Elite Traveler November-December 2017

elite traveler NOV/DEC 2017 37

Men’s style COVERT AFFAIRS

A good coat is one of the best investments you can make. Legendary New York Times photographer and unofficial cultural anthropologist Bill Cunningham once said: “Fashion is the armor to survive the reality of everyday life.” During winter nothing helps you combat those freezing temperatures like a warm coat. It is usually the first thing people see when they meet you, and sometimes you keep it on indoors until your body adjusts to room temperature. Davide Marello’s collection for Boglioli was an ode to Milan in the winter, when a plaid coat with peak lapels can provide a dramatic contrast to the foggy Milanese streets. Tomas Maier created a lush shearling wrap coat for Bottega Veneta that in the hands of a less experienced designer could have made the wearer look like a teddy bear. However, Maier’s precise tailoring means the shearling conforms to his will and creates an alluring silhouette. Brunello Cucinelli is a fan of blending the old with the new. He understands that while men might not want to buy a completely new wardrobe each season, they can incorporate key pieces here and there to update their look. True to form, Cucinelli highlighted the importance of beautiful fabrications. Nowhere was that more evident than in a double-breasted coat that looks effortlessly put together. Pierpaolo Piccioli of Valentino heralded the return of the gentleman — but not in the traditional sense. He believes that “expressing your fragility is the new strength.” This youthful optimism was shown as he paired a geometric checked overcoat with Valentino sneakers, which have gained popularity over the past few seasons.

Bottega Veneta , coat in

lamb shearling, $7,900, +1 800 845 6790, bottegaveneta.com

Valentino , coat, $3,250, available at Valentino in New York, +1 212 355 5811, valentino.com Boglioli , wool coat, $2,695, available at Boglioli in New York, +1 646 870 8250, boglioli.it Brunello Cucinelli , coat, $5,695, available at Brunello Cucinelli in New York, +1 212 334 1010, brunellocucinelli.com

Words Benjamin Liong Setiawan