2 Hermès tie A silk masterclass from the equestrian-heritage merchants: subtle repeated patterns and beautifully executed folding technique. Top-flight finishing for men.

3 Aston Martin V8 A big, posh, British metal penis of the highest performance levels, this is a prestige sports car that still has the decency to look menacing. Hand-assembled, it does 0-60mph in five seconds.

4 Valextra briefcase The most stylish thing you can hit a man over the head with before a business meeting — metaphorically speaking, of course. Secure and stylish, God uses one of these.

5 Mont Blanc pen The big, fat calligraphy governor. Undisputed.

6 Czech & Speake aftershave Only one man in every group of men friends is entitled to wear this. Are you the one? A truly evocative and worthy scent.

7 Turnbull & Asser shirt The ultimate in gentlemanly refinement and personalisation, it is mannish and indulgent without being remotely poncey.

8 Asprey cuff links Perfect style anvils that make a mockery of the man-jewellery debate.

9 Kilgour bespoke suit Hypnotically well-cut and proportioned suiting — just what you would expect from a Savile Row tailor.

10 Yves Saint Laurent evening scarf Debonair evening chic from the house that has encapsulated louche posturing for many years.

11 Dunhill driving gloves Overtones of criminality and fetishism make gloves exciting. Girls take note: a good glove delivers a well-weighted butt slap.

12 Mulberry wash bag A wholesome present from the house of wholesome Britishness. You couldn’t possibly be a rotter and own one of these, too.

13 Prada silk hanky Lively pocket squares that have op art and rhythm in fashion form. Not flouncey, just graphic.

14 Trumper’s hot shave A dying practice, but worth the visit to find out what life was like before the internet.

15 Ralph Lauren overcoat This designer sure knows how to drape a man’s overcoat. The sheen of the cashmere and the elegantly tilted pockets speak volumes.

16 James Smith & Sons umbrella and/or walking stick The ultimate gentleman’s pointing prop. Very covetable.

17 James Lock hat Hats are too important a statement to skimp on quality. James Lock has all angles covered.

18 Salvatore Ferragamo belt The Italian scourge of reptiles worldwide, Ferragamo has mastered the art of waist decoration.

19 Richard James wallet A low-key mark of modern gentlemanly sophistication.

20 Eos flight to New York The new private London-New York airline that only offers business class. For discerning egoists everywhere.

Explore Women

• Fashion

• Beauty

• Diet & Fitness

• Relationships

• Families

• Celebrity

• The Way We Live

• Horoscopes

Times recommends

• Are eldest children really a cut above?
• Peaches Geldof: censored
• Top 10 style-setting films of all time