CLOTHES MAKE THE MAN

There’s a quiet confidence about brands that know exactly what they stand for, and Danner has long mastered the art of building footwear that performs in the wild while looking perfectly at home in the city. With the arrival of the new Danner MTN45, the American bootmaker delivers a modern trail shoe that comfortably bridges the gap between outdoor performance and everyday lifestyle wear.

Designed as a lightweight hiking companion with unmistakable style credentials, the MTN45 captures the current appetite for gear that moves seamlessly between terrain and town. The shoe features a premium nubuck leather upper that offers both durability and understated refinement, making it just as suited to a weekend trail as it is to casual urban wear. Particularly striking is the Desert Moss colourway, a natural, earthy tone that reinforces the shoe’s outdoor DNA while remaining effortlessly wearable.

Underfoot, Danner equips the MTN45 with its cushioned EnduroFoam Plus midsole, engineered to deliver responsive comfort over long distances. Whether navigating uneven trails or simply clocking miles across the city, the cushioning provides the kind of support that makes the shoe an easy daily choice.

Grip, naturally, is non-negotiable in the outdoors. Here the MTN45 features a Vibram Megagrip outsole, widely respected for its exceptional traction across both wet and dry surfaces. The result is a shoe that feels secure across unpredictable terrain while maintaining a low-profile hiking silhouette that avoids the bulk often associated with traditional trail footwear.

Importantly, the shoe has been constructed with breathability in mind, offering a non-waterproof build that keeps things light and comfortable in warmer conditions. It’s an intentional design decision that positions the MTN45 squarely within the modern hybrid category: technical enough for the trail, relaxed enough for everyday wear.

In keeping with Danner’s heritage of craftsmanship, the MTN45 is also recraftable, reinforcing the brand’s long-standing commitment to longevity and responsible design. In a market increasingly focused on disposable footwear, it’s a reminder that well-made shoes should be built to last.

The result is a shoe that feels entirely in step with the moment — practical, considered, and quietly stylish. For those who appreciate gear that works as hard on a hillside as it does on a Saturday afternoon in town, the MTN45 may well be the trail shoe of the season.

There are summer scents. And then there are statements of intent.

With LACOSTE ORIGINAL AQUA, Lacoste doesn’t just add another fragrance to the shelf — it reframes what modern freshness looks like. Cleaner, sharper, more self-assured. Think Riviera elegance, but with the sleeves rolled up.

The name says it all. Aqua — expansive, weightless, horizon-facing. Inspired by the vast blue sweep of the Mediterranean, the fragrance channels that moment when sea meets sky and everything feels possible.

This isn’t about postcard romance. It’s about movement. Energy. The quiet confidence of a man comfortable in his own stride. The Lacoste man has always understood elegance as something active — something lived in — and Original Aqua sharpens that idea with added sensuality and depth.

French, of course. But not precious.

Created by principal perfumer Marie Salamagne at DSM-Firmenich, the composition balances brightness with structure — never thin, never fleeting.

• Top: Clary sage and pink pepper open with a herbaceous snap and sparkling lift. It’s the olfactory equivalent of a sharp inhale by the sea.

• Heart: An aquatic accord evolves into something more intriguing — a textured caviar note brings minerality and depth, while cypress resin adds aromatic woodiness that extends the freshness rather than softening it.

• Base: Amber warmth and vetiver settle in with quiet authority. Refined. Addictive. Grounded.

The result is a woody-aquatic that feels athletic without being sporty, sensual without being heavy. It moves — just like it’s meant to. Essentially, It’s classic Lacoste codes, reworked with a cleaner, more contemporary edge.

As Salamagne puts it, the inspiration was the sea’s intensity and motion — contrasting elements held in deliberate balance. That tension is what makes it compelling.

To embody that sense of controlled dynamism, Lacoste turns to Tristan Ridel. Trained at the Paris Conservatory, the Royal Ballet School in London and the Vienna State Ballet, Ridel rose to demi-soloist at the Vienna State Opera under Manuel Legris. Precision meets expression — discipline meets instinct.

He represents a generation unafraid of elegance. Magnetic without arrogance. Physical without aggression. He doesn’t just wear the fragrance — he articulates it through movement. And that’s the point.

There’s something gloriously defiant about booking a last-minute weekend away. A Friday afternoon train to Paris. A Saturday morning flight to Florence. Or, if we’re keeping it closer to home, a brisk escape to the Cotswolds with nothing but good shoes, a better jacket and the quiet confidence of a man who travels well.

And if you’re going to do a cheeky weekend away properly, you need luggage that understands the assignment.

Enter Carl Friedrik and its first-ever all-aluminium suitcase, simply titled Aluminium. No gimmicks. No unnecessary fuss. Just a beautifully engineered carry-on that feels like it belongs in the golden age of travel – when boarding passes were paper, tailoring mattered and luggage said something about the man carrying it.

A Case for the Case

The Aluminium Carry-on isn’t for the over-packer or the indecisive. This is for the man who knows exactly what he needs for 48 hours away: two shirts (one crisp, one forgiving), a knitted polo, decent denim, proper shoes and a jacket with intent.

Crafted from a specially formulated aluminium alloy, the shell balances strength with manageability. It’s structured, durable and unapologetically solid. And yes, like all proper metal cases, it will pick up dents and scratches over time. Good. That’s the point. A scuffed aluminium case has stories. It suggests Milan, not motorway services.

The aesthetic nods to the so-called “Golden Age of Travel” with geometric lines, subtle rivets and leather accents that soften the industrial edge. Available in Cognac, Black and Dark Brown, it feels considered rather than flashy — the luggage equivalent of a well-cut overcoat.

Built for the Man in Motion

A cheeky weekend away should feel seamless. The TSA-approved locks offer security without fuss. Reinforced corners and hinges handle the inevitable cobblestones of Europe (or the equally punishing pavements of Soho). Silent Run wheels glide rather than clatter — because nothing ruins an arrival quite like noisy luggage.

Inside, it’s all about order. A zipped garment compartment with organisational pockets keeps shirting in shape, while the open compression section ensures you’re not wrestling your knitwear into submission at 6am on departure day. The multi-stage trolley handle adjusts to your height, because good design respects ergonomics as much as aesthetics.

Even the branding is refined — a rear leather strip finished with a metal fixing plate that feels architectural rather than decorative. It whispers quality. It doesn’t shout.

Why It Matters

Founded in 2013, Carl Friedrik has spent the last decade evolving from leather goods specialist to global travel brand. Its appeal lies in understatement. No logos the size of billboards. No trend-chasing. Just clean lines, intelligent materials and the quiet assurance that comes from investing in something built to last.

And that’s really what a cheeky weekend away is about. It’s not the volume of trips. It’s the quality of them. The anticipation. The ritual of packing. The satisfying click of a well-made lock. The glide through departures knowing you’ve done this properly.

Because clothes may make the man.

But luggage?

Luggage reveals him.

As the first signs of spring approach and the season officially turns on March 20th, the shift in weather brings with it the perfect excuse for a wardrobe refresh. Heavier winter layers begin to give way to lighter fabrics, brighter tones and effortless styling — a seasonal transition that feels both energising and practical. With its latest Spring Fashion Style Guide, TK Maxx offers a straightforward approach to building a wardrobe that balances style, versatility and value.

Spring dressing, at its core, is about adaptability. The key lies in selecting pieces that move easily between work, weekends and social occasions without feeling overly formal or too relaxed. When it comes to tops, a small collection of reliable staples can do most of the heavy lifting. Crisp white T-shirts, oversized shirts and breathable linen pieces provide the kind of versatility that works across multiple settings, delivering comfort while maintaining a polished appearance.

The same philosophy applies to workwear during the warmer months. Breathable and lightweight materials become essential, allowing for professional looks that remain comfortable throughout the day. A solid foundation might start with well-cut trousers or chinos, paired with an airy shirt that keeps things fresh and relaxed. Layering still plays an important role too. A lightweight blazer or soft cardigan adds refinement while offering warmth for cooler mornings, while a classic trench coat is a practical addition when spring showers inevitably appear.

Footwear should strike a similar balance between practicality and polish. Loafers and ankle boots offer a refined edge suitable for meetings and office environments, while smarter trainers provide a contemporary option that remains commute-friendly without sacrificing style.

Colour also plays a subtle but important role. Neutral tones act as the backbone of a spring wardrobe, while small injections of brighter accents and minimalist accessories can lift an outfit without overwhelming it. The result is a look that blends timeless pieces with a hint of seasonal energy.

Ultimately, spring style is about flexibility. Lightweight jackets, crisp shirts and well-cut trousers form the backbone of a wardrobe that adapts easily to shifting temperatures. When cooler moments return, blazers, denim jackets and soft cardigans can be layered in effortlessly without disrupting the overall look.

For the lower half, classic staples continue to do the work. Chinos, jeans and tailored shorts offer easy rotation depending on the day’s forecast. Each brings its own styling opportunities too — chinos paired with Chelsea boots create a clean, refined silhouette, jeans matched with loafers deliver a modern classic combination, while trainers work naturally with tailored shorts for a more relaxed spring aesthetic.

With thoughtful layering, breathable fabrics and versatile staples, refreshing your wardrobe for the season doesn’t need to be complicated. With a little inspiration and a sharp eye for value, TK Maxx makes stepping into spring style both simple and accessible.

There’s something reassuring about a menswear brand that understands the balance between heritage and modernity. Irish outerwear specialist Jack Murphy Clothing has long operated in that sweet spot where practicality meets understated style, and for Spring/Summer 2026 the Dublin-based label sharpens its focus on the modern Irish man – one who values craftsmanship, longevity and clothing that works as hard as he does.

Designed by Michael Murphy, son of the brand’s founder, the new collection leans into the emotional relationship men increasingly have with their wardrobes. These are not throwaway seasonal pieces. Instead, they are investment garments built around the principles of slow fashion, ethical choices and timeless construction. Whether navigating urban life or the unpredictable weather of the Irish countryside, the collection is designed for men who want reliability without sacrificing style.

At the heart of the season sits tweed – a fabric that has defined Irish menswear for generations but continues to evolve. Jack Murphy’s approach remains rooted in traditional tailoring, with tweed trousers cut to pair effortlessly with the brand’s signature blazers, waistcoats and long coats. The result is a quietly confident silhouette that feels both contemporary and enduring, capturing the kind of relaxed elegance that Irish tailoring does best.

Of course, no Jack Murphy collection would be complete without waxed outerwear. One of the brand’s most recognisable signatures returns this season in refined form with the Ciaran Jacket, a contemporary reinterpretation of an original 1980s Jack Murphy design. Crafted from premium Scottish waxed cotton and finished with the traditional contrasting corduroy collar, it arrives in Hunter Green, Navy and Rustic Brown – colours that feel purposefully grounded in the landscapes that inspired them. It’s the sort of jacket that works just as well on a city commute as it does on a blustery walk along the Atlantic coast.

Layering plays a central role in the new collection, reflecting both changing menswear habits and the realities of Irish weather. The new quilted outerwear line introduces two key pieces designed with versatility in mind. The Conor Gilet offers lightweight warmth without bulk, while the Ronan Quilted Jacket provides a refined yet practical outer layer that integrates seamlessly with the brand’s tweed jackets and wool coats. Worn beneath heavier outerwear or on their own during milder days, both pieces embody the brand’s commitment to style that works in real life.

Across the collection, there is a clear sense of thoughtful design. Soft seasonal tweeds sit comfortably alongside cleverly engineered outerwear, creating a wardrobe that feels adaptable rather than trend driven. The garments are designed to be worn together, layered and relied upon – a practical approach that reflects the rhythm of Irish life.

Still a Dublin-based, family-owned business and now operated by the third generation of the Murphy family, the brand continues to draw inspiration from the rugged landscapes and shifting weather of Ireland. Each garment carries Jack Murphy’s signature as a mark of authenticity, a quiet assurance that the craftsmanship and standards behind the name remain firmly intact.

For Spring/Summer 2026, Jack Murphy doesn’t attempt to reinvent menswear. Instead, it does something far more compelling: it refines what it already does exceptionally well. Heritage fabrics, functional outerwear and classic tailoring combine to create a collection that feels purposeful, durable and effortlessly masculine – clothing designed not just to be worn this season, but for many seasons to come.