Find out where the world’s best-connected men stay, dine and drink with our new-look Style Council, in association with IWC Schaffhausen.

Ask 110 of the world’s best-connected men to open their contacts file and share their favourite restaurants, bars and hotels (plus which dish to order, table to reserve, room to book), and you’d have a pretty comprehensive guide to the best places and spaces on Earth. That’s what we did, and this is why we want to introduce you to the relaunched MR PORTER Style Council, in association with IWC Schaffhausen. It is the insider’s guide to the best the world has to offer in an easy-to-filter, easy-to-share format that not only tells you where to go (and advises you what to wear), but also makes it easy for you to get there – we have integrated booking services Open Table and Uber.

Our members were all personally invited by a MR PORTER committee because we admired their style, were impressed by their city-hopping, and respected their ability to sniff out the new as well as remain loyal to the classic.

To celebrate the new-look Style Council – it originally launched five years ago, but we’ve reimagined, redesigned and re-engineered the whole experience – six of our favourite members share their tips for what to see, eat, drink (and wear) this autumn.

**NEW YORK **Stylist and creative consultant

Taipei-born Mr Eugene Tong is a New York-based stylist and creative consultant who works with cult US brands Public School, John Elliott and, most recently, Kith. A regular on the fashion circuit, he spends at least 10 days a month travelling. Mr Tong has fan sites dedicated to his largely monochromatic personal style, which fuses high fashion and sportswear. A self-confessed sneakerhead and clean freak, he was the perfect person to front our video on how to keep your white sneakers white.

What are your go-to places in New York?

Basta Pasta on 17th Street between Fifth and Sixth. It’s this Japanese-run Italian restaurant that started in Tokyo and it has this cool open Iron Chef-style kitchen. It’s in my neighbourhood, so they know me in there. I love the baby chicken salad with the house-made hot sauce. A bar I like is <a href="https://www.mrporter.com/style-council/place/the-rose-bar-d0486c11f5b4c713">The Rose Bar</a> at The Gramercy, which is this really grand, high-ceilinged space. My drink is <a href="www.mrporter.com/daily/how-and-where-to-drink-whisky/921">whisky</a> on the rocks and they have a good selection of Japanese whiskies. But to stay, <a href="https://www.mrporter.com/style-council/place/the-mercer-144c1cc98c5c6091">The Mercer</a> is the place I recommend to friends who come to visit. It’s well-located in SoHo and the service is great.

Travel essentials?

I just bring a small capsule of what I wear in a <a href="https://www.mrporter.com/en-gb/mens/designers/rimowa">Rimowa</a>. I pretty much have a uniform: it’s usually black, grey, or navy and white. It all goes. It’s just shrinking it down into a suitcase.

Do you have a travel routine?

I dress in comfy clothes. I have to have an aisle seat and I try to sit as close to the exit as possible. I’m one of those freaks that wipes down my seat. I put Tiger Balm under my nose so I can breathe in clean menthol-y air. I’m giving away all my secrets.

Why do you love New York?

There isn’t anywhere else I want to live. Every time I fly into New York and see the city as we land, it is a great feeling. It just feels like home.

Which are your other favourite cities?

<a href="https://www.mrporter.com/style-council/places/tokyo">Tokyo</a>. I love everything about it: the shopping, the food, the culture. For fashion people, that’s Mecca. Everyone in <a href="www.mrporter.com/journal/the-exclusive/the-japanese-brands-you-need-to-know/643">Japan</a> is super-stylish. There’s a high level of mutual respect. I also think, being a bit OCD, I love how clean the country is.

Which is your favourite hotel?

The Park Hyatt either in <a href="https://www.mrporter.com/style-council/place/park-hyatt-tokyo-e5cee52bee0f815f">Tokyo</a>, Paris, or <a href="https://www.mrporter.com/style-council/place/park-hyatt-milan-45d59ef371f8c59b">Milan</a>. They remember you, what rooms you like, what you like to drink. I appreciate a welcome-back card, just some sort of acknowledgment that you’re a good customer.

BERLIN Founder, Paddle8

By night, Mr Alexander Gilkes is the debonair go-to auctioneer for major charity fundraisers around the world. By day, this Englishman in New York is chairman and co-founder of Paddle8, an innovative online auction site that has blown the dust off selling art in the digital age. Earlier this year, Paddle8, with offices in New York and London, merged with German rival Auctionata, a move that means Mr Gilkes now spends several days a month in Berlin.

How are you enjoying getting to know Berlin?

I’ve had a fair amount of downtime in the city in which to explore the art scene and discover some great restaurants. There’s a little farm-to-table place called Lokal, which I love, but the real clubhouse for Berlin still seems to be the <a href="https://www.mrporter.com/style-council/place/grill-royal-116dd21c4c71b49e">Grill Royal</a>. I always stay at <a href="https://www.mrporter.com/style-council/place/soho-house-berlin-39535e58d75faaec">Soho House</a> – their Berlin property is, I think, their finest.

Which hotel has the best service in your experience?

The Mandarin Oriental in <a href="https://www.mrporter.com/style-council/places/hong-kong">Hong Kong</a>. You get off the plane, you’re met by your dedicated concierge who escorts you through immigration to a waiting car, in which you are immediately handed a refreshing towel. You arrive at the hotel to be greeted by the manager, your suit is taken away and pressed within half an hour. They give you your whole itinerary of meetings. It’s just… Wow!

Favourite restaurant?

<a href="https://www.mrporter.com/style-council/place/sweetings-15bd214a7855dc9e">Sweetings</a> in London, in the City, a beautiful 150-year-old fish restaurant that is only open for lunch. And there’s a noisy, energetic place called El Rinconcillo in Seville with a slate bar and your order is written up in chalk and tallied up by the barman. I think Seville could be my favourite city to visit in the world.

Holdall or suitcase?

I typically take my <a href="https://www.mrporter.com/mens/designers/globe_trotter">Globe-Trotter</a> carry-on suitcase and a suit carrier that I fill to the max and drape over the case. On most airlines I get away with that as hand luggage so I can take a two-week trip without having to check any bags, which I’m proud to have mastered.

What are your travel essentials?

Wax earplugs, <a href="https://www.mrporter.com/mens/designers/master_and_dynamic">Master & Dynamic</a> headphones, multiple adapters and I have a little pouch that remains in my Globe-Trotter that has just every currency from the countries I travel to.

Best way to score an upgrade?

I was always fiercely loyal to British Airways and managed to get to Gold status, but never got an upgrade. So, on good advice, I switched to American Airlines and pretty much nine times out of 10 I am able to buy a coach-class ticket but use points to upgrade. If you know which times and routes to fly, you can be pretty sure of an upgrade.

LONDON Founder, The Business of Fashion

The former management consultant founded the Business of Fashion nearly a decade ago. It started as a blog, and has since gained traction among the upper echelons of the industry. Today, it had become the authority in trade news and analysis. In 2013, it launched the annual BoF500, the fashion equivalent of the Time 100. Mr Imran Amed is based in London, but spends a considerable amount of time abroad, this year having visited Australia, Dubai and China, as he cements his position as the founder of a global publication.

Which are your favourite restaurants in London?

<a href="https://www.mrporter.com/style-council/place/chisou-25395d96150ddb79">Chisou</a> on Princes Street is near our office, a stone’s throw from Oxford Circus. The food is fresh and the service is swift. I always order the horenso salad, a spinach and shrimp salad with a delicious vinaigrette. Another new favourite is <a href="https://www.mrporter.com/style-council/place/farmacy-90170005c0e33571">Farmacy</a>, with healthy and tasty dishes, especially the Indian and Mexican bowls.

What is your favourite bar?

I love the David Collins-designed bar at <a href="https://www.mrporter.com/style-council/place/the-connaught-bar-262b5353d792b377">The Connaught</a>, best known for its excellent martini trolley.

What are your travel essentials?

As someone who is constantly on the road, I’ve gone through many different luggage options. Today, my favourite is a Muji hard case (it is as sturdy and well designed as much more expensive options, which, in my experience, have broken after only a year or two) along with a collapsible American Apparel duffel bag for things I might pick up along the way. I never leave town without Vaishaly face wash, which keeps my skin clean, regenerated and refreshed.

Where do you like to go on holiday?

By far, my favourite city escape is Tokyo. Every time I go, I discover something new. Last time, it was this amazing Vintage store called J’Antiques, by far one of the best curations of affordable vintage finds I have seen anywhere. For relaxation, it’s probably at a Paradise Road hotel in Sri Lanka, my favourite is the Villa Bentota.

Which is your favourite hotel in the world?

At <a href="https://www.mrporter.com/style-council/place/the-upper-house-4eb79dfa0cf4faf0">The Upper House</a> in Hong Kong, the rooms are luxurious, the food is delicious, the bar is lively, the views are incredible, and they treat you like you’re at home.

What is your number-one style tip?

Be your own icon. Find your own style, one that reflects who you are and who you want to be. Don’t just follow other people.

Which are your preferred brands?

<a href="https://www.mrporter.com/mens/designers/sacai">Sacai</a>, <a href="https://www.mrporter.com/mens/designers/gucci">Gucci</a>, <a href="https://www.mrporter.com/mens/designers/thom_sweeney">Thom Sweeney</a>, <a href="https://www.mrporter.com/mens/designers/dries_van_noten">Dries Van Noten</a>. Each of them has a distinctive aesthetic and have a good selection in small sizes. I like classic <a href="https://www.mrporter.com/mens/designers/prada">Prada</a> shoes and for accessories I wear backpacks. My new one is by <a href="https://www.mrporter.com/mens/designers/maison_margiela">Maison Margiela</a>.

Which gadget can you not do without?

It’s not an original answer, but it's the most accurate and honest: my iPhone 7 allows me to work, even if I am away, and stay connected to the people I love.

PARIS Founder, Bureau Betak

The Bureau Betak production company was founded more than 25 years ago by Mr Alexandre de Betak in Paris. With offices in New York, Paris and Shanghai, he produces fashion shows, including the Dior shows, and events for the art and design worlds. He has lived in New York for 10 years, but travels back to Paris frequently. “Unlike London and New York, Paris, is completely homogeneous,” he says. “It’s still very historically beautiful. It is so protected that things don’t really change and that is its charm.”

What is special about Paris?

Paris is probably the slowest place in all of Europe. For the good and for the bad. The good is that traditions are stronger and culture is stronger. The bad is that nothing ever changes.

Favourite places in Paris?

Takara for the squid with Japanese red pepper. <a href="https://www.mrporter.com/style-council/place/caf%C3%A9-de-flore-559f840524c90401">Café de Flore</a> to watch the world go by. During Fashion Week, I go to <a href="https://www.mrporter.com/style-council/place/caviar-kaspia-12b204dc7dde3b6c">Caviar Kaspia</a> a lot because everyone hosts dinners there all the time.

Favourite bar?

The bar at the San Régis has the perfect mix of Parisians and tourists. You see all the different lives of the visitors and the locals. It’s funny. It’s interesting. I always order a mojito. White rum, no sugar.

How often do you travel?

I live between Paris and New York. My wife is Argentinian, so we go there a lot. I have a child in England in boarding school. I have an office in Shanghai. I have a house in Spain. I go every year to Japan, too. I recently went to Kenya. I have also recently been to Italy.

Travel essentials?

My carry on Globe-Trotter. I never put luggage in the hold so I can catch a moto taxi in central Paris one hour before my flight leaves.

**LOS ANGELES **Founder, The Lost Explorer

Mr David de Rothschild is the founder of The Lost Explorer, a brand that specialises in sustainable clothing, luggage and balms. In 2010, he sailed a boat made from plastic bottles across the Pacific to raise awareness of the perils of disposable packaging. When the activist and adventurer isn’t travelling the world giving talks, he lives in the Venice neighbourhood of Los Angeles, California. “There is never a dull moment in Venice because it’s by the beach, it has an interesting community of artists and now the big tech companies are moving in,” he says. “It is an eclectic mix of people, but it’s definitely the more interesting part of the city.” A keen skateboarder, diver and surfer, he tries to swim in the sea every day.

Where are your favourite places in Los Angeles?

Malibu Pier for a surf. Then you can jump out and there is a really nice organic restaurant called <a href="https://www.mrporter.com/style-council/place/malibu-farm-pier-cafe-124fadccb6a95165">Malibu Farm</a>. They do really good, healthy salads and falafel plates. I’d visit <a href="https://www.mrporter.com/style-council/place/son-of-a-gun-90d968dadc9f8b9c">Son Of A Gun</a> downtown, where they do these little sharing dishes, and amazing uni [sea urchin] linguine. I like a shandy. It’s not like the English shandy. It is home-brewed in a little bottle with beige honey and lots of herbs. It's a really good IPA beer, so it is very hoppy.

And for a drink?

I like to play pool and have a beer at <a href="https://www.mrporter.com/style-council/place/shamrock-social-club-cacc44e1cd8f13bd">The Shamrock Social Club</a> in West Hollywood, which is a tattoo parlour. Mark Mahoney is a pretty rad dude, and he started it. He’s always got interesting people hanging out there. And then there’s Dr Woo, who is another tattoo artist. Lilly’s in Malibu has really good burritos. It’s kind of like a hole in the wall, and they are always good any time of day. <a href="https://www.mrporter.com/style-council/place/little-beach-house-malibu-06e38eb30d981a04">Little Beach House Malibu</a> is a good place to go for a spicy margarita at sunset.

How much do you travel?

I am on the road a lot. I’ve probably been to 15 countries this year. I just got back from the South Pacific. I did some amazing night dives with so many sharks it was insane.

Travel essentials?

A handkerchief. You can wash with it, store stuff in it. It's one of those lost art forms of the classic man.

Favourite place to go on holiday?

Cuixmala in Mexico. It’s a hacienda up in the mountains and you have this big volcano behind you. It is so beautiful.

Favourite hotel?

<a href="https://www.mrporter.com/style-council/place/villa-feltrinelli-9c3e472c38562ba6">Villa Feltrinelli</a>. A little hotel in Italy on Lake Garda, which is really, really beautiful. I think it was my brother who said you’ve got to go, spend a night there. The food is amazing, the hotel is amazing. I have to say, it’s really elegant.

Which are your favourite brands?

<a href="https://www.mrporter.com/mens/designers/derek_rose">Derek Rose</a>. I love the slippers with the fur inside. They’re sort of backless. I wear them everywhere. I have dinner in them, wear them with jeans. <a href="https://www.mrporter.com/mens/designers/nigel_cabourn">Nigel Cabourne</a> is a rad dude. I like his clothes. I like his ethics. His style is great. He is a great star and he is just a real character. Really funny guy.

SINGAPORE Founder, The Rake and Revolution magazines

Magazine mogul Mr Wei Koh was raised in New York, but splits his time between London and Singapore. His two magazines, The Rake and Revolution, cater to the kind of gentleman who orders bespoke suits, smokes Cuban cigars and has a watch for every occasion. “Singapore has this collision between the extraordinary vastness of history and the fact that it is essentially a country that has created itself in the past 50 years.”

Favourite places?

Jade Palace has the most extraordinary Cantonese clay pot food, but with the single best burgundy wine list on Earth. I order the deep-fried pork, deep-fried chicken cartilage, deep-fried tofu cubes, deep-fried young bamboo shoots, if they’re in season, and deep-fried frogs’ legs. And then from there, you would probably have a bit of seafood, like some giant oysters.

And to drink?

La Casa Cubana has the best selection of pre-Castro cigars and some extraordinary vintages of champagne. It’s known as Jimmy’s, after the owner, but not to be confused with the cigar store he owns in the Regent Hotel. You can't just knock on the door. You have to be invited by another friend. But that doesn’t guarantee you can come back. Jimmy himself has to shake your hand, look at you and say, “Come back any time”. Every watch CEO that ever comes to Singapore always wants to go there.

What is so special about Singapore?

The first time I moved back to Singapore was for military service when I was 21. It’s only really been in the past 12 years that I’ve actually really lived and been immersed in the culture and the vibe of Singapore. It’s really quite an extraordinary city. You have Malaysian people, you have Chinese people, you have Westerners, you have Indian people all living together in the same space and all co-opting each others’ culture, especially each others’ culinary culture.

Which other cities do you visit?

Geneva is almost a second home because I’ve got a watch magazine and I’m slightly obsessed with fondue, which sounds odd because I’m Chinese. The place I always go for fondue is Bains des Pâquis, basically a pier in the middle of Lake Geneva. What makes it extraordinary is they use crémant, which is a Swiss sparkling wine

Which is your favourite bar in the world?

The bar in <a href="https://www.mrporter.com/style-council/place/the-gritti-palace-c1a7cb8842a0202f">the Gritti Palace</a> in Venice for the most incredible blinis and a balsamic martini, one of the most ethereal, uplifting, edifying drinks on the planet.

Which are your favourite brands?

Richard Mille. I wrote a story about how its watches have become the new Masonic billionaire’s handshake. I’ll give you an example. I was in a six-seater sushi restaurant in Tokyo. I’m going to the men’s room and someone grabs my arm. It’s a Japanese guy and I was like, this is very strange because, in Japan, there’s a real reverence for personal space. He smiles and he goes, “I like your watch.” Cut to 30 minutes later, he bought me a bottle of sake. I bought him a bottle of sake. We got so drunk and I don’t speak any Japanese and he barely spoke any English, but we had the most extraordinary evening.

Who makes your bespoke suits?

Lorenzo Cifonelli. A Cifonelli suit feels like you’re wearing a pair of pyjamas, despite being actually quite dressed looking. There’s nothing better than a <a href="https://www.mrporter.com/en-gb/mens/designers/rubinacci">Rubinacci</a> suit if it's linen for summer and it's meant to be really sort of dégagé and relaxed.

Who makes your shirts?

<a href="https://www.mrporter.com/mens/designers/charvet">Charvet</a> on Place Vendôme in Paris. Anne-Marie Colban created a monogram for me. But I have also started dabbling with <a href="https://www.mrporter.com/mens/designers/emma_willis">Emma Willis</a>. I like a very cutaway collar because I guess I like things with perspective. I like people with perspective. That’s why it doesn’t bother me if you don’t agree with me, as long as you have an opinion.

Travel essentials?

A canvas <a href="https://www.mrporter.com/mens/designers/berluti">Berluti</a> day bag. You can absolutely abuse it and it just looks more and more beautiful.

**For more, go to the Style Council homepage **