Editor’s Picks: Church’s Shoes, Wooden Turntable and Limited Edition Breitling
From a pair of soft suede sneakers to a new range of mixers for dark spirits, this is what we want this week…
Words: Jonathan Wells
From a pair of Church’s limited edition shoes to celebrate the 200th anniversary of Burlington Arcade, to Loro Piana’s new casual summer footwear range, we’ve got a bit shoe-heavy in this week’s Editor’s Picks.
But whatever you end up lacing up, slipping on or kicking off as a result of this list, you can be sure that they’re the best-made, comfiest and most stylish pairs currently on the market.
Step up: Loro Piana Summer Walk Shoes
Loro Piana operate at the very top end of high fashion. And, with the Summer Walk shoes, they’ve stepped up their style game once again. These casual moccasins are available in 13 colours, crafted from unlined suede and are constructed, painstakingly, by hand.
There’s space on the heel for your name — a feature inspired by deck shoes — and the lightweight, soft design makes them perfect for sailing or the beach this summer. Or, if you’re staying in Britain for the summer months, they’re also water-repellent to combat the inevitable rain.
Wind up: Breitling Premier B01 Chronograph 42 Norton Edition
To celebrate their partnership with iconic British motorcycle manufacturer, Norton, Swiss watchmaker Breitling have released a cool, charismatic and contoured timepiece that promises to pair perfectly with your most rugged of motorbikes.
The distinctive Norton logo is engraved on the case, it’s powered by the Breitling Manufacture Caliber 01, and is a COSC-certified chronometer. It is available on a stainless steel bracelet, but for that tough biker look, we’d opt for the raw brown leather option every time.
It’s pouring: Long Tail Dark Spirit Mixers
From tonic water to soda, there are plenty of mixers out there that pair perfectly with white spirits. But even though vodka and gin drinkers are covered, those who like dark spirits tend to be limited at the bar when it comes to mixing. But no more, thanks to Long Tail.
The start-up have launched a range of dark spirit mixers — and they’re excellent. From Blood Orange to Ginger Line, if you’re struggling to create a signature drink with your whisky or rum, these are the bottles to uncap and experiment with. Our particular favourite? Island Spice, a flavour made with gentian and chinotto.
Turn it up: Audiowood Black Barky Turntable
If you’re looking for a practical piece of statement home decor, we think we’ve got you covered. From design wizards Audiowood comes the new — and painfully cool — Black Barky record player, a new take on the Barky record player the brand first released in 2009.
This monochrome update is crafted from a round of ash wood, taken from a forest in the USA’s upper midwest and then finished by hand in New Orleans. Expect a Rega RB330 tonearm, 24 Volt Power Supply and lots and lots of compliments.
Stepping out: Church’s Shannon Burlington Arcade Edition
To celebrate Burlington Arcade’s 200th anniversary, the heritage footwear brand has created a special version of its Shannon men’s shoe, a polished, lace-up Derby blucher. The limited-edition version comes in black and light ebony, with a special tag detail on the heel.
And, although Church’s shoes have been made by hand in Northampton since 1873, and each pair takes eight-to-ten weeks to make, you’ll only find this edition at 58-59 Burlington Arcade.
Button it: Turnbull & Asser Weekend Fit Chambray Shirt
When Turnbull & Asser design a new collection, we take notice. Last year, their avant garde evening shirt range whipped us up in a frenzy of excitement for party season — and this new Weekend Collection has done the same. We simply can’t wait for Friday, and the opportunity to button up these new casual classics.
The best of the range is surely this mid-blue chambray shirt. The relaxed style of a Dorset button-down collar and 1 button cuff adds an air of informal style — and every single shirt is handmade in the brand’s Gloucester workroom.
Make mine a double: Soho Home Barwell Cut Crystal Set
Now you’ve sorted your signature cocktail, thanks to the Long Tail mixers above, you need a vessel worthy of carrying your drink. Enter Soho Home, and their Barwell Cut Crystal Set.
Made from weighty, mouth-blown crystal that’s been hand-cut and polished for a perfectly smooth finish, you’ll get two rocks glasses in this set, along with a handsome decanted and an ice bucket. Drinking never looked so decadent.
Lace up: North-89 No-1, Stone Grey
Sometimes, less is more. So, rather than opting for a high-shine leather sneaker in a bold colour, why not pare things back with a light grey, suede offering such as these No-1s from North-89? Their luxurious Italian suede uppers are matched to an Italian Margom sole, creating a clean unity to the shoe; a very minimalistic yet premium look and feel.
The memory foam insole will keep every step comfortable, and they’ll be delivered in a branded box with an extra set of waxed cotton laces. Your new pair of summer shoes.
Want more of the best gear in the world? 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
A bigger splash: The best RIB brands on the market
