Apparently, this is “the watch to strap on when adventure calls”. It includes a range of interesting gadgetry to help you keep track of the sun and moon Something for the Action Man kind of guy. Available from Paul Smith, Floral Street, London WC2 (0171 379 7133).. The great thing about human beings is the fact that they never do what you expect. God gave us free will, and we’re damned if we’re not going to use it Give someone a bath, and they will store coal in it Give someone a bicycle and they will make a wind sculpture.

A very simple, relaxed piece that would easily slot into any wardrobe – although watch out for the woman in your life, you may be tempted to steal it Available from branches of The Gap nationwide. Call 0171-518 6300 for stockist enquiries.5Helmut Lang belts, pounds 30. Available in khaki and black, and featuring a burnished silver buckle with engraving and silver Helmut Lang tag. An easy look to copy; try army surplus stores and second-hand shops, but for a designer logo the price isn’t bad. Available from Liberty, Regent Street, London W1 (0171-734 1234) Black boots by Timberland, pounds 130 Call stockist enquiries on 0345 669988.4Gap top, pounds 16 Three-button long-sleeved brushed cotton top in evergreen.

Available from Harvey Nichols, Knightsbridge, London SW1 (0171-235 5000)

2Jigsaw Menswear, pounds 79 Black zip-up cardigan in jumbo rib with epaulettes. Part of a large range from Jigsaw that really hits the mark, so if the designer version is too expensive and second-hand clothes leave you squeamish, look no further Available from branches of Jigsaw Menswear nationwide. Call 0171-240 5651 for stockist enquiries.
3Issey Miyake Cotton label trousers, pounds 175. These swamp-green trousers are sophisticated enough to live beyond a fashion trend, but are made in the perfect colour to be up to date with the current army look. One breast pocket with secured epaulettes at the shoulder and button-down collar Part of a collection heavily influenced by military styling A versatile item for those hot on the fashion trail. 1Helmut Lang shirt, pounds 115 Green shirt in 100 per cent nylon.

Some are good quality, some are not, but overall there is a look, a cohesiveness.”Is it perhaps a look which is simply a home from home, or do they, Jekyll- and-Hyde-style, live in high Napoleonic splendour? “I think the shop is probably nicer to live in,” Matthew confesses with a little laugh.Recently an advertising campaign has raised the profile of After Noah, which has prompted the couple to open a second outlet on the King’s Road in Chelsea – some would say, the Upper Street of the South.After Noah, 121 Upper Street, N1 (tel: 0171-359 4281) and 261 King’s Road, SW3 (tel: 0171-351 2610). It’s your attic, my attic – different contents, but the same mania. So perhaps there is a little bit of all of us that responds to what one of Matthew’s assistants calls “disorganised comfort”.”People don’t live in museums,” pronounces Matthew “They acquire things over a period of time. There is almost a puritanical streak running through the choice of merchandise in the shop, made doubtful only by the chaos: you may bang your knee on a stool and collide with a spray of dried flowers, both at the same moment After Noah is like an attic. Conical chocolate cups at about pounds 4 apiece look as if they are the last batch of a Thirties consignment. But don’t worry – there will be a huge delivery of more next week.If there is one thing After Noah has achieved it is this balance of old incidentals and the ultra new, such as Tumbler cups -vessels with a rocking bottom -and the vinyl vase – a strip of plastic sleevelets which you fill with water for single stems and attach to your window.A price range stretching from pocket money to Fort Knox ensures that After Noah is relied on heavily by gift hunters: bored with the mass of glossy shops all offering similar goods found in every city centre, they troop in here knowing that they are always likely to find something a little different.The philosophy of After Noah is simple: keep it basic, keep it functional. His apprenticeship to his grandfather more than a decade ago means that he now boasts a workshop of 12 years’ standing, trusted by the likes of English Heritage, Kew Gardens and even one or two embassies.