The earliest memory I have of my father is watching him reading the paper in the garden, wearing a white T-shirt, sun-drenched jeans and classic black Gucci loafers, with no socks. I assume this is where my (healthy) obsession with footwear began. And this sockless style has become in vogue in menswear recently, perhaps fueled by the success of sites like The Sartorialist and the American designer Thom Browne.

There is something elegant about the sockless look when executed with a quality lace-up or loafer, injecting an air of informality into the look of a tailored trouser. It’s about the carefree lifestyle, and the image of someone who spends their day relaxing in a square with an espresso. Don’t get me wrong, I love socks, tall, striped, coloured, and especially when all I ever see on the morning commute is monotonous greys and black.

The sockless style can be hazardous for shoes, however. For instance, the interior heel of my loafers has become worn and slightly stretched, so this is not for the faint-hearted. I would suggest a little talcum powder here and there as well to avoid any unpleasant smells. Just make sure you always air them out after use (like raw denim, I’ve heard putting them in the freezer for a short stint can work wonders).

For those of you looking to inject some leisure into your footwear, consider losing the socks.

Christian Kimber (Style Sage)

Friday was the annual MTBA summer party (Master Tailors’ Benevolent Association). It’s one of two events every year that brings together all the tailoring fraternity and is consistently a great event (the other big gathering being the dinner just before Christmas).

The Merchant Taylors’ Hall, where it is held, is a wonderful series of rooms around a stone courtyard dating back to 1347. It was particularly lovely this year, as the shelter and stone construction made it a cool place to spend a hot summer evening.

Sharing a few pictures of the night, at top is myself with Graham Browne cutters Dan (left) and Russell (right). Below are another Dan (left), a tailor at Anderson & Sheppard who received an MBTA certificate and Eric Musgrave (right), author of Sharp Suits and now director general of the UK Fashion & Textile Association. Bottom is myself, again, with Karl (centre), front of house at Anderson & Sheppard, and James (right), a coat cutter at A&S.

Photography: Andy Barnham

The newest issue of the Rake is now available in the Lodger store. These are a bestseller in the store and we’re still the only stockist in the UK.

The latest issue of The Rake, featuring Sir Paul Smith on the cover, is now available in the Lodger store - still the only place you can get it retail in the UK. Hurry on in, they go quick!

From sneakers to superheroes, artist Dave White’s work is inspired by the icons of modern culture. With his choice of subjects stemming from childhood fascinations with military hardware and toy cars, as seen in his ‘Planes, Tanks and Automatics’ and ‘Forgotten Alchemy’ series, Dave has never really had to grow up and grow out of his childhood loves.

And his obsession with boys’ toys doesn’t end here. Dave has collaborated with Kid Robot and has produced one-off character editions for the launch of Street Fighter IV.

After completing a degree in fine art at Liverpool University, based in John Lennon’s old studio, Dave developed what is now his contemporary pop art signature. Countless exhibitions later, Dave now displays his work globally as part of several group and solo exhibitions.

Most well known for his ‘sneaker’ series, which caught the attention of Nike, Dave went on to produce a series of energetic paintings as well as several limited edition customised pairs including Air Force-inspired Nike Air Force Ones.

And it wasn’t just Nike that picked up on Dave’s talent; he was also commissioned to produce a painting of Coke’s limited edition Cherry Coke can designed by Jay-Z.

From action heroes and sneakers, to women, Dave has also produced several pieces inspired by female pin-ups as part of his ‘Sweetheart’s and Sirens’ series. And it is one of his portraits of Burlesque performer Lola La Belle that is currently on display at the Lodger store.

Thanks Dave.

Lauren Felton

The latest issue of The Rake, featuring Alessandro Sartori of Z Zegna as well as our own Simon Crompton on the personal shopping service at Harrod’s, is now in the Lodger shop. Come in and pick up a copy.