PARISIAN CASHMERE: EXEMPLAIRE!

When Paris-based businessman Mr Jean-Victor Meyers couldn't find cashmere knits which met his exacting standards, he decided to collaborate with a close friend, Mr Louis Leboiteux, and make his own. In this way Exemplaire was born, and since its inception in February 2012 this young label has carved out a niche for itself by offering knits that match the quality of traditional brands such as Loro Piana and Hermès with the fashionable, clean aesthetic common to names such as Saint Laurent and Dior Homme. 

"On the one hand you had sweaters which were very high quality and very classic, and on the other there were 'designer' ones which were available in slimmer fits, with darker colours and leather detailing, but there were none which combined the look I wanted with the level of quality," Mr Meyers explains.

''It's all about having a nonchalant attitude... and of course there's a hint of rock'n'roll attitude too''

Exemplaire now fills that gap in the market nicely with its precisely cut, sombre-coloured knits that work as well in the office as they do for a night on the town. "They're also great for travelling," Mr Meyers says, "since cashmere is a very luxurious fabric, but it's also extremely comfortable, and that tactile appeal can be welcome on long flights." Whether you opt for the turtleneck cableknit, the shawl-collar zip-up cardigan or one of the classic crew or V necks, you can be sure that the quality and finishing will be impeccable. 

"As well as working with the world's leading cashmere supplier to get the best yarns, we also work with highly skilled craftsmen in France and Italy to construct the pieces properly," Mr Meyers tells us. And what about the secret to getting that Parisian look which Exemplaire encapsulates so well? "It's all about having a nonchalant attitude, and investing in discreet yet sophisticated pieces with subtle details that you can carry over from season to season," he says, "and of course there's a hint of rock'n'roll attitude too." Check through the gallery, below, to view the collection.

WINTER GLOVES!

Get your hands on, and in, a pair of these!

There's nothing fashionable about frostbite, so it's worth investing in a pair of quality gloves to protect your hands from the elements this winter. Practicality aside, gloves are great for adding a contrasting point of texture or colour to your outfit and, crafted from fine leather, they are attractive to the eye in their own right. After all, gloves have been worn by kings and emperors as a status symbol since antiquity. Click through the gallery below to see five of our favourite pairs this season.

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GO GRAPHIC: STATEMENT SWEATERS!

 Fashionspam's Winter Favourite!

JIL SANDER DINOSAUR INTARSIA CAMEL AND WOOL-BLEND SWEATER

Balancing a playful sensibility with a grown-up silhouette, this Jil Sander dinosaur intarsia sweater reflects the blend of youthful and subervise energy that characterised the label's FW12 collection. The knitted camel and wool-blend fabric has a homely feel which is starkly contrasted by the colours and sharp design. Take a styling tip from the catwalk show and wear this piece over a white shirt and black tailored trousers.Shown here with a Paul Smith shirt and trousers, Alexander McQueen boots and a Drake's tie.

YMC NAVAJO-INSPIRED LAMBSWOOL SWEATER

Inspired by traditional Navajo patterns, this YMC sweater is a contemporary autumn essential. It has been knitted in sharp shades of grey and searing orange from soft lambswool for comfort and warmth on crisp mornings. Layer this rustic piece under a waxed-cotton jacket and add some leather boots for rugged appeal. Shown here with an Aubin & Wills gilet, A.P.C. shirt and shoes, and Edwin jeans.

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STOCKHOLM - DAY & NIGHT - MR PORTER

MR PORTER travelled to Stockholm, Sweden, to shoot four of their winter essentials, worn in ways that work for both day and night.

 

Sweden's picturesque capital sits astride 14 islands at the heart of the Stockholm Archipelago. Criss-crossed with narrow cobbled streets and crystal-clear waterways, Stockholm is a beautiful, cosmopolitan city, but one that's also bitterly cold during the winter. It is this contrast between a vibrant culture and an unforgiving climate that is at the root of its much-celebrated style. Elegant and modern, but with a simplicity born of necessity, Stockholm's distinctive look is a reflection of the city itself, and one that has placed it emphatically on the style map. Embracing this form-meets-function approach, MR PORTER visited the city to demonstrate four versatile winter essentials that work at any time, day or night. 

Click here to SHOP the items featured!