique, woven by the Canclini cotton mill in Italy. Both a breathable open-weave cloth and one with an impressive natural stretch, it’s almost like wearing a tennis shirt - yet infinitely more stylish. www.chesterbarrie.co.uk
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Dunhill Cotton Herringbone Polo Shirt
There are polo shirts, and then there are polo shirts. This rather swish short-sleeved number is the latter; being a sophisticated ivory creation from Dunhill. Woven with a subtle herringbone, featuring cuffed short sleeves and a proper three-button polo collar, this is as refined as it is discreet, ideal for contemporary summer dress. Layer under a lightweight navy blazer, or even a tan linen sports coat for effortless riviera chic. www.dunhill.com
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Panerai Luminor 1950 3 Days Acciaio
Panerai’s latest offering, unveiled at this year’s SIHH, demonstrates just how sophisticated a subtle shade of brown can be in the world of watchmaking. With it’s iconic stainless steel 47mm case and coffee-coloured dial referencing the original Luminor models of the 1950s, the 1950 3 Days Acciaio has got to be this summer’s rakish timepiece of choice. www.panerai.com
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Brunello Cucinelli Wool, Silk and Linen Gillet
Should you live in the Northern Hemisphere, then optimistic though you might feel about the onset of summer, the chances are that around the week or so of sun due to you, there will be a need to shield yourself against an inescapable torrent of somewhat less favourable seasonal showers. Should this be the case, a Brunello Cucinelli gillet will be on the cards, destined to sit under a summer-weight blazer or topcoat with aplomb. This particular design is cut in a superb wool, silk and linen blend, with the interior lined in water-repellent nylon. The lightweight padding features 25 grams of top quality goose down, ideal for keeping one comfortable when the temperature inevitably falls. www.brunellocucinelli.com
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Glenfiddich 21 Year Old Gran Reserva
Our seasonal respect for all things brown extends far beyond things you can wear. Indeed, Glenfiddich’s rather delectable, deep amber 21 Year Old Gran Reserva is arguably the ideal dram for spring climes. With it’s rich rum cask finish, Glenfiddich’s Malt Master, Brian Kinsman, matures the distillery's single malt in bourbon barrels seasoned with Glenfiddich’s own unique Caribbean rum, a secret recipe from three tropical islands, created specifically for the purpose of flavouring casks in which to finish Glenfiddich – quite some commitment. The result is a complex, spicy Scotch with distinctly tropical top notes of ginger, banana and lime – perfect for thinking forward to your summer escape. www.glenfiddich.com
Brown, brunello cucinelli, chester barrie, Colour, dunhill, edward green, Glenfiddich, Italia Independent, Lock & Co, Men's Style, Menswear, New & Lingwood, Panerai, Rakish, Ralph Lauren, SS16, The Rake
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