Fragrances
Montblanc
Explorer Platinum
Montblanc knows when it’s on to a good thing. When the brand launched the Explorer fragrance in 2019 it was an instant hit – just the right mix of freshness with warmth; a tricky balance to pull off, but the scent does it with aplomb.
Then came Montblanc Explorer Ultra, adding marine accord into the equation for a lighter, brighter approach.
And now we have Explorer Platinum – perhaps the ultimate iteration of the scent. The new eau de parfum opens with sparkly, crispy green notes – grapefruit, violet leaves, clary sage – before developing into cedarwood, amber and musky notes for added richness. Christmas never smelt so good.
£37 for 30ml, £58 for 60ml, £79 for 100ml; montblanc.com
Lalique
Encre Indigo
In the early decades of the 20th century, René Lalique revolutionised the world of glassmaking by infusing his creations with a unique sense of radiance.
The contemporary fragrances carrying his name achieve the same effect. Encre Noire, launched in 2007, has become an iconic men’s scent – and now Lalique has launched a thrilling sequel, Encre Indigo.
Its rich, deep colours an invitation to dive right in, Encre Indigo is an explosive encounter between the sparkling zest of bergamot, the aromatic freshness of juniper berry and the spicy warmth of saffron.
The Encre Indigo flacon is made of smooth, burnished glass with a carved wooden cap.
50ml £75; 100ml £89. Visit harrods.com
Acqua di Parma
Holiday collection
From open fires to roasted chestnuts, Christmas has always been a treat for the senses. And perhaps no aroma is more evocative of this festive time of year than pine needles.
You’ll find these at the core of Acqua di Parma’s new holiday release Bosco [pictured right]. Inspired by fresh forest air, it weaves in the scent of fir trees and the green facet of frosted pine needles. They’ve even added in contrasting notes of cloves for a touch of mulled-wine warmth.
Joining its stable mate are Neve Fresca – embodying the charm of a winter morning courtesy of citrus and fresh cyclamen – and Portafortuna, which is deep and woody, with subtle hints of cinnamon.
Diffusers: £94; candles: £74. Visit acquadiparma.com
Style
Crockett & Jones
Alex
Here's hoping you and yours have the requisite invitation to a black tie party this season.
A solid, classic pair of shoes is key to a successful black-tie look: black patent leather has been a popular choice for years, as it brings just enough flamboyance without drawing too much focus.
The Alex from Crockett & Jones is made on a beautiful, slender last, and the fact they are a whole-cut oxford with a plain front means there is no unnecessary embellishment to clutter up the aesthetic.
The same last used to create these shoes was used for the shoes in two of Daniel Craig’s Bond films – a fitting testament to their suitability to the task.
When it comes to dress shoes, Crockett & Jones has form: the Northamptonshire brand has been producing patent shoes dating back as long as patent leather itself.
£485, crockettandjones.com
Dolce & Gabbana
DG7
If you’re looking for a suitably dressy watch for the party season, check out the DG7 range from Dolce & Gabbana.
The Italian brand takes its horology seriously – and the DG7 is a beautiful dress watch with a mind-boggling options list.
Case choices range from brushed red gold to polished steel, with finishes including incredibly detailed hand engraving. Dials come in pinstripes, mother of pearl, lapislazuli, and tiger’s eye – among others. Straps can be alligator, integrated steel, or even Milano mesh. And there are precious gemstone options set at 12, 3, 6 and 9 which go from rich red rubies through light blue topaz to smoky quartz.
They’re all time-only watches, which allows the design to do all the talking. Our favourite for black-tie has to be the DG7 Damasco – stainless steel on traditional black leather, with some festive flair delivered via the ornate damascus carvings on the face.
For options and pricing, ask in store or see dolcegabbana.com
ThruDark
Ithax
Whether it’s for mountains or for Mayfair, ThruDark’s Ithax has you covered this Christmas.
The Ithax Jacket is a lightweight, packable, alpine jacket filled with 100% recycled, Primaloft® synthetic insulation.
With the Ithax, ThruDark has carefully created a light, recycled nylon, ripstop outer and treated this with a PFC free Durable Water Repellent for added weather resistance. The proprietary insulation has been chosen specifically owing to its higher warmth-to-weight ratio compared to other synthetic alternatives.
This versatile all-rounder is available in Obsidian Black [pictured], Olive Green and Wolf Grey – with hooded and gilet variations.
£295, thrudark.com
Les Deux
Michael Bouclé Buffalo Vest
Les Deux is a brand founded in Copenhagen back in 2011 by a law student and a creative professional from two different paths – preppy and urban meets creative entrepreneur.
They had the spark of an idea to build a menswear brand based on how contrasts can still unify people. The rest, as they say, is history.
Over the past decade, Les Deux has grown from a small group of friends working out of a basement to an international community all powered by the mindset that when different people come together, anything is possible.
For Spring 2024, Les Deux introduces a collection inspired by both urban and rural landscapes.
Pictured is the Michael Bouclé Buffalo Vest priced £169.95. Visit lesdeux.co.uk
VYN
2-in-1 sneakers
The new innovative renewable sneaker brand from Switzerland is giving a new lease of life to your favourite footwear.
The premium label is not only made from the finest materials and Italian craftsmanship, it also features unique replaceable heel elements for a bespoke look and longer life.
VYN sneakers come in six different main colours including Tan, Navy, Bordeux, Military Green and Off White with varied colours for the heel parts.
Priced at £435; visit vyn.one
Toms
Palomar boot
There was a time when hiking boots were for exactly that – hiking. But the utilitarian style has very much entered the mainstream, and you’re as likely to see a set of aluminium eyelets stepping down a street in Soho as you are scaling the side of Snowdon.
One of the brands which has negotiated this crossover perfectly is Toms, with its fashion-forward Palomar boot.
It’s designed to keep you comfortable and dry with a toothy rubber outsole, padded collar, lined interior, and water-resistant exterior. The stylish leather silhouette will take you from the trail to the city with consummate ease.
And you can purchase them with a clean conscience as Toms is a member of the Fair Labor Association, which only works with suppliers that conduct their businesses ethically, engage with workers, ensure safe working conditions, and establish human rights compliance and social responsibility.
£149.50, toms.com
Love Brand & Co
Shirt and shorts
With a focus on making their garments responsibly, B Corp registered beachwear authority Love Brand & Co. is THE perfect go-to for that much needed winter getaway - or equally if you want to jump ahead with the preparation for next summer’s vacation.
Creating quality garments with bespoke prints, including the Elephant Palace print in Sky Blue is shorts and shirt (pictured) Love brand & Co. is one-stop-shop for the refined escape to the beach, wherever that may be.
Men’s Elephant Palace Sky Abaco linen shirt, £126; Men’s Elephant Palace Sky Staniel swim shorts, £105. Visit lovebrand.com
KHV Concept
CT Sneaker
Luxury brand KHV Concept is an exciting new footwear label to hit the market. Its debut collection launched in Spring 2023 – and is a luxury take on the low-top sneaker.
Designed in London, handmade in Italy, the new shoe comes in pastel, earthy and neutral tones – all fine complements to a minimal and sophisticated silhouette.
Each pair takes more than two hours to make with a 40-step process required to bring the unique footwear to life.
CT London takes inspiration from the City of London, with its old architecture juxtaposed with new urban attitude, and is crafted from a mix of technical mesh, Italian leather and suede.
While our favourite is CT Barcelona – made from recycled beige linen, smooth nude leather and taupe suede.
Whichever pair you choose, it will make a winning gift.
£300; khvconcept.com
Ron Dorff
Hoodie and pants
The Paris-based brand with a global reputation as the very best in retro sportswear and growing collection of leisurewear, Ron Dorff takes its Scandinavian roots of beautifully clean-lined silhouettes and fuses it with a European savoir faire.
From exercise gear and swim shorts, through to leisurewear, cashmere joggers and hoodies, as well as socks, underwear and a host of accessories, Ron Dorff is a go-to for men who want a chic, easy-to-wear style, whatever the occasion.
Pictured is the cashmere zip hoodie and pant in Forest Green priced at £425 and £315 respectively. Visit rondorff.com
Varsity Headwear
Baseball cap
Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, Varsity Headwear is a global cap specialist hailing from Oslo, Norway that has taken the traditional baseball cap and given it a sophisticated refinement for today’s international audience. Working with leading fabrics globally, Varsity caps are a wearable choice all-year round including the newly released Cruz ’trucker’ cap, tweed cashmere soft front cap and the corduroy in both beige and grey.
Pictured all three priced £75, £100 and £85 respectively. Visit varsityheadwear.com
Kardo
Workwear
Kardo is the first Indian menswear brand to fuse the traditional craft from within Indian communities with a workwear aesthetic. Working alongside artisans across the country to help create elevated seasonal options, Kardo is a brand that presents both bold and impactful designs alongside the more muted for consumers looking for an easy-to-wear workwear style, but with a unique and independent character.
Pictured is the Khadi handloom denim featuring Nagaland hand-woven patch pockets. Nagaland hand-weaving is carried out on traditional loin or back-strap looms in motifs representing tribes and tribal groupings that still live in this north eastern region of India. Naga hand-weaving is still the preserve of women.
Bodhi jacket in indigo, £235, and natural, £215. Visit kardo.co
Luca Faloni
Cashmere knitwear
Luca Faloni is a luxury Italian menswear brand producing some of the most beautiful garments made in Italy, partnering with leading fabric mills and artisans across the country.
From knitwear and shirting, blazers, pants and jeans through to a wide range of accessories including leather bags, scarves, hats and gloves, Luca Faloni works exclusively with the highest quality fabrics including cashmere, silk, and leather to produce classic, quality pieces that last. So whatever you choose as a gift will be sure to last a lifetime.
Luca Faloni chunky knit cashmere zip cardigan in midnight blue, £525. Visit lucafaloni.com
Walker Slater
Tweed
Walker Slater is a contemporary clothing and accessories brand hailing from Edinburgh in Scotland, specialising in tweed.
If you’re imagining grumpy old men with red noses and walking sticks, it’s not that kinda tweed. From its stores in Edinburgh, Glasgow and London, the brand produces tailoring notable for sharp silhouettes – very much a modern way of wearing traditional fabrics.
But it’s not only tweed that’s the focus. Walker Slater also offers casual shirting, knitwear, denim, outerwear and a wide variety of accessories including bags, scarves, caps, ties and gloves.
Edward jacket in brown Harris Tweed Herringbone (£325); Harold roll-neck in moss green (£145). Visit walkerslater.com
Really Wild
Renowned for its exquisite wool tailoring and versatile wardrobe essentials, Really Wild stands as a premium British brand. Infused with the essence of British Heritage, each piece exudes classic and iconic styles – ideal for festive gifting.
Embracing the contemporary spirit of British fashion, Really Wild seamlessly blends finely tailored tweeds, luxurious silks, and bespoke knitwear for a timeless yet distinctive appearance.
Whether it’s an outfit for an elegant dinner or a cosy night in, Really Wild has every occasion impeccably covered this season.
Really Wild, 53 Sloane Square, SW1W 8AX; +44 02071 191 620. Visit reallywildclothing.com
Stoned & Waisted
British luxury womenswear label Stoned & Waisted, is the go to brand for beautifully tailored signature shearling coats, in an array of vibrant colours.
Designed to elevate the everyday, the collection is a celebration of statement and signature pieces that can stand alone or be cleverly layered.
The brand is the vision of the dynamic Rachel Allpress, a founder with a passion for designing treasured items that last a lifetime.
Whether on the school run or attending a black tie event, everything in the range is designed to flatter and catch the eye.
With sustainability at its heart, Stoned & Waisted has created a transparent production process and ensures all shearling used is a natural by-product of the food industry, found in only the very best tanneries.
The Ready to Wear pieces are produced in limited runs, with many of the luxurious linens, silks and cottons sourced from deadstock of luxury fashion house suppliers and finished with vintage trimmings and embellishments.
Visit stonedandwaistedfashion.com
Drinks
Grace O'Malley
The Grace
Many whisky makers will say their product is as much art as science. But in the case of Irish whiskey brand Grace O'Malley, its latest launch is quite literally a work of art.
The distiller has teamed up with Metacask, the blockchain-powered spirits marketplace, to launch The Grace – a limited collection of digitally connected whiskey bottles.
Each of the 501 bottles has been hand painted with an individual design by female street artist KinMx.
Together they form a 6 x 4.5m mural of Ireland’s legendary pirate queen, Grace O’Malley.
Individually, they’re available for €450 – and represent a rare chance to own a one-of-a-kind piece of decentralised artwork from this renowned artist.
Each individually numbered bottle is its own piece of art and can be purchased as an non-fungible token (NFT) via the Metacask platform. Collectors can choose to hold the product digitally, trade it, or redeem the NFT and receive the physical bottle in time for Christmas.
€450, from metacask.com
Laurent-Perrier
Grand Siècle Iteration No.26
If you’re going to crack open a bottle of champagne on Christmas day, you better make it some of the good stuff. And it doesn’t come much better than Laurent-Perrier Grand Siècle Iteration No.26.
That is, at least, according to James Suckling. The world-renowned wine authority awarded the latest version of Laurent-Perrier’s top cuvée his highest score of 100/100 and declared it his “Wine of the Year” . This is a particularly impressive feat when you consider he reviewed 39,000 wines in 2023 alone. Gulp.
Grand Siècle was born from the vision of Bernard de Nonancourt, the founding president of Laurent-Perrier, to create a ‘perfect vintage’. The concept is simple: that nature can never get everything right in one season. But three? Now we’re talking. Through the art of assemblage, they create the perfect blend, resulting in a champagne that has complexity but still retains freshness.
Grand Siècle Iteration No. 26 consists of chardonnay and pinot noir from vintages of 2012, 2008 and 2007 – three exceptional years that complement one another perfectly – and then aged for more than ten years in the House’s cellars.
£199. Visit thewhiskyexchange.com
Champagne Telmont
“Lieux-Dits” Damery Sous Adrien 2012
Champagne has grown accustomed to presenting its vintage cuvées, wines which aim to be the characteristic expression of a single year. Because everything starts from the soil – the terroir – Maison Telmont wanted to take this principle even further, by going back to what is the primary unit of wine production: the parcel.
Its “Lieux-Dits” collection brings together vintage cuvées which are linked to a single parcel, resulting in a unity of both time and place.
The Damery Sous Adrien cuvée from the 2012 vintage is the first cuvée of the collection. It was born from the combination of ideal conditions – south facing, rich and fertile brown soil – with an exceptional year. Cheers to that!
£220. Visit champagne-telmont.com
Bruno Paillard
Nec Plus Ultra Rosé 2008
Moving on from the white champagne aperitifs, how about some serious rosé to follow?
Bruno Paillard’s Nec Plus Ultra (NPU) is only made in exceptional vintages. In the last three decades, since it was created in 1990, only eight years have qualified.
The latest to be released is the 2008 vintage of the maison’s NPU Rosé – having benefited from a staggering more than 12 years on the lees before disgorgement in February 2022.
Of the 320 villages in the Champagne region, only 17 are classified as Grands Crus: NPU Rosé is a blend of the best.
The other essential feature of NPU is that fermentation takes place in small oak barrels in which the wines spend their first ten months. This leads to woody aromas, making it a perfect accompaniment to smoked meats.
£340, millesima.co.uk
Mount Gay
Single Estate Series 23_01
Christmas tipples may traditionally hail from Scotland or France, but we’d also like to throw Barbados into the mix.
Located in St Lucy at the northern tip of Barbados, Mount Gay is the world’s oldest running rum distillery. It’s celebrating its 320th anniversary this year, and to mark the occasion has launched the Single Estate Series, a new annual release celebrating Barbados that embodies the terroir of the birthplace of rum.
It’s produced from sugar cane grown solely on the Mount Gay estate, and grown intentionally to make molasses for rum production, rather than for producing sugar, before being fermented with a yeast strain unique to the brand.
£340 for 70cl (55% ABV). Visit thewhiskyexchange.com
Dunnet Bay Distillers
Mapmaker’s Coastal Spiced Rum
For something a little spicier on the tongue but easier on the wallet, we’re heading to the northern tip of Scotland to Dunnet Bay Distillers. The multi award-winning Scottish distillery has released its first foray into the craft rum market with the launch of the Mapmaker’s Coastal Spiced Rum.
A fusion of Caithness and the Caribbean, it features its house rum twice distilled, and blended with Caribbean rum and Loch Calder water, before it is spiced with local botanicals; lemon verbena, scurvy grass, sea kelp and Scottish sea salt.
It delivers notes of banana, toffee and salted caramel, with a light peppery spice and delicious long lasting salinity.
£35 for 70cl (40% ABV). To find out more and discover the full range visit: dunnetbaydistillers.co.uk
Glenfarclas
15 Year Old 95 Proof
Nothing beats wrapping up your Christmas day with a dram of single malt whisky in front of a roaring fire.
Given the occasion, you better make it count, so may we recommend the Glenfarclas 15 Year Old 95 Proof – exclusively bottled for The Whisky Exchange.
Just try to leave some room after lunch, as this Speyside single malt is packed with spiced sponge cake, dried fruit, Danish pastries, green apples and lashings of custard.
Matured in ex-sherry casks, it brings apple jam, plump raisins, sticky dates, baking spices and plenty of brown sugar to the table. Brighter sultana fruitiness develops, to help balance out the rich dates and baking spices.
This one’s definitely too good to waste on Santa.
£89.95 for 70cl (54.2% ABV). Visit thewhiskyexchange.com
GlenDronach
Revival
A much-loved dram, which had been discontinued by the distillery in 2015, has now been brought back to life. GlenDronach 15 Year Old Revival Single Malt Whisky has been matured in Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso sherry casks from Andalucía, quietly growing in stature for 15 years in GlenDronach’s dunnage warehouses.
The result is a hugely flavoursome yet exceptionally refined whisky. On the nose, there’s an intoxicating burst of maraschino cherry, ripe bramble and dark chocolate mint with hints of orange bitters and walnut liqueur.
And to taste, think honey-glazed apricot and ripe fig leading to a crescendo of black cherry, angelica and muscovado.
£78.95 for 70cl (46% ABV). Visit jeroboams.co.uk
Glenmorangie
A Tale of Tokyo
If there are two countries that take whisky seriously, it’s Scotland and Japan. So when the two combine, magic usually occurs.
In this case, it was the idea of Glenmorangie’s globe-trotting whisky creator, Dr Bill Lumsden to employ rare Japanese Mizunara oak casks to create a limited edition expression of the single malt.
Glenmorangie A Tale of Tokyo is full of delicious sensory contrasts – much like Japan’s capital itself: with the richness of the Japanese Mizunara oak imparting new depths to the Highland distillery’s light, floral character.
You’ll taste pepper meeting bitter cherries and coconut, as mouth-watering orange zest fuses with incense and sweet oak. On the finish, classic Glenmorangie flavours of mandarin, almond and marzipan are there in abundance.
£74.95, thewhiskyexchange.com
Château D’Issan
Grand Cru Classe
There aren’t many single wines that can withstand the challenges of Christmas day. Wines that can see you through succulent Turkey thigh, rich gravy, pigs in blankets – and then cope with a sticky fruit pudding to follow. But one wine definitely can: claret.
For something fittingly festive, we’d opt for Chateau D’Issan from Margaux – its illustrious gold label the perfect centrepiece to any Christmas day table.
Served at the wedding of Eleanor of Aquitaine and King Henry II of England in 1152, this is an estate with serious form. It’s motto, Regum Mensis Aris Que Deorum means, “For the table of kings and the altar of the gods.” Should be up to the job at hand, then.
£60.60, laywheeler.com/our-producers/chateau-d-issan
Beefeater
Crown Jewel gin
Between the morning champagne and the lunchtime red, there’s a sweet spot: it’s gin o’clock
And for the big day, you’re going to want a gin to match. The Crown Jewel is an elevated version of Beefeater’s iconic London Dry Gin recipe. Heightened to 50% ABV, it’s also had grapefruit peel added to its iconic nine-botanical recipe.
The eye-catching ruby-inspired bottle draws inspiration from the Crown Jewels housed at the Tower of London. Beefeater has taken this symbolism rather literally, launching a limited-edition version which has been mounted with a nine-carat gold label adorned by a precious ruby crafted by Royal-warrant holder, Thomas Lyte.
£55.95 for standard; £4,000 for the special edition. Visit beefeatergin.com
Rémy Martin
300th Anniversary Festive Limited Edition XO
A lot of fuss is made about anniversaries in the luxury industry. But when it comes to its 300th anniversary, a brand is well within its rights to celebrate.
That considerable milestone will be reached by the House of Rémy Martin next year: to mark the occasion, the prestigious cognac house has launched a 300th Anniversary holiday collection including limited editions of Rémy Martin XO, Accord Royal, and VSOP.
The designs are inspired by the House emblem: the iconic Centaur appears as a constellation surrounded by an embossed pattern of diagonal spears. Expressed in opulent gold and chalk white, the gift collection features limited-edition labels, neck collars and gift boxes. With this being squaremile.com, naturally we suggest you head to the
top of the tree for the Rémy Martin XO.
Rémy Martin XO 300th Anniversary Limited Edition, £175, thewhiskyexchange.com
Agua de Madre
Sparkling Water Kefir
While gin is known as ‘mother’s ruin’, Agua de Madre is the life-affirming opposite.
Packed with billions of live cultures, the Madre mother grains were discovered in Mexico 2000 years ago, on the pads of the Nopal cactus. The Madre happily ferments in bespoke ceramic eggs traditionally used in wine production; they are the perfect environment for the Madre to do her thing.
In this new sparkling water kefir, they’ve been mixed with organic Mediterranean lemons and fiery ginger root creating a thirst quenching, vegan water kefir.
You’ll also find botanical ginseng and our ashwagandha thrown into the mix – both known for their adaptogenic immune-boosting properties, gut health and mood-enhancing powers.
Choose between Lemon & Ginger and Blood Orange Bitters flavours – either are a welcome tonic from a season of overindulgence.
£36 for a case of 12. Exclusively online aguademadre.co.uk
Gear
Paragon Studio
Diabolo dumbbells
Add some weight to your Christmas gifting this year with the award-winning Diabolo dumbbells from Paragon Studio. Available in a variety of finishes, using sustainably sourced materials, Diabolo offers unparalleled levels of customisation designed to enhance every training session regardless of your fitness level.
As part of eight years’ of research and experience into what makes the perfect dumbbell, Paragon conducted a full lifecycle analysis of their carbon footprint. All dumbbell related emissions have been annually offset plus 10%, which means the Diabolo is now the world’s first carbon-negative dumbbell.
So not only are these weights good for you, they’re also good for the planet.
Pictured are the Diabolo dumbbell tree rack, medicine balls and skipping rope – each piece somewhere between fitness accessory and work of art.
The Diabolo Dumbbells are available in five sets (5,6,10,12,15 pairs) ranging from 2-10kgs. Prices start from £4,239 exc VAT. Visit paragonstudio.co.uk
Ettinger
Capra double watch roll
The Capra double watch roll from British luxury leather goods company Ettinger has been built to last a lifetime – not just for Christmas.
The exterior of the case is made from the highest quality goat leather, whilst the interior is lined with luxuriously soft suede.
It’s designed to hold a brace of watches securely; to keep them safe and clean; and has thoughtfully been fitted with a leather divider to ensure they can’t scratch each other on particularly arduous journeys.
Sporting a silver popper button with Ettinger monogramming, the watch roll comes in five different colourways and can be embossed with up to five initials to make it truly personal. For the final touch, it’s delivered in a sleek Ettinger gift box.
£320. Visit ettinger.co.uk
Aspinal of London
Men’s collection
Aspinal of London’s men’s collection showcases the best of lifestyle and fashion gifts for men, offering a wealth of options for even the most discerning friend or family member.
From a luxurious pure cashmere scarf for wrapping up on winter walks and cold commutes to smart stationery essentials for the office, whatever gift you choose, know it’s made with unrivalled quality.
There’s everything from showstopping stocking fillers to larger statement gifts, like durable and stylish travel and business bags, all handcrafted by master leather artisans. Complete your gift with Aspinal’s signature Luxury Gift Wrap and Luxury Personalisation Service for the perfect finishing flourish.
Wingback
Fountain Pen
Following the success of the Mechanical Pen (2019) and Red Dot award-winning Designer's Mechanical Pencil (2021), London design studio Wingback has launched a new Fountain Pen, completing its set of machined stationery.
The Fountain Pen's wide diameter barrel helps reduce writing fatigue, a diamond knurled grip provides ample control, and it has a satisfying weight, delivering a perfectly balanced writing experience.
Airtight seals in the cap and shaft ensure the pen never dries out, while providing added versatility so that the chamber within its body can be used as a reservoir for your ink of choice.
For the 076 Mono iridium nib, Wingback turned to German specialists Peter Bock, whose 80 years of experience and precision craftsmanship is evident from the moment you put pen to paper.
It’s available in 303 stainless steel, raw brass, and grade 5 titanium – and each one can be personalised with engraved initials or a unique phrase up to 50 characters, and a choice of extra fine, fine, medium or bold nib point size.
From £115, wingback.co.uk
Aspinal of London
Wallets
Replace his old, tired wallet this Christmas with a smart, timeless choice from Aspinal of London.
Handcrafted from full-grain leather, a variety of sophisticated styles are on offer, from the Slim Credit Card Holder for the light traveller to the classic Billfold, all made to the brand’s exacting quality for a lifetime of enjoyment.
Ideal for even the most selective of men, a wide choice of colours and finishes make finding a design he’ll love effortless, guaranteeing the gift’s firm place in his daily wardrobe.
To take your gift to the next level, personalise it using Aspinal’s Luxury Personalisation Service, transforming the luxurious piece into a one-off, unique design just for him.
Dolce & Gabbana
Glassware
Dolce & Gabbana has been more than a fashion brand for a long time now. But plans are currently afoot to take the Italian label to another level: namely, two luxury residential apartment buildings – one in Marbella and the other in Miami – alongside the brand’s first hotel in the Maldives.
Naturally, all three will be decked out by Dolce & Gabbana’s stylish Casa department – from the lighting and furniture all the way down to the glassware.
Enter the DG Logo collection. From shot glasses to champagne coupes, tumblers to high-balls, the collection stands out for its bold lines and that unmistakable logo.
Now all you have to do is make sure your drinks are up to scratch. Ours is a negroni sbagliato, thanks.
From £60, dolcegabbana.com
Tech
Focal
Bathys
Unlike many headphones which force a compromise between performance and convenience, Bathys offers the best of both worlds. Focal’s award-winning design can be used wirelessly or wired, and with different levels of Active Noise Cancellation.
These ergonomic headphones combine refined materials – such as magnesium on the yokes and real leather on the headband – resulting in outstanding quality and ergonomic comfort.
They also pack an impressive 30+ hour battery life, with a fast-charge option ensuring they can be powered up in a hurry.
Originally launched in black and silver, they’re now available in a new neutral Dune colourway [pictured].
£699, selfridges.com
Ruark Audio
R2 MK4
Imagine a steaming cup of warm cappuccino on a lazy Sunday morning. It’s cold outside but warming rays of sun are coming in through the shutters. Your other half has nipped out to the café to pick up some fresh croissants. For the accompanying soundtrack you just need one device: the Ruark Audio R2 MK4. (Preferably in cream; preferably tuned to Radio 2.)
The latest R2 features an all-new design which offers a simple yet stylish aesthetic – a perfect blend of retro and modern. Its slim footprint means you can place it anywhere in the home – from your window sill to your kitchen work surface – without it taking up too much space.
A complete music system, the R2 is equipped with DAB+, FM, and Internet radio tuners, as well as support for major streaming services, including Spotify, Amazon Music, and Deezer.
The R2 also features the latest-gen Bluetooth 5 receiver, a USB-C charge port, switchable AUX output, and headphone output. It even has a remote control if you can’t be bothered to roll out of bed to switch it on.
£479, ruarkaudio.com
Cambridge Audio
Alva ST
Vinyl never really left but it’s firmly in comeback territory right now: 41.3 million vinyl records were sold last year, and sales have increased further in 2023. There’s nothing quite like the tactile pleasure of removing a record from its sleeve and carefully placing it on a padded deck. While for some this might be nostalgia for some (hi, Gen X), the latest stylish turntables are also paving the way for fresh listeners. Cambridge Audio’s Alva ST is the perfect player for this new wave.
It features a pre-installed moving magnet cartridge, meaning you can play your favourite records in minutes; as well as switchable hi-res bluetooth streaming and integrated phono stage, so you’ll be able to share the pleasure with more people.
Your favourite records are there to last a lifetime, so why not honour them with a turntable that is designed to do the same? With its timeless sleek style, the Alva ST is finished with a lunar-grey aluminium top plate and matte black plinth. Cambridge Audio is renowned for its minimalistic style, and the Alva ST is no exception. But when it comes to playback quality,
it is nothing but exceptional.
£849, includes 60-day home trial, cambridgeaudio.com
