Welcome to the first in a new series of exclusive photo features showcasing seasonal style essentials inspired by classic icons of elegance, sport and design, photographed with the most beautiful and coveted cars on the road. The emphasis is on luxury of course, but of the timeless variety as opposed to mere extravagance.

In our recent Classicist column on the 2010 Jaguar XK convertible coming out this August, we remarked on the sleek new cat's stylistic heritage dating back to 1948's XK120, as driven by the likes of Gary Cooper, Humphrey Bogart and Clark Gable, as well as later models like the D-Type (or XK-SS) made famous by the great Steve McQueen. The first in our new series of exclusive shoots is inspired by them and stars the XK in homage to these stylish icons, both man and automotive (read all about the new XK here).

In particular, the influence of Gable (with his XK120 in 1954, top right) and McQueen (with his XK-SS, center right) can be seen in the summery style essentials we've assembled for this shoot. For the pastoral setting we drew on another classic Jaguar reference, an image of writer Truman Capote in a Jaguar XK-E, the model most closely aligned with the new XK, in the Hamptons in 1965 (bottom right).

In the spirit of summer we've chosen a classic combination of navy and white, popular as fashionable resort wear for a nearly a century and still going strong in the right circles. While navy blazers of the type shown here originated as part of English cricket club scenery and other elegant sporting occasions such as the Henley Royal Regatta, without gold buttons it needn't be unnecessarily nautical or costume-y.

The jacket shown here, in tropical weight wool with soft shoulders by the dashing Italian house of Etro, references its sporting antecedents with grosgrain tipping on the lapels, pockets and cuffs; however, since it is finished in the same color as the jacket the effect is a subtle one, while the slim cut updates the look with Italian flair. A cream linen camp shirt by Paul Stuart and white linen pants by Polo Ralph Lauren round out the rest of the ensemble.

As an alternative on cooler days or evenings - which we've certainly had plenty of this summer - we've also included a variation of the navy blazer by Brooks Brothers made of butter-soft goat suede with spiffy sporting details including a throat latch, stand-up collar, action back and pure Irish linen lining, which calls to mind the jacket worn by Gable above.

While a polka dot foulard silk scarf by the venerable British clothier Turnbull & Asser (shirtmaker to the Prince of Wales) provides not only another classic touch and added dose of sprezzatura, it also protects against the elements while piloting the XK with the top down at serious speeds. A hefty dose of McQueen meanwhile can be seen in the rakish cap, sunglasses and watch. For the feet and the road, a pair of pebble-sold leather driving moccasins by Tod's keep the haute Italian vibe going.

The checked linen driving cap - this model is made by Brooks Brothers - of the type favored by McQueen has no brim to collide with a car's headrest, and is infinitely more elegant than a baseball cap. Also on view: iconic Italian Persol sunglasses, in particular the model made famous by McQueen in The Thomas Crown Affair. Starring in this feature are a foldable version of McQueen's faves, as well as a couple of other killer Persol models; all are available at Ilori. Also included is a pair of shades by Paul Smith. The watch is a classic and vintage stainless steel Rolex GMT-Master II, available at Tourneau, of a similar design to the Rolex Submariner model favored by McQueen (and which recently fetched a record price at auction). Read on for details of the rest of the accessories after the jump.

Artsy, delicate and bohemian, the style of Eryn brinié, a clothing store which offers fast fashion seems to be a natural fit for SoHo, which is why the Korean brand opened its first U.S. store in New York City last summer. The brand offers a contemporary womenswear line in a neutral palette and light fabrics meant to be layered on young, lithe women. Their latest collection offers mod cuts and antique fabrics, boxy shapes and girly ruffles, and romantic pastels with rich earth tones for all aspiring Sienna Millers or Mary-Kate Olsens.

This week we are offering two light-as-air cotton scarves from Eryn brinié. We are giving away one of each color, wine and navy. The versatile scarf can be used as a headwrap, tied to a bag, wrapped around your waist, and of course, you could always wear it around your neck too. To win, leave a comment below saying which color you want and your favorite thing about spring in a city.

Some other important details:

* To enter, leave a confirmed comment below.
* The comment must be left and confirmed before Friday, April 17, 2009 at 5:00PM Eastern Time.
* You may only enter once.
* Two winners will be selected in a random drawing.
* Each winner will receive an Eryn brinié scarf, valued at $48.
* Open to legal residents of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia.

See complete contest rules here.

This contest is now closed. Thank you for your participation.

It is cold here in the Midwest this week (-18º F last night, brrr!) so even though these cashmere scarves by Franco Ferrari are meant for men they're looking pretty darn inviting. Soft, cozy, and reversible, the scarves come in a few different designs that are all interesting and stylish but still versatile enough to justify the expense. The multi-colored stripes/polka dot design is my favorite because it's bright enough to add a punch of color to your winter style but the colors are toned down just enough. $245

Combine a love of all things musical with a love of fashion and you get designer Takahiro Miyashita's Number (N)ine Scarf. The scarf is from the label's spring collection and is light enough to keep off a chill, but not quite substantial enough for the full force of winter. It features an array of musical notes, which form the Number (N)ine logo, a heart and a tear. Both Johnny Cash and Kurt Cobain were direct inspirations. Price: $435.

With its softly colored rainbow of multi-colored stripes, Missoni's Vertical Striped Scarf is a versatile accessory to have this fall, since it will go with everything from a t-shirt a jeans to an evening skirt and sweater set, or even with a blazer at work. It scarf is made of a mohair/nylon blend and is light enough to wear for looks alone on a sunny day, but insulating enough to keep out a fierce chill on a dark winter night. Scarves also make perfect gifts, since their one-size-fits-all design means you can give one to everybody over the holidays. Price: $355.

Purveyors of the French fancy, Hermes have a new plan to raise money for hurricane relief. They are selling a New Orleans scarf to raise money for rebuilding the Big Easy. The pattern was originally created in 1996 to celebrate the birth of jazz. The pattern comes in three colors, black, blue and orange and includes pictures of New Orleans jazz musicians. The scarf costs $320 and 10% of the proceeds will benefit City Park, a recreational area in New Orleans.

[via Fashion Week Daily]