Today, we head over to Europe for a taste of Italy through the eyes of Marco Ravanetti, the editor of one of our favorite sites, Men’s Reveire. We asked him to pick eight of his favorite items for the holidays; goods that could serve as gifts for just about anyone. We of course get a very discreet list what can only be seen as a very considered offering.

As Mr. Ravanetti tell us, “Yes, I do love gifts. A lot, although I don’t receive them very often. Due to this, eight, is a very tight number, therefore, I hope Jeff will allow me to cheat just a tiny bit.” Yes, sir, you can cheat.

Click for more looks at the eight gift selections from Italy’s Marco Ravanetti.

Those purveyors of elegance and excellence E. Tautz have collaborated with another elegance specialist in John Lobb. Made for Wallpaper’s ‘Handmade’ issue, it’s one of those collaborations we’re surprised hasn’t been made earlier. Costing £795, they’re available from the John Lobb store on 88 Jermyn Street. They also come with specially made shoe trees – and considering the price, they bloody well should do.

John Lobb have paid respect to their patron saint, Saint Crépin, the only way they know how: making a shoe. A captoe oxford on the 8000 last, it’s made using their ‘prestige process’, something that involves all sorts of wheeled welts, tapered heels, hand sculptured waists and other old school techniques. It’ll be released on October 25th which is, coincidentally, Saint Crépin day.

Dandy Project gets a look at the John Lobb “Spirits of Capitals” collection which looks to bring the collection to the feet of those other than “stodgy old men.” “The ‘Spirits of Capitals’ collection was born out of a challenge for the house of John Lobb to craft a pair of shoes that would embody a city in the world. John Lobb commissioned a number of teams of designers, shoemakers, and clients of different backgrounds: artists, performers, and possibly a couple of private people with bucks to blow. The result is an album of shoes that profoundly exemplify the cities that inspired them.”

More looks after the click.

Driving shoes are the new thing… Maybe they always just were here, but it is clear that as street fashion guys get older, they are looking for something new. For those in the urban locales with no vehicles, you can still rock these. Hell, you wear deck shoes off-boat. (s)

Gentleman looking for a new pair of walkers, should consider this double buckle beauty from the John Lobb collection. “This ankle boot version of the company’s iconic William double buckle shoe includes a hand-sewn toe cap, a double leather sole and the signature twin buckles in nickel.” Well done.

00o00 turns us onto this John Lobb video ‘190 steps’. As you might guess from the title, it’s a short video that showcases a couple of the 190 steps needed to complete a John Lobb shoe.

After much fanfare, Mr Porter has finally launched and the site that will finally get men shopping is here. By now we all know the sort of product they’ll have in stock, but more interesting is their side magazine, The Journal. The launch issue has this feature on John Lobb Double-Monk (aka the blogger’s choice of shoe) showcasing just why this big bucks shoe costs big bucks. Read it over at Mr Porter.

If you happen to be heading into Tokyo anytime soon and want to take advantage of those special editions for the Japanese market, consider the John Lobb William shoes available at their flagship in the city of consumption. Blue is my thing so I’ll focus on the double buckler monk with its two leather finish.. Simply beautiful. Proxy please. (openers)

More looks at the John Lobb “William” Japan Edition Shoes after the click.

OPENERS Japan celebrates the John Lobb Flagship in Tokyo with a profile on their lizard skin shoes. More views of the John Lobb Lizard Skins after the jump. Made from the giant lizard, Kabaragoya, found in Indonesia, the John Lobb shoes are fine footwear for the man looking to finish off “proper attire” with something unique.

More views of the John Lobb Lizard Skin Shoes after the jump.