Editor’s Picks: Ressence watch, Émigré jacket, My Style Bags duffel and House of Hazelwood whisky
The best gear in the world right now, from Leica’s newest release to Hackett’s autumnal essentials.
Words: Dan Scothern
Each week we present to you some of the best products on the planet. Whether it's Nothing’s spatially aware earbuds or Sir Ben Ainslie’s NIGHT POWDER, these are the items that you need to shake up your lifestyle for the better...
Nothing (R) Ear (Open) Earbuds
‘Blissfully aware’ is how the brand (whose investors include The Weeknd and Casey Neistat) describe the feeling of wearing the latest addition to their audio range. Open Sound Technology on the new Ear (Open) Earbuds ensures that whilst your tunes stay private, you’re still dialled in to your environment and sounds around you. Meaning that you can hear the Prius coming around the corner on your runs, and stay clued up on office gossip, even when ‘wired in.’
Ressence Type 1² SHA
Though perhaps most recognised for her work on larger canvases, British artist Shantell Martin has teamed up with Belgian watch brand, Ressence, on an exceptional piece for the TimeForArt auction in December. The Type 1² SHA has all the trappings of a traditional Ressence Type 1² (patented ROCS 1.3 -Ressence Orbital Convex System, caseback winding and day/time setting, 36hrs power reserve etc.) but with a truly unique dial showcasing the celebrated fluid lines and profound freedom seen across all of Martin’s work. The pared-back design makes the perfect space for art and time to coexist, and the result is a remarkable and striking timepiece.
Émigré Aviation Jacket
Made for the skies, this Aviation Jacket from ultra-modern travel brand, Émigré, is a nod to the timeless style of the military with a technical edge. Made in Portugal from 100 per cent recycled materials, this take-you-anywhere jacket sports a weather resistant outer shell and so many concealed pockets that you might not need hand luggage at all (although the brand has you brilliantly covered in that department, as well).
ainslie + ainslie NIGHT POWDER
You don’t get to be a 4x Olympic Gold Medallist and America’s Cup winner without knowing a thing or two about rest and recovery. With his new brand ainslie + ainslie, (founded alongside his wife, Georgie) the most successful sailor in Olympic history, Sir Ben Ainslie, has opened his training guides to the everyman and created a night powder that boasts a noticeable increase in sleep performance in just a handful of weeks. It’s been tested in a “bullsh*t-free environment” and been through athletes, neuroscience professors and sports scientists alike, so it’s definitely worth a punt if counting sheep isn’t cutting it.
David Gandy Wellwear Cotton Crew Tee
We understand potential scepticism around basic tees, especially during the time of year where they’re more likely to sit hidden underneath a jumper or overshirt, than at the forefront of an outfit. That being said, the Cotton Crew Tee from David Gandy Wellwear (made with 100 per cent cotton and sporting Wellwear Breathe anti-odour and anti-bacterial treatment) will stand you in phenomenal stead as a supporting player, or lead role in any autumnal ensemble.
Holland Cooper X Morgan Driving Gilet
Gilets get a bad rap. Maybe it’s the portion of gilet owners that overly stress the second syllable, or perhaps it’s the city-boy and countryside connotations that get TikTok users up in arms. Either way, the functionality of this piece can’t be overlooked. Take this collaboration between British outfitters Holland Cooper and the renowned Morgan Motor Company, it’s made in a polar fleece fabric, sports two discreet pockets and has a black finish, making it enviably versatile for autumnal layering.
My Style Bags Harvard Safari Duffel Bag
Duffel bags have come a long way since the military application that made them popular in the early 20th century, and this Harvard Safari Duffel by My Style Bags is proof in abundance. Though vintage inspired, the Harvard Safari proudly showcases an adjustable shoulder strap, grained leather details and a cotton interior with practical pockets. And, like all My Style Bags luggage pieces, it can be personalised with one-of-kind embroidery to ensure that it never does a second lap of the baggage carousel.
House of Hazelwood A Minute to Midnight Whisky
From the third collection by one of the world’s largest inventories of aged Scotch whisky comes A Minute to Midnight, a 45-year-old blended Scotch that’s a sherry bomb primed for detonation. 1 of only 154 bottles worldwide, it packs a punch at 58.6% ABV and is certainly not a bottle for passing around. The story surrounding A Minute to Midnight and the broader House of Hazelwood collection is a rich as the cinnamon and mulled wine notes in this particular dram, making it an enviable addition to anyone’s top shelf.
Hackett Water Resistant Cargo Jacket
There are few situations that spur a sartorial conundrum more than Apple Weather showing 45 per cent chance of rain. A gambling man would say that you’re probably fine, but we all know that being caught in a downpour, when unprepared, can really derail a day. Thankfully, Hackett’s ultra-light, workwear inspired Cargo Jacket ticks all the boxes; it’s got pockets galore and will keep you dry in a shower whilst maintaining a suave silhouette for the other 55 per cent of the day.
Leica ZM 11 Watch
For as long as photography has existed, the importance of timing has been paramount. And it’s a relationship that German camera manufactures, Leica, has celebrated with the release of their ZM 11 watch. A tribute to photography and precision mechanics, the ZM 11 has been created with all the care and craftmanship of a Leica camera. It’s clean 41mm dial sits within an elegant titanium face, and it’s 60-hour power reserve and Leica Easy Change System (allowing strap changes with a press of the iconic ‘red dot’) means it’s ready for business when safely tucked under the sleeve, or out on a shoot.
Dom Pérignon Tribute to Jean-Michel Basquiat Vintage 2015
For almost thirty years, Dom Pérignon has collaborated with artists and creators known for their cutting-edge sensibilities. The series, which began with Karl Lagerfeld in 2005, now sees the Maison pay tribute to American street art pioneer Jean-Michel Basquiat, in the form of a trio of special edition 2015 Vintage gift boxes and bottles. Featuring Jean-Michel Basquiat’s original 1983 painting artwork ‘IN ITALIAN’, this very special collection marries the Dom Pérignon and Basquiat universes via their most iconic symbols – the crown and shield.
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Further reading
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