A lonely man drifts through Hong Kong. His wife is cheating on him and he’s in love with his neighbour. He passes between neon-lit alleyways, drab offices and cramped kitchens, the clock ticking down to nothing in particular; the same songs playing on repeat. His landlady and her friends play raucous games of mahjong into the early hours. And his neighbour is in love with him, too, but these feelings settle into a quiet, aching inaction. Their shoulders brush in the back of a taxi, noodles are eaten on a bed, an umbrella is shared during a midnight downpour.

Start at the bottom and work your way up. No, we’re not giving out career advice or describing the property ladder – it’s Style 101. It doesn’t matter where you’re heading, paying extra attention to your footwear is crucial as it can have a real impact on how your day pans out. And one of the most important items on your shoe rack? Your hiking boots.

For those who aren’t entrenched in the world of menswear, the medieval hamlet of Solomeo in central Italy – a lesser-known beauty spot in a country with no shortage of picturesque towns and villages – likely flies under the radar. For those who are, however, it instantly invokes just one name: Brunello Cucinelli.

And just like that… the season of giving has arrived. Do you already see yourself rushing around, trying to pick out last-minute gifts come December? You’re not alone. Not to sound like a broken record but being prepared helps to make the weeks – or months, rather – in the lead up to the big day that little bit easier. You never know, you might even end up enjoying the process.

A lonely man drifts through Hong Kong. His wife is cheating on him and he’s in love with his neighbour. He passes between neon-lit alleyways, drab offices and cramped kitchens, the clock ticking down to nothing in particular; the same songs playing on repeat. His landlady and her friends play raucous games of mahjong into the early hours. And his neighbour is in love with him, too, but these feelings settle into a quiet, aching inaction. Their shoulders brush in the back of a taxi, noodles are eaten on a bed, an umbrella is shared during a midnight downpour.

Start at the bottom and work your way up. No, we’re not giving out career advice or describing the property ladder – it’s Style 101. It doesn’t matter where you’re heading, paying extra attention to your footwear is crucial as it can have a real impact on how your day pans out. And one of the most important items on your shoe rack? Your hiking boots.