Gear -- 5 days ago
Words: Guy Aubrey Devito
It is important, as a gentleman, to be well maintained in every aspect of your life and that maintenance can be divvied between a few essential individuals. Here are the five people that every self-respecting gentleman needs in his life.
A BARBER
A barber (and not a hairdresser!) is one of the most important people in a mans life and determines to a great extent how he looks, feels and acts. The relationship between a barber and his client is an intimate, friendly one and fortnightly provides a catharsis, as hair is cut and tended to by an experienced, friendly practitioner. A gentleman should find a barber that he likes, trusts and produces a quick, crisp haircut.
A LADY
Without a lady, there’s no gentleman. And so it’s important to be able to enjoy the company of a charming, beautiful, witty lady from time to time. For those who don’t have wives or girlfriends, it’s essential to befriend a lady with similar interests and then you’ll always have company when you’re heading to the theatre, opera, dinner – or even just a quiet pint down your local. N.B. If she has pint, she ain’t a lady!
A SHOESHINE
It’s so important to keep ones shoes clean and well shone as even a slightly scruffy brogue can look ungainly. Todays shoeshines are far removed from the bootblacks of old and they can perform a range of tasks including – but not limited to – minor repairs, suede and nubuck cleaning, shoeshines and replacing laces. The shoeshine is an essential figure in the gentleman’s life, if you haven’t found one yet, it’s time to.
A TAILOR
, Image courtesy of Tailor Made London.
With the popularity of designer suits, tailoring is becoming something of a lost art. Although fashion houses like Armani and Christian Dior produce some very fine suits, there is something unique about going to a tailors; getting measured, agonising between worsted wool and silk, choosing a cut. It’s the somewhat immeasurable and confidential relationship that makes it still so important to indulge in fine tailoring.
AN ASSISTANT
Busy gentlemen can get run off their feet and need assistance in organising meetings, planning events and avoiding unwanted calls. A PA, secretary or clerk can prove invaluable, providing an extra brain and another pair of hands to deal with the deluge of day-to-day issues. The relationship between a gentleman and his assistant is one that can last half a century and a strong, professional understanding is the ultimate product.
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