We all know the staple men’s luxury items, right? The luxury car (Aston Martin Rapide S), the luxury watch (L.U.C Chopard) and the custom suit (Anderson & Sheppard, Saville Row), which are my favourites at the moment. But here are my top picks for men’s luxury items that show class, taste and attention to detail that you might not have thought of:
1. Watch winder: Scatola del Tempo Rotori Watch Winder
If you’re going to be a connoisseur of luxury watches, then you have to showcase them properly. The watch winder is the trophy case of what I think is the most important luxury accessory for men. They come in different material, shapes and sizes depending on your taste. Aside from being very stylish, they’re actually very functional. Its task is to rotate your watches when you’re not wearing them, so keeping the mainsprings of the watch at tension, and thus keeping the mechanism of your automatic watch working properly when it’s on standby. Note: I suggest buying a multiple housing watch winder. It will inspire you to add the next watch to your collection.
2. Travel bag: Louis Vuitton Keepall 55 Bandouliere
I once travelled to Italy to meet a friend, and when she picked me up at the airport she looked at me and said, “Is that really your bag?”. She wasn’t impressed. I soon realised then that the way you travel, the style in which you travel, shows your sense of style and taste. Travel with sophistication.
3. Fragrance: Kilian Bespoke Perfume
The fragrance you wear is silent, mysterious and very powerful. It can attract people to you without you saying a word. It makes you memorable to others and shows great taste. Find one that is unique to you. And if you’re really adventurous, create your own bespoke fragrance made just for you. It’ll be pricey, but no one will every smell like you... it will be your own scent forever.
4. Money clip: Ralph Lauren Alligator Money Clip
Keep your money and that platinum card in order. Nothing speaks luxury more from a man than order. The money clip shows organisation and class.
5. Cashmere sweater: Ralph Lauren Cable-Knit Cashmere Sweater
For me nothing speaks more of luxury and class than a beautiful cashmere sweater. You can wear them in the winter and the summer. They feel great on and your partner wouldn’t mind how nice it feels on you either. Note: You can also use it as an accessory, thrown over you shoulders during the day, then put it on if it gets cool at night.
6. Business card holder: Cartier Must de Cartier Card Holder
If you carry business cards, carry them in style. Nothing is worse than fiddling for a card when you want to present someone with it. And on top of that, having the card be bent with lint from your pocket all over it. The card holder shows you’re a man about your business, you pay attention to detail and that you have taste.
7. Writing instrument: Montblanc Meisterstuck 90 Years Skeleton 149 Fountain Pen
This is one of my all time favourite luxury items for every man. It shows that you are ready to celebrate that occasion of the big deal or contract that has to be signed. Keep it on your desk in a nice stand, and only use it for the big moments. And for the times that you have to carry it to a remote meeting, you will receive a gesture of class from your colleagues when you pull it out of your briefcase.
8. Barware: Ralph Lauren Ayers tumblers
Years ago I had a guest over to my home and when she asked for something to drink, I gave it to it in a mason jar. She looked at it, then looked at me as if I had no taste. I knew then that your tumblers show that you’re a man of luxury and have appreciation to detail.
9. Tassel loafer: Ralph Lauren Marlow Tassel Loafer
In my opinion, the watch is man’s most important accessory, but the shoes are the most important fashion detail. It speaks volumes of your style and sophistication. It will be the first thing that a woman looks at when she looks at your outfit. Don’t discount shop here. The right shoe tells the right story, and that’s of style and taste. A classic tassel loafer is a great shoe because it’s very versatile. You can wear it with a suit or with jeans.
10. Passport holder: Gucci Guccissima leather passport case
To me, my most prized possession is my passport. It’s my access to the rest of the world. Take care it of it. It shows you’re a man of the world and that you cherish the experience of travel. Customise it, engraving it with your initials.
— Chris Collins is a tastemaker and the brand ambassador for Ralph Lauren, a position he has held for almost 18 years. His first shoot was in 1997 with renowned American photographer Bruce Weber. Since then his images have graced the pages GQ, Esquire, Details and billboards around the world. Chris is now capitalising on his own brand, branching out globally as a spokesperson across categories of men’s luxury lifestyle brands. He’s currently in Dubai working on a deal with a high-end luxury brand. He also runs a luxury lifestyle journal called the Chris Collins Report. Follow him on ChrisCollinsReport.com.
