Feature | A "Once-in-a-Lifetime" Christmas Gift for Him
Feature: Choosing a Christmas Gift for Him or Her
A "Once-in-a-Lifetime" Christmas Gift Items that retain their brilliance for years and are loved across generations always have a brand history to tell and anecdotes behind their details. For a precious Christmas gift, we want to convey such a story. Sharing the reason why something is considered a "once-in-a-lifetime" item will deepen the affection for it.Photographs by JAMANDFIX / Styling by TOCHIGI Masahiro / Text by TSUCHIDA Takashi
As the air begins to carry a chill, gloves become an essential. While warm wool gloves are practical, for enduring use, we recommend high-quality leather gloves with meticulous craftsmanship. These gloves from the esteemed French atelier "Causse" are made from the finest peccary leather. The supple feel against the skin is incomparably comfortable compared to other leathers. The unlined, single-layer construction molds to the hand, allowing for a pursuit of a tight silhouette. This makes them versatile enough for weekday business attire and suitable for any occasion.
Peccary Leather Gloves ¥59,850 (Causse / Tomorrowland
Margaret Howell offers "quality items" that transcend trends and time. This season, their men's line introduces a cardigan specially ordered from "Inverallan," a world-renowned hand-knit manufacturer in Scotland. Inverallan is known for its rugged, low-gauge knits, exemplified by their fisherman's sweaters, and this cardigan follows the same construction. However, Margaret Howell's signature all-black color scheme subdues the folk-tale aesthetic, lending a modern impression and elevating it to a timeless staple model suitable for any style.
Knit Cardigan ¥70,350 (Margaret Howell / Anglobal Tel. 03-5467-7874)
Globe-Trotter travel cases are icons of British craftsmanship, beloved by celebrities worldwide. This season, Globe-Trotter introduces its first-ever leather collection, "JET." Crafted by artisans in the same workshop as their iconic travel cases, these items are made from British Windsor Grain leather. This material is ideal for small leather goods as it is resistant to scratches, lightweight, and durable. The cardholder and coin purse feature a belt-strap closure reminiscent of their travel cases, adding a distinctive Globe-Trotter touch and presence.
From left: Bi-fold Wallet ¥39,900, Card Case ¥22,050, Coin Case ¥26,250 (Globe-Trotter / Globe-Trotter Japan Tel. 03-5464-5248)
Knitwear exuding sophistication is key to a refined winter wardrobe. Leading this category is the "Cruciani" knit collection by Italy's Marzotto, now featured in prestigious specialty stores worldwide. Its hallmark is a sharp silhouette that contours the body. The armholes are designed to be small, preventing bulkiness even when worn under a jacket. The V-neck knit on the left features a finely ribbed collar and a moderate depth, making it versatile enough for both dress shirts and t-shirts. The turtleneck knit on the right, while having a medium gauge for a comfortable volume, is cut compactly to maintain a sleek profile.
From left: V-neck knit ¥29,400, Turtleneck knit ¥31,500 (Cruciani / Strassburgo
While black and brown were once the standard for men's leather goods, a significant trend towards color has emerged. In response, United Arrows has this season collaborated with Whitehouse Cox on wallets in olive green. The long wallet features an olive green exterior and a yellow interior. The tri-fold wallet, conversely, has a subtle black exterior with an olive green lining. As olive green has often been used as a military color, it should be an accessible choice for those new to colored leather. Both styles are available in four colors: black, dark brown, olive green, and navy. This series demonstrates how a slight change in color can significantly enhance a stylish impression.
From left: Zip-around Long Wallet ¥37,800, Tri-fold Wallet ¥31,500 (Whitehouse Cox / United Arrows Harajuku Main Store Men's Building Tel. 03-3479-8180)
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Johnstons
Johnstons, Scotland's oldest textile manufacturer and a pioneer in cashmere production, crafts these large scarves with generous dimensions of 190cm in length and 70cm in width. The colorful block check pattern in orange and light gray not only serves as a coordination accent but also has a curiously uplifting effect when worn. In midwinter, its versatility extends beyond the neck; it can be used as a lap blanket or draped as a shawl, offering various styling possibilities.
Stole ¥54,600 (Johnstons / Estnation Tel. 03-5159-7800)
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Tricker’s
Tricker's, a brand renowned as a purveyor to the British Royal Family, is known for its boots that mold to the wearer's foot over time and can be worn for a lifetime with proper sole replacement. These boots, first produced by Tricker's about 30 years ago and only once, feature a zipper on the inside. They have been revived this season through a special order by Edifice, making this a rare item. The soles are made of rubber from the British company Dainite, known for its slip resistance even on wet surfaces and excellent durability.
Side Zip Boots ¥69,300 (Tricker's / Edifice Tokyo Tel. 03-3400-2931)
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LACOSTE
The "Holiday Collectors Series" features Lacoste's classic polo shirts, each year designed freely by artists from various fields. To commemorate the brand's 80th anniversary, this year's collection gained attention with British art director Peter Saville designing 80 different crocodiles. While some artworks are abstract and far removed from the original form, Saville himself conveys the message that "Lacoste's identity is immortal." A total of eight models, including the four shown above, are available in Japan. The limited edition of 800 pieces is sure to stir the collector's spirit.
Polo Shirt "Holiday Collectors" ¥24,150 each (Lacoste / Lacoste Customer Service Center 0120-37-0202)
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HEELEY
Though unseen, scent stimulates the senses and asserts a vivid presence. Therefore, a fragrance makes an ideal gift for someone close. Heeley, which pursues original fragrances based on French perfumery techniques, offers a choice befitting adults, complete with sophisticated packaging. While most men's fragrances are Eau de Toilette, this brand also offers the stronger Eau de Parfum, providing a more intense scent compared to EDT. The spray bottle design also ensures ease of use.
Eau de Parfum ¥15,750 (Heeley / Isetan Shinjuku Store Tel. 03-3352-1111 [Main Operator])
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DIESEL×master-piece
A body bag is a convenient item for casual outings. It can hold essentials like a wallet and smartphone while keeping your hands free, offering great freedom of movement. However, finding adult-oriented options can be challenging, as they are inherently casual. This collaboration model between Diesel and Master-Piece is highly recommended. This second limited-edition series for Japan features a khaki and camouflage combination design. The vibrant red lining provides a striking color contrast when the zipper is opened.
Body Bag [W15×H39×D9cm] ¥36,750 (Diesel x Master-Piece / Diesel Japan 0120-55-1978)
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BEGG＆CO
This season's scarves, specially ordered by Barneys New York from the esteemed Scottish textile manufacturer Begg & Co., feature warp and weft threads of different colors, creating an effect reminiscent of denim. Yet, they possess the beautiful luster of 100% cashmere, embodying a sophisticated adult sensibility. Despite their approximately 2-meter length, they are exceptionally thin, avoiding excessive volume and allowing for various tying styles. Available in light blue and navy, these scarves are suitable for both high-quality casual weekend wear and weekday suit ensembles.
Stoles ¥52,500 each (Begg & Co / Barneys New York Shinjuku Store Tel. 03-3352-1200)
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GANZO
To capitalize on the improving economic trend and enhance your financial fortune, a new wallet is an excellent choice. This item, crafted by the long-established Japanese leather goods brand GANZO, is made entirely from Shell Cordovan by the renowned American tannery, Horween. Its supple, deep luster and natural finish, revealing even the pinholes, are truly impressive. The luxurious specification extends to the interior lining, not just the exterior. With 12 card slots, a zippered coin compartment, and various inner pockets, it also offers ample functionality.
Shell Cordovan Coin Zipper Long Wallet ¥92,400 each (GANZO / Hankyu Men's Tokyo Tel. 03-6252-1381)
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TUSTING
The slightly rounded form, reminiscent of a Boston bag, is refreshingly novel! Its soft impression strikes a perfect balance for business casual wear. It's surprising that this comes from Tusting, a long-established British tannery, but the color collaboration by Ships also plays a significant role. The bi-color design in black x gray or brown x wine is not overly flashy, offering a pleasingly pop impression. This makes the bag suitable for sharing between genders. With four base studs, it stands firmly, so you won't hesitate to place it on the floor when out and about.
Leather Brief [W44×H30×D13cm] ¥56,700 each (Tusting / Ships Ginza Store Tel. 03-3564-5547)
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DRAKE’S
For men, ties are a necessity; you can never have too many. However, when choosing one yourself, you often end up sticking to your usual preferences, adding similar colors and patterns to your wardrobe. Therefore, receiving a tie as a gift is actually full of surprises, and this effect is amplified when several are given at once. Not only do the different colors and patterns matter, but including items with varying textures, such as natural wool or silk, significantly enhances the impact upon opening the gift box. Drake's from the UK is recommended. Ties from this brand, brimming with a traditional spirit, are sure to become staples in your rotation.
Ties ¥12,600 each (Drake's / Beams F Tel. 03-3470-3946)
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BOGLIOLI
The comfortable style that forms the basis of modern men's jackets originated with the "Dover" jacket from Boglioli, a brand with over 120 years of history. While minimizing shoulder pads and chest canvas, the sewing expertise maintains excellent tailoring. It masterfully balances a soft, comfortable feel with a beautiful appearance. This season, in line with the British traditional trend, the lineup includes checkered jackets. However, they remain in basic color schemes, ensuring they won't become tiresome and can be cherished as an autumn/winter staple for years to come.
Jacket ¥92,400 (Boglioli / Coronet Tel. 03-5216-6521)
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