The Obtainer - 10/21/22, Friday
↦ Your Fall Date Night Fit
Friday, October 21st Edition
Haven’t had a date night with your partner in a while or maybe gearing up for a first date? The last thing you should be worried about is what to wear—that’s where we come in.
- Leon Hedgepeth, Shopping Editor ⋯ @leonhedgepeth
WhatWe’reWearing
Fall Date Night
It feels like we’ve officially crossed over into “cuffing” or “cuddle” season—if that's still a thing. You should always try to go out on a proper date and have a night out on the town. Everyone leads busy lives, and we're often thinking about what's next, so it's a good idea to get dressed up and spend some uninterrupted time with the person you love for a few hours to get a break from the mundane day-to-day reality.
Although it gets chilly in the evening, a walk after dinner is a great option to extend the date and burn off some of that dinner. Layering will work wonders for you, so a nice roll-neck sweater over a light tee works best. Sophisticated enough to stand on its own and warm enough to layer with an earth-toned vest for the extra chill. Since you'll wear these cream-colored pants, a luxe pair of tobacco suede boots will look dapper. Lastly, a wise man once said, “To have a good time, you need a good watch”—this one from NOMOs is class personified and subtle enough to let the rest of your outfit shine. And don't forget the fragrance. It's a guaranteed way to leave a lasting impression on your date so getting another date is unquestionably on the docket.
Your Date Night Fit
Clockwise, from top left:
Cascade down expedition vest, $275 by Buck MasonRoll neck sweater, $210 by Percival02 Eau de parfum, $90 by DedCoolTangente neomatik watch, $3,460 by NOMOS GlashütteLoose denim, $179 by SunflowerOli boot, $301.51 by Jacques SoloviereCotton waffle crew socks, $25 by ROTOTOLinen tee, $75 by Meriggi
Checking in With ...
Drake’s
I cannot go a week without perusing Drake’s website. They have some of the best perennial offerings, the styling is on point, and I admit I consulting their latest campaigns for aspirational style inspiration for each season. The clothing store began in 1977 by tiemaker Michael Drake, and then in 2010 creative director Michael Hill took over, evolving the brand into what it is today.
Besides offering up some of the best threads online and in-person, Drake’s also has some of the most stylish and Instagram-worthy shops. They recently opened a new store in lower Manhattan at 327 Canal Street that is full of Drake's latest collections, along with an increased focus on tailoring, rotating programs of art, collaborations and New York exclusives. Their shops typically look like true “menswear” stores with expensive rugs and deep oak wood finishes. For the new Manhattan outpost though, they opted for a more functional space that includes trolleys and storage units that can be moved to rearrange for each season’s collection and a made-to-order pavilion that transports customers to the brand’s flagship on Savile Row. “The store concept takes inspiration from the functional fittings of the artist studios that once used to occupy the buildings of SoHo and Tribeca,” says George Massoud, one of the founding partners of Studio Abroad, the architecture and design firm behind several Drake's stores, including their London flagship.
We caught up with Michael Hill to talk shop. I wanted to know more about the tailoring experience at the new store, along with what exciting trends we can look forward to this season.
What items are you guys most excited about at the moment?
I’m excited about the return of Drake’s Coverall jacket—our waxed cotton jacket with a corduroy collar, a boxy fit and plenty of pocket space. It was well received last year, and we’re looking forward to introducing a revamped version for winter. Then the return of our Perennials collection is a real highlight. It’s our interpretation of a year-round Drake’s wardrobe. Clothes that you can buy and enjoy for many years to come. Shetland knitwear, suede chore jackets, our “Charles” Northampton-made loafers and Japanese denim, amongst many other classic Drake’s pieces. The campaign to go alongside it is also one of the most enjoyable and ambitious projects we’ve ever put together.
Waxed coverall jacket, $1,035
What are some current staff favorites?
The Casentino fleece in orange or navy is always popular, made in Tuscany from the absolute pinnacle of winter wool. Our raglan navy overcoat is also a regular request from the shop staff. The raglan in general regardless of color is an essential piece of winter outerwear. It fits immaculately and goes with everything. Then you have the Japanese selvedge denim and our signature Crosby chukka boots in suede. Plus, our shirting is one of our calling cards. Made in Somerset with a huge range of fabrics, colors and finishes to choose from.
Who is the Drake’s customer now?
A genius! A Drake’s customer is discerning—with an appreciation for great clothes and crafts. I like to think they have a diverse range of interests. Art, food, culture, living the good life, enjoying the simple things all whilst wearing great clothes.
What have your customers been wearing lately?
During a recent visit to New York to celebrate the opening of 327 Canal Street, I noticed our friends and clients wearing our tailoring in intriguing and diverse ways. There were bandanas in place of ties, our cotton jersey worn with Drake’s Games suits, and Aurora shoes worn to soften a suit. It’s always a pleasure to see how New York approaches style and tailoring.
Tell us about the new made-to-order pavilion.
We wanted to create a special atmosphere and environment to ensure that our clients enjoy the process that goes with purchasing a Drake’s made-to-order suit. I appreciate that buying a suit can be a daunting prospect, so it’s essential for us that the staff and setting are highly professional, but also warm and welcoming—I think we've achieved that with the new Canal Street store and dedicated tailoring space. Customers can choose from a wide range of fabrics and fit made on our house Drake’s block, guided by the team through every step. I want everyone who shops with us to feel like their suit is exactly right and unique to them.
Any standout pieces for the colder months?
I’m very excited about some of our winter outerwear arriving soon, including several new versions of our signature raglan wool coats made from a beautifully textured wool woven on the Scottish Isle of Bute. We also have some superlative winter-weight Harris tweed—woven on the island of Harris using centuries-old techniques. And then there is a range of winter puffers made expertly by our friends at Rocky Mountain in Japan. They are the masters of down jackets.
The sales and discounts our team is currently watching.
This mid-century martini piece will add a bit of sophistication to your place, but it also may make you a bit thirsty. Thankfully, there’s a recipe listed at the bottom of the print.
$33 / $28 by Sandgrain Studios
This lightweight polo can be worn under jackets even though summer is over. The unique green colorway comes from the enzyme wash process and will get lighter over time.
$160 / $128 by Satta
A pair of authentic Vans that pays tribute to their original factory in Anaheim, California. There’s a reason these are still around today—they’re timeless. So snag these while they're on sale.
$85 / $68 by Vans
Editorial for New Balance Made season 2. Footwear and Apparel design.for the 2nd iteration of the partnership we wanted to use a outdoor-inspired color palette, while referencing past NB models. Thanks again to the NB team for all of the support and knowledge first Drop Oct. 27th
October 14