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 Editor-in-Chief

Contributors

The Rake

arbiter • BURNS, BABY, BURNS; COMMEND AND OBEY; STRIKING IT DIETRICH; EBS AND FLOWS; DAVID’S STAR; SECRET AGENT; ONE NOT FOR THE ROAD; A NOSY POOCH; FAME, SHE WROTE.

SMOKE TRAIL • His life spanned 100 years and 49 days, and by the time he died he’d conquered every branch of entertainment, from vaudeville to stand-up. The cigar-chomping George Burns did it all — and no one did it like him.

RAKE COMMENDS • From Ralph Lauren to New & Lingwood, we have got the gang of classic luxury leaders back together to mark the 100th edition of the rake —and help you saunter into summer.

‘I DRESS FOR THE IMAGE. NOT FOR MYSELF, NOT FOR FASHION — AND NOT FOR MEN’ • Marlene Dietrich defied convention and pursued authenticity, not least in her commitment to androgynous style. In fact, her wardrobe was a canvas for female sexual empowerment.

‘ACTION!’ MAN • Politicos rarely have taste and elegance, but Ebs Burnough, the former White House adviser turned film director, is the exception that proves the rule.

WARP FACTOR • With his role in Star Trek: Discovery, David Ajala’s career has gone stratospheric — yet the phrase ‘down to earth’ barely does him justice, as THE RAKE found when we talked to him in his cluttered West End dressing room…

FAMILY MAN • The Agent doesn’t suffer fools gladly (or at all), but that doesn’t mean he is unfriendly. He is just pragmatic and discerning — which is why the industry talent is hustling for his services.

APPLE OF OUR EYE • How do you improve on a Manhattan? By allowing the whisky to shine and making it Perfect. If you don’t believe that’s possible, read on…

PRAISING THE TEUTONIC • The Giant Schnauzer’s role in human life has evolved in correlation to our habits. Now this obedient and valiant German breed is being primed for a career in law enforcement.

LEGEND, SHE FORGED • Angela Lansbury’s appeal transcended generations, gender and tastes. But as a product of Hollywood’s notorious studio system, it didn’t come without a struggle.

atelier • INVESTMENT HANKER; TRACK RECORD; GRAND PIANA; PUT A SPEL ON YOU.

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.

THE TEST OF TIME • THE RAKE buckles up for a hot lap at the World Endurance Championship, a different kind of racing where the skill, fearlessness and resilience of drivers like Jenson Button are pushed to the limit.

THE SOFT PARADE • As Loro Piana celebrate their centenary, THE RAKE reflects on a maison that has transformed mankind’s relationship with textiles.

THE BOYS OF SUMMER • Solar-powered apparel makers Sunspel are riding the crest of the post-pandemic sartorial wave. Here, the brand’s Chief Executive and Design Director tell us how they have done it.

articles • DEAR JOHN; WHAT’S IN A NAME; THE COMPLETE SET; TAGGED RYAN GOSLING; COUNTRY LIFE.

CARDINAL RULES • When it comes to stage and screen, John Lithgow is first among equals, and at 79 he...