Editor’s Picks: Silk Dressing Gown, Poker Set and McLaren Sabre
From a pair of vintage-flavoured ski goggles to a sustainably built electric skateboard, this is what we want this week…
Words: Jonathan Wells
Baby it’s cold outside; chilly, biting and festively frosty. Christmas has arrived — and so too has a seasonal drop in temperature. That’s why, for this week’s Editor’s Picks, we’ve bundled and wrapped ourselves up on a hunt for the warmest, cosiest, snuggest gear money can buy.
From thick, insulated outerwear and gloves to handy hip flasks (and the spirits to fill them), we’re helping you combat the cold in style. And, for when the snow clouds clear, we’ve also included some supercars, poker sets and top-flight gadgets, too. Take a look…
Zip it: ThruDark SF Expedition Parka
When the weather outside is frightful, ThruDark’s pioneering parka is a warming delight. Tested down to -40℃ and crafted from water repellant Cotton Ventile fabric, the brand’s SF Expedition Parka is fit for adventure. It’s windproof, breathable and designed using years of combined Special Forces experience to ensure you remain protected. Our favourite feature? The internal balaclava to save your face from the frost.
Jot this down: Herb Lester Fictional Hotel Notepads
Remember that scene at the end of The Shining; Jack Nicholson maniacally stalking his son through a maze in the deep, deep snow? It’s a movie we’ll always associate with wintertime — and one celebrated by Herb Lester’s quirky new range of stationery. The brand’s range of fictional hotel notepads celebrates several silver screen resorts and lodges — from The Shining’s Overlook Hotel to The Grand Budapest Hotel.
Fresh powder: Vallon Stairways Ski Goggles
Rooted in Verbier, Switzerland, this snowy, family-owned brand creates ski-ready eyewear inspired by years gone by. Perhaps that’s why these highly adaptable, anti-reflective, triple-layer foam-constructed goggles so authentically nail the retro look — because Vallon’s vintage ‘Stairways’ stay true to a design that’s been tearing down slopes for decades.
Raise a glass: Compass Box Magic Cask Whisky
Of course, staying warm this winter isn’t always about layering. Sometimes it pays to cosy up from the inside out. To that — more spirited — end, allow us to pour you a dram or three of Compass Box’s Magic Cask blended malt. Matured in Oloroso sherry-seasoned oak, and fizzing with wintry flavours of marmalade, plum and chai tea spices, this is a whisky as fiery and exciting as its own sensational label.
Deal me in: Larusmiani “Royale-Les-Eaux" Poker Set
Named for the fictional Northern French seaside resort that features in Ian Fleming’s James Bond novels, this masterfully handcrafted poker set is made from the finest lacquered sycamore wood, engraved with a Walther P99 and locked with a bullet-shaped key. Inside, you’ll find 312 unique chips, four dice and two gold-plated decks of cards raring to be dealt.
Wheel deal: Evolve Skateboards Bamboo GTR Electric Skateboard
With a deck constructed of bamboo and a classic longboard vibe, this electrifying electric skateboard from Evolve is an all-terrain way to get around this winter. That’s right — with those chunky wheels, range of 31 miles, top speed of 26 miles per hour and ability to climb gradients of up to 25%, this is one rugged, rough and ready off-roader.
Warm this winter: Hestra Philippe Raoux Classic Gloves
Like Vallon’s goggles above, Hestra’s Philippe Raoux gloves are inspired by a design of the past — in this case the famous Army Leather Heli Ski gloves of the early 90s. With the same look (and durability) of the 30-year-old originals, the palms are crafted from Ecocuir cowhide, the backhands from Triton polyamide fabric and the linings with warming G-Loft insulation. And they look pretty stylish to boot.
All tied up: New & Lingwood Silk Dressing Gown
With the coat, gloves and goggles above, you’re all sorted with your seasonal armour. But what about your indoor winter wear? How about a silk dressing gown from New & Lingwood? Adorned with an equally protective chain mail pattern, this fully-lined piece of choice loungewear comes trimmed with velvet quilted collar & gauntlet cuffs.
Floor it: McLaren Sabre
If, like everyone else, you’re looking to leave 2020 as quickly as possible, then we’ve got just the car for you. McLaren’s latest set of singular wheels is limited to 15 highly bespoke models — offered exclusively at the British brand’s Beverly Hills dealership. Capable of doing 218mph, it beats out the Senna thanks to a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 — and has an undisclosed price well into seven figures.
Bottle it: Ralph Lauren Home Garrett Hip Flask
Still thinking about the Compass Box bottle above? With its individual taste and idiosyncratic label, we don’t blame you. And, thanks to this brass and stainless steel hip flask from Ralph Lauren Home, you’ll be able to carry a warming sample of it with you at all times. A winter warmer bundled up in leather and canvas coat, this hip flask will be your wintertime best friend.
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
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