Etiquette -- 1 month ago
THE 5 MEN EVERY GENTLEMAN NEEDS
Words: Charlie Gardiner-Hill
Every man is an island, but you can reap the rewards of having the humility to know when to ask for help and putting your life in another man’s hands. We spent some time asking the experts how to find the men in the know.
THE TAILOR
Why you need him…a man’s relationship with his tailor is personal and important, “we talk about very intimate things; what their image is like, how they like to portray themselves”, noted Richard Lawson at Gieves and Hawkes, “from the very first time we meet someone we’re talking about how they like to behave in their casual life, even what their wife thinks.”
A good tailor can hide your imperfections, in fact, as Richard explained, “some men say a tailor is like having a doctor where all your secrets are kept safe within a set of walls”.
Where you can find him…for breadth of options and depth of experience it’s hard to beat Gieves and Hawkes at their iconic No1 Savile Row store. Bespoke cutter Richard told us that it’s important to ask whether “you think you’re singing off the same sheet” and went on to explain that “trust is what it comes down to: trust when I say that it’s good to go, he knows it’s good to go. That’s what you’re really looking for.”
www.gievesandhawkes.com / 1 Savile Row, Mayfair, London
THE BARBER
Why you need him…if you can’t control your hair then you can’t be expected to control your life. Nothing can more easily ruin a sharp suit or an off duty outfit than a terrible haircut. As Harry, from acclaimed barbers Ruffian’s in Covent Garden, told us, a man’s haircut “sets the mood for how he feels and gives him confidence, it’s the first thing someone notices.”
Where you can find him…the man for the job will put you at ease and transform you into a better-looking version of yourself. Harry emphasised that the “consultation is the most important thing” because your barber should “understand what they’re trying to achieve, only then can he advise you on what your hair can do for you.”
“The goal is to become friends, go for a drink together, discuss everything from their problems to the football” says the Ruffian’s barber, who finds that the best way to find a barber is through word of mouth, “talk to your friends and use social media” and you’ll soon find the right guy for the job.
www.ruffians.co.uk / Ruffians, Covent Garden, London
THE FIXER
Why you need him…Tony Blair had Peter Mandelson, Al Capone had Charles Fischetti and Francis Underwood has Doug Stamper. The next time you have a problem that you don’t have the time to deal with, don’t. Just call your fixer.
Where you can find him…Quintessentially’s Bespoke Elite membership has been compared to having a ‘magic genie with a little black book in every city you visit’ and makes the concept of impossible entirely redundant. They once provided an elephant for a wedding in London, at 12 hours notice. You just have to ask…
www.quintessentially.com
THE TRAINER
Why you need him…a man is defined by his body; it dictates what you can and can’t do, how fully you can live and how long you’ll be around for. A strong physique is attainable only through hard work and commitment, as such other men will respect you and women will know there is substance behind your style. Put simply, your body says a lot about you.
A personal trainer brings you health, strength and the door to a better life; your clothes will fit better, your sleep will be deeper and the beach will become your stage.
Where you can find him…the UK’s original personal trainer and best-selling fitness author is Matt Roberts, who has worked with names such as Tom Ford and John Galliano, his bespoke approach and eye for detail (they take into account your foot posture at your initial consultation) will have you striding out of the sea like Daniel Craig for all to behold.
www.mattroberts.co.uk
THE CHAFFEUR
Why you need him…Harvey Specter, the unchallenged alpha male of the hit US show Suits and role model for us all, allows only one man to drive him around New York city – his name is Ray.
Their mutual loyalty is unwavering, Harvey even goes as far as to lay his career on the line for him when Ray is faced with a life-ruining lawsuit. But behind the drama and the unabashed idealism of US television, there is a serious point.
Harvey chose Ray because when he left $3000 in his car, Ray sought him out and gave it back to him. In short, Harvey trusts him. A driver is not just someone that gets you where you need to be; he is a man you can trust with your punctuality, your privacy and your safety. He is your constant companion on the road to success.
Where you can find him…WestOne are available to their account holders whenever they are needed, provide a personalised service and flexible payment options.
If you have your doubts, their Royal Warrant for Chaffeur Services to the Queen with seven years of seamless service to their name, should put them to rest.
www.westonecars.co.uk
By Charlie Gardiner-Hill @CWGHill
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