Jul 27, 2015 Fashion
This story first appeared in the July/August 2015 issue of Metro. Photographs by Mark Barber.
Dobbs on his favourites:
I found the Louis Vuitton Président briefcase at a shop in London’s Knightsbridge that mostly sells vintage Hermès and Chanel. I was looking for a gift for my wife and I saw this. It was actually being used as a display prop but I had to have it. It was over 30 years old and had the most beautiful patina. Recently, I took it to Robert Niwa at Louis Vuitton and he arranged for the edges and handle to be restored to original condition. I now consider it a masterpiece.
I’ve always wanted a crocodile belt (not shown), but they really are expensive. However, early last year, after an intense negotiation session with our Italian belt-maker, they offered to make me a belt of my choosing as a gift. I seized my chance. It works best dressing up a really simple outfit, like worn-in denim and a black shirt.
I spotted the Hermès Arceau watch by chance in the window of an estate jewellery store in Paris — I’d just finished a long day and had got off the train a couple of stops before the hotel so I could have a walk. It’s an excellent early version of a watch that is now an icon among Hermès products, and I love the Arabic numerals and more discreet size.
I got the Stan Smiths when I was in my first band at high school. In the 80s. I don’t wear them much anymore, but I will never part with them. Being with friends, playing music, they’re very important and these shoes remind me of that.
Disclosure: Eddie von Dadelszen works with Tim Dobbs at Working Style.
