Editor’s Picks: MacBook Pro, Skiing Sunglasses and Ralph Lauren Playing Cards
From a fine bottle of Krug champagne to a revitalising grooming kit from Heath London, this is what we want this week…
Words: Jonathan Wells
Winter is coming. You can feel it in the frosty, ice-cold air. But, bleak though they may seem, these chillier months offer up an opportunity to restyle ourselves — and restock our wardrobes, garages and homes with new bits of cold-weather kit.
Pieces like a pair of leather boots from Crockett & Jones, a jacket from Moncler or a pair of slope-ready sunglasses from POC. There are hand salves to keep your skin soft, alpine-inspired watches and even the odd pair of skis. So brighten up, bundle up — and take a look at the best new gear of the week below…
If the shoe fits: Crockett & Jones Islay Boots
Let’s step into this week’s list with Crockett & Jones. The esteemed Northampton shoemaker is renowned the world over for its winter-ready boots, and this latest iteration of the high-leg ‘Islay’ style is our favourite. With chunky, cleated soles, thick laces and gunmetal eyelets, they’re ready to combat even the coldest days.
Lead the charge: Aura Electric Roadster
Built by a Government-backed group of motoring mechanics during last year’s lockdowns, the ‘Aura’ is an electric concept created using natural composite fibres and woven fabrics. It’s electrically-powered, rear-wheel drive and windscreen-less — and boasts an exceedingly impressive range of 400 miles per charge.
Raise a glass: Krug Grande Cuvée 169th Édition with Binaural Sound Experience
It’s not just fine fizz you’ll enjoy by opening this bottle of Krug’s latest. In addition to the bubbling flavours of citrus fruits, almonds and gingerbread, drinkers will also be treated to a ‘Binaural Sound Experience’ — an immersive experience created by 3D music pioneer Ozark Henry that tells the story of Krug Grande Cuvée 169ème Edition and showcases the unique craftsmanship of Krug Champagne.
Frame job: POC ‘Nivalis’ Skiing Sunglasses
True skiing style is all about the details. From your scarf to your sunglasses, it pays to invest in the best accessories before you hit the slopes. For the latter, we’d recommend a pair from POC. These ‘Nivalis’ frames feature detachable leather side-pieces, a rubber nose piece and adjustable temples to stare down the glacial glare.
Kitted out: Faction CT 1.0 Freestyle Skis
Every slope-inspired list needs a good pair of skis. And these — an affordable, freestyle pair from Faction — are among our favourite tools for the powdery job. With a robust build and a butter-smooth finish, these near-symmetrical skis are perfect if you want to carve tighter style turns this winter.
Face it: Heath London ‘The Facial Routine Kit’
If this prematurely wintry weather is anything to go by, we’re in for one hell of a frosty autumn. Thankfully, Heath is on hand to help. Or should that be ‘on face’? Because this, the modern British grooming brand’s ‘Facial Routine Kit’, features an exfoliating cleansing wash, revitalising eye serum, fast-acting moisturiser and steam-activated shower mask to keep your visage looking fresh whatever the temperature.
Listen up: Astell & Kern AK ZERO1 Earphones
Trust Astell & Kern to set new standards in audio engineering. The pioneering brand last week unveiled its new ‘AK ZERO1’ earphones, featuring micro planar dynamic and dual balanced armature drivers. That means an unprecedented level of natural, clear audio — and a striking design to boot.
Carte Blanche: Ralph Lauren Playing Cards
Influenced by the esteemed designer’s Colorado ranch, these Ralph Lauren playing cards are subtly cream-coloured, with lazy blue backs and a traditional playing design. They’re ideal for travellers this winter; whether you’re seeking out some unseasonal sun, or heading to a snow-dusted chalet in Aspen or Vail.
Watch out: Chopard Alpine Eagle XL Chrono
This hardy steel chronograph is the COSC-certified, water-resistant, hard-as-nails cornerstone of the Alpine Eagle collection — and is ideal for the slopes this winter. In addition to the hours, minutes, seconds and date window, the super-sized XL Chrono also features a tachymeter scale and flyback chronograph.
Making progress: Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch
Five years after the last MacBook Pro, Apple has released a total redesign of its flagship laptop. With an iPhone-mimicking camera notch, mini LED technology and impressive 3,456 x 2,234 resolution, this 16-inch model also brings back several features of MacBooks old; including HDMI ports, SD card slots and the ‘MagSafe’ charging connector.
Zip it: Moncler ‘Authion’ Down Jacket
And finally, to round out this week’s flurry of slope-inspired picks, a choice ski jacket. From Moncler, this ‘Authion’ design combines technical fabrics and quality materials including sheepskin leather, bull hide and micro-ripstop nylon to combine fashion and function in frosty, reliable style.
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
