Imagine a world where luxury travel meets impeccable style. Enter Paul Croughton, a true connoisseur of elite travel experiences and the editor of the prestigious magazine bearing his name, which is a trusted guide for discerning jet-setters. With an extensive background that includes serving as the global editor-in-chief of Robb Report, Croughton is not just a traveler; he is a fountain of wisdom gathered from countless journeys across the globe.
One of Croughton’s most notable assets is his carefully curated wardrobe, which features a versatile array of softly structured suits, rich textures, and custom denim. His latest endorsement shines a spotlight on 100Hands, an Amsterdam-based shirtmaker that has garnered a reputation for excellence in craftsmanship. Founded in 2014 by Akshat Jain, a former investment banker, 100Hands has become synonymous with quality, employing up to fifty artisans for the meticulous creation of each shirt. This dedication to craftsmanship is evident in their elegant hand-sewn collars, lustrous mother of pearl buttons, and finely tailored side seams.
The brand's newest limited edition capsule collection introduces a stunning pairing of luxurious corduroy shirts and exquisite cashmere jackets, all modeled by Croughton himself. These pieces were captured in photographs by Jonathan Daniel Pryce, a well-known street style photographer who shares Croughton's passion for menswear.
Croughton describes the featured jackets as made from exceptional Loro Piana cashmere, highlighting two distinctive options: a rich brown traveler’s jacket and a sophisticated navy counterpart. The brown jacket, crafted from 480-gram Mongolian cashmere, boasts an invisible water-repellent treatment, ensuring its resistance to dust and stains while maintaining a lightweight, elegant silhouette. Croughton emphasizes its versatility, stating it pairs beautifully with everything from vintage jeans to tailored flannel trousers.
On the other hand, the navy jacket is even lighter, made from a 380-gram fiber that incorporates a rare stretch, enhancing comfort without compromising its refined shape. This thoughtful design is particularly advantageous for frequent travelers, allowing for ease of movement while retaining a polished appearance. Limited to just 30 pieces, these jackets represent one of 100Hands' most exclusive collections to date, as the fabrics have been specially developed for this launch.
Describing the navy jacket, Croughton notes its unique Nehru stand collar, likening its softness to that of a cherished cardigan. He challenges anyone to find a more comfortable casual jacket that maintains a level of sophistication suitable for a relaxed office environment.
Each jacket is the result of over 40 hours of precision tailoring and hand-finishing, mirroring the craftsmanship found in the brand’s renowned shirting line. This brings us to the second part of this capsule: two new fine corduroy shirts, adding to 100Hands’ impressive fabric repertoire that includes denim, jersey, flannel, and linen.
Traditionally seen as a practical fabric, corduroy is reimagined here through a fine-waled construction that delivers a silky touch and a contemporary aesthetic. Croughton praises the special quality of this corduroy, available in warm brown and off-white shades. He explains that the one-piece collar design of the brown shirt lends a casual vibe, while the off-white option serves as an elegant alternative to a standard white shirt—though perhaps best worn without a tie.
These jackets and shirts are designed to mix and match effortlessly, adhering to Croughton’s philosophy of tonal dressing. The subdued color palette allows for versatile combinations, whether pairing navy with off-white or layering different shades of brown. Each piece embodies a global versatility, ensuring that they seamlessly transition across various settings, whether you are navigating urban landscapes or enjoying a countryside retreat.
Ultimately, Croughton’s approach to style encapsulates a go-anywhere ethos, making the new 100Hands capsule not just functional but also aspirational. Whether you are traveling in first class or enjoying a laid-back Bank Holiday, these garments are poised to elevate any wardrobe and inspire a sense of elite travel prowess within us all.
