Saudi Gazette This week we provide an exclusive insight into men's fashion with Toby Bateman, Managing Director of today's most fashionable online retailer- Mr Porter. With increasing popularity of the website, it certainly plays a role in the evolution of fashion for Arab men. [caption id="attachment_58452" align="aligncenter" width="637"] A decent watch. Zenith Rose Gold Automatic Watch. [/caption] "The Middle East is one of Mr Porter's fastest growing markets, with a strong emphasis on grooming and designer, and luxury brands including Bottega Veneta, Loro Piana, and Berluti. [caption id="attachment_58451" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Some cool round framed sunglasses. Thom Browne Tortoiseshell.[/caption] Our aim is to always evolve and to continue to surprise and delight our customers – every day we work to lead in the men's wear arena and provide the best in content, product and service across the board," Bateman told Saudi Gazette. [caption id="attachment_58448" align="aligncenter" width="640"] A suede desert boot with a crepe sole. DVN Suede Desert Boot in Tan. [/caption] We spoke to Bateman about his personal style and how being a buying and managing director can influence his choice of brands, designers and even fashion items. [caption id="attachment_58449" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Loro Piana CashmereSilk lined Suede Bomber[/caption] Bateman described his personal style as ‘quite classic' where he wears a lot of iconic men's items, worn in an updated and contemporary way. [caption id="attachment_58446" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Suede bomber jacket. Loro Piana Cashmere/Silk lined Suede Bomber. [/caption] "Having joined Mr Porter at launch as Buying Director, I suppose my interest does influence the site as our original concept was very personal from my point of view - wanting to sell big brands alongside lesser known ones that I as a buyer had always known and loved but that weren't widely available or picked-up by bigger stores or businesses. In contrast, we also sell a lot of fashion sportswear from the likes of Givenchy and Rick Owens, and these brands are not necessarily my personal style but I still understand and value the importance of these collections to those men's style it is." For 2016, Bateman promises exciting developments and projects to come this year. "We're excited to extend our content channels to include ‘The Daily' being edited by Mr Adam Welch, and welcoming Mr Andrew Barker who recently joined us as Editorial Director of ‘The Journal' and ‘The Post,' and Ms Fiona Firth as Buying Director. For more – watch this space!" [caption id="attachment_58446" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Suede bomber jacket. Loro Piana Cashmere/Silk lined Suede Bomber. [/caption] Suffice it is to say luxury without style is futile, but who knows that better than Mr Porter? So this week, Mr Porter has picked out what's best for you.
