Editor’s Picks: Velvet Tuxedo, Swallow-Tail Snowboard and Champagne Magnum
From a pair of Crockett & Jones black tie slippers to a trio of new, innovative watches, this is what we want this week…
Words: Jonathan Wells
Forget black tie; we’re all about blue tie this week. Christmas parties are on hold this year — with winter soirees and seasonal get togethers limited in number and confined to our own houses. But there’s something nice about getting dressed up behind closed doors. Not only can an intimate dinner party be distractingly fun, but you also don’t have to follow any dress codes too strictly.
And it’s such merry abandon that has informed the blue hue of this week’s Editor’s Picks. Chocked with evening wear, we’ve put a colourful spin on the classics — as well as pouring in some fine champagne, strapping on a couple of choice watches and even sliding in a snowboard. You know, just in case you do manage to get out…
Of a feather: Benedict Raven Signature Silk Pocket Square
Let’s start with a finishing touch; that final flourish all eveningwear so dapperly demands — the pocket square. And who better to tuck it into your top pocket than Benedict Raven, the British brand creating new and natty spins on classic suiting. Woven from fine Italian silk and adorned with a suitably corvine feathered pattern, this square has a soft touch, rolled edges and a timeless versatility.
All tied up: Emma Willis Black Barathea Silk Bow Tie
What is ‘barathea’, we hear you cry? Officially, it’s a soft hopsack twill with a slightly ribbed texture. In layman’s terms, it’s the fabric you need for a bloody good bow tie. Just ask Emma Willis, who has blended barathea with silk for the best of both black tie worlds. This self-tie tie has the hardiness of rough-and-ready twill — but shines with the elegance of worldly, sophisticated silk.
Bag it: Chapman Ultimate Weekender
Imagine investing in a piece of luggage so sumptuous, so elegant, so utterly sleek — that it manages to upstage your black tie in terms of style. Chapman’s Ultimate Weekender does just that. Boasting a shoe compartment, four internal pockets, an external sleeve and British brass fastenings, this is luxury luggage at its full-grain, canvas-lined best.
Watch out: Globe-Trotter Centenary 12-Slot Watch Case
The largest watch case produced by Globe-Trotter is for serious enthusiasts. But don’t worry if your timepiece collection hasn’t yet ticked over into the dozen — we’ve rounded up a few more watches below. For now, simply marvel at the lockable latches, leather trim and plush cushions of Globe-Trotter’s handsome case. In a rich navy blue, it’ll gently encourage you to fill every cocooned compartment with a quality watch.
Slip up: Crockett & Jones Navy Velvet Slippers
Back to the blues. Crockett & Jones know how to make a velvet slipper — we’ve made our case for their craftsmanship in the past — and this navy blue-hued pair are perfect for lounging around the house in your black tie this Christmas. Equal parts comfort and refinement, they are leather-soled, softly constructed — and blessed with quilted satin linings.
Black-out: Audemars Piguet Black Ceramic Royal Oak Double Balance Wheel Openworked
And so we come to our first of three watches. For the first time ever, Audemars Piguet’s Royal Oak Double Balance Wheel Openworked is being offered with a black ceramic case and bracelet, both meticulously hand-finished. Behind the newly re-designed blackened dial, you’ll find a dash of colour — in the form of the pink gold-toned double balance wheel mechanism, visible on both sides of the watch.
Raise a glass: Espresso Medatini Mini
Meda’s take on the classic cocktail is lighter on the palate and with half the calories. And, with 10mg Liposomal Broad Spectrum Organic CBD in each serving, it’s both delicious and relaxing. Simply shake each serving with a cube of ice for a perfect pour every time, and decant into a martini glass. A perfect seasonal pick-me-up.
Dive in: Bamford Watch Department X TAG Heuer Aquaracer
TAG Heuer and Bamford Watch Department have joined forces for the second time to design a special, limited-edition timepiece; the Aquaracer Bamford Limited Edition. A reliable, professional tool watch made with eye-catching titanium and featuring bold orange details, we expect this to be even more popular than the acclaimed Monaco timepiece on which the two brands partnered in 2018.
About time: Hamilton American Classic PSR Digital
To close out our trio of choice watches, we’re hopping the Atlantic to the United States. Hamilton have an interesting, innovative rep in the world of watchmaking — in 1970, the brand changed the way the world told time with the debut of the Hamilton Pulsar. Fifty years later, the Hamilton PSR has sparked into life to celebrate the launch of that revolutionary first digital watch.
Feeling blue: Turnbull & Asser Navy Velvet Smoking Jacket
As evidenced by the slippers above, we’re looking for comfortable eveningwear this year. Yes, we still want our duds to look red carpet-ready on Zoom, but there’s no point squeezing into primly proper, tightly tailored jackets when we’re partying home alone. Instead, like Crockett & Jones’ slip-ons, Turnbull & Asser’s delicate, softly structured smoking jacket will add a hint of hedonism to your plush evening in — without sacrificing your snugness.
Thrown down: Endeavour Archetype Snowboard
Yes, we know — this doesn’t quite chime with the rest of our fine formal picks this week. But who can say no to a great snowboard? Currently on offer from Endeavour, this board can be thrown down in any conditions — it’s that kicked swallow tail that cuts through powder like a fork through ice cream. What’s more, the understated design takes its styling cues from the competition cars of Le Mans and the Nurburgring. And you can’t say cooler than that.
Popping corks: Louis Roederer Brut Premier NV Magnum
And, finally, whether you’re looking for an après ski fluteful or a bottle to pop during a virtual family get-together, what better bottle than a magnificent magnum of Louis Roederer? Matured for three years in the champagne house’s cellar and rested for six months, you’ll enjoy a smooth palate of apple and pear and a finish of toast and almonds. The perfect Christmas cuvée.
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
