THE WATCH LIST: ALEKS CVETKOVIC
Aleks Cvetkovic can wear a pajama shirt under a double-breasted jacket with such easygoing authority that you feel like you have a fatal lack of imagination. His sartorial expertise is shared widely, whether it’s his podcast HandCut Radio, or his writing which has appeared in Robb Report, and the Telegraph, among other places. He’s also a consultant to a handful of tailors, shirt-makers and shoe-makers. Got all that? Let’s bid!
1970s Raleigh Esquire single-speed bike
Messing about with vintage bicycles is my version of playing with cars or classic scooters. This one is seriously tempting; I’m after a new bike to zip about north east London, and this single-speed number has been beautifully restored. I have an old Raleigh three-speeder at the moment, but it constantly slips its gears—this might well solve the problem.
Hackett seersucker sports coat
I have a theory that most of today’s designer brands produced the best clothes they ever have in the 1990s. This is part one of the evidence; a vintage Hackett seersucker coat with three-button closure, good sized lapels and solid construction. I can’t promise it was made in the ‘90s, but I have enough vintage Hackett in my wardrobe to bet on it. Grabbing pieces like this when they appear has become an unhealthy habit…
Polo Ralph Lauren guncheck sports coat
Here’s the evidence, part two. A vintage Polo Ralph Lauren sports coat (do the ‘90s count as vintage?) with simple patch pockets. It’s cut in a wool and angora blend, and was made in Italy. To my eye at least, this is from the period when Ralph Lauren used the old Corneliani factory. I think the jackets that factory made are best Ralph Lauren has ever produced.
1970s Le Must de Cartier Tank watch
I’m not a watch guy, I’m afraid. My priorities for any watch are that it’s understated, and fits snugly under a shirt cuff. The original 1970s Le Must de Cartier Tanks are perfect for this. I have a mechanical one with a plain chocolate dial that I treasure, but I’ve been thinking about buying a second option that’s a little more frivolous. This would do nicely.
Dark brown suede Gucci horse-bit loafers
I don’t own any horse-bit loafers, and I’ve always wanted a pair of fringed loafers too. I also don’t wear black shoes (except for eveningwear patents), so these espresso suede Gucci loafers tick a lot of boxes. The uppers aren’t in the cleanest condition, but hey, clothes are made to be worn.
Vintage Grenfell alpaca storm coat
One of the strangest things about Ebay is the perverse pleasure to be found in ‘watching’ items you know you’ll never buy. This stunning Grenfell storm coat is one of them. I’d love to own a huge alpaca-lined driving coat like this, but £2.5k is a little steep, sadly.
Medieval illuminated ‘book of hours’ prayer book leaf
I studied medieval literature at university, and Anglo-Saxon and middle English manuscripts fascinate me. This is another lot that I can only dream of bidding on, but if I ever hit the big-time, illuminated folios will the first thing I choose to collect.
THE WATCH LIST is a regular series where friends reveal their auction obsessions.