Editor’s Picks: Winter Boots, Chess Set and Brown Leather Backpack
From an artisanal tool kit to the latest speaker from Bang & Olufsen, this is what we want this week…
Words: Jonathan Wells
There comes a time, every year, when men feel at their most manly. It’s a moment when we lift our heavy coats out of the wardrobe, pull on our tough winter boots and begin to grow our beards for the frosty months ahead. Now is that time.
And, as ever, Gentleman’s Journal is on hand to keep you right. From Gieves & Hawkes to Edward Green, we’ve got the best gear and garments to ensure you coast through these extra masculine months with grace and gusto. And yes, we’ve even found a tool kit for that extra shot of manliness…
Checkmate: Cubitts' Chess Board
With the World Chess Championship coming up next week — I know, we can hardly contain ourselves either — it’s time you pulled a gambit of your own, and replaced your existing chess set with this offering from Cubitts’. Handmade from American walnut and maple, only two hundred sets have been made, and they’re handsome pieces of kit.
Be bold: Cutler & Gross Black on Blue spectacles
Remember when those delicate specs, the ones with no rims that broke every time you rushed to put them on, were on trend? Well, no more. These days, it’s all about big, brash, bold glasses. And we couldn’t be happier. Not only do these laminated acetate numbers from Cutler & Gross have a boxy, striking design — they’ll also not break when you accidentally sit on them.
Strap in: Edward Green Kentmere Boots
Nothing says confidence like stomping about in a proper pair of winter boots — even more so when the kicks in question can legitimately take on the most unforgiving and rugged terrain. The Kentmere boots from Edward Green, dark brown and storm welt on sturdy ridgeway soles, are nothing if not ready for the season ahead — and all the adventures you’re bound to embark upon.
Bundle up: Gieves and Hawkes Navy Shearling Peacoat
Obviously, an adventurer is not built on his boots alone. And, if you’re looking to up your explorer’s wardrobe in general for the months to come, what better jacket than this stylish, practical peacoat from Gieves & Hawkes? With lamb’s suede and full shearling lining, it’s not only warmer than your average winter jacket, but it will also afford you the flair of a golden age adventurer.
Tool up: Wohngeist 7-Piece Tool Kit in Wood Case
Artisanal carpentry equipment may not have been top of your Christmas list — but we’ll bet it’s up there now. Every self-respecting man should have a functioning tool kit and, even though this set from WohnGeist looks like it may be valuing beauty over utility, we can assure you that everything from the army knife to the 225g hammer will do its job admirably.
Back up: Bennett Winch Brown Leather Backpack
Classic, timeless and perfect for an everyday bag that will only get better with age, Bennett Winch’s new Tuscan leather backpack is ruggedness with two straps. The hardware has been specially welded in London, there’s a detachable inner pouch for your gym gear and plenty of space for your personal effects. It’s the perfect daily companion for the modern man.
Sound it out: Bang & Olufsen Beosound Edge Speaker
Uniquely minimalist, and dynamic in its sound performance, the latest sumptuous speaker to (literally) roll out of Demark is one of the bassiest, most technologically-intuitive, powerful speakers that Bang & Olufsen have ever produced. Calibrated to read the force of your touch, you adjust the volume by rolling the speaker back and forth — even when placed on the gravity-defying wall mount.
Happy hour: Le Concierge de Cocktail Français
This festive season, Grey Goose vodka and St-Germain French elderflower liqueur have your drinks parties sorted. With their new Le Concierge de Cocktail Français, a leading mixologist will arrive at your house or venue with all the glassware and ingredients needed to create the finest seasonal French cocktails, right in the heart of your home. Expect La Vanille Spritzes and Espresso Martinis on tap.
Morning brew: Toast Living H.A.N.D Copper-Tone Coffee Set
There seems to be a theme this week of minimal design. But, while this coffee set, from Toast Living, may be simple, each component is carefully considered to help you make the perfect cup of coffee. Nothing will ever crack with heat or pressure, the glass carafe is double-walled to retain heat — and it looks pretty sleek, too.
Wind up: Tissot Heritage Petite Second
History can be interpreted in many different ways. But here, Tissot has taken a trip down memory lane and found inspiration in their famous back catalogue. The manual wind movement is paired with heritage-inspired leaf hands, visible through the box-style sapphire crystal, to create a timeless style that we are certain you’ll want to keep around for years to come.
Want more gear? 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
