These are the luxury wardrobe upgrades to gift this Christmas

This season, Luca Faloni showcases its superlative knits, timeless tailoring, meticulously crafted accessories, and more

Words: Josh Lee

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Although widely accepted as the most glorious period of the year, Christmas can often turn into an unregulated whirlwind of chaos whereby you’re non-stop fluctuating from deadline to party to wrestling with the last-minute-shopping crowds. But, of course, with a bit of prep, it doesn’t have to be this way, especially when it comes to picking up presents.

To help you during these weeks of shortlisting and buying, we’re ushering you towards Luca Faloni, the master of Italian menswear whose slow-fashion pieces are weaved with an unwavering craft focus and an evergreen spirit and, therefore, will remain in its customers' wardrobe for decades to come. The fact that all of the brand’s creations are produced from the most premium of materials sourced from traditional, storied Italian artisans – whether it’s full-grain leather from Santa Croce, in Tuscany, or piqué from a historic mill in Brescia – further dials up the elevated, timeless slant.

The ‘Dolomiti Grey’ chunky-knit cashmere cardigan, a signature piece of the season, is a great point from which to start. Crafted from fine yarns from Cariaggi – a factory whose 65 years of spinning experience creates a material that guarantees supreme softness and durability – it is a reliable staple to pack away for the après-ski. The piece can also either be dressed up with a white brushed-cotton shirt – perfect to wear for festive afterwork drinks – or made casual when worn over a plain T-Shirt. We also appreciate the classic shawl collar as well as the ribbed handle, which makes a subtle textural statement, one that’s best anchored by neutral items, such as these pleated wool trousers in charcoal grey.

For knitwear that’s a bit lighter, consider the country crew neck in cashmere, as its medium-weight feel (375g) is suitable for the transitional seasons. Details, such as its ribbed neckline and cross-stitch collar also give it a considered, distinguished look. Worthy of note, too, is Luca Faloni’s well-fitted stone-grey pure-cashmere hoodie that can either be layered under a coat or worn as a main piece of outerwear on warmer days.

Then, with the social period in mind, a stretch that will extend into the new year and beyond, we also suggest some more formal designs. Perhaps he’d like to button up this charcoal-grey blazer, which has been handmade in northern Italy, is created with a light and velvety texture, and features a beaver finish that improves in appearance over time. It’s also worth diving into the bevy of signature men’s shirts, available in either cotton, cashmere-cotton, silk-cotton or linen. Or, if you’re thinking of something with a more easygoing edge, but is no less refined, you may want to tie the bow on the pure-cashmere cable-knit rollneck – noted for its white-Christmas-appropriate ivory hue – that’ll add sophistication to your eveningwear ensemble, especially when worn under a velvet jacket.

With regards to stocking fillers, a pair of nubuck-leather gloves, handmade by artisans who’ve lined the interior with cashmere, is a bijou option that works equally well in the countryside as it does in the city. For something that’ll tie up an ensemble, the calf-leather belt pairs with myriad clothing options and features a hand-stitched buckle that guarantees maximum strength. Or, for a larger accessory that can cart around an on-the-go wardrobe in style, try the durable and sleek ‘Weekender’ holdall – produced in Florence from vegetable-tanned full-grain leather, it can be used for a quick winter getaway to Manhattan, or a sojourn on the Amalfi Coast.

So, to assuage your gift-giving worries in the coming weeks, we recommend you consider any one of Luca Faloni’s finely crafted items to send to your loved ones – or, if it's been a rather taxing year, to yourself.