Editor’s Picks: Aprilia Motorcycle, Velvet Slippers and Monkey 47 Gin
From a pair of Brunello Cucinelli ski goggles to one of Krug’s finest vintage champagnes, this is what we want this week…
Words: Jonathan Wells
There are many ways to combat the upcoming cold — and you’ll find most of them zipped, sipped and slipped on in this week’s Editor’s Picks. Take Aubin’s latest parka, for example, wool-lined and sustainably-stuffed. Or a pair of luxurious lisle cotton socks, stitched to life in London. Even Oliver Peoples has created some ski goggles designed to keep your face frost-free.
Add to that a German gin, a French cognac and a British hip flask perfect for pouring both spirits into, and you’ve got the best bunch of warming, winter-beating products this side of the imminent cold snap. Take a look…
Free spirit: Monkey 47 Distiller's Cut 2022 Gin
Every year, the German gin-maker adds a bonus botanical to its time-tested, tastebud-tempting recipe. 2022 sees ‘sweet woodruff’ become the 48th ingredient; an addition that affords the spirit new notes of vanilla, bitter cardamom and nutty straw.
Skeleton crew: New & Lingwood Navy Velvet Slippers
Sumptuously stitched with the British outfitter’s signature ‘Skull & Crossbones’ motif, these New & Lingwood slippers will step you into party season in timber-shivering style. Thankfully, with a plush jewel-toned cotton construction and black quilted lining, your feet will still be snug — keeping any actual shivering to a minimum.
Zip it: Aubin ‘Ullswater’ Parka
The British brand has always been grounded in authenticity — and nothing says ‘practical’ like Aubin’s tactical, tremendously warm parka. The ‘Ullswater’, named for a cold Cumbrian lake, is cut from a cotton-rich, water-resistant blend that’ll keep you toastier than its burnt orange colour.
Button it: Neem Recycled Italian Flannel Overshirt
There are few bits of modern menswear as versatile as the overshirt. And this soft green option, stylishly stitched together by sustainable menswear brand Neem London, has been our go-to all autumn. Creating essential menswear whilst using super low emissions, this is ethical menswear at its best.
Taste sensation: Chotto Matte Restaurant, Marylebone
Earlier this year, the delectable Japanese-Peruvian restaurant refurbished its Soho site; but the brand new Marylebone outpost is the better of the two London-based destinations. Embracing the very best of the hybrid ‘Nikkei’ style of cuisine, the dishes — including Tuna Tatami, Huacatay Broccoli and Tentáculos de Pulpo — are plated up in a relaxed atmosphere with a fierce focus on natural colours and spicy, citrus-forward flavours.
White out: Oliver Peoples x Brunello Cucinelli ‘Aspen’ Ski Goggles
Offering as sophisticated a slope-going collaboration as we’ve ever clapped eyes on, who wouldn’t want to pull on this pair of Oliver Peoples x Brunello Cucinelli ski goggles? The ‘Aspen’ design has a handsome tortoiseshell frame, interchangeable lenses and a custom-designed strap declaring the upmarket partnership.
Drink up: Delamain Pale & Dry XO ‘Centenaire’ Cognac
A decadent blend of Grande-Champagne eaux-de-vie, this Christmas-ready cognac has been aged in seasoned French oak casks — a 25-year maturation period that teases out flavours including ripe apricot, sweet vanilla and leathery, rancio oak. Suffice to say, it may be too good for puds.
Bright spark: Aprilia ‘ELECTRICa’ Concept Electric Motorcycle
Bold of colour and light of weight, the latest concept from Italian motorcycle manufacturer Aprilia is a zero-emission, bronze-trimmed bit of fun. The triple headlamp cluster is a nice nod to the brand’s signature style, and the low saddle height, keyless system and LCD instruments ensure this one’s an easy rider.
Sparkling form: Krug 2008 Champagne
2008 was a cool and balanced year in France’s most revered wine-making region. The Krug vintage that bears this annum is similarly insouciant; blending the best, most masterly-grown grapes to create a champagne overflowing with flavours of orange peel, apple tart and crumbly butter cookies.
High spirits: Aspinal of London 5oz Hip Flask with Leather Pouch
In an attractive shade of green, Aspinal of London has wrapped its famously luxurious leather around a hardy hip flask — just in time for Christmas. Because, whether you’re gifting — or going on a long wintry walk — there are few more copper-bottomed companions than the brand’s stainless steel, screw-top option.
Flick on: London Sock Co. ‘Pitch Side Pick’ Socks
With the England side starting strongly in their latest World Cup campaign, any firm fans are likely looking to fly the flag for the national team. Subtle and stylish, these socks from London Sock Co. are ideal for any football and footwear aficionados — available here in a red, white and blue ‘Pitch Side Pick’ pack.
Sit tight: Sternzeit ‘Retrostar’ Leather Lounge Chair
As angular as it is elegant, this leather-trimmed take on Sternzeit’s ‘Retrostar’ chair is a mid-century marvel — with a hint of Bauhaus stitched into the mix. With its slightly sloping back, tapered beech armrests and sturdy steel suspension, it’s the ideal centrepiece to any living space. And, with the code ‘BlackFriday35’, you can enjoy a 35% discount until December 4th.
Shifting gears: Genesis ‘X’ Electric Convertible Concept
Hyundai’s hyper-luxury subsidiary isn’t messing around. The latest futuristic motor from Genesis, with a design drawn along an ‘anti-wedge parabolic line’, is a seriously smooth-looking launch. And, while it may currently just be a concept, here’s hoping the car’s sculpted rear deck, multi-spoke designer wheels and sleek LED split lights make it to market.
Want more of the best gear money can buy? Check out last week’s Editor’s Picks…
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Further reading
Editor’s Picks: Grand Seiko watch, Crockett & Jones shoes, Littlemill whisky and My Style Bags watch case
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