WRAPS ARE NOT FOR GRANNIES

Modern men have been somewhat chary of those bigger scarves that just might be mistaken for a granny's shawl yet these wraps, as they are now called, are not only versatile and practical but have a long history as male clothing.

Long before the sophistication of tailoring, macho guys wore lengths of cloth the equivalent of today's wrap proportions slung over their shoulders, or wrapped around their waists, or girded up between their loins, and at a pinch used them as a blanket in the Scottish Highlands.

The current fashion batch are not destined for such variety but this one will undoubtedly win converts to their style. In the most luxurious of Scottish cashmere, dyed and knitted by the Travelwrap Company, it measures 180cm x 90cm, fine enough to roll up into a small ball, warm enough to double as a blanket, and it comes in some suitably masculine shades - black, charcoal, silver, a silver/grey stripe and this oatmeal.

As a present, it comes beautifully wrapped and boxed, and there are other colours and patterns for ladies and children. This one is priced at £221. Go to www.thetravelwrapcompany.com

POLES GET BRITISH PANTS

A small village in Poland has received a consignment of men's pants from UK firm Kiniki - celebrating reaching its 30millionth sale in a link-up with its hitherto unknown namesake.

“We never knew there was an actual place called Kiniki until one of our Polish-born employees told us,” says John Walker, founder of Kiniki.com.

“Ever since then we have been waiting to see if we have any orders from the locals. We’ve sent tangas to Tonga and briefs to Brazil – but none of our knickers have ever made their way to Kiniki.

So the company, which has grown from a backroom business for mail order men’s underwear into a British manufacturing success story has sent over enough underpants for the entire village.

“We chose the name because we thought it was appropriate for a company that deals in knickers,” says Walker, “but we hope the residents don’t get theirs in a twist over this.”

They also make swimwear colourful enough to find favour in Brazil and other hot spots around the world, as the trunks shown here. www.Kiniki.com

RACEY CORRESPONDENTS

Corrrespondents shoes are here again. So called because they were noted to be worn by those entering into liaisons that would furnish reasons for a divorce, these two-tone shoes would certainly draw attention to the wearer in any hotel, and they still retain somewhat racey connotations.

Benny Ong is a shoe designer already favoured by the likes of model Kate Moss and co. Now, she has launched a collection for men, featuring a similar mix of classic style with unusual details, contrast materials and colours.

All are handmade in Spain to a high standard. Above,two-tone classic in black and white leather, price £280; left, sleek suede and leather shoes with a chiselled toe, £300; and right, a mix of leather with a spotted silk material, £270. Available from her shop in the Burlington Arcade.