Last-Minute Valentine’s Gifts for Him, Because Love is Mostly About Improvisation
Don’t panic! These last-minute luxury fashion gifts will make it look like you planned it all along
By Dayne Aduna
By the time you read this, you will have realized that Valentine’s Day has crept up on you again, stealthy and unannounced.
You meant to plan something thoughtful, of course. A gift that proves you’ve been paying attention, that you remember the way he mentioned liking some obscure designer or the way he once offhandedly admired a particular jacket.
But here you are. Gift-less. Time running out like water cupped in your hands.
It’s fine. Love, despite all capitalist efforts to package it otherwise, is mostly about improvisation. Here’s what you do:
1. The statement sweater


A well-chosen sweater is the sartorial equivalent of a warm embrace. Opt for a Loewe cashmere-blend sweater in a striking gradient or a Jacquemus oversized knit for that effortlessly cool look.
Something he can throw on and look instantly put-together. Bonus points if it’s something he’ll ‘borrow’ from you later.
2. A timeless watch


Watches are less about telling time and more about making a statement. The Cartier Tank Must is a classic that pairs with everything, while the Rolex Oyster Perpetual adds a subtle flex.
If he’s into modern minimalism, go for a Nomos Tangente or a sleek Bvlgari Octo Finissimo.
3. A pair of sneakers he didn’t see coming


Not the ones he already has, but the ones that will elevate his everyday look. The Dior B30s offer an athletic-luxury balance, while the New Balance x Aimé Leon Dore collaboration is a refined streetwear staple.
If he prefers classics, go for Maison Margiela Replica sneakers or a fresh pair of white Alexander McQueen oversized sneakers.
4. The perfect leather jacket


If he doesn’t have one yet, it’s time.
A Saint Laurent biker jacket is the gold standard, while a Rick Owens leather bomber gives a grunge-luxe edge. For a more tailored approach, Bottega Veneta’s minimalist leather pieces are understated but powerful.
5. A fragrance that feels like him


Scent is personal, and the right fragrance lingers long after he’s left the room.
Try Tom Ford Oud Wood for an intoxicating blend of spice and wood, Le Labo Santal 33 for a cult-classic unisex option, or Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540 for something truly unforgettable.
And that’s it. Last-minute doesn’t mean thoughtless. It just means spontaneous. Which, honestly, might be even better.
Photos courtesy Loewe, Jacquemus, Cartier, Bvlgari, Dior, Maison Margiela, Tom Ford, and Maison Francis Kurkdjian

Dayne Aduna
Dayne Aduna is an Associate Editor at VMAN Southeast Asia, specializing in fashion, grooming, film, television, and contemporary pop culture. With a strong editorial focus on menswear, his work explores how style intersects with shifting cultural movements across Southeast Asia and beyond.
His expertise spans fashion journalism, celebrity profiling, grooming and skincare trends, fragrance, runway reporting, and cultural commentary, with a particular eye for emerging creatives and youth-driven style.
Dayne has written extensively on fashion houses, seasonal trends, designer collections, and the evolving image of the modern Southeast Asian man, bringing both editorial depth and cultural relevance to his coverage.
