MR PORTER Summer Social

It's a real pity the MR PORTER Summer Social wasn't held only a few days later, when the South of England was graced with soaring temperatures and continual sunshine. Had that been the case, I would almost definitely have taken full advantage of the designer gifts offered to MR PORTER's party guests - dressed a sunlounger with a Cleverly Laundry swim towel, pulled on pairs of Thorsun swimshorts and Garrett Leight sunglasses, then taken a plunge into The Curtain's rooftop pool. (Or is splashing about not fashion week etiquette?)

Alas, our perch on the Shoreditch skyline was a tad breezy, with black and white beach balls attempting to escape from the Moroccan-style pool and across the terrace. But beneath the shelter of a glass-covered event space, in which some of MR PORTER's favourite summer labels were showcased, no spell of wind was going to stop the fashion week regulars from winding down after a weekend of shows.

As per usual, however, I was far too focused on documenting everybody else having fun to let myself enjoy the party. For one, it's very difficult to operate a Canon 6D while cluthing a gin and tonic. Perhaps it would make a pleasant change to give myself a break one fashion week, and not attend without a camera surgically attached to my right arm. Although I think we all know that's not going to happen any time soon.

Holidays with MR PORTER

MR PORTER's prelude to Christmas saw a Baker Street event space turned into a festive affair of gifts, grooming and gin cocktails. As the online menswear retailer showcased their favourite gifts and accessories for the holiday season, their guests were treated to a few pre-Christmas goodies of their own, as well as a selection of interactive experiences to perfect the art of gifting.

Among these, grooming brand Pankhurst London provided a pop-up barbershop beside the Sipsmith gin bar, calligraphers Lamplighter London monogrammed Montblanc passport holders to an ever growing queue of wanderlusters, and there was even pick 'n' mix sweets to satisfy one's inner child - without the extortionate cinema prices. And throughout the night, stationers Esme Winter wrapped present after present for guests to take home after their thoroughly festive evening.

City Kicks

Style and sensibility are two attributes which don't frequently go hand-in-hand. But for the hardened city commuter, the most important style essential is unquestionably a pair of comfortable shoes. Kicks, sneakers, trainers - whatever you choose to call them - dominate the footpaths on a typical London morning, as a sea of black, grey and navy suits teem past with multicoloured feet. Equally so, sneakers are my personal preference for comfort and convenience. Albeit given the only walking I do to and from work is the few steps to and from my car, a pair of my sneakers would do plenty more mileage on a weekend stroll.

Nike Roshe Daybreak sneakers c/o MR PORTER | Formal shirt c/o Hawes & Curtis
Selected Homme slim-fit trousers | Ray Ban Clubmaster sunglasses

If not purely for practicality, finding the balance between a shoe designed for sports and an outfit styled for formality is understandably a tad more of a challenge than, say, picking a pair of formal lace-ups to accessorise a new suit. I believe, however, a pair of sneakers should stand out on their own as much as they complement the full outfit. That's why I love these Nike Roshe sneakers from MR PORTER, in an orange, navy and white colourway that punches from the pavement. Even more so when they're the perfect contrast to the fifty shades of blue in my wardrobe, such as the pictured Hawes & Curtis striped shirt and Selected Homme trousers. Add the comfort and bounce of the cushioned "Roshe" soles, and we have a solid 10/10.

Before the summer, I hadn't contemplated shoe shopping with MR PORTER. However, as one of the top online destinations for designer menswear, their curated collection is enough to make a shoe lover swoon. There's even a dedicated Shoe Guide for the discerning shoe shopper, looking to find - and maintain - the perfect pair of designer footwear. Albeit I needed no additional advice or encouragement when I spotted these Nike Roshes. I wouldn't yet call myself a sneakerhead, but I was seduced. Move over Cuban heels.