Editor’s Picks: Louis XIII Cognac, Polestar Bicycle and Smartphone Turntable
From a pair of comfortable boots from R.M. Williams to an innovative laundry tablet from L’Estrange, this is what we want this week…
Words: Jonathan Wells
Whether it’s a sleek futuristic bicycle from Scandinavia or an avant-garde audio solution from Japan, this week’s Editor’s Picks are new, novel and highly innovative.
There’s a laundry tablet from L’Estrange that will put the spring back into your summerwear. There’s an eye serum from Dr Sebagh that runs circles around dark circles. And there’s a trio of timepieces — with designs pushing the boundaries of fashion and function. Take a look…
Step up: R.M. Williams ‘Comfort Craftsman’ Boot
These boots were made for walking. And comfort. And style, come to think of it. They’re an Australian triple-threat (much like R.M. William’s brand ambassador, Hugh Jackman). Standing on durable rubber soles and with a signature chisel square toe, the ‘Comfort Craftsman’ boots are handcrafted down under from a single piece of leather.
Raise a glass: The Macallan ‘M Copper’ 2022 Whisky
Following on from ‘The Macallan M’ and ‘M Black’, the latest sweet, malty release from the storied Scotch distiller is this; the buttery, viscous ‘M Copper’. Housed in a handcrafted Lalique decanter and gleaming with the natural colour of spun gold, the vibrant, elegant expression glows with aromas of chocolate, rich dried fruit and spice.
Keep your cool: Tudor ‘Ranger’ Watch
Launched last week in London, the latest Tudor honours the watchmaker’s adventurous heritage. Borrowing its style and spirit from the model taken on 1952’s British North Greenland Expedition, this handsome new twist on the timepiece (we particularly like that striped fabric strap) thrums with a COSC-certified mechanical movement, and has both a power reserve of 70 hours and waterproof credentials to 100 metres.
Good as new: L’Estrange ‘Re_Fresh’ Tablet
From L’Estrange’s pioneering modular clothing system, consisting of only eight eco-friendly pieces, to the British outfitter’s new ‘Re_Fresh’ laundry tablet, these innovators are leading the sharply-dressed charge. The ‘Re_Fresh’ is particularly laudable; a unique, enzyme-driven invention that removes a fine layer of ‘tired’ fibres from your clothes, and returns them — without damage or pollution — to their pristine prime.
Back in the saddle: Allebike ‘Alpha’ Polestar Edition
A head-turning, pedal-spinning collaboration between premium electric car brand Polestar and high-end, family-owned bicycle manufacturer Allebike, this ‘Alpha’ mountain bike is a lightweight Scandinavian thoroughbred. With Just 100 models to be made, the model shares many similarities with Polestar cars themselves — from Öhlins dampers to those Swedish gold accents.
High-flying: Breitling Aerospace 'Red Arrows Edition’ Wristwatch
The high-flying heir to Breitling’s original 1985 ‘Aerospace’, this new innovative, multifunction chronograph is packed to its caseback with state-of-the-art Swiss technology. A ‘Red Arrows’ special edition, it has a vivid, vibrant motif on the right of the bold, blue dial — and features the Royal Air Force emblem on its titanium reverse.
Turn it up: Yamaha ‘TurnT’ Smartphone Turntable
As part of Yamaha Design Lab’s forward-thinking, groundbreaking work, the team often takes everyday problems — and applies avant-garde solutions to them. The latest slate of innovations concern our smartphones, and the music we play on them. The best? This ‘TurnT’. Designed to resemble a record player, you must boot up a special app, place the stylus on your screen — and the nostalgia starts sounding.
Cool, calm and collected: Dr Sebagh ‘Supreme Eye Serum’
Feeling a little lethargic? We’re halfway through the year, and with temperatures rising and days stretching out, we wouldn’t blame you. Thankfully, Dr Sebagh’s ‘Supreme Eye Serum’ can correct dark circles, alleviate puffiness and soothe your skin into a state of pre-stress, no-worries bliss. You’ll never look back.
Hip to be square: NOMOS Glashütte ‘Tetra Neomatik’ Wristwatch
NOMOS Glashütte is going big. To mark 175 years of watchmaking, the brand has produced 175 examples of four new, square models. Our favourite is this black-dialled ‘Tetra Neomatik’ — edgy, striking, leather-strapped and fitted with a caliber that ticks with the highest standard of German craftsmanship.
Lift your spirits: Louis XIII ‘Mathusalem’ Decanter
If you decamp to Harrods this week, you’ll decant into a whole new world of cognac-fuelled opulence. The Louis XIII boutique — newly-opened and richly-stocked — is a futuristic swirl of decadent designs and even more decadent spirits. And, at the heart of the store, is a ‘Mathusalem’; a magnificent six-litre decanter brimming with nectar-rich notes of saffron, sandalwood and nutmeg.
Button it: Aubin ‘Gargrave’ Overshirt
Trimmed with military details, this ‘Gargrave’ overshirt from Aubin is the perfect piece of lightweight menswear for summer evenings. It comes cut from cotton twill, features two double patch pleated pockets on the chest and has a stiff, versatile collar.
Want more of the best gear money can buy? Check out last week’s Editor’s Picks…
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