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Some Interesting Articles On Fashion

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So my intern Aalyah De Leon is an inspiring writer. She convinced me to take over my blurb for six weeks, which is the length of her internship.

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Ladies and Gentlemen, introducing Aalyah De Leon.

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AN INTERN’S TAKE ON FASHION

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Why Yesterday's Threads Are Today's Treasures

By Aalyah De Leon

Inspired by "Alfargo's Marketplace and New York's Menswear Revival" by Ebrima Santos

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When we think about building a quality wardrobe, we often consider the brand's prestige (e.g., Ralph Lauren vs. Thom Browne), the fabric composition (e.g., 100% wool vs. wool blends vs. synthetic materials), or sometimes the garments themselves.

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What some of us tend to overlook is the true treasure trove of menswear: The vintage market.

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Typically, a quality vintage piece has two types of appeal: one with a "traditional craftsmanship" approach (where the tailoring methods of decades past are visible in high-quality tailoring, common in pieces from brands like the golden age of Brooks Brothers) or one with a "timeless design" approach (or what's known as "investment dressing" common in pieces like Ivy League classics and classic American tailoring).

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Depending on budget and style preferences, both approaches are perfectly suitable. A brief description of both approaches:

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Pieces that feature "heritage craftsmanship" are generally more cost-effective for the modern consumer in terms of both the quality-to-price ratio and the longevity required to build a lasting wardrobe. And because vintage garments were constructed during an era when planned obsolescence wasn't the norm, they are generally more durable and better-made than their contemporary fast-fashion counterparts.

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The drawbacks to vintage shopping are that the pieces are pre-owned, they may require tailoring adjustments, or careful inspection for wear patterns that could affect longevity. And for those who are sticklers about having the latest trends, vintage pieces generally don't reflect current seasonal offerings.

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And again, because each piece is unique, chances are you won't find the same item twice if you're looking to build a coordinated wardrobe.

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Those garments employing "timeless design" principles, by their classic aesthetic, are generally a costlier exercise initially but prove economical over time (as reflected in their ability to transcend seasonal trends and remain stylistically relevant for decades).

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With that written, "timeless design" pieces are also generally more versatile than their trendy counterparts, do not require frequent replacement to stay current with fashion cycles (due to their classic silhouettes that never truly go out of style), and, for us style aficionados, they lend a "refined," sophisticated aesthetic that speaks to discerning taste.

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More importantly, understanding the value of quality vintage pieces empowers you to make confident style choices that reflect your aesthetic rather than fleeting trends. When you know you're wearing something built to last, something with history and character, you carry yourself differently. That confidence translates into every room you enter, every handshake you give, and every impression you make.

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Building a wardrobe rooted in timeless pieces means rolling out of bed and effortlessly selecting outfits that scream "you" because you've invested in pieces that align with your authentic style, not what's trending on social media this season.

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Always put your best foot forward, gents. Make something timeless of it.

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Wardrobe Wisdom Sale of the Week

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​ Up To 50% Off Check Out The Sale

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Why the Barbour Wax Jacket Still Rules

By Nicholas Whittle

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The sun’s not quite over the yardarm for 2025—so hold that G&T—but we’ve slipped past midsummer, and the first whispers of autumn are waiting in the wings, ready to rustle through the trees. Which means it’s time to start considering what’s going to keep you dry, warm, and stylish when the temperature drops and the weather turns British again.

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So let’s cut to it: What’s the one jacket that does it all? The one piece of outerwear that’s equal parts hard-wearing, heritage-rich, and effortlessly cool?

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Answer: A Barbour waxed cotton jacket.

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And no, you don’t buy a Barbour. You invest in one—not because it’ll bankrupt you, but because it’s built to last, and designed to get better with age. Think leather armchairs.

Think Aston Martin dashboards. The patina tells the story.

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Originally tailored for fishermen (fly not king crab), farmers, and those who needed a coat that didn’t flinch in a gale, the Barbour is now a staple from moors to Milan. The waxed cotton keeps out the rain and wind. The corduroy collar keeps out the cold. The cut lets you layer it over a cable-knit, a hoodie, or a dinner jacket. And unlike certain tech-fabric monstrosities, this jacket won’t make you look like you’re about to summit the north face of the Pretentious Alps.

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Yes, you could wait until autumn. But smart men shop before the rush—and a lightweight waxed jacket is surprisingly wearable now. Throw it on over a tee on cooler summer evenings, or stash it in the boot for weekends away.

Come October, you’ll thank yourself.

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But Here’s the Real Reason: Sprezzatura.

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That Italian word no one can quite define. A kind of effortless elegance. The art of appearing like you didn’t try—when, in fact, you absolutely did.

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A Barbour has sprezzatura by the waxed bucketload. You’ll see them slouched across the shoulders of photographers in Paris and art dealers in Florence. Men who could buy

anything—and choose this.

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Why? Because few jackets move so fluidly from country field to city street. With jeans and hiking boots: rugged. Over a blazer and cords: professorial. Over a business suit and

Oxfords: the gentleman rogue. You don’t wear a Barbour to show off. You wear it because you know.

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New or Vintage? Doesn’t Matter—Just Wear It

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Buy new if you like—but don’t treat it like a Fabergé egg. Scrunch it up, stomp it down, spill some whisky on it. Better yet, buy one second-hand. The best Barbours are a little

battered. Like their owners, they should look like they’ve lived a little.

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Got a tear or a patch of dryness? Talk to your local stockist: Barbour’s Northumberland factory will re-wax, repair, and revive it. They’ve been doing sustainable fashion since

before anyone called it that.

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Which One’s For You? Here’s the Cheat Sheet

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Model Style Brief Best Features

Bedale Versatile & short Horsey back vent, casual fit

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Beaufort Classic cut Longer hem, game pocket

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Ashby Slimmer fit Urban tailoring, still tough

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Border Full coverage Max length, max weatherproofing

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Celebs Dig It—But That’s Not the Point

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Yes, Bond wore one. Yes, so did Diana, Steve McQueen, and Beckham. But that’s not why you should. You should because it works, and because it whispers taste in a world that shouts trend.

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Final Word

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A Barbour is the rarest of things: a fashion investment that pays practical dividends. Whether you're stomping through heather, striding down Fifth Avenue, or sweeping into

a boardroom, it keeps the rain out, the style in, and the pretension at bay.

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You can have that G&T now.

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Do You Need My Help?

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• Have you ever found yourself staring at the closet not knowing what to wear?
• Do you need help with coordinating pieces?
• Do you constantly struggle putting an outfit together and want to turn that confusion into confidence?

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Then let's talk about how we can improve your look.

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Reginald V. Ferguson

Follow me on LinkedIn, YouTube or my Podcast​

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