Editor’s Picks: Rare James Bond posters, Gentemstick snowboard and Casamigos Mezcal
From a ping pong table that doubles as a work of art to a lightweight cashmere scarf for seasonal style, this is what we want this week...
Words: Jonathan Wells
The middle of January is a strange time; a mid-seasonal no man’s land where we’re still shivering and jetting off on ski trips — but also seeing the first glimmers of sunshine and planning for summer. We’re still being tempted into buying big boots and heavyweight coats, but we know that they’ll soon be confined to our wardrobes when spring rolls around. So what to do?
That’s easy. Either invest in winter gear you’ll be able to rely on every year, or start spending your money on transitional style and accessories for 2020. We’re talking well-made snowboards, lightweight scarves and sunglasses as fit for the slopes as for the summer. Thankfully, there’s all that and more in this week’s Editor’s Picks. Take a look…
Shuck it: Lorenzi Milano Mesh Oyster Glove
If you’ve ever wanted to feel like a cross between a Michelin-starred chef and a medieval knight (and let’s face it, who hasn’t?) then look no further than Lorenzi Milano. The Italian brand’s Mesh Oyster Glove is a must-have for any seafood enthusiasts, designed to minimise injuries when you’re cracking into oysters with a sharp knife. That said, we know that you only want this chainmail gauntlet so you can channel your inner King Arthur — and he wouldn’t give a shuck about kitchen safety.
Earn your stripes: Drake’s Striped Woven Scarf
If you squint really, really hard, you’ll see the summer light at the end of this wintry tunnel. But it won’t all be roses, tanning and 99 ice creams with a flake (or two, if you’re lucky…) because summer has style issues of its own. What colours are too bright? Should I still be layering? What materials won’t get me too hot under my proverbial — and literal — collar? Thankfully, accessories will be your saviour, and few are better than this smooth, lightweight striped scarf from Drake’s.
Get your goat: Loro Piana Striped Cashmere Sweater
Only once a year do the good people at Loro Piana venture into the Mongolian wilderness to harvest the cashmere from the native super-soft goats. So it’s a good thing that their hard work pays off. This slim-fit, ribbed cashmere sweater is the fruit of Loro Piana (and those goats’) labours. Spun in Italy, it features a wide stripe across the chest and is woven in a range of distinct, ribbed stitches. Wear it with warm, cosy pride — and make a note to thank the goats.
Without a paddle: The Art of Ping Pong Table
How serious are you about ping pong? Whatever your answer, it’s not serious enough. But don’t worry — we’ve found the perfect way to help you boost your table tennis credentials. From The Art of Ping Pong (it’s an art, don’t you know?), this table is a brightly coloured joy; a boxy artwork that hangs on your wall until you decide to take it down, unfold the legs, pop on the net and get playing. And, once you win? Hang your artwork back on the wall. Simple.
Bottle it: Casamigos Mezcal
You’ve heard of Casamigos: actor-slash-perenially handsome man George Clooney’s billion-dollar tequila brand. But did you know that it’s recently actioned an agave-flavoured expansion into mezcal? In a dusky, dusty black bottle, this deceptively clean, easy-drinking spirit is the ideal choice for fans of peated whiskies. It’s a little bit smoky, a little bit fruity and fully endorsed by the silver fox himself.
On board: Gentemstick Impossible Big Mountain Snowboard
Oh, you’ve seen a cooler snowboard, have you? We’d love to see it. Because nothing we’ve ever spied on the slopes comes close to the frosty, icy cool of this Japanese snow surfer. From Gentemstick — a brand with enough cultural cache to make up for that less-than-catchy name — the Big Mountain board has a surprisingly agile carving ability, a rough-and-ready patchwork design and one hell of a forked tail. Get cruising.
殺すライセンス: Original Japanese Bond Movie Posters
Could there be anything better than owning an authentic, original James Bond film poster from almost half a century ago? Answer: yes there is. You could own an authentic, original Japanese James Bond film poster from almost half a century ago. Rock Paper Film have a selection of the best foreign-language examples, from Moonraker to Goldfinger. They’re works of art, talking points and two-foot-tall pictures of Sean Connery’s face for your living room. What more could you want?
Silver standard: TAG Heuer Carrera 160 Years Silver Limited Edition
Back in 1962, then-CEO of TAG Heuer Jack Heuer heard the story of the legendary Carrera Panamericana, one of the most treacherous road races in the world. He knew it would be the perfect inspiration for a timepiece and, this year, the brand is re-issuing Heuer’s famous creation. A stainless-steel chronograph, it features the same eternally elegant dial and polished case and pushers as its predecessor. One for the collection.
Keeping watch: Omega Pilot Style Sunglasses
We’re very much looking forward to seeing James Bond’s latest Omega in action in the upcoming No Time To Die, but now we’re wondering if he’ll slip on a pair of the storied watchmakers sunglasses as well. That’s right — the Swiss Maison have swapped cases for frames, hands for arms and launched a new range of eyewear. Our pick of the pack? These yellow gold pilot sunglasses; port red, Italian-made and surely fit for a superspy.
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
