Editor’s Picks: Gold Briefcase, Leather World Atlas and McLaren Senna XP
From a new state-of-the-art gym on Bishopsgate to the first, fresh fragrance from Frescobol Carioca, this is what we want this week…
Words: Jonathan Wells
Everyone may be gearing up for a Christmas break, but, here at Gentleman’s Journal, we’re looking forward to the new year. With a new decade comes the promise of new opportunities, new experiences and, yes, more luxuries and extravagances for us to throw our money at.
So, whether it’s a bright gold briefcase to show off when you return to the office in January, a leather-bound atlas to inspire your 2020 travels or a fragrance to throw forward to next summer, we’ve got just the products for you. Take a look…
Feeling blue: Sir Plus Denim Chore Jacket
Are you ready for one more spin on the overshirt/shacket/chore jacket before the decade ends? Yes? Good, because Sir Plus has had one last crack at the bleu de travail – the French workwear classic with more pockets than you know what to do with and more simple style appeal than most of us deserve. This time around, the British brand has crafted a jacket from swaggering mid-wash surplus denim; finishing it with its signature Corozo nut buttons. Tres bien.
Sea spray: Frescobol Carioca .1 Parfum
You slip on their swim shorts when you jet off to sunnier climes, but the good people of Frescobol Carioca are about to spritz themselves into your everyday lives. The brand’s first fragrance, .1, has been inspired by the Carioca spirit; an aromatic blend of city, sea and exotic botanicals that see warm incense and sandalwood splash together with powdery cardamom and green tones of cyclamen. It’ll take you to tropical shores all year round.
See the world: Smythson Geometric Croc-Embossed Leather Atlas
If, like us, you’re already writing up your 2020 wanderlust list, we’ve got some serious fuel for you. From heritage British brand Smythson, this ridiculously chic world atlas is bound in geometric-print, croc-embossed leather — and contains a plethora of detailed geographic and political maps within its gilded-edge pages. Didn’t think your bookshelf needed another atlas? Smythson would stylishly, beautifully and altogether correctly disagree.
Adventure time: Montblanc 1858 Split Second Chronograph
Inspired by the legendary professional Minerva watches from the 1920s and 1930s — themselves created for military use and exploration — Montblanc’s 1858 range expresses the very essence of adventure. This sharply designed, no-nonsense chronograph is surely the best of the bunch; with a slick black dial, red markers and a tachymeter in a striking colimaçon snail shape. And, with only 100 of these watches being produced, it’s as singular and special as your next jet-setting journey.
Obrigado Senna: McLaren Senna XP
This week, we took you behind the scenes of a trip to Brazil where we spoke to Ayrton Senna’s family about the racing champion’s legacy. Part of that enduring appeal has seen motoring brands from Ducati to Vespa name vehicles after the driver. McLaren’s Senna, a car already bearing the Brazilian’s name, has just been made a little more exciting with three unique XP editions. Our favourite? The suitably South American ‘Vitória em Casa’, of course — in green and yellow carbon.
All tied up: Missoni Crochet-Knit Cotton and Silk Tie
We’ve got a thing for a textured tie over here at Gentleman’s Journal. Immediately effective, these knitted neckpieces can add interest to the sharpest of suiting, and this latest from Missoni has lashings of character. Crochet-knitted in Italy in the house’s signature chevron pattern, Mr Porter has scooped the accessory up in all its blue, orange and beige glory. Looking for a statement, signature touch to stand out at the office next year? This is the patterned piece for you.
Gold standard: Rimowa Attaché Gold
Become the undisputed boss of the boardroom with Rimowa’s latest briefcase. Forget your tattered leather satchel, this bright gold attaché pairs a vintage sensibility with modern minimalist design — and achieves levels of startling cool. That’s right: somehow a shining gold briefcase has sidestepped the ‘tacky’ trap and pulled off a combination-locked, Italian leather-lined, limited-edition treat. We’re impressed.
Don’t give a tuck: Flannel Hezog Shirt by Untuckit
Everyone should have a good plaid flannel shirt for winter. Warming, reliable and comfortingly casual, they’re the cornerstone of our cold weather wardrobes. And few are as well or practically made as this maroon and grey offering from Untuckit. Not only does the cotton construction, spread collar and simple check make this the ideal layering piece, it is also niftily designed specifically to be worn untucked. Smart.
Work out: Equinox Bishopsgate
Boasting a stunning club space and cutting-edge classes, Equinox has burst onto Bishopsgate with all the ferocity of your gym-obsessed, creatine-chugging workmate. Complete with a personal recharging spa station and five floors of state-of-the-art fitness equipment, the New York based brand knows how to supercharge your workout — and will offer its new London members lifestyle, sleep and nutrition coaching, as well as unlimited group fitness classes. Sign up today.
Looking for more ways to spend that Christmas bonus? Check out last week’s Editor’s Picks…
Become a Gentleman’s Journal Member?
Like the Gentleman’s Journal? Why not join the Clubhouse, a special kind of private club where members receive offers and experiences from hand-picked, premium brands. You will also receive invites to exclusive events, the quarterly print magazine delivered directly to your door and your own membership card.
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
