What in the world is this??

Pretty weird, isn't it?

Hello, Steve here. Today I want to feature a handy device called a Gentleman's Valet. It also goes by the more prosaic name Valet Stand, but I refuse to be that boring.

Ever since I spied my mate Richard's Gent's Valet I've wanted one. His is made of wood, a bit scuffed but still functional, and found by him amongst hard rubbish. Now, Richard is a real sharp dresser (soon to be featured on this very website). He wears a suit and tie everyday of the week. On this occasion, he'd casually draped yesterday's suit jacket over the coat hanger bit, popped his keys and wallet into the holder tray and plonked his trilby hat on top. There were also a few ties (he owns over 500 of 'em!!) hanging from the horizontal rail. It looked a treat. I was officially jealous.

Well, it was my birthday recently, and guess what my gal gave me as a present? That's right, a Gentleman's Valet! I love, love, love it! It is constructed from tubed steel, probably made in the 60s, and includes a comfy upholstered seat on which I perch whilst tying up my brown brogues. If one lifts the seat, one discovers a storage space for socks, jocks, or whatever. There is also an angled shoe rack underneath. It looks fantastic as a piece of furniture alone, but always better when it is adorned with Modern Gent finery.

The example below is a cool Cortesi Home Winfield Gent's Valet. It has a dark walnut finish, chrome accents, and a dark marble base. It features a trouser bar and an accessory tray. It, and others like it, can be found by following the link.

Gents everywhere, it could be a great addition to your bedroom, and possibly your love life ;-P

Jim

"I’ve worn hats since I was 18. I bought this one from City Hatters, beside Flinders St Station. It’s a trilby made by Akubra, the only style that suits me. My shoes are handmade by Rocco in Malvern. It’s a family business and all the musicians go there. I can kill cockroaches in the corner with these! I had my waistcoat and shirt handmade in Vietnam about 12 years ago and they’ve lasted very well. My daughter Grace buys cufflinks for me. I really like the bulky antique ones with coloured patterns. I don’t try to consciously match the things I wear, but it all seems to go together somehow if it’s worn with confidence. I like looking nice, even around the home; I don’t own casual clothes at all except for shorts to wear at gym. I admire Elvis Costello’s style. He’s all about straight lines and good quality clothes."

Sam

"Pretty much everything I wear has sentimental value. They are clothes I really love but other people sometimes think are daggy. I generally wear them until they fall off me (or are ripped off me in the case of a very memorable atomic wedgie a few years ago). This jacket was originally my father's, tailor-made for him. I rescued it just as he was about to throw it out. I love it and will never part with it. The hat was a gift from my partner Kirsty in an attempt to make me more fashionable. Behind every great man is a great woman trying to make him look better."