Before departing the UK, I knew that Milan was the world capital of fashion and design and that the Italians have style and an attachment to the clothes they wear, expressing personal appearance, confidence, and status. Having served in the military for over 23 years, the ethos to have pride in your appearance, and to be impeccably dressed was instilled in me throughout my service. This philosophy has stayed with me ever since. So not wanting to be out dressed at the launch, I reached out to Tatem Huggins at Jack Victor, California, and ordered some items for the occasion.
The consignment arrived from California the evening before my flight which was the next day. I quickly tried everything on for fit, and realised a couple of pairs of trousers would need to be taken up at the hem, as they were 5 inches too long. This was inevitable as I am only 5′ 8″. Hastily alterations were made, garments pressed and loaded into cabin-sized carry-on suitcases, ready for the flight from Manchester to Milan.
My top tip here is not to panic like any brand online one has to get familiar with sizing. In a normal buying situation, I would have had more time to return for exchange.
Bomber jackets are timeless and very versatile to wear both day and night. This Tan Konnor Safari colour will team with any colour, on this occasion I opted for dark navy as I was walking the streets of Milan, getting in and out of cars so to avoid any stains one can never go wrong with navy.
What I Took To Milan
Teal Solid Hartford Knit, Wool, Silk, Linen Blazer. Size (42S)
Blue Hartford Knit, Wool, Silk, Linen Blazer. Size (38R)
Light Grey Sage 5-Pocket Travel Pant. Wool, Cotton, Linen, and Elastane. Size (32R)
Grey Solid Sage 5-Pocket Travel Pant. Cotton, Cashmere, and Elastane. Size (32R)
2 x Clandeboye Linen, Cotton Shirts, Light Blue, and Pink. Size (Medium)
1 x White/Grey Stripe Linen, Cotton Shirt. Size (Medium)
Navy Roslyn Cotton Knit Polo Shirt. Size (Medium)
Tan Konnor Safari/Bomber Jacket. Size (Medium)
Luxury Hotel Attire Tips
The first evening in Milan was spent at the Sheraton Milan Malpesa Airport Hotel. The morning of the 1st June, reveal day for the Lexus LBX SUV Crossover, saw a late morning start, I decided to attend breakfast casually dressed wearing the Grey Solid Sage 5-Pocket Travel Pants and Navy Roslyn Cotton Knit Polo Shirt. The trousers were very comfortable and Lightweight, they withstood the suitcase packing and flight, only requiring a light going over with an iron the night before. The Navy Roslyn Polo Shirt was also lightweight and airy. As can be seen from the photographs the colours complement each other, ideal for casual occasions.
Late morning, we were transferred to the Launch venue, Super Studio Maxi in the Moncucco district of Milan. This was more of a business environment. Before departing for the Super studio Maxi, a quick change of clothing was therefore required. I decided, as it was more formal, to wear the same Grey Solid Sage 5-Pocket Travel Pants, as they were so versatile. I also wore the Light Blue Clandeboye Linen Shirt and the contrasting Blue Hartford Knit, Wool, Silk, Linen Blazer. Various shades of blues and greys in combination are always a good choice for business casual wear. The trousers were as previously stated lightweight and crease-resistant. The blue linen shirt was soft on the skin and wasn’t itchy like some linen garments can be. The Blazer was a good fit, with stretch fabric in a great colour and had a really nice feel, again lightweight, ideal for wearing in the 26 degrees Celsius heat, experienced on the day. So my tip for Teal Solid Hartford Knit, Wool, Silk, Linen Blazer is:
Swap your suit jacket for something sportier. However, instead of going down the jeans and blazer route, try keeping your tailored trousers on but swapping the suit jacket for a solid-coloured textured jacket. Trust me, it’s going to look just as smart as something bespoke from Savile Row.
Evening Wear For Meetings Tips
Late afternoon we were on the move again, booking into the Radisson Collection, Santa Sofia Hotel for a couple of hours of free time before the evening’s venue, Opifico 31, for dinner and entertainment, which included a “Vegetal Degustation” (Vegetarian and Vegan Tasting Menu) from Matilde, an organic local supplier. For the evening’s gathering, I decided to wear the Light Grey Sage 5-Pocket Travel Pant, the Pink Clandeboye Linen Shirt, and the Teal Solid Hartford Knit, Wool, Silk, Linen Blazer. Wow! What a colour combination, striking pink, Light Grey against the bold Teal. As a man in my late 50’s I embrace wearing what some would call taboo colours for men, Pink and Teal. The Pink shirt combined with the Teal blazer was, if I say so myself, striking. I felt confident, my attire definitely got a few envious glances and favorable comments from both male and female attendees.
Milan Street Style Tips
The next morning, we had a couple of hours of free time before the transfer for the return flight. I, therefore, decided to get some early morning sightseeing done by visiting the Duomo di Milano, Milan’s Cathedral, and Rinascente Milano, Piazza Duomo, which is a high-end department store. The Duomo of Milan tells a story of faith and art spanning over six centuries. Construction work on the Duomo of Milan is thought to have begun in 1386.
It was very warm in Milan hence choosing to wear Navy Roslyn Cotton Knit Polo Shirt is perfect, cotton is very comfortable fabric to wear on hot days.
It was a 15-minute walk to the Duomo so I decided to wear a casual pair of trousers, the Navy Roslyn Cotton Knit Polo Shirt and the Tan Konnor Safari Jacket. I’ve already commented on the Polo Shirt but not the Safari Jacket. An excellently designed casual jacket with large colour contrasting buttons, numerous and well-designed pockets. I really enjoyed wearing this jacket, the feel of the suede together with the ribbed collar, cuffs,
and waist added to the style, a beautifully designed and made Safari/Bomber Jacket.
As previously stated, I am 5’ 8”, Jacket Size 38R, and Waist 32”. The sizes of the garments worn are listed in the 3rd Paragraph. I have conveyed this information for readers to gauge fitting to their own personal sizes/build. I take some images of these when they are taken up back in my home town Wales.
First Impressions
I was very impressed with the design, quality, feel, and versatility of the Jack Victor range. However, as someone who is vertically challenged, and of an athletic build, I tend to side with a more fitted look. This is not to say these outfits didn’t work, in fact, I think they smashed it out of the park.
As a reader what do you think? I would like to take this opportunity to thank Tatem Huggins for managing to put this line together and having it arrive on time. Very much appreciated.
