DOCUMENT WALLET

'As the briefcase became an item of historical reference, a new form of document carrying has blossomed'

The image of the 1980s in The City of London is one of high-spending, enormous mobiles and the finest leather briefcases. The briefcase synonymous with wealth, professionalism and success has since become as out-dated as the mobiles it used to carry.

The 21st century carry-case is the document wallet as the replacement of vast swathes of paperwork and bulky laptops has allowed slimmer cases to dominate. This new legion of leather and non-leather goods have been embraced by the grip of high fashion. Milan and Paris SS12 Menswear show season saw document cases clasped and gripped by the fast hands of buyers, brand directors and journalists as they swarmed from show to show.

My personal favourite was a royal blue leather weave document wallet that perfectly complimented the subtle grey suit. Another firm favourite was the open-hole weave wallet, with a grubby and rough beige colouring it is more suited to the rugged man.

Just remember when choosing a document of your own to consider its use, how it will work with your existing wardrobe and what do you want it say about you?

 

Moncler Gamme Bleu Spring 2012

It was the Star Wars 'Imperial March' theme which Thom Browne found most befitting to soundtrack the Moncler runway. With each season extracting the theatre of a particular athletic endeavour, it was the turn of fencing. A sport known for its high-impact armoury and gentile movements.

Set inside a real club, masked guards with British Imperial coloured sashes traversed the runway with foils in hand passing walls lined with trophies and photos of fencers. The only indication this was a show - beside the 200 or so seated spectators - was the giant sci-fi lights brought in which heavily illuminated the white collection. The culmination of the spectacle was an impressive wall of armoury and weaponry along the far wall as each model neatly fell into a troop formation.

My Garment favourites fell into three categories, the first was Fencing armoury. The white plastron, traditionally worn to protect the fighting arm, was worn externally over a black jacket, the non-chalant placement gave a casual air to its appearance. The second noteworth piece was the white shirt with croissard that sat neatly under a well trimmed white jacket, and provided a perfect contrast to the black lamé trousers.

The second category was jackets, from the navy nylon army jacket to the white form fitting windbreaker which seems perfect for centre court Wimbledon.

The final category was stripes, from striped socks, to striped jackets, tshirts, sweaters and belts. The striped shorts were a strong favourite, the short offerings were minimal in the collection however had there been more they would have been my fourth category.