Yves Saint Laurent famously said: ‘Fashions fade, style is eternal.’ This essence of good taste is something that translates to every aspect of life, from exquisite jewellery to handy accessories, and can be seen in some of the most classic designs. The Royal Exchange is home to a host of luxury brands offering iconic products sure to please anyone on your Christmas list.

Smart, durable and surprisingly versatile, a pair of black derby shoes is something every man should have in his wardrobe. If the man in your life has worn his best-loved pair of shoes into the ground, invest in a pair of classic black lace-ups from Church’s, Britain’s foremost shoemakers since 1873. As well as being built to last, Church’s offers a bespoke repair service to ensure they remain his new favourite shoes for decades to come. Alternatively, any man with an ounce of flair secretly desires a pair of stylish sunglasses, and these acetate and titanium Tom Davies frames – with high-tech Zeiss lenses and double bridge – are the perfect choice.

Some brands are in a league of their own, their name alone epitomises superlative quality: think Rolls-Royce, Steinway & Sons, Apple. When it comes to quality photography, Leica is at the top of any camera aficionado’s list. Not only are Leica cameras the best money can buy, but their timeless, old-school design makes them a work of art in their own right. A gift to treasure, the Leica MD-10 is a camera with a digital heart and an analogue soul, incorporating professional-level quality with a stripped-back, traditional design.

Jewellery is another present with stylish longevity. Especially the kind that comes in robin egg blue packaging. Tiffany & Co. has been producing must-have collections for decades, and the Tiffany T collection plays on its own iconic status. The collection centres around a simple ‘T’ motif, with the highlight being the modernist perfection of the Tiffany T Wire bracelet in 18ct white gold. For something truly special, look no further than Boodles. The British diamond specialist has been making dazzling masterpieces since 1798, and its striking yet elegant ‘Bead’ white gold diamond ring is certainly no exception.

As with a new piece of jewellery, a watch is a very special gift indeed. Founded in 2002, Bremont may be a relative newcomer on the luxury watch scene, but its beautiful, precision timepieces – all of which are handmade in Britain – are future icons. With its simple monochrome colourway and red stitch detailing, the limited-edition Bremont MBIII 10th Anniversary watch is effortlessly suave and guaranteed to attract admiring glances.

Pictured above (L-R):
Shannon Polished Binder Derby shoes, £570, Church’s; MBIII 10th Anniversary watch, £4,395, Bremont; TD506 sunglasses, £395, Tom Davies; Tiffany T Wire Bracelet in 18ct White Gold, £1,625, Tiffany & Co.; Bead White Gold Diamond Ring in 18ct white gold, £3,600, Boodles; M-10 camera in black chrome, £6,700, Leica; all available at The Royal Exchange