In 1827, British surgeon and pioneer of antiseptic surgery Joseph Lister was born. Lister, after whom Listerine is named, is thus to thank for both the millions of lives saved as well as for that clean, minty feeling. Today, we celebrate his legacy with a crisp, fresh ensemble.

In 1918, Austrian Symbolist painter Gustav Klimt was born. Klimt's Judith, and his portraits of Adele Bloch-Bauer, have inspired everyone from John Galliano to Barbie's maker Mattel. So, sample from Klimt's oeuvre with a golden, autumnal hue and mix prints for a vibrant, visual texture.

In 2011, designer Christopher Kane won the 2011 BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund award. Today, we take inspiration from his first ever menswear line. Obsessed with images from space, Kane mixed star-burst prints with soft black leather to create a sporty intergalactic look.

In 1937, Philip Glass was born in Baltimore, Maryland. One of the most influential composers in the late 20th century, Glass describes his work as "music with repetitive structures." Taking our cue from Glass, we bring to you a composition of patterns and stripes.

Actor Paul Newman was born yesterday in 1925. In such films as Cool Hand Luke and The Long Hot Summer, Newman shined in casual classics – the blue chambray shirt, the shawl-collar cardigan and the chukka boot – all served with a side of trademark insouciance.

In 2004, fashion photographer Helmut Newton died, leaving behind a legacy of erotically charged black-and-white photos for such mags as Vogue and Harper's Bazaar. Today, we present an antidote to the polychromic onslaught with a nod to the darker side of life.

Kanye West has much to thank French engineer Georges Claude for. In 1915, Claude patented the neon discharge tube for advertising. So, shrug off that bleak winter palette and frolick in the fluorescence of pink, blue, and green.

In 1964, the Beatles released Yellow Submarine. The album remained on the British charts for 13 weeks.  For that groovy feeling, sport a 'moptop' and dapple your outfit with bursts of yellow and plum.

Three aviation records were set this week: Earhart began her solo flight across the pacific; the U.S. landed its new B52 bomber; and China tested its first stealth fighter jet, the J-10. So, dig out those aviators, flash a pair of epaulets and go by ‘Maverick’ for today.

In 1977, Apple Computer was incorporated. Although a technologist, Apple's leader Steve Jobs left an aesthetic legacy on all fields of design. Whether with an light silk-wool suit, or an immaculate white shirt, usher in the new year with a nod to luxe.

In 1865, poet and writer of The Jungle Book Rudyard Kipling was born in Bombay. Let his tales of the far east lead the way with crimson reds and turquoise. From mandarin toggles to exotic skins, it's all in the details for this Eastern-inspired look.

In 1957, the Volkswagen Beetle staked its place in pop culture when it sold its 2 millionth vehicle. Celebrate its hippie roots with big, bold graphic florals. Espadrilles, deconstructionist sandals or a vegetal-dye hobo bag enhance the full granola effect.

In 1944, Filippo Tommaso Marinetti, the father of Futurism was born. Today, we embody the movement’s concepts of speed and technology with nylon and leather; our palette, the violent reds of Umberto Boccioni.

The film East of Eden, based on Steinbeck’s third major novel, saw a young James Dean take on his first significant role. Today we build a Steinbeckian ode to the worker around Dean’s red checked shirt as the protagonist, Cal.

Take a cue from British designer Giles Deacon, born yesterday in 1969: pair a heavy metal look with playful elements. Even Gene Simmons would smile at this combination of prints, pets, and pops of colour.

In 1915, Frank Sinatra was born in Hoboken. In 1939, Douglas Fairbanks died in his home in Santa Monica. But how does a modern dandy pay homage to these gents without looking like a walking cliche? Keep the bow-tie; lose the black. Think old blue eyes in a Bentley on the coast of St. Tropez.

Few can rock a pair of leather trousers like the legendary Jim Morrison. Wear yours with a white linen shirt or black t-shirt and top it off with black Chelsea boots (a Morrison staple). Anchor down this rockstar look with metal framed sungalsses, a chain leather belt and a skull ring or two.

Take a flight of fancy to the rustic British countryside and relive the idyllic lifestyle of the country gent in rugged, sporty pieces that are designed for the great outdoors. Rough it out in leather walking boots, suspenders and plenty of tartan and checks!

In 1985, R&B musician Janelle Monáe Robinson was born, fittingly, on Teachers Day – she can school any man in the subtleties of the black tie. Her first solo work, Metropolis, may have drawn inspiration from the imaginings of Philip K. Dick, but she makes starched shirts and crisp tuxedoes an everyday affair.

In 1992, Florentine fashion designer Emilio Pucci, Marquis of Barsento, died at 78. His geometric prints recall the exuberant culture and clime of the Isle of Capri, where Pucci first set up shop; his silhouettes, the sports of his youth.