The Cities Best Facilitating Remote Work: Workcation 2024

As offices around the world ask for a return to the office, there is still a growing number of jobs, especially for companies wanting to attract Gen-Z and younger millennials that allow it. A recent study used data to reveal which global cities are most accessible and attractive for remote workers by assessing factors related to remote working infrastructure, living costs, infrastructure and liveability, in addition to showing current location trends.

The global employment specialists WorkMotion.com released the study that analysed the ease of complying with local employment laws and ranks the attractiveness of 85 global cities for remote workers. As a company that helps companies hire employees based anywhere in the world, WorkMotion decided to rank the cities according to their remote working compliance regulations, cost of living, infrastructure and liveability. Additionally, they used proprietary data to illustrate current location trends by showing where remote workers are currently being hired from. The resulting index reveals which cities are facilitating remote working best, and which are most attractive for remote workers to relocate to, as well as current remote worker patterns.

The table below reveals a sample of results for the top 10 cities for facilitating remote work out of the 80 cities in the index.

The Top 10 Cities for Remote Working Infrastructure:

1 Barcelona

2 Dubai

3 Prague

4 Madrid

5 Melbourne

6 Amsterdam

7 Lisbon 

8 Sydney

9 Gran Canaria

10 Reykjavik

The growth of remote working has opened up new avenues for employees around the world,” comments Carsten Lebtig, Co-Founder and Managing Director of WorkMotion. “People are increasingly less restricted by their location and the size of its job pool, and can regard foreign locations as possible work destinations regardless of whether or not they speak the local language. Now that the initial shock of the pandemic has subsided, we wanted to capture a snapshot of the current remote working landscape as the first step in tracking how it changes over the coming years. Many remote workers are drawn to cities by the promise of a different lifestyle or climate. The leaders of Barcelona, Dubai and Prague can be proud to say they’ve done things right and their cities are the best destinations for a Workation as well as to live, play and work from.”

MR PORTER LAUNCHES ‘ARGYLLE BY KINGSMAN’ COLLECTION INSPIRED BY MATTHEW VAUGHN’S NEW FILM, ARGYLLE

Men’s style online destination, MR PORTER, and acclaimed filmmaker of the Kingsman franchise, Matthew Vaughn, have announced a new costume-to-collection collaboration from luxury menswear label, Kingsman. Titled “Argylle by Kingsman”, the line has been developed with inspiration from characters in Vaughn’s forthcoming film, Argylle, in cinemas 2 February.

Argylle is a razor-witted, reality-bending, globe-encircling spy thriller. Bryce Dallas Howard (Jurassic World franchise) is Elly Conway, the reclusive author of a series of best-selling espionage novels, whose idea of bliss is a night at home with her computer and her cat, Alfie. But when the plots of Elly’s fictional books—which centre on secret agent Argylle and his mission to unravel a global spy syndicate—begin to mirror the covert actions of a real-life spy organization, quiet evenings at home become a thing of the past.

Argylle by Kingsman – The 16-piece collection includes a green velvet nehru jacket, black trousers and a matching navy pinstripe nehru jacket and trouser suit inspired by the character Argylle, played by Henry Cavill, alongside a leather and corduroy bomber jacket inspired by the character Aidan, played by Sam Rockwell, and a beige herringbone safari jacket and trouser inspired by Samuel L Jackson’s character, Alfred Solomon. The collection also features two Kingsman + London Undercover umbrellas, two knitwear pieces and five pairs of socks in a variety of colourways, all donned in the Argylle diamond-print.

Furthermore, MR PORTER will also debut two limited-edition timepieces from the Bremont x Argylle watch collection including The Argylle, based on a traditional Bremont Solo 43 and The Argylle Jet, based on a Bremont U-2.

100 Years of DELMA – Introducing the limited edition DELMA 1924 Tourbillon

The 100-year anniversary of DELMA 1924 Tourbillon is a preeminent example of experience and commitment to enduring quality and design. All DELMA timepieces are imbued with strength and refinement. From classic and dress models for lasting appeal to sports and racing watches for extreme adventure, each DELMA timepiece is created with attention to style and performance. These characteristics were evident in 1924, and they remain inherent in their watches today.

For the centenary timepiece DELMA sought something special, a 100 % Swiss proprietary movement encompassing its own design ideas. Furthermore, the DELMA 1924 Tourbillon, appropriately limited to 100 pieces had to be a postdated classic, imbued with the brand’s DNA and respectful of its rich heritage.

The gravity defying tourbillon positions the escapement and regulating organ within a cage that revolves 360° every 60 seconds. It sits at the heart of the Caliber DT100.01 a hand-wound movement with a prodigious power reserve of 105 hours. Unlike most watches, which feature an index-regulated balance, the DELMA 1924 Tourbillon is equipped with a variable-inertia balance, delivering superior precision. The balance is fitted with a shock absorption system and the movement is shock-protected up to 5000 G. In addition, the Caliber DT100.01 comprises non-magnetic components such as the alloy hairspring and Glucydur balance wheel, hence it can withstand magnetic fields up to 2000 gauss.

Consistent with fine watchmaking, the movement is beautifully decorated. The baseplate is adorned with perlage, while the bridges, visible via the exhibition caseback, are embellished with Côtes de Genève and golden text. A sprinkling of blue screws subscribes to horological tradition, while the movement is ruthenium-treated and dressed in a contemporary dark gray finish.

The sable black dial is rich in nuanced detail, notably legible, and affords sight of the captivating tourbillon. The hour and minute hands are palladium, nickel-plated, and lined with white Super-LumiNova® BGW9. They are teamed with matching applied hour markers to provide a harmonious look. The 41 mm case is formed of 316L stainless steel. All surfaces of the case are brushed aside from the highly polished beveled edges spanning the top and sides of the case. The crown nestles between the shoulders of a crown protector and is equipped with an attractive grip that facilitates easy manipulation.

Fitted with a stainless-steel bracelet featuring a deployant clasp, the DELMA 1924 Tourbillon is supplied in a sumptuous presentation box containing an additional black Italian leather strap. Quick-release spring bars allow the wearer to switch to the strap, or vice-versa, without requiring the use of tools.

Are you searching for Grandpa Core ?

 

Taking inspiration from the more retro fashion choices of the older generation, the latest viral fashion trend currently sweeping the internet has been fondly dubbed as ‘Grandpa Core’. 

Nick Drewe, Trend Expert at at online discounts platform, Wethrift, has shared his insight into the latest fashion trend which is proving that style knows no age limits

“The latest fashion trend to surface is ‘Grandpa Core’, with searches for the quirky statement trend up by 334% on Pinterest in the last month alone. While over on the video streaming platform, TikTok, the hashtag #grandpacore has amassed a colossal 17.5 million views, providing that this is one of the season’s biggest trends. 

“Last year we saw the grandma-core aesthetic emerge, with many trying to embrace their grandmother’s signature style of nostalgia, warmth, and comfort. As we enter into the new year, we are seeing the whimsical grandpa-core trend surface, in fact, searches for ‘grandad jumper’ are up by 400% on Pinterest over the last few months alone.”

The statement style is all about embracing key fashion features of our grandfather’s wardrobe, from oversized cardigans to sweater vests, vintage loafers, wide-framed glasses, and loose-fitted trousers to tweed blazers and oversized denim. 

As we approached the new year and more people looked for ways they can elevate their style for a ‘new year, new me’ statement, we have seen a huge increase in searches for ‘oversized cardigan outfits’ (a key feature of the trend) on Pinterest, up by 337%.  

Trend

Search volume increase

Grandpa core 

334% on Pinterest (since December) 

Grandad jumper

400% on Pinterest (since June) 

Oversized cardigan outfit

337% on Pinterest (since June) 

Vintage loafers 

3900% on Google (last 90 days) 

80s footwear has been spotted recently on celebrity fashion icons like Bella Hadid and Hailey Bieber. One of the more common styles is a pair of vintage loafers. Loafers are the shoe in every ‘it girl’s’ closet. These fail-safe shoes are perfect for all seasons and can dress up any casual look. Over the last few months, the demand for this product has increased, with searches for ‘vintage loafers’ up by 3900% worldwide.

“Another way to embrace Grandpa Core in addition to vintage loafers is a sweater vest. If you’re in the office or meeting friends, pairing a sweater vest with an oversized blazer is the perfect way to layer this Winter whilst staying on trend. Searches for ‘sweater vests’ are up by 87% on Pinterest, with fashion enthusiasts hunting for style inspiration. While over on TikTok, the hashtag #sweatervest now has a whopping 130.5 million views and counting.”

Trend

Search volume increase

Grandpa core

334% on Pinterest (since December)

Grandad jumper

400% on Pinterest (since June)

Oversized cardigan outfit

337% on Pinterest (since June)

Vintage loafers

3900% on Google (last 90 days)


Images courtesy of

Pitti Uomo

The Rake

Damien Broderick

 

 

 

Experts reveal Winter skincare dos and don’ts

As the winter chill sets in, it is essential to protect and nourish your skin in the harsh cold weather, especially with temperatures in the UK dropping below 0 degrees.  

Experts at beauty and wellness marketplace Fresha have provided beauty enthusiasts with their top tips for maintaining healthy skin during the frosty months.

Remember, SPF is not just for summer 

Perhaps the most important tip on the list, SPF should be incorporated into your daily winter skincare routine. Despite the lack of visible sunshine and warmth in these colder months, the UV rays from the sun can seep through clouds and age and damage your skin. It is recommended to apply a high SPF, such as SPF 30 or 50, after you cleanse but before you moisturise to fully protect your skin; even SPF 15 is too low in the winter season. With ‘#sunscreenrecommendation’ hitting 85.6 million views worldwide on TikTok, skincare lovers around the world aren’t skipping this step – so be sure to add this to your beauty regime if you haven’t already. 

Opt for gentle cleansing for a healthy barrier 

During this cold season, our skin can become more susceptible to dryness and sensitivity, so it’s crucial to use gentle, non-harsh products to maintain a healthy skin barrier. It is recommended to use creamy cleansers instead of foaming ones, as well as washing your face with lukewarm water instead of hot water. Implementing these small changes will ensure that your skin’s natural oils are not being stripped away and that your skin barrier is protected to retain moisture. 

Don’t forget to protect your hands and lips 

It’s not just your face that needs protecting this winter, as the skin on your hands and lips is thinner and more vulnerable to dryness – hence why we lick our lips and suffer from ‘lick eczema’. To prevent this, applying a good quality lip balm and a rich layer of hand cream in between hand washing, going outside, eating, and drinking is necessary. Taking these steps will shield your hands and lips from chapping, cracking and becoming sore during the harsh temperatures. 

Try a vitamin C serum 

Introducing vitamin C to your skincare routine can hydrate and brighten your skin, as well as reduce hyperpigmentation and promote the production of collagen. However, it’s incredibly important to gradually introduce vitamin C to your routine, as it may not be suitable for your skin type. Some vitamin C products may have high concentration, so it could cause minor skin irritation, and in these cases, should be dropped from your routine immediately. Therefore, do a patch test to assess your skin’s reaction by applying a small amount of serum or oil to the back of your hand. If you develop any redness or rashes, then this product is not suitable for your skin. 

If your skin reacts well to the vitamin C serum, then this product can heal blemishes and can provide UV protection, but it must be used as well as SPF as opposed to replacing it. Not to mention, it gives your skin an incredible glow during the dull winter months.

Maintain hydration from the inside out 

The harshness of the cold air can be seriously drying to your skin, so using a daily hydrating moisturiser twice a day is a must to lock in moisture and prevent a dry, flaky face. This moisture should then be sealed with a facial oil, such as argan or jojoba, to fully reap the benefits.  

Hydration should also be prioritised from the inside out, so ensure that you’re drinking plenty of water and eating water-rich foods, such as fresh fruits like oranges, vegetables like cucumbers, as well as broths and soups. 

Don’t overload your skin with new products 

It is important to bear in mind that the change in temperature does not require a complete change in your usual skincare routine. Overloading the skin with too many products, especially new ones, can exacerbate or evoke skincare issues. It is recommended to trial new products and carefully monitor how your skin responds to them on a day-by-day basis. As well as this, trying one product at time allows you to see the true results with no other factors affecting them, rather than using too many at once and trying to figure out which one isn’t working for you. Taking these steps will ensure that your skincare routine is suitable for your needs, particularly in this cold weather. 

A spokesperson from Fresha has commented on these tips: “The winter can bring challenges to your skin, so it’s vital to adapt your skincare routine to this colder season. This guide emphasises the importance of hydration, UV protection, and being gentle with your skin to protect its barrier and not overload it with products.”