Icons only as Loro Piana makes known its signature creations, like the Icer.
(LORO PIANA)

Do not think of Loro Piana as “quiet luxury”. The Italian brand has been around for 100 years and remains one of the foremost producers of top-quality fabrics used by every luxury fashion house from Yves Saint Laurent to Giorgio Armani to Savile Row’s own Huntsman. Anyone with a go-to tailor would be more than familiar with Loro Piana pre-Succession, as it’s constantly name-dropped by tailors as one of their offerings as a mark of quality.

Ardent customers of Loro Piana are able to distinguish a Loro Piana piece quite easily—if not by look, by touch. The incorporation of its signature vicuña colour as trims, the hidden touches of luxurious comfort (a pocket lined with cashmere for instance), the white soles of the Summer Walk loafers, and more are all telltale signs of a Loro Piana creation.

If you are part of the camp unfamiliar with the brand’s classics, the brand is making it easier to do so. The Loro Piana Icons series is a consolidation of 12 key styles the brand has introduced over the years, each originally designed for a specific activity and then further developed into everyday classics. Collectively, the Icons embody Loro Piana’s ethos of masterfully merging functionality, comfort and versatility through the utmost attention to detail.

Consider the Icons series as a mainstay capsule collection. Pieces like the Horsey (a jacket first introduced in 1992 for the Italian Equestrian Olympic team), the formal Spagna jacket, and the impeccably lightweight and roomy Roadster jacket can each be easily worn over the Polo Open shirt or the Neopolitan-inspired André shirt. Finish with the aforementioned White Sole series—choose between the Summer Walk loafers or the Open Walk boots—or the Sergio Walk loafers, and you are pretty much set.

The Traveller. (LORO PIANA)
The Horsey. (LORO PIANA)
The Voyager. (LORO PIANA)
Sergio Walk loafers. (LORO PIANA)
The Spagna. (LORO PIANA)
The Grande Unita. (LORO PIANA)
The Roadster. (LORO PIANA)
The Bomber. (LORO PIANA)

The Icons series is rather outerwear heavy and there is good reason for that. Not only is the brand known for its quality fabrications, it has also come up with a number of nifty design elements and technologies to enhance functionality. Designed with numerous pockets and an adaptable back and waist, the Voyager jacket is also crafted from waterproof fabric to suit the needs of anyone constantly on the move; the Traveller field jacket is similarly constructed with a waist drawstring for that added versatility. The Storm System treatment is central to the Icer jacket—a cashmere ski jacket that is waterproof and wind-resistant—while Windmate makes the Loro Piana Bomber an indispensable sailing companion as it is lightweight and teamed with the warmth of cashmere.

To complete the 12-piece offering is the Grande Unita scarf. It is the oldest design in the series as it was one of the first finished products introduced by Sergio and Pier Luigi Loro Piana in the 1980s. The cashmere scarf is undoubtedly soft to the touch and is the embodiment of timeless elegance, functionality and comfort.

There is no telling if the Loro Piana Icons series is set to grow in the future, including more of its designs into the fold. If there is one contender that could easily find its way into being an Icon it would be the Bale bag. The leather bag was first introduced in Spring/Summer 2023 as part of the womenswear collection, inspired by cashmere bales. For the Autumn/Winter 2024 menswear collection, the Bale is reintroduced in an extra large hobo style for men while still retaining its unlined construction and bulbous shape. And of course, marked by that steely attention to detail and functionality.

Extra Large Bale Hobo bag in Warm Mastic, LORO PIANA
Extra Large Bale Hobo bag in Azuki Beans, LORO PIANA
Extra Large Bale Hobo bag in Salty Cappers, LORO PIANA

So is Loro Piana “quiet luxury”? At least, only to those not in the know.

1. Rocking Horse tote, BURBERRY

It might be odd to think that something as angular as this tote is called the Rocking Horse. The name actually refers to the line’s initial bag designs constructed with a curved base that allows them to easily rock like a rocking horse, and are distinguished by the “b” closure. Its tote incarnation keeps things classic with a briefcase-like silhouette for some serious corporate-appropriate style chops.

2. Chelsea boots, CELINE

We could all do with some added height and when it comes to heeled boots, hardly anything comes close to Hedi Slimane’s versions for CELINE. These are cut in a familiar Chelsea shape for fuss-free slipping in and off and the pointed toes immediately help to elongate the legs further. Also, peep that subtle Triomphe branding right at the ankle—an extra touch of if-you-know-you-know branding.

3. Gucci Savoy small cabin trolley, GUCCI

Gucci’s connection with London’s The Savoy goes all the way back to when founder Guccio Gucci worked as a porter at the famed hotel. The experience prompted him to found his own luggage atelier upon his return to Florence (no guesses what that eventually turned into). This cabin trolley is a nod to the very beginnings of Gucci, but of course, updated with wheels and a telescopic handle. When not in use, it makes for quite an ornamental interior piece much like a classic travel trunk.

4. Lace-up shoes, TOD'S

Nothing comes close to being as classic and unbelievably versatile as a pair of leather lace-ups. You’d easily be able to dress them up or down and they go with just about anything. Tod’s may be known for its pebble-soled Gomminos but the comfort of its footwear translates even to something as sturdy as a pair of leather lace-ups. The lugged rubber sole gives it a more contemporary flair and traipses the line between formal and casual seamlessly.

5. Black Bay, 41mm steel case with steel bracelet, TUDOR

The TUDOR Black Bay is an icon. And like most icons, it requires little tweaking. This latest iteration keeps all the design aesthetics with a monochromatic intent that successfully highlights every detail to perfection. The black sunburst dial is undoubtedly subtle but perfect for a timepiece you would want to put on every day, for any occasion.

6. Personal crossbody bag, RIMOWA

RIMOWA’s Personal crossbody bag receives a new seasonal colour in a stunning shade of emerald green, and it’s quite honestly one of the more eye-catching shades in its aluminium series yet. The shell is wrapped around leather straps in a darker shade of green that matches the leather interior, and the palladium hardware contrasts beautifully against the rich hue. It could be an intimidating colour to wear but match this with neutrals for a surefire way of pulling it off.

7. The Dandy eau de parfum, PENHALIGON'S

With an Art Deco-inspired bottle design, you would think that Penhaligon’s The Dandy is somewhat of a traditional, masculine fragrance—heavy, woody and mildly overbearing to most. Yet, the fragrance surprises by being woody without that heavy lingering of intensity. The hints of warm, spicy notes cut through slightly after a while for a more balanced take on a liquor-forward scent. The Dandy is definitely more of an evening scent but its lightweight quality could just as easily be used in the day too.

8. Scarf, LORO PIANA

Never underestimate the power of a scarf, especially one with hand-rolled trims and in colours that will never go out of style. Loro Piana updates the paisley print with bold, stark lines for a more elevated look. It’s a cashmere-silk blend that’s incredibly lightweight yet will definitely provide some warmth should you need it; or wear it loosely around the neck (in as many permutations as you could think of) to simply add a touch of irreverent elegance to an outfit.

9. Wasabi scented candle, LOEWE

The beauty of a Loewe candle is that the moment the wax completely burns off, the ceramic vessel can be used in a myriad of ways, all while looking like a piece of art. The latest Wasabi scent is one of the line’s more intense offerings with its green and spicy notes reminiscent of that first whiff of a spoonful of wasabi. Fair warning: this may make you crave for some sushi.

10. Card case, SAINT LAURENT

Yes, you don’t necessarily need a card case any more since everything is pretty much be done with your mobile. But neither do you need a watch nowadays too. It’s all about the aesthetics and this piece by Saint Laurent is a slim iteration with four card slots (just right). It also comes with a detachable strap you’d able to secure around a belt loop or wear around the neck as an accessory. The design is clever—the card slots are enveloped within a leather housing for added security.

Photography: Jaya Khidir
Styling: Asri Jasman
Photography Assistants: Aliy Alam and Syed Abdullah

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