Editor’s Picks: Fender Stratocaster, Ettinger card case and McLaren hypercar
From the perfect work-at-home shirt from Loro Piana, to a couple of handsome timepieces from Hublot and Bell & Ross, this is what we want this week...
How are we all doing? Adjusting well to working from home? If the answer is anywhere from an uncertain shrug to an emphatic ‘No!’ — don’t despair just yet. For this week’s Editor’s Picks, we’ve rounded up a whole host of excellent, escapist luxuries to take your mind off self-isolating and help keep your chin up during the lockdown.
Whether it’s fashions to form your new work-from-home uniform, a diary in which to jot down your innermost musings or a musical instrument to hone some new skills, we’ve found the best below. There are even a couple of watches in there, if you’re really counting down the days to the end of the lockdown…
Button it: Loro Piana André Shirt
There’s a delicate style balance to strike with all this work-from-home malarkey, isn’t there? Too formal and you’ll feel stupid sitting at your kitchen table with your laptop out. Too informal and you’ll never get anything done. Well thank the luxury gods, then, for this yarn-dyed, pleated-back, button-cuffed offering — Loro Piana’s cotton sport André shirt. One part smart, one part casual, it’s the button-down we’ve all been waiting for.
Whisky business: Chivas Extra 13 collection
They’re clever chaps, those blenders over at Chivas Regal. Constantly innovating, their tireless, spirited work makes the brand endlessly entertaining to keep an eye on. And this latest release is no exception. Three 13-year-old whiskies finished exclusively in ex-Spanish Oloroso sherry, Caribbean rum and American rye casks. No, not impressed? Well then, how about a fourth, finished in Mexican tequila bottles — a world first for Scotch whisky? That’s what we thought.
London calling: Hublot Classic Fusion Special Edition London
London may be a little quiet at the moment; but it’s still one hell of a city. And we’re not alone in our opinion. Swiss watchmaker Hublot has recently released a timepiece that salutes the British capital with a red-tipped second hand. With a polished and satin-finished black ceramic bezel and micro-blasted, sunray-finished racing grey dial — both engraved with a Union Jack motif — this is a statement timepiece and an ode to London rolled into one.
Jot it down: 2020 Smythson Soho Diary
Another nod to London, Smythson’s Soho Diary will have you yearning for Frith Street faster than you can say ‘Ronnie Scott’s’. But, whether you’re holed up in Covent Garden or Canary Wharf, this crocodile embossed calf leather diary will inspire you to put your time locked-down to good use. So get one ordered, and make the most of your new-found focus — by filling those gilt-edged, pale blue featherweight pages with your innermost musings.
Drive like hell: McLaren Elva 1967 M6A Can-Am Edition
As if the McLaren Elva wasn’t already impressive enough. This latest limited edition from the British carmaker is inspired by the brand’s M6A race car. You know, the one that triumphed in the 1967 Can-Am season? Finished in Anniversary Orange, the car’s glowing paint job is contrasted by a subtle Dove Grey stripe and features founder Bruce McLaren’s race number ‘4’ along with his signature. Pair that with 10-spoke black wheels and bright orange brake callipers, and it’s a winner all over again.
Time in the sun: Love Brand & Co Pensacola Polo Shirt
If anything’s going to get you through this business of self-isolation, it’s planning your next big break. With airlines grounded and borders closed, exploring other countries may seem worlds away — but we’ll all be jet-setting again before you know it. And you’d better be well-equipped. That means a trusty, comfortable polo shirt that’ll see you safely from dress code to dress code, country to country. Enter Love Brand & Co’s Pensacola polo, named for the Floridian sun spot. Now that wouldn’t be a bad place to visit, come to think of it…
Face the music: Fender Acoustasonic Stratocaster
When we compiled a list of 30 things every gentleman should do before turning 30, learning a musical instrument was one of the first we jotted down. And, now you’ve got the time to practice, may we suggest investing in the second model in Fender’s American Acoustasonic series? Crafted in the Californian city of Corona (we wouldn’t worry about it), this ebony and mahogany masterpiece will have you Hendrixing in no time.
Lighten your wallet: Ettinger Capra Collection Card Case
Have you ever lost your wallet? It’s an awful feeling. In fact, there’s only one silver lining to the whole carry-on — and it’s not silver at all. Rather, it’s a jacquard fabric-lining, tucked inside a design of marine blue goat’s leather. In other words, it’s your new wallet: Ettinger’s Capra Slim Card Case, with six card slots and a sleek, smooth shape to remain undetected in your jacket pocket. Losing your wallet doesn’t sound so bad now, eh?
Feeling blue: Bell & Ross BR V2-94 Aeronavale Bronze
Blue and bronze. It’s a colour combination that just works. And never has it looked better than when strapped firmly onto Bell & Ross’ new BR V2-94 Aeronavale Bronze. With a blue sunray dial, tin-polished and gilded skeleton hands and an anodised blue aluminium ring on the bezel, it’s one handsome timepiece. And, as we’re all clock-watching at the moment, you may as well invest in something nice to look at…
Can you kick it?: Adidas Originals Jeans Sneakers
Can you ever get better than a classic? We’d wager not. And kicks rarely come more iconic than Adidas Original’s Jeans Sneakers. Created in 1979 to pair perfectly with denim, these grey suede trainers feature the signature white leather 3-Stripes for a touch of contrast. They’re signed off in typical Adidas fashion with a gum sole — and that golden ‘Jeans’ lettering on the sidewall adds a touch of class.
Want more of the best gear money can buy? Check out last week’s Editor’s Picks…
Join the Gentleman’s Journal Clubhouse here.
Become a Gentleman’s Journal Member?
Like the Gentleman’s Journal? Why not join the Clubhouse, a special kind of private club where members receive offers and experiences from hand-picked, premium brands. You will also receive invites to exclusive events, the quarterly print magazine delivered directly to your door and your own membership card.
