CLOTHES MAKE THE MAN

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

Priced between £695–£750, 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.

As remote work settles into long-term reality for an estimated 13 million adults across Great Britain, our daily routines have shifted dramatically. Commutes are shorter (bed to desk), tailoring has relaxed (elasticated waistbands reign supreme), and somewhere along the way, footwear has quietly exited the chat.

Experts at A Fine Pair Of Shoes are now sounding a gentle but necessary alarm: working from home may be playing havoc with our feet.

A recent study found that 34% of people spend most of their indoor time barefoot or in socks, while just 11% wear supportive footwear at home. In other words, millions are clocking in daily without giving their feet the structural support they’d normally receive from proper shoes. The result? Fatigue, fallen arches, and the kind of low-level back and knee discomfort that creeps up gradually — then refuses to leave.

Julian Nelson, founder and shoe expert at A Fine Pair Of Shoes, believes it’s time we gave our feet the same consideration as our office chairs and laptop stands.

“Working from home has completely changed the way people use their feet,” he explains. “Many remote workers spend long hours barefoot or in unsupportive slippers, which can lead to foot fatigue, arches collapsing, or even back and knee discomfort. The good news is that small changes make a big difference.”

Here’s where to start:

1. Wear Supportive Footwear — Even Indoors

Walking barefoot all day might feel liberating, but your arches may disagree. Opt for supportive slippers or shoes with proper cushioning and arch support to reduce strain on feet, ankles and lower back.

2. Fix Your Set-Up

Keep your feet flat on the floor or on a footrest. An adjustable chair helps distribute weight evenly and prevents unnecessary pressure through the arches.

3. Stretch It Out

Point and flex your toes. Rotate your ankles. Roll your feet over a massage ball. Small movements improve circulation and prevent stiffness — particularly after long stretches at your desk.

4. Sit. Stand. Repeat.

If you have a standing desk, alternate positions throughout the day. Variety reduces prolonged pressure on specific areas of the foot and encourages better overall blood flow.

5. Roll Away Tension

A tennis or massage ball underfoot for a few minutes can ease tightness and revive tired muscles.

6. Moisturise and Monitor

Dry, cracked skin isn’t just cosmetic — it can lead to discomfort and infection. Keep feet hydrated and check regularly for developing issues.

7. Mind Your Socks

Avoid tight elastic bands that restrict circulation. Breathable, well-fitted socks make more difference than you think.

Nelson’s overarching message is simple: healthy feet start with the right fit, proper support and awareness of daily habits. While remote work may have relaxed the rules, biology hasn’t changed. Your feet still carry you — even if it’s only from the kitchen to the home office.

And if you wouldn’t run a marathon barefoot, perhaps don’t run a working week that way either.

Images by

How Soon Ngu

Nathana Rebouças

Nicolas Solerieu

Tommy Texter

Danie Franco

While headlines are dominated by billion-dollar acquisitions and Gen-Z shopping habits, the real story sits behind the scenes — in the infrastructure quietly powering the second-hand economy.

A Fleek, founded in London in 2021, has diverted more than 9 million garments from landfill since 2022. Not through marketing spin or consumer-facing hype, but by solving resale’s least glamorous — and most critical — problem: sourcing at scale.

Building the Engine Room of Resale

Before Fleek, wholesale vintage and second-hand sourcing was fragmented, largely offline, and difficult to scale. The brand rebuilt that system into a global digital marketplace, now connecting:

• 10,000+ resellers
• 1,000+ verified suppliers
• Across 70 countries

It’s infrastructure, not trend-chasing. And that distinction matters.

Accepted into Y Combinator’s W22 batch, Fleek has since raised $20.4 million, positioning itself as backbone supply-chain tech at a time when the global second-hand apparel market is forecast to hit $350 billion by 2028.

The Data Tells the Story

Demand isn’t speculative. It’s measurable.

2025 vs 2024 Brand Order Growth

Menswear & Unisex

• Ralph Lauren +73%
• Tommy Hilfiger +86%
• Patagonia +70%
• Nike +67%
• Harley-Davidson +90%
• Montbell +100%

Womenswear

• Coach & Guess bags +85%
• Lululemon +80%
• Victoria’s Secret +86%

This isn’t random vintage rummaging. It’s structured demand across heritage, sportswear, luxury and outdoor categories. Resale has moved from side hustle to scalable business model.

The recent news that eBay is acquiring Depop for approximately $1.2 billion signals something decisive: second-hand fashion is now mainstream commercial infrastructure.

With Depop generating roughly $1 billion in annual merchandise sales and attracting millions of predominantly under-34 buyers, recommerce is no longer counterculture — it’s capitalised.

But platforms like eBay and Depop focus on the consumer-facing marketplace. Fleek powers what sits beneath that layer — the supply chain enabling thousands of independent resellers, vintage curators and micro-businesses to source sustainably, scale professionally and maximise turnover.

Circular Is Now Structural

Fleek’s impact speaks to a wider shift:

• 9M+ garments diverted from landfill
• Thousands of independent sellers building full-time income
• Professionalised global sourcing networks
• Proof that circular fashion isn’t niche — it’s infrastructure

At a moment when major players are investing billions to capture resale demand, the quieter opportunity sits with the systems enabling that growth.

Resale isn’t a trend cycle. It’s a structural realignment of fashion’s supply chain.

And the brands building the engine room may prove just as valuable as the platforms owning the shop window.