Drake’s step forward with some pleasingly bold ties for Spring/Summer 2012. Suits can often remain as drab in summer as in winter, so a bit of bright neckwear is an easy way to let people know you’re a summery kinda guy. 100% Silk, untipped and handmade, the prints remain classic while the colourways add a modern touch.

“Archival 30oz fine spun and net silk twill, hand printed in England by traditional methods, with the simple refinement of hand rolling the hem at both blade ends.” Once again, Drake’s swing between old and new without offending either. Find them at the store.

Drakes continue to produce some excellent accessories, this collection of umbrellas is no exception. The Travel model, practical in design, available in navy, is shown above in polka dot. “An elegantly understated navy blue canopy as standard, chocolate brown leather handle. This refined full-sized brolly is the chic solution to keeping dry when traveling because both the handle and tip detach from the shaft to enable it to be packed in a suitcase.” While The Parasol heads more towards the luxury end of the scale “This peerless collector’s piece has a separate wooden shaft that attaches to the main shaft and has a tip to be sunk into the ground, transforming the umbrella into a venerable picnic parasol that provides suitable protection from inclement weather whilst tucking into the picnic hamper.” So, there is an upside to a downpour after all. Find them at Drakes

Can we be brutally honest now? Ok, deep breath time, we don’t wear scarves that often. We know, that was a huge revelation. But this Drakes scarf is something we’d consider breaking our self imposed scarf exile for. We might even try layering fairisle patterns with this and a jumper. It might not work but it’d be worth a try. (Drakes)

Bowties. We know, they’ve been through some rough times in the last few years. Alongside the trilby, this neckwear classic has been involved in some incredibly upsetting scenes. Misused, abused, maltreated. It would be easy to turn your back on them completely. However, if anyone can change your mind it’s Drake’s. Experts in the field, they offer us these hand made 100% silk bowties, thanks to some smart new prints, more English classic than X-Factor contestant. Find them here.

Next up in our store visit series are those new classicists Drakes. They’ve recently set up shop near Saville Row and we rocked up to see what it was all about. There’s no need for us to rant and rave here, take a leap to see what we saw.

Photography: Ross Trevail

On the rare occasion we do get suited and booted, it’s a knitted tie that’ll grace our necks. Don’t ask why, that’s just the way it is. So it was our right, actually, our duty to flag these up. Perfect for those times when you have to smarten up a tad. Also perfect for those times when you imitate that steezy Italian fellow you saw on a Tommy Ton roundup. (CHCM)

We may have ended the great panama hat search 2011™ a little early. We say that because, us being the silly folks we are, forgot to check the house of Drakes. Whilst it’s not as wide brimmed as we’d like, it’s still a very handsome piece of headwear. A worthy contender, if we say so ourselves. (Drakes)

Obvious pick alert! We were looking for a great knitted tie and Drakes was the first thing that popped into our heads, so we’ve decided to share it with everyone. We don’t wear ties everyday, so why not spend a little more and get a great accessory? And it comes in at under £100 (just) so it’s not outside the realms of affordability. (Drakes)

Elongate your polo shirt with this Drakes number. It’s one for the connoisseurs – 100% 30 gauge cashmere, knitted in Scotland, smoked pearl buttons – the whole shebang. It’s one of those that’ll justify the price when you put it on. And at £315, you’ll need a lot of justification. (Drakes)

Want to be a baller? Shot caller? Brawler? The kind of man who wears Drakes Pyjamas? Of course you do. Which is why we’re recommending this. At £250, it’s not cheap by any means of the word, but you should factor in how often you wear – which should be every night considering how much you paid for it – and do some calculations about how much it’ll cost per wear. That method is commonly known as the ‘justification for an expensive purchase that may not stand up to any scrutiny’. (Drakes)