The Ultimate Gentleman’s Essentials by Hills & West

The Ultimate Gentleman’s Essentials by Hills & West

What are the ultimate essentials for the dapper gentleman?

While creating our latest capsule collection for him, we wanted to ensure that we did the research; asking the dashing gents in our midst, the bespoke tailors and whiskey lovers, and so on, what they thought would be the ultimate must haves for the dapper gentleman.

Our first point of reference was the Men’s Society who state that grooming, drinking, style, culture, travel adventure and of course chivalry, are all components that essentially make an ideal Gentleman.

The Men’s Society Guide covers social protocols, the necessary skills required for grooming and superior style, basically everything you need that will distinguish you from the pack.

We wanted to share some of their insights as well as some of our local Australian Men’s essential providers, including our very own curated Gentleman’s Essentials Evening for the launch of our latest Leather Gentleman’s Essentials collection, on the 24th of October, in Sydney.

We would also like to give two dapper gentlemen the chance to join us as we talk whisky, drink a cocktail or two and discuss some of the other essentials required to take you into your week in style.

More below…

The greatest of man is not in how much wealth he acquired, but in his integrity and his ability to affect those around him positively. Bob Marley

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The Men’s Society covers grooming, shaving, beard care, drinking, wardrobe staples, culture across books, music, film and travel, and finally manners (including hospitality).

Here are a few fun tips we thought we would share…


Moustache Manners: Don’t Suck…

Not just for Movember, the moustache is a bold yet legit look these days. Whether you’re going for a John Waters or a Sam Elliot (we recommend somewhere in-between) one thing should be remembered: Consuming food, soup, or beer off of your moustache is not to be done in polite company. Sure if you are out with the guys, no one will care, but sucking Guinness foam off your moustache at a dinner party is gross.


How to Bald Gracefully…

To avoid thinning, cotton candy-looking hari, a very short cut – such as a buzz cut – is a great option for balding men, allowing you to embrace that near cur-ball look, like Sir Patrick Stewart.


Fashion Faux Pas 101

Have you ever noticed how new coats have pockets and vents sewn shut (as do blazers, spots coats and suit jackets)? Well, the pupose of this stitching is to help the garment gold its shape while it is on the rack but once you have purchased said item, REMOVE THIS STITCHING, unless you don’t mind being judged by others as a style amature. This also includes that little tag on the outer sleeves from coats and jackets and any large, white basting stitches on the shoulders of suit coats. A seam ripper is a great tool for this purpose, and if you don’t know what that is, ask your mother.


Respect Your Own Boundaries

If physical touch isn’ something you’re comfortable with, thats okay too – shrugging off or moving out of reach is a subtle way of telling that new acquaintance you don’t want their hand on your arm.


The Criterion Collection

To further your education on the best films ever made, consult the Criterion Collection’s website (criterion.com). Since 1984, the Criterion Collection has made classic and contemporary films available at the highest technological standards, along with additional features. If a film is part of the Criterion Collection, you can trust that its standard is excellent on many levels.


Mansplaining

When a woman is explaining something, do you find yourself interrupting her with an “Actually…?” Then you’re a mansplainer. “Mansplaining” is a derogatory term that has recently entered our lexicon. What does it mean? Well, it is when a man speak condescendingly to a woman, even though she has a greater knowledge on the topic at hand, because you know, he’s a man (eye roll).


Last but not least…

Liquor before beer never fear or beer before liquor never sicker

Which rule is correct? Neither of them. Alcohol is alcohol. So follow the rule: Try not to overdo it!


“A gentleman is someone who does not what he wants to do, but what he should do.”

– Haruki Munakami

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So who have we curated some of the best local gentlemen’s essentials… let us introduce you to some of the dapper gents & curators who will be launching our Men’s Collection.

David from Cocktail Archive Co.

Mixing cocktail favourites from an Old Fashioned, to Negronis, Vespers and Espresso Martinis.

Cocktail Archive Co. is a trend-setting bottled cocktail shop offering premium handcrafted cocktails for hotels, home, office or bespoke events. Established by seasoned industry veterans they aim to deliver consistent perfection to every cocktail anywhere you want it.

Pete, AKA Whiskey Pete, is from Gentleman’s Cabinet who takes you on a whiskey journey form conception to today.

Gentleman’s Cabinet is one man’s vision of bringing people together through the appreciation and education of fine cigars & whiskey. Peter Stevens is the gentleman behind Gentleman’s Cabinet.

Rami from The Bespoke Corner Tailors,

the ultimate in style and bespoke tailoring.

The Bespoke Corner believe in quality over quantity, and in creating stories, romance, and connections with the finest clothing. Their founders Miles Wharton and Rami Mikhael have created an experience which goes beyond simply creating fine garments. They embody the values of style and quality with everything they do, and we bring their clients along for a journey in creating their own unique presence.

“Fashions fade, style is eternal.”

– Yves Saint Laurent

Culture through art from the sophisticated M. Contemporary gallery in Woollahra.

Curator Louise will take you through an artistic wonderland showcasing some of the best local and international artists currently exhibited in their stunning gallery.

.M Contemporary is a gallery space that aims to create a cross-cultural conversation through exhibiting and supporting emerging and established artists from around the world. Since opening in Sydney in 2013.

During our Gentleman’s evening, the Sally McKay exhibition will be running; taking viewers on a captivating journey into the realms of Seeds. This exhibition is extraordinarily beautiful in its detail. The untold story of Seeds, delicately weaved and photographed within the signature circular works McKay produces.


The Ultimate Gentleman’s Essentials Evening – 24th October – Launching our Men’s Collection

Hosted by the gorgeous team from .M Contemporary (where we launched our Lunar Collection in December last year), is a beautiful and inspiring space to entertain.

Dapper Gentlemen will be welcomed with a cocktail from the wonderful team at Cocktail Archive Co.

Then at 6.30pm we will take you on a mini masterclass of whisky with the knowledgeable Whisky Pete from the Gentleman’s Cabinet.

Hills & West will then talk style, taking you through our latest Gentleman’s Essentials Collection, followed by the latest suit styling trends, fabrics and ‘how to wear’ tips, from The Bespoke Corner Tailors.

We want to join in unison as we talk whisky, leather accessories, bespoke tailoring and art, all whilst enjoying a delicious grazing table of food.

What more can a Gentleman want!

“Make the best of every moment. We’re not evolving. We’re not going anywhere.”

– David Bowie

So who have we curated some of the best local gentlemen’s essentials… let us introduce you to some of the dapper gents & curators who will be launching our Men’s Collection.

David from Cocktail Archive Co.

Mixing cocktail favourites from an Old Fashioned, to Negronis, Vespers and Espresso Martinis.

Cocktail Archive Co. is a trend-setting bottled cocktail shop offering premium handcrafted cocktails for hotels, home, office or bespoke events. Established by seasoned industry veterans they aim to deliver consistent perfection to every cocktail anywhere you want it.

Pete, AKA Whiskey Pete, is from Gentleman’s Cabinet who takes you on a whiskey journey form conception to today.

Gentleman’s Cabinet is one man’s vision of bringing people together through the appreciation and education of fine cigars & whiskey. Peter Stevens is the gentleman behind Gentleman’s Cabinet.

Rami from The Bespoke Corner Tailors,

the ultimate in style and bespoke tailoring.

The Bespoke Corner believe in quality over quantity, and in creating stories, romance, and connections with the finest clothing. Their founders Miles Wharton and Rami Mikhael have created an experience which goes beyond simply creating fine garments. They embody the values of style and quality with everything they do, and we bring their clients along for a journey in creating their own unique presence.

“Fashions fade, style is eternal.”

– Yves Saint Laurent

Culture through art from the sophisticated M. Contemporary gallery in Woollahra.

Curator Louise will take you through an artistic wonderland showcasing some of the best local and international artists currently exhibited in their stunning gallery.

.M Contemporary is a gallery space that aims to create a cross-cultural conversation through exhibiting and supporting emerging and established artists from around the world. Since opening in Sydney in 2013.

During our Gentleman’s evening, the Sally McKay exhibition will be running; taking viewers on a captivating journey into the realms of Seeds. This exhibition is extraordinarily beautiful in its detail. The untold story of Seeds, delicately weaved and photographed within the signature circular works McKay produces.


The Ultimate Gentleman’s Essentials Evening – 24th October – Launching our Men’s Collection

Hosted by the gorgeous team from .M Contemporary (where we launched our Lunar Collection in December last year), is a beautiful and inspiring space to entertain.

Dapper Gentlemen will be welcomed with a cocktail from the wonderful team at Cocktail Archive Co.

Then at 6.30pm we will take you on a mini masterclass of whisky with the knowledgeable Whisky Pete from the Gentleman’s Cabinet.

Hills & West will then talk style, taking you through our latest Gentleman’s Essentials Collection, followed by the latest suit styling trends, fabrics and ‘how to wear’ tips, from The Bespoke Corner Tailors.

We want to join in unison as we talk whisky, leather accessories, bespoke tailoring and art, all whilst enjoying a delicious grazing table of food.

What more can a Gentleman want!

“Make the best of every moment. We’re not evolving. We’re not going anywhere.”

– David Bowie

If this sounds like the ultimate evening for you, send us an email at hello@hillsandwest.com and tell us in 100 words why you and a friend would like to attend.

Go forth and conquer dapper gents!

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