Editor’s Picks: Crystal Sunglasses, Marshall Smart Speaker and 007 Print
From a Ralph Lauren beach towel for your next beach trip to a pair of summery suede sneakers from Uniform Standard, this is what we want this week…
Words: Jonathan Wells
It’s going to be a funny old couple of months, isn’t it? We all better be ready to tentatively dip our toes back into the lives we lived before — seeing friends and being social. But we’ll probably miss lockdown a little, and try to maintain the level of luxury and routine we’ve settled into during self-isolation. Who knows how we’ll cope.
But we’ll find a way through. At Gentleman’s Journal, we’ve stocked up on some new sunglasses, beach towels, summer shirts and sneakers for our big debut back into the real world. You can see them below. But we’re also keeping our locked-down pads looking fine — with new smart speakers, some unique art for our walls and a fab bottle of wine. And readjusting is never easier than when you’re clutching a big glass of rosé. So raise a glass, and prepare for the world to restart. It’s going to be fun.
Sound check: Marshall Uxbridge Smart Speaker
If you’ve not got round to learning the guitar during lockdown, but you still want to enjoy the interior design trappings of a wannabe rock musician, there are few finer options than Marshall’s new smart speaker. The ‘Uxbridge’ may not have the sexiest name — but its classic construction, leather-look shell and that sweeping golden logo still scream ‘rock n’ roll’.
Making waves: Ralph Lauren Signature Cotton Beach Towel
We’ll soon all be back to the beach — or so we hope. And, when you tie up your trunks, slip on your flip-flops and apply some SPF moisturiser, you’ll be all set — almost. Because no trip to the seaside is complete without a huge, signature beach towel to lounge around on. And, unsurprisingly, Ralph Lauren has one of the best. Crafted from 100 percent cotton, it’s so bold it could be the flag of a small country — and so big it could probably cover one, too.
Kick it: Uniform Standard Series 1 Sneakers
Now it’s summer, it’s finally safe to wear suede. No longer do we have to live in constant fear of spring showers, or unseasonal thunderstorms. No! We can lace up our brushed leather sneakers with pride and confidence — which’ll be even easier if you opt for these handsome grey lace-ups from Uniform Standard. What’s more, the recycled materials used to create them also mean that they’re incredibly eco-friendly.
Nobody does it better: 007 Ken Adam Lotus Esprit Submarine Art Print
If the delayed release date for No Time To Die has got you yearning for a double-o fix, then look no further. Exclusively released on the James Bond Official Store, this limited run of production designer Ken Adam’s sketches of the Lotus Esprit S1 submarine from The Spy Who Loved Me is the ideal way to scratch your MI6 itch. Each edition is supplied with a certificate of authenticity, hand numbered and dated by Eon Productions.
Popping corks: Billecart-Salmon Brut Rosé
‘Tis the season to be pouring chilled rosé in your garden. And we’ve got just the bottle. A Billecart-Salmon fizz, this brut rosé is a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier and Pinot Noir, pale pink in colour with glimmers of gold throughout. It’s decadence in a champagne flute, and boasts such delicate, slow-rising bubbles that its mousse could constitute a starter. Looking to kick off summer proper at the height of hedonism? These are the bubbles for you.
Flying colours: Emma Willis Turquoise Linen Shirt
Turquoise can be a tricky colour to pull off. It’s up there with salmon, lavender and lime green. Yet what’s this? A linen shirt that isn’t just neatly tailored and traditionally cut — but also takes turquoise to new heights? You can thank Emma Willis, the Jermyn Street shirtmaker who has pushed the envelope on classic shirting. This is one of the brand’s summer staples; resilient, lightweight and finished with real mother of pearl buttons.
Up in smoke: Arturo Fuente Hemingway Cigar
If there’s one thing better than popping open a bottle of that Billecart-Salmon Brut Rosé in your garden this summer, it’s lighting up a truly phenomenal cigar. And this, the ‘Hemingway’ from Arturo Fuente, definitely makes the cut. Named for the acclaimed novelist — and famed cigar-chopper — this gorgeous little perfecto is handmade in the Dominican Republic, and has a rich, deep flavour profile.
Turn back time: Zenith Chronomaster Revival Manufacture Edition
When watchmakers launch retro-flavoured reissues, they usually come with modern spins. New movements, tweaked designs, precious metals and more. This Chronomaster from Zenith has gone another way. Realising a watch that never made it to market at the time, it uses dials made (and lost) in 1969 to give us a true slice of mid-century watchmaking. But, if you’re a fan of this authenticity, then you’d better act fast: Zenith says that this will be the last watch they produce with that retro-sized case.
Crystal clear: Monc Kallio Crystal Sunglasses
Have you got your statement sunglasses sorted yet? It’s not truly summer until you have. We’ve been searching high and low for our own pair of brightly coloured, eye-catching eyewear — and here they are. From Monc, these traditionally shaped frames are elevated by their crystal colour. It’s an effective blend of classic and futuristic styles, and we guarantee they’ll be turning heads ’til September.
On your bike: State Bicycle Co. 4130 Van Damme
With lockdown lifting, but people still shying away from public transport, our commutes are about to get a whole lot longer. And in the world of walking to work, the man with the bicycle is king. Of course, invest in this handsome-framed Van Damme two-wheeler from State Bicycle Co. and you’ll be one better than even the king. With internal cable routing, seat stay rack mounts, and some fetching stripes, everyone will follow your new stylish summer ride.
Pink again: Whispering Angel Rosé
The benchmark of classic Côtes de Provence rosé, Whispering Angel is popular for a reason. When you’re filling up your latest case at Gentleman’s Journal Wine, we’d recommend starting with a bottle of two of this reliable pink. Expect something a little punchier than your usual floral notes, with citrus, grapefruit and refreshing acidity just waiting to be poured in the sun.
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
A bigger splash: The best RIB brands on the market
