The Details: Louis Vuitton's Leather Coat

A great leather coat is always a hot commodity. Needless to say we'll easily agree anything Louis Vuitton is spectacular.
Last season I was all about this mountaineering-inspired backpack - perhaps because I liked its sense of purpose (there's a lot to be said for practical fashion). So it's no coincidence that everything remained so right about Vuitton's Spring 2014 presentation. 

For starters everyone was going somewhere. Each look meant business. Each outfit resonated - for all the right reasons. Inspired by the iconic retro-American road trip, it became natural to follow a progression along Route 66. I could go on and on (and on...) about the impeccable tailoring, metallic lace-ups, tan bags etc etc - but I won't. It's simple. I just love the back panel of this leather coat - and not just because it reminds me of a Mid-West line dance. What really got me was its history. The iconic 'V' first featured on Gaston Louis Vuitton's personal attaché from 1901. That's right, this leather coat is the ultimate heritage-inspired flashback, and that's worth mentioning. 

To discover more Louis Vuitton click here. Watch the entire show below.

Essential Tools: Hermès Ulysse Leather Notebook

I think we can agree that anything Hermès is worth writing about. I mean luxury is always worth writing about, non?

But let's contextualize. At this stage I'd say it's best to re-cap how Hermès effortlessly evokes feelings escapism and endless travel. Voyages of the imagination - remember how much you loved riding a bike on Lake Como? - That's right dear reader, a lot. On some rare occasions pure escapism can actually meet good old practicalities. This is such an occasion. 

The point is Hermès makes an exceptional notebook, the Ulysse (available in two sizes). So exceptional you'll force yourself to use your very best cursive (and even that won't be good enough). My Ulysse notebook came in Gold Taurillon Clemence leather and unsurprisingly is beyond perfection. The suppleness and grain of the leather is unlike any other. The whole thing just makes you want to write something noteworthy, no, Hermès-worthy.

*For more information and to purchase, vist the Hermès e-boutique by clicking here.

Jeremy Deller, Fantastic Man

It's officially Spring, which now means it's always Pimms-o'clock. It also means the latest issue of Fantastic Man is out!
I know, I'm beyond excited (can you tell?). Don't get me wrong, the selection of regular monthly mens fashion magazines is fine. But there is something extra-special about a semi-annual publication, like Fantastic Man - because it always proves to be fantastically good (like, seriously). 

For its seventeenth issue, Fantastic Man covers artist (and Turner Prize winner) Jeremy Deller. Known for his conceptual installations at Tate Britain and his notable reenactment of the Battle of Orgreave, Deller will represent the UK at the Venice Biennale this summer. Alongside Deller, the Spring/Summer 2013 issue features Bottega Veneta designer Tomas Maier, ballet dancer Roberto Bolle and foodie Michael Pollan. Oh, and besides that the perfectly curated fashion-forward editorials are beyond engaging - maybe because I'm partial to a great sandal and buttoned-up shirt situation, who knows?

Be happy - this weekend sure is shaping-up.  

*Fantastic Man is available worldwide via subscription through Express Mag. Click here to order.