Editor’s Picks: Electric Motorcycle, Backgammon Board and Ferrari Daytona
From a fountain pen inspired by a Chopard watch to a tie worn by Robert Redford’s Gatsby, this is what we want this week…
New, meet old. This week, brands around the world have been taking deferential deep-dives into their own archives for inspiration. Ferrari’s new supercar is styled after models from the 1960s. Eames has reissued its iconic mid-century lounge chair. And Unseen Footwear’s latest suede sneaker laces up the look of classic tennis shoes.
Add to that a pair of vintage-styled hiking boots from Church’s, a Gatsby-approved Turnbull & Asser tie and an all-electric motorcycle with a classic café racer look — and you’ve got a wishlist heaving with heritage, history and timeless, ageless style. Take a look…
Out of the blue: The London Nº1 Gin Phone Box
Can you hear Christmas calling? The London Nº1 Gin certainly can. Inside this colourful spin on the traditional British phone box, you’ll find a bottle of the brand’s blue-hued, quadruple-distilled drink — the perfect present for friends or family this Christmas (or just to add a little panache to your own home bar).
Stepping out: Church’s ‘Edelweiss’ Mountain Boots
Named for the white mountain flower that grows on the slopes of the Alps, Church’s latest lace-up boots are sufficiently tough to take on a good hike. They’ve got calf leather uppers, comfortable linings and speed-lace eyelets. But the best part? That also-Alpine ‘St Moritz’ sole; to take on the trickiest of tracks.
A fine art: Samsung ‘The Frame’ 43-inch Television
This latest bit of kit from the South Korean company is a masterstroke — almost literally. Thanks to in-built ‘Art Mode’, the 43-inch television doesn’t fade to black when turned off. Instead, it cycles through 1,400 beautiful works of art (from classics to the contemporary) to turn your home into a gallery.
Quick off the mark: Ferrari Daytona SP3 Targa
Inspired by the legendary Ferrari racing cars of the 1960s — the sort that stormed Le Mans and Daytona — this new limited edition ‘Targa’ (that means it has a removable roof panel) is a vintage-tinged treat. It’s got a naturally-aspirated V12, retro-influenced interior and a 0 to 100 kph time of just 2.85 seconds.
Fair game: Alexandra Llewellyn ‘Midnight Marquetry’ Backgammon Set
Part boardgame; part work of art. This mesmerising ‘Midnight Marquetry’ backgammon set from artisan Alexandra Llewellyn has us longing for the languid days between Christmas and New Year. Because when else can we cram in game-after-game, and truly appreciate the intricacy of the sycamore, tulip and walnut veneers?
Mighter than the sword: Chopard Alpine Eagle Fountain Pen
The COSC-certified, water-resistant, hard-as-nails Alpine Eagle collection from Chopard is ideal for sportsmen, explorers, record-breakers and limit-pushers. Add to that list authors, as this fine fountain pen borrows both its name and style from the watch. It’s got a stainless steel barrel, detailed with rose gold tones — and a nib poised for greatness; in 18-carat gold and plated in rhodium.
On the scent: Diptyque Car Diffuser
Driving home for Christmas? Then it’s time to deck your wheels. We’d suggest starting with a festive diffuser, such as this elegant offering from fragrance house Diptyque. With aromas of the leaves and fruit of the orange blossom tree, it’s a suitably seasonal nod to Christmas — but will keep your car feeling fresh well into the new year.
Lace up: Unseen Footwear ‘Helier’ Suede Sneaker
If you avoid suede during the winter months, you’ve been buying the wrong shoes. These sneakers, from Unseen Footwear, are designed in London, made in Italy and feature weather-beating ‘Margom’ soles, leather linings and waxed cotton laces — so you can battle the elements in style.
Old sport: Turnbull & Asser ‘The Great Gatsby’ Silk Tie
What style lessons can you learn from Jay Gatsby? It’s a question we asked earlier this year — and one answer was to find a statement necktie. This option, stitched from silk by Turnbull & Asser, was the very design worn by Robert Redford when he decamped — pink suits, Rolls-Royce and all — to West Egg in 1974.
Lead the charge: Maeving RM1 Electric Motorcycle
Retro-styled and ready for the roads, the Maeving RM1 is set to become Britain’s first production electric motorcycle. It’s more of a city-centre runaround (30mph or 45mph versions will be available) but has a Bosch-engineered powertrain, removable batteries and a range of over 40 miles. Plus, it looks exceedingly handsome.
Sit back: 80th Anniversary Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman
It’s an iconic piece of furniture — it even made our list of the best mid-century armchairs earlier this year — and now, the Eames Lounge Chair is getting a special new release. Launched to commemorate the brand’s 80th anniversary, the chair (first designed in 1956) will be crafted from white oak and ‘Malaham’ natural leather.
Want more of the best gear money can buy? Check out last week’s Editor’s Picks…
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