Although images of autumn-winter collections have started to flood our inbox, the thought of wool-silk peacoats has the fashion desk sweating. In the early days of August, Hong Kong recorded its hottest day of the year—a headline threatened by new temperature records as we speak. So, while it is standard practice to feature fashion one season ahead, at this centigrade, we’re still looking at what’s in store right now to keep cool.
Louis Vuitton
Everything old is new again. In 2004, Pharrell collaborated with Louis Vuitton to introduce the OG Millionaire Sunglasses. 20 years later, the eyewear piece is making a comeback—with a bang. As the omniscient Oprah would say, it’s a full circle moment for Pharrell, from the initial collab to standing square as the men’s creative director for the brand. LV and Pharrell—who has had a steady streak of successes, such as churning out multi-million-dollar bags and on-trend menswear, as well as staging global shows in Asia—reintroduce the new and improved accessory, a moment for the (fashion) history books.
The Louis Vuitton 1.0 Millionaire Sunglasses bring the ever-so-cool aviator frame back, standing out in a (gold) flash—think noticeable LV monogram embellishments, signature S-lock hinges, and the maison’s iconic pattern engraved on golden metal strips. It comes in tortoise with gradient lenses, or in monochromatic black with aged gold details.
Dunhill
With an insatiable appetite for chocolate and the comfort it provides, it’s hard for us to dislike any look that comes in these rich brown hues. On that note, Dunhill—which cannot go wrong in our eyes this year—has released the Apsley Desert Boots in chocolate-brown leather, complete with a padded collar, an impact-absorbing perforated natural rubber sole, and a tobacco leather lining for contrast. It’s a dapper—if not delicious—pair of footwear.
Canada Goose
When it comes to bespoke menswear brands, Canada is not the first, nor second thought that comes to mind. In fact, we’re not sure it even makes it to the top five, but Canada Goose’s unfailing popularity among the Whistler, Aspen, and Niseko crowds means the company’s arctic emblem perennially turns up on our fashion and celebrity radar. Canada Goose offers perfect gear to wear when braving the elements, and for summer, it has a basic T-shirt in monochrome colours that’s a flawless staple to be paired with anything—our top three picks are the Atlantic navy, black, and snow-white options.
Brunello Cucinelli
When it’s so hot that stepping outside has you exhale “good gravy,” then you need breathable, natural fabric on your back. Knock on the doors of Brunello Cucinelli and pick up its summer uniform, straight from the High Summer capsule collection. It’s all about easy-fit shirts, lightweight jackets, crêpe-cotton double twill, paisley motifs, and loose fits. The Mediterranean-inspired aesthetic and balanced mix of classic and sporty, and retro and relaxed evoke all things sun-kissed and summery, but it’s the weightless textiles that define the capsule as a staple for the scorching summer. Consider a pair of comfy Cucinelli shoes made in Solomeo to put the finishing touch to this Italian look.
Loewe
Is there a men’s “it bag” this season? Although that’s debatable, we’ve got our eyes set on this large Pebble bucket bag in mellow calfskin from Loewe. Not unlike the iconic Puzzle bag, this latest accessory for men accents minimalistic lines and straps adjustable for either hand- or crossbody-carry. Look at the vegetable-tanned leather, the bonded suede lining, and the anagram-engraved pebble—the bag shoulders all the little details with ease and elegance.
Kenzo at Mr Porter
Kenzo’s made-in-Tunisia cotton short-sleeve shirt, with its flashy logo, is a summer staple suitable for work and play. Since he took over the role in 2021, Nigo, the founder of A Bathing Ape, has seamlessly filled Takada Kenzo’s shoes with ease and elegance. Easy to slip on, Kenzo’s latest collection by Nigo is a warm mix of the quirky and the wearable.
Mazu Resortwear
Hong Kong brand Mazu Resortwear always has something beach- or holiday-ready. Its Guilin Rafting swim shorts’ minimalist bamboo pattern, reminiscent of the Yulong river iconography, creates a pinstripe effect that elongates the silhouette. The gilded aglets are in the shape of monkey-fist knots, traditionally used by sailors, another nod to Asian maritime culture.
Giorgio Armani
Having just celebrated his 90th birthday, Giorgio Armani continues to produce impeccable womenswear and menswear, showing no signs of slowing down or looking for a successor. Why fix it if it ain’t broke? Everything out of the Armani stable is top drawer, from head to toe. Or in this case, from head to ankle—just check out the latest ankle boots. Made from shimmering velvet, the pair features clean lines, comfort, and the timeless quality that’s made Armani a force to be reckoned with for the past 40-odd years. The loafer-style, easy-to-slip-on shoes have a casual feel, but the dark shade, clear-cut silhouette, and signature heat-stamped logo give the wearer permission to suit up. They are crafted in Italy, of course.
Gucci
As the brand ambassador, tennis ace Jannik Sinner has been photographed in Gucci a lot this season, piquing our interest to the maison’s oh-so-popular accessories line. All eyes are on the fine pair of square-shaped sunglasses adorned with rivets, and the signature Gucci lettering on each side. The hues are classic, the shape is timeless, and the accessory is, unquestionably, eternal.
Ralph Lauren at Mr Porter
If you’re in the mood to celebrate the season in true Great Gatsby style, Mr Porter now features Ralph Lauren Purple Label pieces from the New Romantics collection, flaunting redoubtable, flawless Savile Row tailoring. Out of just 20 items in this capsule, several numbers still stand out. We cherry-picked this all-white, 1990s-inspired linen suit. The head-to-toe look is sophisticated, and although each individual piece is versatile enough to be paired with any other look, we say it needs no tampering.
Prada
Unlike its flashier counterparts, the Prada Buckle bag doesn’t scream and shout. Its aesthetics are clean, from the silhouette to the monochrome style and the direct lines. The bag is as pragmatic as it is sophisticated: The lining, made from Nappa leather, frames the spacious insides that easily carry your prized possessions and paraphernalia. Be it for business or leisure, the signature buckle is in good company with strong handles and a detachable, adjustable shoulder strap. Refined simplicity at its best, even the Prada logo is muted on the Buckle bag, though it is present, a whispered show of authenticity.
Tom Ford
It’s been a dizzying few months of fashion musical chairs, and the latest news in a seismic series of departures from the heads of haute-couture brands sees Peter Hawkings stepping down from Tom Ford. The powdery, ice-blue suit at hand, tailored to Tom Ford perfection, is the first (and last) from Peter Hawkings, and our final pick of the season.
Although most of the creator’s menswear colour palette swings from delicate tones to glamorous glitz, gold, and glitter, you’ll find hushed notes of ivory and pebble mixed with fragile pastels, powdery blues, pinks, and peaches in the suits section. Mixing elements of men’s tailoring and women’s couture, this ensemble is made of silk Radzimir, Mikado, twill, georgette, jacquard, and fil coupé. The silhouette is simple, but the materials are priceless, as the brand fetishises fine fabrication to elevate even the mundane business suit to a self-expression of style.
