n heirloom is, in principle if not in (fluid) definition, the antithesis of fast fashion, an item of great sentimental value, luxurious quality, impeachable character, and fine cultivated reverence that is fashioned so as to only get better (as well as curry considerable favour) with age. And yet, that is not where its prominent social role ends seeing as it also (ritualistically) functions as a symbolic keepsake that has come to define key characteristic rites of passage in ones life through nothing but its simple passing on from father to son — a generational transference of crown as it were.
Be that as it may, it is often said that each one of us is driven by an innate desire to be remembered, one so powerful that it extends to that of crafting a lasting legacy beyond name that will reassure us whilst appealing to not only our sense of tradition but (perhaps) vanity.
Hitherto, heirlooms are, you could say, the perfect devices to satiate any and all of those pressing desires on a strictly familial plane.
That having been said, when the time comes to select a sartorial heirloom of considered weight of your own (that is if you have not been given one by your own father) it may do well to keep in mind that (1) not all garments nor accoutrements are created equal and (2) age alone does not make something special nor of heirloom quality (i.e. investment worthy).
Hitherto, heirlooms are, you could say, the perfect devices to satiate any and all of those pressing desires on a strictly familial plane.
That having been said, when the time comes to select a sartorial heirloom of considered weight of your own (that is if you have not been given one by your own father) it may do well to keep in mind that (1) not all garments nor accoutrements are created equal and (2) age alone does not make something special nor of heirloom quality (i.e. investment worthy).
My point being, of course, is that if you want to impress your descendants with a sartorial legacy worth pinning for and inheriting, it had better be one that is timeless, hard-wearing, and tastefully elegant in style, spirt and draw rather then, and to put it rather bluntly, one made up of fickle fast fashions or superfluous junk.
To that account, what rests before you today are what I would deem five of the finest, most readily conditioned items capable of assuming your budding heirloom throne for decades if not centuries to come.
Each capable of imparting a unique mark of characteristic distinction upon its owner while fulfilling the ageless role of an endearing symbol of great sentimental value that effectively bridges generations, it goes without saying that these are investment worthy sartorial totems (and wardrobe essentials) that — while they may well cost an arm-and-leg — do nothing but improve in quality and value with each passing year rather then cheap disposable tokens of little substance that you would otherwise prescribe strictly to those forever emboldened to the transient seasonal tides of fashion.
To that account, what rests before you today are what I would deem five of the finest, most readily conditioned items capable of assuming your budding heirloom throne for decades if not centuries to come.
Each capable of imparting a unique mark of characteristic distinction upon its owner while fulfilling the ageless role of an endearing symbol of great sentimental value that effectively bridges generations, it goes without saying that these are investment worthy sartorial totems (and wardrobe essentials) that — while they may well cost an arm-and-leg — do nothing but improve in quality and value with each passing year rather then cheap disposable tokens of little substance that you would otherwise prescribe strictly to those forever emboldened to the transient seasonal tides of fashion.
As such each arriving innately imbued with considerable clout, dignity and characteristic aplomb all but guaranteed, you could say without fail that they are timeless accoutrements of the highest order that have become arguably immune to obsolescence in which — and at their finest hour — are capable of instantly conjuring up memories of bygone milestones upon mere glance, eliciting deeply-seeded emotions upon simple touch, and symbolizing the inseparable patrimonial relationship between fathers and sons (i.e. the one that is contingent upon mutual reliance of guidance, accolade and nurtured acceptance) upon regular wear.
Through-and-through and without question for both those with and without a trust fund, these are the sort of trans-generational icons of style that will resonate for decades if not centuries if chosen properly and maintained with a little TLC.
So, and before we delve further into each of the chosen five in depth, let me first provide you with an apt quote (should you be on the fence about heirlooms) to take in from the late (and great) Mr. Glenn O’Brien who smartly proclaimed that…
Through-and-through and without question for both those with and without a trust fund, these are the sort of trans-generational icons of style that will resonate for decades if not centuries if chosen properly and maintained with a little TLC.
So, and before we delve further into each of the chosen five in depth, let me first provide you with an apt quote (should you be on the fence about heirlooms) to take in from the late (and great) Mr. Glenn O’Brien who smartly proclaimed that…
Howbeit, here’s to embracing the past as well as properly preparing for the future (whether you already have a son as we speak or are simply keen upon the idea henceforth) by curating an heirloom collection of sentimental keepsakes to call your own that illustrate in kind that a legacy building marriage of timeless aesthetics, endearing characteristic affability, and flawless function can indeed be achieved with considerable ease and minimal effort if invested in properly…
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A watch, it is often said, is a heirloom of considerable sentimental clout — not to mention enduring sartorial merit — with its own unique story to tell. A tale, as it were, often of peerless quality, depth, heritage and renown that bespeaks unto its priceless (monetary) value and characteristic reverence.
Be that as it may, it is arguably the quintessential father-to-son legacy memento and a mark of genteel distinction (that often reflects ones chosen tastes and lifestyle: athletic, automotive, militaristic, exploration, nautical) that is not only the timeless calling card of a gentleman but a simple yet elegantly refined accoutrement of the highest order all rolled into one smart yet utilitarian package.
Howbeit, opting for an exquisite horological timepiece (whether in wrist or antiquated pocket watch form) as your choice heirloom would be amongst the smartest and safest investments you could ever make.
All that having been said, I’d advise opting for a classic mechanical watch — in a minimalistic design (such as one of those above) that transcends time and tastes — whose storied history, track record and iconography is beyond reproach. Why? Because they are crafted to function without the need of batteries whilst being built to bridge generations and to serve more then one master in their lifetime.
So, whether it be an automatic or manual, chronograph or automotive, its best you endeavour to choosing a watch that embodies not only your passions and sartorial persona but one in which can take a beating and keep on ticking for centuries if serviced regularly and handled with proper love and care.
Be that as it may, it is arguably the quintessential father-to-son legacy memento and a mark of genteel distinction (that often reflects ones chosen tastes and lifestyle: athletic, automotive, militaristic, exploration, nautical) that is not only the timeless calling card of a gentleman but a simple yet elegantly refined accoutrement of the highest order all rolled into one smart yet utilitarian package.
Howbeit, opting for an exquisite horological timepiece (whether in wrist or antiquated pocket watch form) as your choice heirloom would be amongst the smartest and safest investments you could ever make.
All that having been said, I’d advise opting for a classic mechanical watch — in a minimalistic design (such as one of those above) that transcends time and tastes — whose storied history, track record and iconography is beyond reproach. Why? Because they are crafted to function without the need of batteries whilst being built to bridge generations and to serve more then one master in their lifetime.
So, whether it be an automatic or manual, chronograph or automotive, its best you endeavour to choosing a watch that embodies not only your passions and sartorial persona but one in which can take a beating and keep on ticking for centuries if serviced regularly and handled with proper love and care.
: Shop : | Autodromo — Rotary — Analog Watch Co. — Omega — Rolex — Longines Wittnauer — Tag Heuer — Patek Philippe — Breitling |
When it comes to style, there is little more gratifying than keeping seemingly bygone wardrobe foundations, traditions and decorum alive and well in a world that is otherwise plagued by the ideal of constant evolution and seasonal upheaval.
Case in point being the (walking cane/stick) umbrella, something which was at one time both a prescribed tool of gentlemanly decorum and a vaunted piece of finery that (which may come to the surprise of some) doubled-down as a weapon of self-defence commonly deployed against the likes of ruffians and beggars in the days of yore.
Now being rather quite cloak-and-dagger in its contemporary cultural cachet and delightfully debonair in its appeal, umbrellas are an item which, while they can indeed be extraordinarily beautiful and pleasurable to the eye, are so very often not.
Howbeit, it warrants immediate note that there are indeed specialists out there (many of which are highlighted here) for whom form remains as ever critical as function; those that have kept this 19th-century wardrobe stalwart — in all its statement making presence — both tempting and profoundly grounded in its practical yet elegantly utilitarian characterization.
All that having been said, I would imagine most would nonetheless consider it simply modernly subversive in wear (perhaps even dated). And yet, I’d argue to the point that it (i.e. a proper umbrella) is a grossly underused and understated accoutrement that is capable of once again becoming the democratic sartorial unifier (i.e. everybody could arguably put one to use) it once was as well as an elevated seasonal staple for accomplished sartorialists to revel within that is at once the perfect foil and a tasteful safeguard for fine tailoring and leisurewear alike.
In such a manner having continually proven its worth from one era to the next in climes commonly besieged by rainfall, the umbrella is (as such) undoubtably a revered accoutrement of the highest order that is a smartly framed sartorial tour de force of trans-generational appeal deserving of not only attention and continued relevance but heirloom consideration.
Case in point being the (walking cane/stick) umbrella, something which was at one time both a prescribed tool of gentlemanly decorum and a vaunted piece of finery that (which may come to the surprise of some) doubled-down as a weapon of self-defence commonly deployed against the likes of ruffians and beggars in the days of yore.
Now being rather quite cloak-and-dagger in its contemporary cultural cachet and delightfully debonair in its appeal, umbrellas are an item which, while they can indeed be extraordinarily beautiful and pleasurable to the eye, are so very often not.
Howbeit, it warrants immediate note that there are indeed specialists out there (many of which are highlighted here) for whom form remains as ever critical as function; those that have kept this 19th-century wardrobe stalwart — in all its statement making presence — both tempting and profoundly grounded in its practical yet elegantly utilitarian characterization.
All that having been said, I would imagine most would nonetheless consider it simply modernly subversive in wear (perhaps even dated). And yet, I’d argue to the point that it (i.e. a proper umbrella) is a grossly underused and understated accoutrement that is capable of once again becoming the democratic sartorial unifier (i.e. everybody could arguably put one to use) it once was as well as an elevated seasonal staple for accomplished sartorialists to revel within that is at once the perfect foil and a tasteful safeguard for fine tailoring and leisurewear alike.
In such a manner having continually proven its worth from one era to the next in climes commonly besieged by rainfall, the umbrella is (as such) undoubtably a revered accoutrement of the highest order that is a smartly framed sartorial tour de force of trans-generational appeal deserving of not only attention and continued relevance but heirloom consideration.
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Outerwear is, unlike bespoke head or footwear (both of which cannot be lengthened/shortened nor sized up or down after the fact), an adaptable form that can be ably altered as need be to best befit the changes in physique of each passing generation. Moreover, it is also arguably one of (if not) the most significant (and useful) wardrobe investments a gentleman will make in his lifetime.
Howbeit, it should be rather quite evident as to why it makes for the perfect heirloom item and an investment in style worth its weight in gold.
From luxurious camelhair overcoats (or topcoats if you prefer) and jack-of-all trades gabardine trench’s through (nearly indestructible) waxed field and leather moto jackets, each one of the respective garments above stands astutely as a revered benchmark of tastefully stylized utility that has over time become (in their own unique characteristic sense) eternally synonymous with both fashionable permanence and an understated form of fluid sartorial élan.
Howbeit, it should be rather quite evident as to why it makes for the perfect heirloom item and an investment in style worth its weight in gold.
From luxurious camelhair overcoats (or topcoats if you prefer) and jack-of-all trades gabardine trench’s through (nearly indestructible) waxed field and leather moto jackets, each one of the respective garments above stands astutely as a revered benchmark of tastefully stylized utility that has over time become (in their own unique characteristic sense) eternally synonymous with both fashionable permanence and an understated form of fluid sartorial élan.
So, whether its electing for a leather jacket that, with patience and proper care, will glacially soften up and develop a buttery (yet still rugged) feel over time or a waxed cotton field jacket (which will age quite rapidly itself and develop a deeper hue in the process), a classic trench (whose versatility is unmatched) or a luxurious camelhair Polo overcoat (i.e. the pinnacle of outerwear luxury), a time-tested piece of outerwear that has been put through the ringer will have a precious patina about it alongside marks of storied history in wear throughout its body (much alike a tree's generational striations/rings) that the next generation will likely be pinning to contribute to.
These are, after all, classics in every sense of the word; outerwear that will keep you as well as your successor looking properly polished (whether formally or leisurely), cozy, and ready for just about anything the day sees fit in setting upon your paths no matter the season nor prescribed era.
Being the epitome of investment worthy trans-seasonal wears, it bears final note that a quality piece of outerwear brings with it a mix of pride, heritage and responsibility — true heirloom merit and weight in other words.
These are, after all, classics in every sense of the word; outerwear that will keep you as well as your successor looking properly polished (whether formally or leisurely), cozy, and ready for just about anything the day sees fit in setting upon your paths no matter the season nor prescribed era.
Being the epitome of investment worthy trans-seasonal wears, it bears final note that a quality piece of outerwear brings with it a mix of pride, heritage and responsibility — true heirloom merit and weight in other words.
Sleek in its styling, nuanced in its finesse, pleasant in its use, fluid in its artistry, and intimate in its character, the fountain pen is by-and-large a charming and exquisite living vestige of a simpler (and more elegantly genteel) era.
Being quite virtuous in accolade and synonymously tied to the extended character of the gentleman of style and substance at heart, it may well go without question that it assuredly deserves not only heirloom status but celebration as the profoundly satisfying and indulgent characteristic mark of luxury that it has become.
Alas, the fountain pen remains to this very day coveted not solely for its vintage aesthetic appeal and nostalgic persona but more so for the underlying emotional weight, heft and nuanced sophistication it imparts upon ones handwritten correspondence and station.
Ergo, it will likely appeal most to those keen on keeping the class and art of the gentleman alive and well who find personal solace within the sort of unique and intimate experience it so gracefully imparts upon both paper and the individual — plain and simple.
Profoundly distinguished and at ease whilst gliding across paper with refined finesse, a fine fountain pen will make for a prized asset unlike any other that they (as well as you) can count on to write with for hours on end without any sign of fatigue (save for perhaps mental) in due course of crafting true tangible lifelong connections that can provide material that will instantly transport you back to any ascribed time, place or occasion upon reference.
As such both legacy-building and leaving in truth, it is the sort of heirloom gift that I believe the next generation needs — or at the least should take immediate consideration and note of — as we further venture down the soulless digital rabbit hole into becoming an ever more dishearteningly paperless society.
Hopelessly outdated? I’d dare say bah humbug to that…
Being quite virtuous in accolade and synonymously tied to the extended character of the gentleman of style and substance at heart, it may well go without question that it assuredly deserves not only heirloom status but celebration as the profoundly satisfying and indulgent characteristic mark of luxury that it has become.
Alas, the fountain pen remains to this very day coveted not solely for its vintage aesthetic appeal and nostalgic persona but more so for the underlying emotional weight, heft and nuanced sophistication it imparts upon ones handwritten correspondence and station.
Ergo, it will likely appeal most to those keen on keeping the class and art of the gentleman alive and well who find personal solace within the sort of unique and intimate experience it so gracefully imparts upon both paper and the individual — plain and simple.
Profoundly distinguished and at ease whilst gliding across paper with refined finesse, a fine fountain pen will make for a prized asset unlike any other that they (as well as you) can count on to write with for hours on end without any sign of fatigue (save for perhaps mental) in due course of crafting true tangible lifelong connections that can provide material that will instantly transport you back to any ascribed time, place or occasion upon reference.
As such both legacy-building and leaving in truth, it is the sort of heirloom gift that I believe the next generation needs — or at the least should take immediate consideration and note of — as we further venture down the soulless digital rabbit hole into becoming an ever more dishearteningly paperless society.
Hopelessly outdated? I’d dare say bah humbug to that…
: Shop : | Smythson — Caran d'Arch — S.T. Dupont — Montblanc — Pilot — Visconti (Not Shown): Gold S.T. Dupont ($295) -- Sheaffer ($105) — Wahl ($36) |
A prestigious and worldly renowned wardrobe staple that is far more utilitarian then a suitcase and considerably more luxurious then a canvas bag, the simple truth of the matter is that the quality, longevity and persistence of a leather bag (not to mention the fluid characteristic patina it will take on over the years) cannot be matched nor surpassed in this day and age (or any other for that matter).
Designed to mature hand-in-hand with the grey hairs on the head of its owner while being prized for its exquisite craftsmanship, refined minimalism, and functional versatility, there are many reasons (beyond the aforementioned three) that a sturdy leather bag will lend itself particularly well to becoming an heirloom totem capable of being passed down across countless generations. Indeed, when in peak form there are very few (if any) items as timeless in style and industrious in wear as a genuine leather bag of any given (or chosen) form.
Howbeit, and seeing as any style-conscious gentleman at heart will likely be forevermore smitten by its effortless marriage of form and function, it may be safe to assume that it will continually remain a popular choice that steers clear of (trendy) transient obscurity for time immemorial.
Be that as it may, the three structurally astute yet rakishly elegant options resting (above) before you today are widely proven (and worldly-renowned) entities that will make for stately additions to any gentleman’s wardrobe for decades to come.
They are, after all, built to last and available in a variety of evergreen styles (briefcase, portfolio, and holdall) that each make for a fine specimen of unique provenance that is characteristically underscored by a profoundly luxurious yet industrious spirit and a structurally minimalist yet timelessly fashionable casing — the perfect sartorial nexus of style, heirloom level quality, and cultural reverence.
Indeed, leather is, as they say, the fine wine of the fashion industry for good reason as it has no expiration date and is an investment that will reward you (and your kin) for years to come.
Designed to mature hand-in-hand with the grey hairs on the head of its owner while being prized for its exquisite craftsmanship, refined minimalism, and functional versatility, there are many reasons (beyond the aforementioned three) that a sturdy leather bag will lend itself particularly well to becoming an heirloom totem capable of being passed down across countless generations. Indeed, when in peak form there are very few (if any) items as timeless in style and industrious in wear as a genuine leather bag of any given (or chosen) form.
Howbeit, and seeing as any style-conscious gentleman at heart will likely be forevermore smitten by its effortless marriage of form and function, it may be safe to assume that it will continually remain a popular choice that steers clear of (trendy) transient obscurity for time immemorial.
Be that as it may, the three structurally astute yet rakishly elegant options resting (above) before you today are widely proven (and worldly-renowned) entities that will make for stately additions to any gentleman’s wardrobe for decades to come.
They are, after all, built to last and available in a variety of evergreen styles (briefcase, portfolio, and holdall) that each make for a fine specimen of unique provenance that is characteristically underscored by a profoundly luxurious yet industrious spirit and a structurally minimalist yet timelessly fashionable casing — the perfect sartorial nexus of style, heirloom level quality, and cultural reverence.
Indeed, leather is, as they say, the fine wine of the fashion industry for good reason as it has no expiration date and is an investment that will reward you (and your kin) for years to come.
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Luxury Silk Handkerchief (Hermes) ~ Dressing Gown (Derek Rose) ~ Tie (Ralph Lauren) ~ Vintage Camera (Leica) ~ Glasses (Cutler & Gross) ~ (Family) Signet Ring ~ Cufflinks (Tom Ford) ~ Dopp Kit (General Knot)
| Passing on a heirloom (or perhaps two or three if you so desire) to the next generation is a time-honoured tradition that many fathers (and families) thankfully still hold in high regard as well as continue to keep alive to this very day. Respected and adjudged as both a blessing and symbolic changing of the guard between father and son, the gifting of an heirloom is something enveloped by history and emotionally accompanied by a mixture of pride, heritage and responsibility. And seeing as many of the heirloom recommendations resting before you today have remained in vogue and production for decades (if not centuries), which is a testament to their |  |
enduring fashionability and legacy merit, you could say that they have arguably become the quintessential heirloom ideals — as timeless in cultural reverence and styling as they are universal in utility and application.
Alas, i warrants note that the five (main) examples above have time-and-again proven themselves to be of impeachable heirloom quality in no small part due to their storied track record of capably eliciting great emotion, earning peerless praise and sentimental attachment, and of becoming simply priceless in value.
All that having been said, it should go without saying that…
Alas, i warrants note that the five (main) examples above have time-and-again proven themselves to be of impeachable heirloom quality in no small part due to their storied track record of capably eliciting great emotion, earning peerless praise and sentimental attachment, and of becoming simply priceless in value.
All that having been said, it should go without saying that…
Why?
Because when it comes time for them to assume the throne (so to speak) and to take it into possession they will have already developed a revered appreciation for it whilst likewise comfortably ingratiating themselves into its ever-evolving legend.
Heirlooms are, after all, and at their finest, unique, priceless, irreplaceable and incapable of being replicated; items synonymous with the tangible virtues of quality, intimacy and longevity that have a true sense of occasion about them that is collectively underscored by what can aptly be referred to as a treasure trove of sentimental worth.
Because when it comes time for them to assume the throne (so to speak) and to take it into possession they will have already developed a revered appreciation for it whilst likewise comfortably ingratiating themselves into its ever-evolving legend.
Heirlooms are, after all, and at their finest, unique, priceless, irreplaceable and incapable of being replicated; items synonymous with the tangible virtues of quality, intimacy and longevity that have a true sense of occasion about them that is collectively underscored by what can aptly be referred to as a treasure trove of sentimental worth.
Share your thoughts, anecdotes and opinions…
Have you inherited any heirlooms of your own?
If so, how many generations have they previously been passed down?
If not, do you intend upon starting your own tradition/which items would you consider gifting to the next generation of your blood line?
Share below if you are ever so inclined…
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If so, how many generations have they previously been passed down?
If not, do you intend upon starting your own tradition/which items would you consider gifting to the next generation of your blood line?
Share below if you are ever so inclined…
ENJOYED THE READ? YOU MAY ALSO LIKE:
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