The Arqivist: Vintage Gifts for Men

The Arqivist sell small vintage items which make perfect gifts for men. These Victorian solitaires, or bachelor buttons, were made by George West and are silver plated with attractive floral designs. The patented mechanism allows them to be securely fastened with a spring-loaded mechanism that's easy to use and secure. You'll find them, with other seasonal gift ideas, at The Arqivist.

These items were sent to me for review. The feature is not sponsored and all views are mine alone.

Black.co.uk share the Italian heritage & skills that make their products

I met Toby Logue of Black.co.uk when he invited me to take part in a photoshoot last year showing their luxury gifts and accessories made here in the UK and in Italy. I asked him to share with us the techniques that go into the production of the beautifully made Italian items they sell. Here is what he told me, together with details of how you can buy some of the products he talks about:

Toby Logue (centre) inspects an electric loom (see below)

Cashmere Scarves

Heritage

The company who produces Black's Italian cashmere scarves has been manufacturing cashmere yarn for over 100 years. They have five workshops based in Liguria, a region in northern Italy, within one hour’s drive of their headquarters to ensure quality control. 

Cashmere 

They source two types of cashmere; white cashmere from Inner Mongolia and brown cashmere from Outer Mongolia. The raw material is then imported to Italy and sent to Biella for washing and spinning. Biella is located between Milan and Turin and is famous for the quality of its water which is essential in ensuring that the Italian cashmere yarn maintains is softness.

A shuttle loom

Production Process

Once the cashmere has been dyed and spun into yarn, it is sent to the workshops in Liguria to be woven into scarves. The two main looms used to create the finished articles are electronic looms and shuttle looms (both pictured above). 

The shuttle looms used are based on the design of antique Belgian looms and have to be operated by hand requiring highly skilled craftsmen who attach each individual strand of cashmere to the needles and programme the weave pattern manually. 

Pressing cashmere

After this process our scarves are then washed, pressed and finished by hand such as the fringing and any special detailing.

Products above (top left anti-clockwise):
Electric loom https://www.black.co.uk/products/navy-and-grey-double-faced-cashmere-scarf
Made on antique loom https://www.black.co.uk/products/navy-and-white-large-fringed-cashmere-scarf

Electric loom https://www.black.co.uk/products/black-and-ivory-houndstooth-knitted-cashmere-scarf

Printed Merino Wool & Silk Accessories

Heritage

Black's printed merino wool and silk accessories are made by a 3rd generation family business whose workshop is just outside Florence in the heart of the Chianti region of Tuscany on the banks of the River Arno. 

Tuscany from the factory

Merino Wool & Silk 

The company sources its silk and merino from the weaving mills and print works based near Lake Como in the north of Italy. This region is renowned for its silk printing and jacquard weaving which feature in Black's latest collection.

Production Process 

Once the fabrics have been printed they are sent to Florence and then measured up to be cut by hand into ties, scarves and pocket squares. 

Cutting the fabric

For the ties, the fabric is laid out along with the lining and cut using an outline and a rotary cutter. Once the tie and lining are in place the fabric is folded and finished with hand stitching. 

For the scarves and pocket squares the fabric is cut using only a ruler and a sharp pair of scissors then finished with stitching and in the case of the scarves, handmade fringes. 

Printed accessories

Products above (top left anti-clockwise):

https://www.black.co.uk/products/morano-navy-and-claret-paisley-merino-wool-scarf-sifs1624

https://www.black.co.uk/products/patchwork-print-silk-pocket-square-sifs1601

https://www.black.co.uk/products/two-tone-blue-check-silk-and-wool-tie-sifs1630

Leather Gloves

Heritage

Black's collection of men’s leather gloves is produced by a 4th generation Neapolitan company who have been making gloves since 1895. The company also has a small workshop in northern Italy where detailing and quality control are carried out.

Men's leather gloves

Leather & Linings 

The two types of leather used for our gloves are nappa and suede. Nappa leather is regarded as the most soft and supple leather type and is also used for other accessories such as bags, shoes and wallets and comes from the top side of animal. Suede leather is similar to nappa in its softness but differs in texture as it is taken from the underside of the skin.

All Black's men’s leather gloves are lined with either cashmere or silk which is sourced in Italy. 

Glove making

Production Process

The first stage of production involves the tanning and dyeing of the leather. After this stage is complete the hides are hung up to dry then spun in wooden drums which restore the leather’s softness from the dyeing process.

Cutting the hide

The hides are then put onto work surfaces and cutting forms are placed over the leather and the glove shapes are made. At this point the linings are added and the gloves shapes are then stitched together. 

The gloves are then sent to northern Italy for detailing such as contrast stitching which is done by hand and for final quality control.

Products above (top left anti-clockwise):

https://www.black.co.uk/products/woven-black-leather-gloves

https://www.black.co.uk/products/navy-tan-leather-gloves

https://www.black.co.uk/products/mens-brown-leather-gloves

This post is sponsored by Black's. I'm grateful to them for their support of this blog.

Where to buy some really good gifts for the old man for Father's Day

Here are five excellent online stores which sell outstanding and stylish stuff for the discerning dad for Father's Day on Sunday 19th June. While I show an example of a product from each, my intention is to encourage you to visit the sites where you'll find a wide range of items to suit most pockets.

From top left clockwise:

• Sambar stag horn knife £100 from Mamnick
• A bespoke cocktail named after your father, or a dad mug £14 from Toasted Glass
• Geoff Stocker x Grey Fox x Harry tie or pocket square from Geoff Stocker (there will be a 48 hour sale with 30% reductions from 14th to 16th June, so look out for that)
• Mohair socks by Marwood (described by me as the best socks in the world; they last forever) £40 from Lissom & Muster
• 14" chestnut briefcase £315 from Holdall & Co

This post is unsponsored.

Black.co.uk: high quality accessories for men, a Grey Fox photoshoot

Black.co.uk sell luxury gifts and accessories for men and women. Their products are sourced from the UK, Italy and further afield and are the highest quality: the softest leather, the most luxurious cashmere, the most opulent silk. Black kindly asked me to model some of their products; scarves, ties, gloves and pocket squares at a photo shoot at London's Little Venice, a quite area of canals in Paddington, West London. The light was superb, the shoot was fun, here are some of the results. For links, see below.

Houndstooth cashmere scarf

Silk tie and polka dot silk square

Silk bow tie and polka dot silk square

Suede and leather gloves, reversible cashmere scarf

Driving gloves, silk scarf

Ideal for Christmas gifts, of course, for both the men and women in your life, click on Black.co.uk

Navy mohair evening suit: Hardy Amies (with thanks for the loan of this superb suit).

Tweed coat: Greatcoat Outerwear 

Red sleeveless alpaca jumper: Plum of London 

This post was sponsored by Black.

Sartoria Lab styling gift voucher men - an ideal Christmas gift

It's less than a week to Christmas and you need more presents. Here is an ideal one for yourself or a man in your life.

The Sartoria Lab gift voucher for men comes from Grey Fox Blog contributor, Sarah Gilfillan. I know several people who have been styled by Sarah (including Mrs Grey Fox and me) and we all love her skilled and relaxed approach. Buy for a man who needs tidying up, or for the man of style who will take a lot from Sarah's styling expertise. It's a truly transforming and enjoyable experience. See Sartoria Lab for more information.

White Dove & Wonder - giving a new lease of life to old shoe lasts

I'm always on the lookout for unusual gifts for Christmas and birthdays and here is a business whose wonderful products are made from a beautifully-crafted by-product of Northampton's shoe manufacturing. Susan Gaston, an art and antiques dealer, had a family background in the shoe business. While sourcing stock for her business she stumbled on old shoe lasts originally made by one of the finest shoe factories in Northampton.

At first, Susan and her husband Jimmy had no idea what to do with the lasts. They had been bought on impulse, out of a sense of nostalgia. Both agreed they should be preserved, not least because they are an important symbol of industrial heritage. They set about making a range of objets d’art. 

They co-design the pieces, restoring each last before hand-making striking pieces using natural wood. They are made into coffee tables, mirrors, bookends, doorstops, coat pegs, table lamps and bookshelves. Susan and Jimmy also take bespoke commissions. For more information, or to buy, click on White, Dove & Wonder.

Christmas shopping: where to go for good selection of gifts

Where to go for a well-chosen selection of unusual, tasteful and well-designed gifts for Christmas? Online or high street, or a combination of both? There is a large choice, so it can be worth homing in on a few favourites whose offerings meet your tastes and requirements.

Original & unique gifts from 1of1

I found an excellent high street shop, 1of1, not far from my home and typical of many similar around the UK, selling a good variety of fascinating items. An online store, Black.do.uk, offers a wide selection of the type of gifts I'm looking for. Here is more information about them.

1of1, Teddington, Middlesex

This high street store has a fascinating selection, all carefully curated by the owner, Kate Winskill, whose collection of one-off artworks, jewellery and recycled ephemera provides a rich source of original gifts.

Cufflinks made from watch movements from 1of1

I was tempted by the watch movement cufflinks. Kate now supplies these as tie and lapel pins. Much of the jewellery is also made from recycled objets trouves and makes excellent unique gifts.

The shop, in Teddington, South West London, is well worth a visit, but products can be bought online. See the 1of1 website for more information.

Black.co.uk

Was founded in 2006 by Paula Reeves, who had a business background and whose life was changed by illness and then inspired by a trip to India. Run as a family business, Black sells a tasteful and well-curated selection of gifts for him, her and the home.

A selection of quality menswear gifts from Black.co.uk. Gifts for women and home are also available

Black's director, Toby Logue, summed up the offering for me,

Black.co.uk is a luxury accessories and gifts brand offering discerning customers high quality classic lines balanced with contemporary designs, all in exquisite fabrics such as cashmere, leather and silk. Their signature collections are luxury cashmere scarves and Italian leather gloves.

Our latest menswear collection embraces this season's Big Scarf trend and features oversized cashmere scarves in checks, tartans and houndstooth designs. Detailing on leather gloves features extensively with black and brown Italian nappa leather gloves adorned with zips, tweed inserts, cashmere cuffs and houndstooth patterns. Silk scarves and pocket squares showcase paisley prints in navy/brown, monochrome and earthy tones and complete the collection.

I have a pair of gloves and one of the houndstooth scarves (see below), the quality and feel of these are impressive. See Black.co.uk for more information and to buy.

Why has a Shop appeared on Grey Fox Blog?

I've added a Shop tab at the top of the page. I came across Inkling last year and was impressed by their concept of an online shop curated by bloggers bringing carefully selected gifts to their pages, providing a one-stop-shop for those buying presents. 

I've enjoyed selecting gifts which fit with what Grey Fox is all about and want to use this opportunity to support the many exciting brands I've come across since I started the blog. If you're a retailer that would like to appear on the Grey Fox/Inkling shop please get in touch with me.

You'll find all sorts of exciting products on the Grey Fox/Inkling shop (image origins unknown)

Grey Fox's suggested Valentine's Day gifts - on Inkling

Towards the end of last year I was invited to curate a page of suggested gifts on the gift search service, Inkling - see the button to the top of the right hand column of the blog. Inkling, teams up with top bloggers, style-hunters and culinary celebrities (I introduce some below) so you can find the perfect present every time. 

We've all been working to find you gift suggestions for Valentine's Day. On my page I've added some gift ideas at a wide range of prices. One of my favourites is Bloom & Wild, a flower delivery service that sends flowers in boxes that fit through the letter box, so your Valentine needn't be at home to receive them - good idea? See my Inkling page for this and other ideas.

Click here for Grey fox's Inkling page

I thought you may like to meet a few of my fellow gift curators -

For fashionistas

La Petite Anglaise founder Ella Catliff, shortlisted for fashion blogger of the year in 2013, is on trend and has an eye for chic items and statement pieces.

For outdoors lovers

Andreas Kambanis, founder of the hugely popular londoncyclist.co.uk and Sian Lewis, founder of the highly reviewed A Girl Outdoors blog, select the cream of cycling and outdoor gear. 

For discerning booze-hounds 

Award-winning wine writer and columnist Jamie Goode selects the finest vintages, while for sensational Scotch and more, there's industry-renowned The Whisky Wire reviewer Steve Rush.

For those who just want to get away from it all

Travel journalist Monica Stott of The Travel Hack picks out magical experiences, must-have travel accessories and holidays.

For those that want to record their relationship for posterity

Mark Goldstein, founder of one of the world’s leading photography websites, photographyblog.com chooses cameras to record those romantic moments. 

Inkling co-founder Sophia Oliver says, “Inkling has assembled an impressive roster of experts who supply tightly curated gift edits, scouring the web for perfect gifts in their specialist subject. They do the work to get it right, so the thousands of busy working women, mums, fathers and professionals who use the site don’t have to. Inkling mixes the best of both worlds: smart algorithms to sort through the huge choice on the site, but the option to see an expert's recommendation too. It takes personal shopping to a new level.”

Inkling was founded by new mums Michelle Kingsley and Chloe Ross, and their friend busy professional Sophia Oliver, when they realised they just didn't have the time to trawl the high street for gifts any more. They needed a faster, more efficient way of buying their friends and family brilliant presents – and Inkling, which now has an audience of 2 million across its editor network, was born.

For more information, visit www.an-inkling.com

Inkling - Grey Fox curates a page on gift finder service

Grey Fox has been invited to curate a page of gift ideas for men and women on Inkling. This is a gift finder service with very high standards of selection which enables you to create a wishlist to share with friends and family. By using invited experts to select and curate pages, Inkling helps you to find properly-targeted gifts at a wide variety of prices. I think it works, which is why I accepted the invitation.

You can find my page here, or by clicking on the link in the top right-hand column of this blog. I will be adding more selection as time goes by, so please call back for birthdays and so on. Good luck in your searches. Please let me have feedback in comments below - I'd welcome that.

A screenshot showing the page on Inkling curated by Grey Fox

Father's Day - gift ideas from Grey Fox's favourites

A few ideas for gifts for Father's Day - for all budgets.

A fun, quirky, colourful and sometimes naughty pocket square from Age of Reason - designed and made in Britain by the ever-talented Ali Mapletoft -

Sartorial Lab gift vouchers - personal styling, wardrobe managment and personal shopping for the dad who needs a style makeover. With Sarah Gilfillan, style guru and all-round lovely person.

Oliver Peoples eyewear - website

A bespoke cocktail from Toasted Glass - Dad can have a cocktail designed and named after him. Here is the Grey Fox cocktail designed by my good friend, talented artist and cocktail maker, Monique Low -

Pantherella socks -Mr Porter

Holdall and Co made in England leather folio - website. Designed by my bubbly and enthusiastic friend, Rai Navickaite -

Riz board shorts - Riz website 

Cherchbi Black Sail Herwyck rucksack - from a man who loves The Lake District and its Herdwick sheep, Adam Atkinson - website

A Vickers Bicycle Company New Classic roadster bicycle from here - founded by cycle enthusiast and general good egg, Ian Covey.