Meticulously restored trends from the past imbued with an air of modernity mark this season’s masculine must haves, each sure to get your head in the game
by ARCHANA AITHAL ROSE
LEADER OF THE PACK
Whether it’s mixing treasured archival prints, juxtaposing textural elements, or sticking to a single sensibility, this winter’s collective of trend-shaping backpacks are nothing short of modern-day icons.
Giorgio Armani Deer-Print Leather Backpack
A kiss of staid classicism and subtle sophistication define Armani’s standout design in luxe calfskin stamped with a rich deer print for texture, then topped o with adjustable shoulder straps, a top handle, and zip-fastened outer and inner pockets for maximum utility. $2,995, armani.com
MCM Brandenburg
Backpack in Cubic Monogram Canvas Combining the graphic appeal of cubic monogram to mirror the multidimensional nature of the brand, this storytelling backpack is rendered in canvas and accented with a leather top handle, drawstrings, dual front pockets, and adjustable back straps. $1,490, mcmworldwide.com
Bottega Veneta Men’s Intrecciato Hydrology Backpack
Luxurious calf leather in a cool crisscross pattern delivers high-octane drama in this steel gray pack, finished with adjustable shoulder straps, a top handle, front zip pouch, and a two-way zip closure $3,450, neimanmarcus.com
KINGDOM OF COOL
From voluminous silhouettes in neutrals or classic check to skiwear layers saturated in rich shades of bark brown, oxblood, city gray, or icy blue, Burberry’s Fall-Winter 2021 collection is a dapper amalgamation of singularity and utility. While paying homage to the beauty of the outdoors and the Burberry animal kingdom, creative director Ricardo Tisci reinvented the maison’s past to conjure up a playful collection of pieces, a cheerful departure from the brand’s signature austerity.
But keeping with the house’s rules, the collection is rich with immaculately layered pieces like neutral wool trench coats, architectural suits, and standout separates like a fuzzy mohair coat. Slightly o -kilter details like pleats and fringe, bold numerals on leather varsity jackets, and graphic color-blocking imbued a sense of youth into Burberry’s otherwise classic aesthetic. us.burberry.com
HOMETOWN HERO
Signaling the very epitome of college cool and rooted in iconic Americana, the varsity jacket has long been revered as a style statement. Dating back to 1865, when jackets and sweaters emblazoned with the letter “H” were first spotted on the Harvard campus, these preppy sartorial staples have constantly been reinterpreted for adulthood. This season, the varsity was spotted on nearly every runway, from Burberry to YSL, in iterations ranging from suede to denim, collarless to button down. Here are a few favorites to shake up the status quo.
Coach Shearling Varsity Jacket
Boasting a modern attitude, this oversized take on a sporty style features a cotton-blend vest with luxurious shearling sleeves, plus rib-knit cu s, leather-trim slip pockets, and an embroidered signature house symbol. 1,195, coach.com
Saint Laurent Teddy in Wool
Borrowing the cool codes from American classics, this grown-up version of the eternal varsity in cotton-lined robust wool is well appointed with a ribbed collar, waistband, and contrast leather trim. $2,550, ysl.com
Diesel L-Keir Varsity Jacket
Go big or go home with Diesel’s bold bomber in wool and leather, one that reigns supreme with its assorted patches, baseball collar, ribbed cu s, and side slant pockets. $895, neimanmarcus.com
