The II Earl

Book smarts aren’t everything, especially when it comes to matters of men’s style. And while there are some bona fide men’s style “rule books” out there, there’s also a wealth exceptionally fascinating stories, anecdotes and history to know as well. The true men’s style connoisseur is, after all, a deep seeker of knowledge. It’s in that spirit that we’ve examined the shelves of the NS library and chosen our top 10 must read men’s style books. ▪ True Style by G. Bruce Boyer, $30 ▪ Men and Style: Essays, Interviews & Considerations by David Coggins, $30 ▪ Permanent Style: The Style Guide by Simon Crompton, $52 ▪ Icons of Men’s Style (mini edition) by Josh Sims, $15 ▪ Ametora: How Japan Saved American Style by W. David Marx, $30 ▪ Dressing the Man: Mastering the Art of Permanent Fashion by Alan Flusser, $55 ▪ Mad Men Carousel: The Complete Critical Companion by Matt Zoller Seitz, $27.50 ▪ 100 Years of Menswear (mini edition) by Cally Blackman, $20 ▪ The Details: Iconic Men’s ...

Reading is for the improvement of the understanding. The improvement of the understanding is for two ends; first, for our own increase of knowledge; secondly, to enable us to deliver and make out that knowledge to others. The latter of these, if it be not the chief end of study in a gentleman; yet it is at least equal to the other, since the greatest part of his business and usefulness in the world is by the influence of what he says, or writes to others. John Locke

"Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence." — Vince Lombardi

Credit: Mr Fabio Instagram Lord Sebastian Flyte (and I am referring to the Fabio Trombini incarnation here) is nostalgia personified. He is the past we all wish we'd had (even if he has a future we'd rather avoid) - a past of magnificent houses, Paris, divine poetry and, of course, elegant clothes. Thankfully, I had found the perfect candidate for my new fashion story. The words came out of his mouth naturally – he perceives beauty in a way only few people can. Describing Trombini’s style is difficult as it is best perceived as a part of a greater picture. Fabio dresses, at least in Instagram account, with unstudied elegance. Mr Fabio manages precisely the mix of flamboyance and classic good taste that is so hard to get right. Overall, the former student of London College of Fashion looks like what a portraitist like Cecil Beaton would have longed for. His Instagram account is a good starting point to imagine what such an experience might be like, if you are interested i...

"Standing by his side, immaculately dressed as ever, with his eye-glass fixed and a gentle smile on his face, was Psmith." P.G. Wodehouse, Psmith in the City

If we’re talking about wellies, then we’re talking about Hunters. If we’re talking about music players, we’re talking about iPods, but if we’re talking about off-roaders, then there’s only one machine that springs to mind; the Land Rover Defender. A true automotive icon, dreamt up on the sands of Anglesey by Maurice and Spencer Wilks, its body was cobbled together from aluminium because steel was in short supply following World War II, and its sea-green shade came from surplus military aircraft paint. It may have appeared a botch-job, but 68 years later its straight lines and ability to trample any terrain still put a smile on all those who sit behind the heavy wheel. The love affair started back in 1948 when the British army was looking for a British equivalent to the USA’s Willies Jeep. Scraping together what they could after the war, Land Rover conjured up the Defender from Aluminium and leftover army surplus paint used on Spitfires. It is a machine that defines our pluck – as...

"One has an obligation to celebrate the positive things and to provide people with whatever weapons one can against the negative things. We are lucky to be building on the achievements of our ancestors, and the important thing is to maintain them and to not throw them away" Sir Roger Scruton