Editor’s Picks: Aspark hypercar, Patek Phillipe watch and Paul Smith gin
From Barbour’s trusty waxed canvas holdall to a desk gadget designed by the Museum of Modern Art, this is what we want this week…
Words: Jonathan Wells
You may still be in denial but Christmas is a mere six weeks away. And, while we’re not relishing the idea of all the shopping and wrapping ahead of us, it does mean that there is a lot of cool new gear being launched right now.
With that in mind, we’ve curated a somewhat eclectic wish list this week. From classic cashmere and fine aged whisky to the most modern of hypercars – here’s what we want this week…
Waxing lyrical: Barbour Wax Holdall
There’s something timeless about basics done well. And Barbour sure knows how to do things well. That’s why the British brand’s take on the humble holdall is about as reliable a lump of luggage as you’re ever likely to pack. Waxed cotton construction, antique brass fittings and hardy leather trim; what more could we want? How about a flash of Barbour’s iconic check for the bag’s lining — because it’s ticked that box, too.
Under the hood: Luca Faloni Auburn Pure Cashmere Hoodie
Who said hoodies were unsophisticated? Not Luca Faloni, that’s for sure. The Italian knitwear maestro is here to warm up your winter with his new take on the sweater style; luxuriously soft, knitted in Europe and cut with a comfortable, yet fitted silhouette. It’s a little sporty, a lot stylish and gets our vote for mid-layer of the season.
Same stripes: Paul Smith X Sipsmith London Dry Gin
One is an intoxicating presence on London’s fashion scene. The other is an intoxicating presence on London’s intoxication scene. And they’re both Smiths. No, your eyes don’t deceive you; those are Paul Smith’s signature stripes sweeping their way across Sipsmith’s signature bottle — coming together to present that bold, botanical bottling your home bar has been drunkenly crying out for.
Save the date: MoMA Perpetual Calendar
If we can’t rely on the Museum of Modern Art to serve up a truly inspired slice of design, then who can we turn to? Thankfully, this bold calendar from the institution — and designer Gideon Dagan — is your perfect new deskmate for 2020. Simple, geometric and endlessly intriguing, you must only move the two magnetic balls to mark the date and month.
Handle without care: Crash Baggage Stripe Suitcase
There must be few things as disheartening as watching baggage handlers kick, throw and shove your precious suitcase around on the tarmac. Helpless to stop them, you can only wince through those little plane portholes as your expensive luggage is crashed and bashed about. Thankfully, Crash Baggage has a ‘handle without care’ aesthetic, and takes pride in its dented appearance.
Stepping out: Cheaney Hanover Balmoral Boots
Did you know that, for the last six years, Joseph Cheaney & Sons has been producing the shoes for those oh-so stylish Peaky Blinders boys? As proven by the series, the Northampton-based brand is never short of a stylish shoe or two, and these burnished burgundy Balmoral boots are no exception. Goodyear-welted, leather-soled and with a distinctive navy lining, they’re kicks fit for a criminal stomp around the city. Or, you know, a day at the office…
Whiskey business: The Chosen Single Malt Irish Whiskey
Okay, okay, calm down — we know your thoughts on Irish whiskey. But some single malts from the Emerald Isle are truly transcendent, and this is one of them. From Ireland’s first female whiskeymaker, JJ Corry, this cut crystal bottle and hand-carved ash box special edition is utterly beautiful, 27-years-aged, boasts notes of toffee, chestnut and has a luscious oily texture.
Dual-dial: Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime
Now we know this is a wishlist, but this entry really is wishful thinking. Last weekend, Patek Philippe sold its one-off Grandmaster Chime at the Only Watch 2019 auction for a huge CHF 31,000,000 — making it the most expensive watch in the world. Twin-dialled, and engraved with the words ‘The Only One’, it took the maison seven years and more than 100,000 hours to create. Time well spent — but we’re still jealous of the winning bidder.
Fly by night: Aspark Owl Electric Hypercar
Trust Japan to roll out one of the most pioneering hypercars ever made. This hi-tech, super-sleek sportster has over 2,000 horsepower under its sharply designed bonnet, will take you from 0-60mph in 1.69 seconds and, most impressive of all, is electric. That’s right; they’ve kept it under wraps, under production since 2017 to make it the world’s fastest, highest performing electric car. Mission accomplished.
See what happened when we followed James Bond’s grooming routine for a week…
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Further reading
Editor’s Picks: Grand Seiko watch, Crockett & Jones shoes, Littlemill whisky and My Style Bags watch case
A bigger splash: The best RIB brands on the market
