The Rake

The world’s preeminent publication dedicated to the renaissance in gentlemanly sophistication and style, THE RAKE recaptures the codes of classic men’s elegance. Inspired by icons such as Cary Grant, Fred Astaire, the Duke of Windsor, Gianni Agnelli, Sean Connery, and their contemporary counterparts, THE RAKE provides incisive, in-depth commentary on magnificent menswear, and the many other elements of gentlemanly living, from manners and ethics, to art and design, tasteful travel, health and well-being, the intellectual and philosophical, to homes, modes of transport, entertainment, food and drink. THE RAKE is the modern voice of classic elegance.

Letter from the Founder

Letter from the Editor-in-Chief

Contributors

The Rake

arbiter • MY HOUSE, MY RAUL; IRELAND’S CALL; LORD OF THE FLINGS; RAKE COMMENDATIONS; SKETCHY CHARACTER; CURIOUS CASE OF THE DOG; LISI OF LIFE.

THE FEAST OF SAINT RAUL • Thousands of Puerto Ricans turned out for the funeral — the state funeral — of Raul Julia when his life was cut short at the age of 54. They weren’t just saying goodbye to a famous actor — they were paying homage to a beloved son of Latin America.

TALK OF THE TOWN • The Irish actor Dónal Finn is starring — or singing his heart out — in the London production of the hit musical Hadestown. But he saved enough of his voice to chat to us about his childhood, life lessons and greasy spoons.

A PEERLESS PEER • What makes a great man? What might ruin a reputation? Lord Snowdon married up, and his private life was often messy, but did Britain’s bourgeois mumblings mean his accomplishments were overlooked?

RAKE COMMENDS • Think practical as well as beautiful, and beautifully made as well as luxurious… Here are some of the latest craft-inspired items you will covet this spring.

HIGH FREQUENCY • The Bespeaker is a sartorial and horological raconteur, but he lets the goods do the talking. The question is: are you listening?

RUSSIAN ROULETTE • Thanks to Vladimir Putin, Russia is now a pariah state. But the Borzoi is a reminder, in canine form, that the nation has previously given the world plenty to cherish.

CELEBRATING THE MACHINE WITH A HEARTBEAT REVOLUTION

POUT OF THIS WORLD • The Italian actress Virna Lisi spent most of her career being told to ‘count to 10 before speaking’. If she could find her voice, she would have her freedom…

atelier • INVESTMENT HANKER; SPALL OR NOTHING; CRACKING THE CODE.

INVEST • Investments can be unpredictable, but not so with these four winners, which we have handpicked to provide you with sound and secure appreciation — aesthetically, spiritually and financially.

RAFE VERSUS WAIST • Rafe Spall’s wardrobe varies with his ever-changing acting life. So when he set his heart on a suit for all seasons, there was only one master tailor we could recommend…

BIRTHDAY HONOURS • To celebrate five years of the CODE 11.59, Audemars Piguet have unveiled several daring additions to the pioneering range. They are a lavish reward for patient admirers.

articles • FIRST BILLING; HAMMER AND TONGS; THE VINER THINGS IN LIFE; A STITCH IN TIME.

THE RIGHTS OF BILL • ‘If you want to be paranoid and undermine yourself, be an actor,’ Bill Nighy tells us. He speaks from half a century of hard-won experience. Perhaps it’s why one of Britain’s best-loved stars remains as humble and relatable as ever.

GODS OF CREATION • Without master craftsmen and their artistry, we really couldn’t have nice things. To celebrate their work, THE RAKE asked five of the best to show us the tools they need to weave their magic.

THE VINE OF BEAUTY • The Rothschild family has achieved exalted status in winemaking over the past couple of centuries. Trying to decide on the No.1 vintage from their...