Technology
Linn
Selekt System
Linn is a world-renowned and fiercely independent British hi-fi maker with more than 50 years of expertise designing and manufacturing music systems.
Each product it makes bears the name of the individual who built, tested and packed it – as a hallmark of pride and enduring quality.
The brand’s all-new Selekt System is the most configurable high-end music system on the market. Connect anything, stream anything, and experience sound bursting with power and emotional impact.
You can start where you like with your Selekt System’s configuration depending on room and requirements. From there, huge performance enhancements can be made – in a single step, or incrementally over time – taking advantage of its ingenious modular and upgradeable design.
'Fairytale of New York' has never sounded so good.
For more information, see: linn.co.uk
Ruark
R810 High Fidelity Radiogram
Back in the early 1930s, the radiogram changed lives. Before TVs, it was the radiogram that sat front and centre in your living room – a hub which would bring family and friends together.
The Ruark R810 is a modern take on the iconic radiograms of the past – a music player so beautifully crafted that it deserves to once again become a focal point in our homes.
The R810 features a handcrafted grille and veneered cabinet made from sustainable woods, paired with precision-formed trims and a polished chrome stand.
You can hook up your CD or record player to it – but streaming is where it’s at, and it includes a high-res display so you don’t even need your phone.
£3,000, ruarkaudio.com
Experiences
Formula 1
Silverstone
Christmas may be approaching at the pace of a finely tuned Formula 1® car, but you can still grab a gift that will delight the petrolhead in your life: a Formula 1® British Grand Prix hospitality package at the iconic Silverstone circuit.
Taking place from 4-6 July 2025, the Formula 1® British Grand Prix is one of the nation’s most prestigious annual sporting events, and Silverstone is renowned for its electric atmosphere.
There is a range of spectacular hospitality packages available to book now, across six categories from social to exclusive, family fun to lavish. Every hospitality product provides magnificent track views and delicious dining.
For those after the ultimate VIP experience, top-tier packages – including the prestigious Fusion Lounge – offer live entertainment, drinks and dining, talks from guest speakers, shuttle services within the inner track, and reserved parking*.
Packages at the more affordable end (under £500 pp +VAT) include Legends Club with a casual hospitality environment and amazing views of Brooklands; Ignition Club situated with views of six corners; and for those who prefer al-fresco experiences, Trackside takes in all the action at the famous Copse corner.
With packages starting at £330pp + VAT, this incredible present includes a novelty access pass and branded lanyard encased in a gorgeous gift box for you to place under the tree.
*Subject to availability.
For more information on all packages and prices, see hospitality.silverstone.co.uk
The Gibson Garage London
Les Paul Custom Classic White Murphy Lab Heavy Aged
The Gibson Garage London is the ultimate guitar and music experience and features uniquely British cultural discoveries around every corner and level.
The Gibson Garage London marks the first-ever Gibson flagship store outside of the U.S. and follows the successful opening of the Gibson Garage Nashville.
Visitors can plug in and play more than 300 electric and acoustic guitars across Gibson, Gibson Custom, Gibson Acoustic, Epiphone, and Kramer across 4,500 square feet of retail space.
Get down to Eastcastle Street and unleash your inner rock god.
61-62 Eastcastle Street, London, W1W 8NQ. Gibson Garage
Jewellery
Hirsh
Venus Emerald and Diamond Hoop Earrings
If you want to make a real statement under the tree this year, there’s one way to guarantee success. You know what they say about best things and small packages?
Well they don’t come much better than from Hirsh London.
Hirsh has been a stalwart of the London jewellery scene since 1980; its boutique even featured in the Guy Ritchie film 'Snatch'.
This Christmas, how about some suitably festive emerald and diamond earrings for the one you love?
Handmade in Mayfair, this beautiful pair of diamond hoop earrings feature perfectly matched pear-shaped emerald drops, weighing 1.15 carats in total, with a total diamond weight of 0.21 carats. Handmade in 18k yellow gold, they’re perfect for any occasion, especially the special ones.
£9,500; hirshlondon.com
Drink
Assembly Coffee
Assembly x Eren Armitage Collection
Premium London coffee roaster Assembly Coffee has collaborated with ceramicist Eren Armitage on a collection of stoneware pieces to elevate the ritual of brewing, serving and drinking coffee.
Function meets finesse in a series that features a filter coffee brewer and serving jug, a filter coffee cup, an espresso cup and saucer, and more.
Each piece in the collection is meticulously designed to enhance the flavour of freshly-brewed coffee – grab some of Assembly’s latest beans and taste for yourself.
See more at assemblycoffee.co.uk
Ancient + Brave
Cacao + Collagen set
Ancient + Brave is a wellness brand blending ancestral wisdom with modern science, offering innovative nutrition and lifestyle products for optimal health.
The brand’s thoughtfully curated, beautifully packaged wellness rituals take the pressure out of gift-giving. They’re the perfect choice for friends, family or colleagues who could benefit from a warm hug of wellbeing.
The Cacao + Collagen set is certainly a winner in this regard. From using the golden Ritual Scoop to sipping from the handcrafted mug, each moment becomes a calm and nourishing ritual
to help with the everyday grind.
Style
R.M.Williams
Comfort Craftsman Boot & Farrier Overnight Bag
R.M.Williams is world renowned for its hardy, handcrafted footwear. Its legacy is rooted in the uncompromising terrain of the Australian Outback; it’s the ultimate walkabout brand.
This season’s highlights include a full wardrobe of footwear staples for the rugged man: the Gardner Commando, the Risden, the Goodwood, and the timeless Comfort Craftsman [pictured] take top billing. And for women, the classic Adelaide and Lady Yearling sit alongside versatile designs like the Moriarty and the Maya.
R.M.Williams may have first become known for its iconic boots, but its offering is now all encompassing. With leather belts, knitwear, and outerwear, there’ll be a gift idea in its lineup for everyone.
If you’re asking, we’ll take the Farrier Overnight Bag, please – the perfect leather holdall for a weekend getaway this winter.
R.M.Williams Comfort Craftsman Boot, £399, R.M.Williams Farrier Overnight Bag, £429, rmwilliams.com
Hackett London x David Gandy Wellwear
Cashmere Lounge Set
Hackett London and David Gandy Wellwear have launched their latest collaboration just in time for Christmas. Part of a refined 12-piece collection, the Cashmere Lounge Set seamlessly blends Hackett London’s timeless craftsmanship in classic menswear with David Gandy Wellwear’s innovative approach to merging fashion and well-being.
Made from a premium wool-cashmere blend, it features a distinctive honeycomb stitch that adds understated texture to both the hoodie and joggers. The ultra-soft fabric ensures unmatched comfort while offering the natural benefits of wool-cashmere, such as breathability and temperature regulation. Whether you’re relaxing at home or traveling longhaul in style, this set embodies sophistication and ease.
The Cashmere Lounge Set represents David Gandy Wellwear’s debut in knitwear, showcasing the brand’s commitment to creating clothing that feels as good as it looks.
The Cashmere Lounge Set is sold as a set (£395), or separates (hoodie £240, pants £190), available at davidgandywellwear.com
Pater et Filius
‘Orange Conch’ beach shorts
Zurich-based slow fashion brand Pater et Filius creates premium swimwear for the style-conscious man (whether ‘father’, ‘son’ or, indeed, ‘cool uncle’).
With a strong focus on environmental responsibility, the brand carefully crafts all its swimwear in Europe using only high quality and fast drying regenerated polyamides.
These ‘Orange Conch’ beach shorts are from the new Lake Como collection – perfect for those who enjoy renting a Riva and exploring the crystal clear waters of Lombardy.
Hang around long enough, you might spot famous local resident George Clooney – and you’ll still have better swimshorts than him.
CHF175, paterfilius.com
Dita
Grand-Decade + Grandmaster
This year, DITA is commemorating 30 years at the forefront of the eyewear industry. To celebrate, the brand has launched perhaps its most opulent frame yet, the Grand-Decade [left].
The Grand-Decade features a distinctive floating crown bridge adorned with intricate wire-mesh detailing and the signature DITA laser logo. Elevating its allure, sculpted titanium temples are embellished with a sophisticated three-piece hinge plate, highlighted by meticulously pressed line accents and elegant hand-applied enamel inlays.
This milestone frame is the epitome of ornate design and a fitting testament to DITA’s 30 years at the top of its game.
DITA is also releasing new additions to its Grandmaster series. First introduced in 2007, the Grandmaster celebrates the iconic b-boy style of the late 1970s, paying tribute to the spirit of New York's underground scene.
The sunglasses have distinctive thick acetate frames and bold hardware detailing. Pictured right is the Grandmaster-Eight, which epitomises industrial design while remaining elegant.
See all the new collections at dita.com
Ayres London
Glasses case
For the person who has everything – including a pair of Dita sunglasses – may we suggest an Ayres London glasses case?
Ayres London was born in 2014 following a fruitless search for a glasses case that was resilient but attractive. Each Ayres London case is precision-machined in the UK from aerospace-grade aluminium – it’s strong enough to protect against absolutely anything you can throw at it.
Protecting your glasses from the inside is a material called Envirolast. Envirolast is a 100% reconstructed siliconised rubber made from tyres that have reached the end of their usefulness.
During the R&D stages, the case was dropped from a fifth-floor balcony and even driven over – and the glasses within survived without even a scratch.
Classic, £500, Magna, £600; ayreslondon.com
Les Deux
Elliot Crewneck knit
Les Deux is a Danish fashion brand celebrated for its fusion of minimalist Scandinavian design and cosmopolitan influences.
The label is known for its clean aesthetics, versatile wardrobe staples, and subtle yet distinctive detailing. Les Deux offers a range of menswear, from tailored blazers and classic chinos to casual essentials like sweatshirts, hoodies, and T-shirts.
Each piece is crafted with an emphasis on quality materials and timeless style, making it suitable for both urban and sophisticated settings.
The pre-Spring 25 collection draws on design references straight out of 1990s NYC. The collection journeys from Wall Street to Madison Square Garden to unite iconic preppy and street styling.
Formal suiting elements such as ties and brushed shirts are matched with collegiate classics like a leather varsity jacket, while nostalgic heavy gauge knit gets partnered with wide cut denim.
Pictured is the Elliot Crewneck knit priced at £160. Visit lesdeux.co.uk
Toms
The Camden
Slippers are a quintessential Christmas gift for good reason. They’re one of the few things under the tree that will be slipped on immediately and remain in position until roughly April/May.
Toms produced some of the most comfortable on the market. Take the cosy Camden. It has plaid quilted twill uppers with memory foam insoles to keep you comfortable and supported; the faux-fur lining makes them extra toasty; and the collapsible heel section makes them super easy to slide on.
There are rubber soles for extra grip if you do need to go further afield than your wine fridge.
£65, toms.com
VYN
2-in-1 off-white sneaker
When is one present actually two? And we’re not talking about a pair of shoes here. VYN’s 2-in-1 sneakers allow you to swap out the heel elements so you can vbary your style and match different outfits. The signature heel replacement elements also help extend the lifespan of the shoe.
This year has been a bumper one for the premium Swiss/UK sneaker company: a partnership with art curator David Teplitsky, featuring three specific drops (the latest still to come) and new releases including the all-black sneaker and suede loafer has helped to cement the brand’s rising street cred.
Pictured is VYN’s original off-white sneaker, available with customised heel colour-ways.
£435, vyn.one
Timothée Paris
Touquet loafer
If your target is more of a loafer guy, then can we suggest the new Touquet by Timothée Paris.
Crafted from luxurious pebbled leather, it offers a casual charm while maintaining the high quality and craftsmanship synonymous with the brand. The unique texture and contrasting tones of the leather bring a subtle sporty flair, making design both dynamic and refined.
Featuring a soft rubber sole for added flexibility, the Touquet Loafer ensures a supremely comfortable fit that adapts to your every move. The flexible construction and premium materials offer a balance of softness and durability, suitable for both casual and semi-formal occasions.
Touquet loafer, €390, timotheeparis.com
Oris
Divers Date
A much-loved Oris watch is reborn. Meet the new Divers Date, a stylish design inspired by a 1965 original and now upgraded for today. While the relaxed form of the outgoing Divers Sixty-Five is still evident, every element has been reworked to deliver elevated style and performance.
The steely silhouette is slightly weightier, giving the watch more presence, a maturer profile and increased water resistance, up from 10 bar (100 metres) to 20 bar (200 metres), and making it more suited to recreational diving, the sport that inspired the original.
The condensed typeface used on the dial has been developed exclusively for the new Divers collection to give it a commanding presence, while still capturing the retro spirit it’s inspired by. Even its Oris Calibre 733 automatic has been upgraded, now promising 41 hours of power reserve.
Oenophiles, start writing to Santa: this is one watch that's worth saving the date for.
£2,100; Oris
Unfeigned
The rise of Spanish brand Unfeigned continues apace with news it’s to open a second store in Le Marais, in Paris this January.
Never one to shy away from innovation in fabric, Unfeigned has brought a full tech-fabric offering to the table – perfect for the man-on-the move.
Pictured is the oversized water-repellent work jacket. A boxy fit, easy-to-wear piece, designed to go with almost anything. A new take on an iconic workwear garment.
It’s easy to pack, easy to wear and very easy to look cool in – complements that can easily be extended to the whole collection.
For more information, go to unfeignedgear.com
Kardo
One of our long-standing favourites is New Delhi-based Kardo, a brand that brings together the age-old craft and artisanship across the various communities in India with a workwear aesthetic. The brand's cross-cultural reference points are intriguing, full of stories and most importantly, beautifully made.
One of the latest stories to emerge around the new Kardo AW24 collection was the Barmer Jacket. Featuring the PATTU weaving of Rajasthan – a time honoured craft practised by the Meghwal community in India – the textiles woven for Kardo in this latest project are made on a pit-loom in a blend of cotton and merino wool that strikingly bring together the exquisite craftsmanship of the region [pictured].
For more information, go to kardo.co
Walker Slater
The contemporary style of Scottish brand Walker Slater is something we have been fans of for some time at Square Mile. It’s a one-stop shop for Independent silhouettes, beautiful fabrics and easily accessible suiting.
Perhaps best known for its wide range of tweeds and knitwear, Walker Slater offers a lot more these days. Timeless shirting classics, accessories and alternative outerwear pieces complete its substantial offer, which ranges across contemporary, casual and country for the AW24 season. Pictured is a collection of accessories.
For more information, go to walkerslater.com
Stenströms
Off the back of its recent 125th anniversary and collaboration with menswear authority Mathias le Fèvre, Stenströms is riding high.
With a reputation for creating timeless classics across shirting, knitwear and accessories, Stenströms is also a master of the festive party look.
So if you are having reservations about what to wear this December, or what the right attire is for any given celebration, then the Swedish authority can guide you perfectly.
Pictured is a white dress tuxedo shirt and black velvet bow tie.
For more information, go to stenstroms.com
Ron Dorff
Ron Dorff returns to the AW season with a beautiful collection of premium quality pieces that make an easy transition from day-time in the City through to the evening with friends for dinner.
From Nordic-inspired wool and cashmere telemark knitwear, through to organic cotton T-shirts and sweaters in premium fabrics, Ron Dorff is never one to let you down in the search for a high-end aesthetic regardless of the occasion.
In addition, you can find a wealth of fetching accessories for the winter season, including socks, beanies and scarves. The pull-out pieces for us have to be the pure sports cashmere hoodie and pants.
For more information, go to rondorff.com
Wine
Telmont
Réserve de la Terre
Leonardo Di Caprio’s work to combat climate change is well documented. It’s fitting, then, that the star has invested in Champagne Telmont, one of the regions’ most sustainable producers.
The house has big goals – aiming for 100% of the estate-owned plots to be organic by 2025. It’s also reduced carbon emissions hugely by cutting down glass bottle weight.
And now, it’s released the Reserve de la Terre (£77), a ‘manifesto cuvée for organic viticulture’ made from 100% organically harvested grapes. A vibrant drop made from a blend of 2020, 2019 and 2018 vintages, it’s sprightly with a weighty minerality on the palate tempered by crisp green apple acidity.
The perfect drop to get your Christmas started in style.
£69.95, thewhiskyexchange.com
Hambledon
Classic Cuvée
The British sparkling wine revolution continues apace – and one of the industry’s pioneers, Hambledon, is still leading the way. Indeed, it’s no exaggeration to label them as such: established in 1952 by Major-General Sir Guy Salisbury-Jones, Hambledon is England's oldest commercial vineyard.
Its Classic Cuvée is made using the traditional method – the same process used in Champagne – and is a blend of chardonnay, pinot noir, and pinot meunier grown on chalk-rich soils, also similar to those of the Champagne region. This terroir lends the wine its distinct minerality and elegance.
On the nose, the Classic Cuvée delights with fresh citrus, green apple, and subtle notes of brioche and almond, a testament to its extended time on lees. The palate is vibrant and well-balanced, with a fine mousse, crisp acidity, and flavors of lemon zest, white peach, and hints of toasted hazelnuts.
The finish is long and refreshing, leaving a lasting impression of sophistication – just like your hosting skills, no doubt.
Bruno Paillard
NPU 2009
Where Telmont is a perfect aperitif, Bruno Paillard’s
NPU is more of a main event – happily standing up to the flavours of a full Christmas roast.
The NPU stands for Nec Plus Ultra – the Latin for ‘nothing beyond’: a statement of intent born from a desire to create the greatest possible Champagne.
The method? Choose only exceptional vintages from grapes sourced exclusively from Grand Cru vineyards; vinify in old oak barrels; and age it in bottles ‘sur latte’ for 12 years or so.
The latest vintage to be disgorged, 2009, is now available. A 50/50 blend of pinot noir and chardonnay, it’s a beautiful wine to toast the festive period and raise a glass to the new year.
£200, hedonism.co.uk
Chateau d’Issan
Grand Cru Classé
When it comes to picking your Christmas Day red, don’t leave anything to chance. Chateau d’Issan dates back to the 12th century, so to say they have experience crafting fine wine would be an understatement.
This Margaux powerhouse is quite literally fit for royalty (it was served at the wedding of Eleanor of Aquitaine and King Henry II of England in 1152), and its famous gold label is a fitting festive addition to any Christmas table.
The 2012, which presents a complex bouquet of dark fruits, with blackcurrant and plum leading the charge, is drinking particularly well right now. There are hints of cedar and tobacco, with smooth tannins contributing to a balanced structure. It’s an ideal companion to see you through a big lunch.
£68, hedonism.co.uk
Spirits
Remy Martin
XO
Rémy Martin XO (Extra Old) is all things to all cognac lovers. It’s perfect for savouring neat, enjoying over ice, or as a centrepiece in sophisticated cocktails. Speaking of centrepieces, there are few bottles that look quite so impressive in your drinks cabinet.
The XO is a blend of up to 400 eaux-de-vie, sourced exclusively from the prestigious Grande and Petite Champagne regions in Cognac. The eponymous ‘XO’ refers to the age of those cognacs, which range between 10 to 37 years old.
On the nose, you’ll find sultanas, vanilla extract, sponge cake and a hint of rich Pedro Ximénez sherry.
On the palate, it’s rich and spicy – the cinnamon and cloves making it ideal for this time of year.
£184 for 70cl; thewhiskyexchange.com
Aberfeldy
22-Year-Old
What’s your tipple this Christmas? Whisky? Port? How about a bottle that fuses the two?
Known by the cognoscenti as the ‘Golden Dram,’ Aberfeldy is renowned for its rich, honeyed profile, a characteristic shaped by its long fermentations and slow, meticulous distillations. This patient approach extends to the maturation process as well, where the bold Highland spirit reaches its full potential with extended aging, particularly in sweet wine casks.
Aberfeldy launched its Exceptional Cask series back in 1999. The small-batch releases highlight the diverse complexities of Aberfeldy’s signature honeyed whisky through unique cask finishes. This 22-year-old expression was completed in white port casks, which have imparted vibrant fruit notes of peach, pear, and apricot, complemented by delicate floral accents.
A highly coveted limited-edition release, this whisky embodies the distillery’s commitment to craftsmanship and excellence – a perfect gift for any whisky enthusiast.
£296, thewhiskyexchange.com
Fettercairn
18 Year Old
Fettercairn is celebrating its 200th anniversary this year – so why not raise a glass this Christmas?
From its innovative distillation process to the pure, mountain water used in the whisky making process, Fettercairn’s innovative approach is showcased perfectly by its annual 18 Year Old expression.
The limited-edition bottling is the first expression from the distillery’s pioneering Scottish Oak Programme, finished in 100% Scottish Oak, responsibly sourced from the Highlands.
This Scottish Oak finish, combined with a maturation in American White Oak casks, adds a richness and depth to the flavour, with notes of sugared almonds, passion fruit and guava, alongside hints of brioche, cacao and natural vanilla.
£200, harrods.com
Tamdhu
Cigar Malt IV
Little beats a warming dram paired with a toasty cigar. Tamdhu certainly agrees, having pioneered its award-winning Cigar Malt collection – created to be a natural bedfellow with a high-quality cigar.
The fourth expression in the series, Cigar Malt IV, is a 53.8% ABV, non-chill filtered single malt with a richness of texture and flavour that perfectly complements the complexity of both the aroma and mouthfeel of a handcrafted luxury cigar.
As with all Tamdhu whiskies, Cigar Malt IV is exclusively sherry matured. Though unique from many other expressions from the distillery, Cigar Malt IV uses only a small selection of first fill European oak sherry casks. Similar to each leaf of a cigar, these casks deliver richness in both colour and taste.
On the nose, Tamdhu Cigar Malt IV presents sticky ginger pudding with aromas of warm sherried oak. The palate opens with crème brûlée, followed by notes of plum crumble steeped in sherry. The finish reveals notes of apricot and almonds, with crisp and sweet honeycomb.
£235, tamdhu.com
Silent Pool Gin
Magnum
If ever there was an excuse to upgrade to a magnum surely the two-week marathon over Christmas and New Year is it?
There’s always a good excuse for a G&T – and few come better than a Silent Pool G&T.
This showstopping 1.5l bottle of Silent Pool Gin is a fine centrepiece for any festive get together. The spirit within has been handcrafted with 24 botanicals. You’ll find layers of floral lavender and chamomile and local Albury honey.
Bottled at 43% ABV The Silent Pool Gin Magnum is available to purchase from the website, priced at £90.
Metaxa
12 Star
Say what you like about the Greeks (they’re food is incredible, beaches are beautiful, waters crystal clear), they sure know how to celebrate a good holiday.
Assuming ouzo is not your drink of choice, allow us to suggest Metaxa. A blend of distilled wine and muscat from the vineyards of Samos, Metaxa 12 Star is the pinnacle of the brand’s lineup, offering a rich, complex flavor profile that caters to discerning palates.
The 12 Star’s signature amber hue hints at its extended maturation, with elements aged in Limousin oak casks for more than a decade. On the nose, it unveils vibrant notes of orange peel, chocolate, and dried fruit, complemented by delicate hints of spice and floral undertones. (Did someone say Christmas pudding?) The palate delivers a velvety smoothness with layers of honey, toffee, and fig, balanced by a subtle warmth of oak and a lingering, elegant finish.
£31.95, thewhiskyexchange.com
Bonnington
Sherry Cask
Bonnington’s Sherry Cask is an ideal choice for those who appreciate balance and sophistication in their single malts.
The sherry cask maturation imparts a distinctive character to the whisky, with notes of dried fruits, warm spices, and hints of toffee and caramel. Subtle undertones of dark chocolate and roasted nuts add depth, while a smooth, velvety texture ensures an effortlessly satisfying sip. The nose is equally enchanting, with aromas of ripe plums, raisins, and a touch of orange zest, rounded out by a whisper of oak and spice.
It’s perfect for both special occasions and quiet moments of relaxation (like when the kids have finally gone to bed), this whisky reflects the craftsmanship and dedication of its makers, making it a must-try for aficionados of sherry-influenced expressions.
£48.50, thewhiskyexchange.com
Fragrances
Brioni
Eau de Parfum Suave
If any brand has earned the right to call a fragrance Suave, it’s Brioni. The luxury Italian menswear house has a rich history rooted in craftsmanship and elegance dating back to 1945. Hollywood icons like Clark Gable and Cary Grant were fans, as were Pierce Brosnan and Daniel Craig.
Who doesn’t want to look and, for that matter, smell like James Bond?
The fifth launch from Brioni’s Eaux de Parfum collection has been inspired by Italian mid-century furniture – the kind of design pieces you’d expect to find in the quintessential Brioni man’s home.
Eaux de Parfum Suave opens with bright rays of citrus and spices that then give way to the allure of a rich, leathery heart before the sophisticated embrace of amber and wood forms a nuanced and indulgent trail.
It’s a warming scent which brings with it the serene embrace of home – perfect for the holidays and well-deserved rest.
£125 for 100ml, brioni.com
Acqua di Parma
Luce di Rosa
In these long, dark, wintery days, what could be better than the gift of sunshine? Well, Acqua di Parma comes close with its Signatures of the Sun range. These are timeless, lively, fresh fragrances – the kind that transport you to warmer climes.
The latest to join the collection is Luce di Rosa. A gender-neutral fragrance, it opens with an invigorating citrus blend of bergamot and mandarin. This luminous start is heightened by spicy nuances of fresh black and pink pepper, alongside subtler accents of cardamom.
At its heart, Luce di Rosa flourishes with the noble Bulgarian rose – renowned for its intense freshness – from The Rose Valley, south of the Stara Planina in the Balkan Mountains.
In the base, Luce di Rosa settles into a deep, grounding essence of vetiver, guaiac wood, and cedarwood, all enveloped by the soft, sensual embrace of musk nuances.
Go the whole hog, and get the Luce di Rosa Hand & Body Wash and Body Cream, too. It’s Christmas, after all. (Chiselled torso sadly not included.)
Acqua di Parma Luce di Rosa EDP, 100ml, £250; acquadiparma.com
Kitchen
Meraki
Espresso Machine
The Meraki bean-to-cup espresso machine comes jam packed with enough nerdy features to make the average home barista weep. Think: a commercial-grade rotary pump, dual boiler, and conical burr grinder.
From the touchscreen users can select to grind by weight, brew by weight, and heat milk to a target temperature with just a few touches. It’s a cinch to get to grips with for even beginner-level coffee brewers, but it’s also replete with more technical customisable settings like duration of pre-infusion or precise temperature of the water.
In an increasingly saturated market of semi-automated coffee machines, the Meraki is easily the most slick solution we’ve ever used in a home brewing setup.
CEO Dennis Chen is a certified professional barista and formerly the lead engineer responsible for the Dyson Supersonic hair dryer. Here, he has combined his passions for engineering and coffee to create one of the single most impressive debuts in the sector we’ve come across yet.
£1,420, merakitech.com
Global Knives
40th Anniversary sets
“Global knives, a very good Japanese product which has – in addition to its many other fine qualities – the added attraction of looking really cool.” Anthony Bourdain there, extolling the virtues of his favourite knife brand in the seminal Kitchen Confidential back in 2000.
Fifteen years before that, Global Knives was launched in Tsubame, Japan by Komin Yamada, a renowned Tokyo sushi chef. Global has fittingly gone on to become one of the most revered and recognisable knife brands on the planet.
To celebrate its 40th anniversary next year, a number of limited-edition commemorative knives and a knife block have been launched.
Three-piece knife set, £199.95; seven-piece knife block with knives, £399.95; globalknives.uk
