Editors' Picks -- 21 days ago
Editor’s Picks: Purdey baseball cap, Blancpain watch, Penfolds champagne and Oakley sunglasses
The best gear in the world right now, from classic shirting to sparkling sake
Words: Dan Scothern
Each week we present to you some of the best products on the planet. Whether it’s contemporary luggage or equine-inspired whiskey, these are the items that you need to shake up your lifestyle for the better...
Oakley Meta HSTN Limited Edition
The latest eyewear brand to embrace the Meta interface, these frames from Oakley put Tony Stark-esque tech right in front of your eyes. A digital upgrade to the brand’s HSTN frame shape (yet still boasting Prizm 24k polarized lenses) this model has extensive Meta AI capabilities allowing for questions, answers, directions, weather forecasts and tidal data all in real time and on the go. The Meta HSTN are also equipped with a 12MP camera for hands-free, POV snapping as well as immersive audio built into the temples for clear, open-ear sound.
MR MARVIS The Swims Midnights
Handmade in Portugal, The Swims from MR MARVIS in Midnight Blue have more to them than initially meets the eye. Whilst the navy-blue colourway may seem unassuming (don’t worry, they’re also available in 28 other colours) these take-you-anywhere swimmers have been designed for comfort with a super soft mesh lining, and are stitched in a high-quality quick-drying polyamide twill to ensure you’re never sitting in damp shorts for long (especially when an après beach cocktail beckons).
Purdey Tom Purdey Tweed Baseball Cap
One of the most magnetic characters in Purdey’s rich history, Tom Purdey was Chief Salesman for the gunmaker from the 1920s and into the 1950s, helping to establish Purdey’s global reputation as the best in class in their craft. Now, under the creative stewardship of Giles Deacon, and to honour Tom’s legacy, the brand has released the Tom Purdey house tweed. Designed with a dogtooth pattern and with a lighter, windowpane check, the range naturally includes a Field Coat, Shooting Vest and Breeks, as well as smaller pieces such as this baseball cap – a fantastic nod to the countryside and a shooting icon.
Penfolds Cuvée Brut NV Champagne
The latest release from a fruitful collaboration between the renowned Australian wine producer and family-owned Champagne House Thiénot, Penfolds’ Cuvée Brut NV Champagne is a praiseworthy addition to the ice bucket this summer. A coming-together not just of the two brands’ wine style, but also their ethos and brand philosophies, this iteration showcases fruit, freshness and finesse, and the 45 per cent Pinot Noir, 35 per cent Pinot Meunier and 20 per cent Chardonnay blend makes for exceptionally crisp seasonal sipping.
Crockett & Jones Como Driving Shoes
An unstructured alternative to a traditional loafer, the Driving Shoe has steadily risen in acclaim since its initial popularity boom in 1960s Italy. Constructed from supple suede, this pair from Crockett & Jones are the harmonious pairing of British craftsmanship and Italian style; with a cleated rubber sole, shorter length for optimum pedal control, and a water and stain repellent brown suede finish to ensure sartorial standards aren’t left in the dust.
Paul Smith + RAWROW 'Alu' Series R Trunk
Built from 6000 series aluminium (the highest strength there is) the latest collaboration between Paul Smith and RAWROW brings a splash of colour to the check-in desk. More than just aesthetics, however, this 88L case features a self-weighing handle, TSA lock and ultra-quiet Hinomoto Lisof wheels for soft and smooth transit between terminals. The connecting screws are stainless steel for unrivalled durability, and it wouldn’t be a Paul Smith piece without a little Signature Stripe lining on the interior…
Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Tech
Quite possibly the sportiest piece in the Blancpain collection, the newly launched Fifty Fathoms Tech merges practicality and comfort with eye-catching colour and functional design. Designed with the diver in mind; the 45mm absolute black dial absorbs up to 97 per cent of light for exceptional underwater legibility and the firm grip rotating bezel has been modelled for ease-of-use, even when wearing diving gloves. The integrated and interchangeable rubber strap (available in white, black and orange) allows for a pop of individual flair, and the Blancpain calibre 1315A automatic movement keeps this piece humming with an impressive 120-hour power reserve.
Never Say Die Barrel 9 Bourbon
Named for the Lexington born racehorse that later journeyed across the pond to win the Epsom Derby, Never Say Die is England’s own Kentucky Bourbon. And, following in the footsteps of its namesake racehorse, the brand has championed the ocean-ageing process with its latest release having matured in the US before being aged in transit across the Atlantic then further matured in the UK. The result, Barrel 9, has been crafted for sipping at 61.5 per cent ABV, allowing the complex chocolate, leather, sweet and earthy notes to shine through and be savoured.
Holland Cooper Classic Oxford Shirt
There isn’t much use in preaching to the converted, and we at Gentleman’s Journal can be quietly confident that there isn’t much about the Classic Oxford Shirt that our readers don’t already know. A favourite of Paul Newman, Alain Delon, JFK and Gianni Agnelli, it’s a genuine wardrobe staple, and - whether you prefer a traditional white, muted blue or pastel pink - an undeniably versatile piece. There’s no shortage of options out there, but we’re currently very fond of Holland Cooper’s traditional, uncomplicated approach.
IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 TOP GUN Miramar
Developed in association with Pantone, IWC TOP GUN Miramar is the name given to the shade of blue used in the newest release from the Swiss brand. Following on from Mojave Desert, Lake Tahoe, Woodland, Oceana and Jet Black, this piece is the latest in the IWC range to adopt a new, brand-created colourway and the striking shade (a nod to the light blue found on t-shirts worn by TOP GUN instructors), paired with the 41.9mm dial and ceramic case makes this Pilot’s Watch the ideal wingman for in-air or ground-based escapades.
Plaud AI Note
We’ve all been there; engaged in a meeting with absolute confidence that all intricacies of the discussion are firmly banked in the mental hard drive, only to return to the office remembering only the person’s name and coffee order. Plaud AI have sought to solve this dilemma with their Note, however. Powered by PLAUD Intelligence, this 0.117-inch gadget can record up to 30 hours continuously, transcribe in 112 languages and perfectly summarize conversations using AI templates. Able to document in-person discussions at a range of 3m, and capable of recording phone calls via the magsafe case, it’s a nifty piece of Q Branch tech to have up your sleeve.
clothsurgeon Brown Distressed Leather Jacket
Always a brand to furrow its own path, Rav Matharu and the team at clothsurgeon prefer to work to their own rulebook; one that prioritises craftmanship and individuality above anything else. The result is a series of impressive garments for the wearer who likes to dress with a little panache, but stay adjacent to classic style. One of our favourite pieces from its recent Found in Translation collection is this distressed leather jacket; made from luxury vegetable tanned lamb leather, then hand weathered, this jacket is designed using a tailored blouson block making it an exceptional layering piece.
Akashi Tai Junmai Ginjo Sparkling Sake
For those experiencing a little champagne-fatigue this summer, it’s useful to know that sparkling sake is a viable alternative. Akashi-Tai is leading the charge for the category, and its small-batch production and artisanal expertise sets this bottle above the rest. Pairing well with seafood, this Junmai Ginjo comes in at 7 per cent ABV, and sits pleasantly in the middle of the dry to sweet scale with top notes of pear and white peach and pleasant and summery floral undertones.
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