Christmas Gift Feature | Beloved Brands: Classics and New Staples
Feature: Choosing Christmas Gifts for Him and Her
Iconic pieces from luxury brands that bring an elegant radiance to one's lifestyle. These have long been objects of admiration for both men and women, symbols of aspiration. Yet, these masterpieces evolve with the times, transforming to become the classics of tomorrow. For a special Christmas gift unlike any other, will you choose today's classics or the new standards of the future?Photographs by JAMANDFIX / Styling by KATO Aya (iris) / Text by TSUCHIDA Takashi
Among Louis Vuitton's extensive leather goods, the Taiga line boasts unwavering popularity with men. The embossed calfskin is resistant to visible scratches, and its enduring appeal lies in the ability to enjoy the rich texture unique to Louis Vuitton for years to come. The Roman MM, in particular, is a messenger bag perfect for weekend outings. Its magnetic flap closure prevents the leather from flapping, a notable feature. To the right, in a similarly dark hue but with a more modern feel, is the Damier Infini line. This material, called Taurillon leather, features an iconic Damier pattern expressed through 3D embossing, characterized by its smooth and firm texture. The "PDJ" briefcase, with its rounded corners at the opening, fully showcases the charm of this material.
From left: "Taiga" messenger bag "Roman MM" [W 37×H 28×D 9cm] ¥236,250, "Damier Infini" bag "PDJ" [W 37×H 28×D 6 cm] ¥258,300 (Both Louis Vuitton / Louis Vuitton Customer Service
The "Tank Louis Cartier," named after Louis Cartier himself, is the origin of the "Tank" collection. Its rectangular form, bold lines, and rounded lug corners—modern details introduced by Louis Cartier—foreshadowed the style later known as Art Deco. Maintaining its iconic design, the "Tank MC" embodies ultimate masculinity. Its near-square dial asserts presence, while the large case adorned with a small seconds subdial is a testament to strength and elegance. Furthermore, the in-house Caliber 1904 MC can be admired through the case back, a detail not to be missed.
From left: Tank Louis Cartier Watch LM (Quartz/18K YG case) ¥959,700, Tank MC Watch (Automatic/SS case) ¥648,900 (Both Cartier / Cartier Customer Service Center
Exceptional dress shoes feel as if they mold to your feet the moment you slip them on, conforming to your instep and heel. The more you wear them, the more they adapt to your foot, ensuring comfort even after long hours. John Lobb crafts many such masterpieces. Among them, the "Philip II" series, built on the 7000 last, is supported by a fervent fan base. The classic choice is the "Derby," a straight-cap Oxford that pairs well with jackets and formal attire. The new classic, on the other hand, is an elasticated slip-on using the same last. While both offer unparalleled comfort, the dressier slip-on is undeniably a more contemporary choice. Choose the pair that best suits your lifestyle and will be a lifelong companion in your wardrobe.
Shoes, from left: "Philip II Derby," "Philip II Loafer" ¥231,000 each (Both John Lobb / John Lobb Japan Tel. 03-6267-6010)
The more attuned one becomes to tailoring, the more challenging it is to select casual shirts. Casual shirts lack a clear set of rules, and the methodologies learned for dress shirts are entirely inapplicable. Perhaps this is why women are intrigued by men's weekend styles. A simple white shirt, in particular, reveals one's sensibility directly. This is where Prada's white shirts come into focus. With a subtly tailored line created by darts at the back and a refined collar opening when the top button is undone, every detail is impeccable. Prada consistently reminds us what it means to be simple yet stylish. The shirt on the right takes a more avant-garde approach, with studs on the collar and placket, subtly infusing an aggressive edge into a classic striped shirt.
From left: White shirt ¥49,350, Shirt with studs ¥81,900 (*All prices are approximate) (Both Prada / Prada Japan Customer Relations
Launched in 1977 and loved for nearly four decades, the "Bvlgari Bvlgari" collection is Bulgari's signature watch line. Inspired by ancient Roman coins, its design, featuring the brand's logo engraved on the bezel, was a sensational debut as the world's first watch of its kind. These pieces express that powerful artwork in ring form, and this year, new ceramic items have finally arrived. Pre-sales have begun in Japan before anywhere else in the world. While the noble gleam of gold is undeniably attractive, the matte presence of black ceramic is sure to ignite a desire for ownership.
From left: "Bvlgari Bvlgari" ring ¥183,750 [18K WG/Diamonds], ¥123,900 [Black Ceramic/Diamonds] (Both Bulgari / Bulgari Japan Tel. 03-6362-0100)
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BOTTEGA VENETA | Bottega Veneta
Bottega Veneta commands its reputation as a luxury brand. Its icon is the Intrecciato weave, meticulously handcrafted by skilled artisans. This season's new, vibrant blue document case is sized to comfortably hold A4 documents. The gusset on one side, facilitating easy access to documents when the zipper is opened, is a detail worth noting. Meanwhile, the tote bag offers a bold, modern interpretation of the Intrecciato technique. The junction between the white canvas and rubber features an Intrecciato design, creating a striking contrast in textures. Adding a touch of white to the often heavy winter wardrobe will surely draw admiring glances.
From top: Document case [W38×H26×D1cm] ¥155,400, Canvas tote bag [W 45.5×H 33.5×D 20cm] ¥129,150 (Both Bottega Veneta / Bottega Veneta Japan Tel. 0570-000-677)
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MONTBLANC | Montblanc
One's handwritten signature is an extension of oneself, delivered on paper. No matter how advanced technology becomes, no written word carries more weight than one penned by hand. Therefore, it is a mark of sophistication for adults to be particular about their writing instruments. Furthermore, among the many luxury items available, it is rare to find a brand's top-tier model priced under ¥100,000. The Montblanc Meisterstück 149 reigns as a modern masterpiece of fountain pens. The precious sheen of its black body, available at this price point, brings undeniable joy. On the other hand, the new classic from Montblanc features a high-tech model with a carbon fiber body. The feeling of having a material used in the latest aircraft and racing cars on your desk is truly exceptional.
From left: "Montblanc Meisterstück 149" fountain pen ¥97,800, "Starwalker Ultimate Carbon" ballpoint pen ¥95,550, fountain pen ¥136,500, fineliner ¥111,300 (All Montblanc / Montblanc Ginza Main Store Tel. 03-5568-8881)
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GIORGIO ARMANI | Giorgio Armani
As dress codes become more casual, the era has arrived where one can emphasize a lighter feel in footwear without adhering strictly to formal dress shoes. Giorgio Armani himself embodies this trend. The classic sneaker model on the left can often be seen on Mr. Armani himself during the finale of fashion shows. On the other hand, the model on the right leans slightly more towards a classic aesthetic. While the upper might suggest suitability for suits, the sole construction is distinctly that of a sneaker. Mr. Giorgio Armani's creativity, pursuing the possibilities of style mixing while maintaining comfortable wear, is truly admirable.
From left: Leather sneakers ¥57,750, Wingtip sneakers ¥87,150 (Both Giorgio Armani / Giorgio Armani Japan Tel. 03-6274-7070)
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BURBERRY | Burberry
If one seeks a story in a trench coat, Burberry is the definitive answer. The cotton gabardine material, developed by Thomas Burberry in 1880, is synonymous with the Burberry trench, and details such as the gun flap, epaulets, and belted cuffs all follow the original design. The classic line, on the left, features the iconic Burberry check lining. In contrast, the model on the right, from Burberry Prorsum, has a slimmer silhouette throughout and a subdued light beige color, creating a sharper impression.
Trench coats, from left: ¥231,000 (Burberry), ¥262,500 (Burberry Prorsum / Burberry International 0066-33-812819)
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Tiffany & Co. | Tiffany & Co.
Men's accessories from Tiffany's signature "Atlas Collection" utilize titanium and silver. The authentic motifs, matured through history, gleam with a grayish hue in these materials, representing the pinnacle of sophistication. They are imbued with a timeless charm that can be worn for years to come. Meanwhile, the new "Paloma Knots Collection" by Paloma Picasso, one of Tiffany's renowned designers, offers a perfect complement to adult casual styles. Wearing the "knot," symbolizing eternal love, love and friendship, imbues the piece with profound meaning.
From left: "Atlas" ring ¥41,475, bangle ¥63,000, cufflinks ¥82,950, Paloma Picasso Collection "Knots" leather bracelet, from top: ¥38,325, ¥51,975 (All Tiffany & Co. / Tiffany & Co. Japan Inc. 0120-488-712)
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dunhill | Dunhill
Leather briefcases elevate business style. Among them, Dunhill's "Bourdon" series excels not only in its simple, timeless design but also in its excellent functionality, including numerous pockets. It features an open pocket on the back, a mobile phone pocket on the side, and even a pass-through for attaching to a trolley case, meeting the needs of business professionals. This season, the "Bourdon" series introduces vivid color models. The exceptional vibrancy, rare for men's bags, is sure to capture attention. While monochrome is the traditional choice, opting for a colored model can make a distinctive statement. A green briefcase, for instance, would not look out of place with a suit.
Bourdon single zip briefcases [W40×H31×D8cm] ¥114,450 each, from front: passport case ¥22,050, bi-fold wallet ¥34,650, organizer ¥68,250, card case ¥18,900 each (All Dunhill / Richemont Japan Tel. 03-4335-1755)
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S.T. Dupont | S.T. Dupont
For smokers, the greatest pleasure lies in the moment of lighting a cigarette. S.T. Dupont lighters, which elegantly enhance this moment, remain coveted items for smoking enthusiasts, then and now. The classic is the "Line 2 Lighter," whose first model appeared in 1977. The "ping" sound when opening the lid serves as a delightful signal that relaxation time is about to begin. On the other hand, the revolutionary "Defi Extreme" turbo lighter, released last year, draws attention for its heavy-duty functionality. Capable of producing a strong blue flame even at altitudes of 3,500 meters, wind speeds of force 7, and temperatures ranging from -10°C to 40°C, it is also recommended for the active individual.
From left: Line 2 Lighter [1.5mm Diamond Head Cut Silver Finish] ¥94,500, Defi Extreme Red ¥31,500 (Both S.T. Dupont / S.T. Dupont Ginza Boutique Tel. 03-3575-0460)
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TOD’S | Tod's
Tod's "Gommini" driving shoes allow you to walk briskly through the city with their supple soles that flex with your stride. They are characterized by a soft, glove-like fit and a light, comfortable feel. To fully enjoy this lightness, we recommend navy as a classic choice, rather than black or brown. Furthermore, new models in patent leather have been introduced this season. While the last and manufacturing method remain unchanged, these shoes exude an undeniable elegance. They are perfect for occasions where you might go straight from the car to a party venue without needing to change shoes.
"Gommini" shoes, from left: Suede shoes ¥55,650, Patent leather shoes ¥48,300 (Both Tod's / Tod's Japan 0120-102-578)
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TOM FORD | Tom Ford
The current trend in eyewear is a complete return to classic styles. Tom Ford's black-rimmed Wellington frames spearheaded this movement. The protagonist, played by Colin Firth in the film "A Single Man," wore these very glasses, and their popularity remains unabated, with many stores reporting stockouts. If this classic Wellington design is inspired by the 1950s, the new classic round frames evoke an even earlier era, the 1930s. The gold "T" logo embellishment on the hinges and temples of both models clearly identifies them as Tom Ford creations.
From top: Wellington glasses ¥39,900, Round frame glasses ¥40,950 (Both Tom Ford / Tom Ford Eyewear Tel. 03-6804-3652)
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BALLY | Bally
Bally, a leading Swiss luxury leather brand. The "Bally Stripe," using the red and white of the Swiss flag in a stripe pattern, is widely recognized as the brand's icon. The model on the right incorporates this stripe into a stole. No other brand excels at adding a sporty touch to luxurious attire quite like Bally. In contrast, the leather items on the left belong to the "Verbier Iconic" series, which interprets the Bally Stripe through perforated leather. Here, the sporty element recedes, emphasizing the texture of the leather itself. Nevertheless, the motif, instantly recognizable as Bally, is sure to intrigue the discerning customer.
From top left: "Verbier Iconic" travel wallet ¥56,700, bi-fold wallet, iPad case, "Trainspotting" stole ¥30,450 each (All Bally / Bally Japan Tel. 03-6215-6609)
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