Editor’s Picks: Ducati E-Bike, Sony VR Headset and Polestar Roadster
From a fresh suede pair of Crockett & Jones shoes to a springtime shirt from Prévu Studio, this is what we want this week…
It’s time to plug into the limit-pushing, boundary-breaking matrix. This week, brands from Sony to Polestar have upped the R&D ante; inventing and innovating new ways to step, speed and cycle into the future. There’s Ducati’s first ever e-road bike, the ‘Futa’. There’s the latest iteration of Playstation’s VR headset. There’s even a pioneering home speaker from Sonus Faber.
Elsewhere, Shackleton have rejigged the gilet, Crockett & Jones are taking inspiration from across the pond and Patrón Tequila are putting a fresh twist on the cocktails you know and love. Take a look below…
Sound it out: Sonus Faber ‘Omnia’ Wireless Speaker
The latest handcrafted speaker from this sweet-sounding Italian brand is a beauty. That multi-layer wood top, complete with fine walnut finish, looks almost yacht-like — and the greyed-out graphite detailing adds a modern edge. Compatible with Airplay, Bluetooth and even the lesser-known Roon, it’s a gift from the sonic gods.
Lace up: Crockett & Jones ‘Cornell’ Derby Shoes
The British shoemaker’s latest brush with innovation sees the brand step out these napped suede Derby shoes. The ‘Cornell’ is a plain front Blucher, taking both its name and earthy-toned collegiate style cues from the Ivy League institution of the same name. Constructed with a red rubber sole and notched storm welt, it makes the grade for us.
Leading the charge: Polestar O₂ Electric Roadster
We’ve long been fans of Polestar’s clean-driving crusade. But this latest zoomer hits a new zenith; a handsome hard-top convertible built to showcase potential future technologies, featuring 3D knit upholstery and a recycled aluminium chassis. But the best part? An ‘autonomous cinematic drone’ that can be deployed at speed from an aerofoil that raises from the rear of the car.
Zip it: Barbour ‘Beaufort’ Jacket at Bicester Village
Few style brands walk that fine, fashionable line between city and country dressing like Barbour. This ‘Beaufort’ wax jacket is one of the British brand’s most iconic; lined in tartan and finished with a corduroy collar. And, at Bicester Village, you can enjoy a significant discount on its original £259 price by popping into the Barbour boutique.
Do the twist: Patrón Añejo Tequila
What’s your favourite dark spirit cocktail? An Old Fashioned? A Negroni? Because Añejo tequila is a surefire way to put a spicy spin on your go-to order — and there’s no better bottle with which to put a twist on the traditional than Patrón. This super-premium spirit is distinctly oaky, and fandangos with flavours including honey, melon and caramel.
Time will tell: NOMOS Glashütte Orion 38 Wristwatch
New from NOMOS Glashütte, this restrained, refined timepiece is a beacon of versatile watchmaking. The Orion 38 ‘Reference 378’ benefits from a hint of gold on the hands and facetted indices, whilst retaining that slick silver dial. The subdial, subtly ridged, displays your seconds clearly — and the velour anthracite strap adds a hint of luxury.
Button it: Prévu ‘Chase SS’ Shirt
Earlier this week, we let Outlander star Sam Heughan loose on London — a Triumph Bonneville Bobber at his disposal and this Prévu shirt on his back. With its relaxed fit, short sleeves and textured jersey construction, it’s a springtime essential; as versatile as it is striking. Our favourite touch? That casual revere collar.
Game on: Sony ‘PS VR2’ Headset
With unlimited worlds to escape into, the last few years have supercharged virtual reality development. Now, alongside Oculus and a host of other pioneering players, Sony’s Playstation has joined the game proper. This, the ‘PS VR2 headset’ is the first look at the brand’s latest immersive efforts — with a slimmer design, enhanced tracking and state-of-art 4K graphic rendering.
Brush up: Unseen Footwear ‘Clement’ Suede Sneakers
Simple yet sleek, Unseen Footwear’s Clement sneakers are a reliable style with a dedicated cult following. This navy suede pair are set on contrast rubber soles, offer optimal durability and comfort – and will pair as perfectly with a casual suit as they will with your weekend jeans.
Pedal power: Ducati Futa E-Bike
This slick cycle is the high-octane Italian brand’s first crack at an e-road bike. Using a rear hub-based motor system that provides provides 250W of power, the five levels of assistance are controlled through a handlebar-mounted Garmin head unit. Elsewhere, the frame is carbon fibre, the tyres are Pirelli and the whole thing weighs just over 12 kilograms.
Cold snap: Shackleton ‘Ross’ Down Gilet
As intricately engineered as you’d expect, Shackleton’s crack at the ubiquitous gilet blows other brands’ attempts out of the icy, Antarctic water. Insulted with RDS-certified European goose down and crafted from 100% recycled ripstop shell fabric, it’s versatile, easily-packed and currently on sale at Gentleman’s Journal Shop.
Want more of the best gear money can buy? Check out last week’s Editor’s Picks…
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