LUMO: Where Style Meets Safety on Two Wheels

Cycling has gone from niche pursuit to mainstream movement. Whether it’s dodging gridlocked traffic, avoiding the daily cattle-herding of rush hour trains, or simply embracing a more sustainable way of life, more and more of us are choosing pedal power as the smartest way to move around the city. But as the number of cyclists has grown, so too has the conversation around safety — and often, practicality and style have been left behind in the pursuit of visibility.

Enter LUMO, the British lifestyle brand determined to change that. Founded in 2014 after a successful Kickstarter campaign by Doug Bairner, LUMO was born with a clear mission: “to encourage more people from around the world to enjoy the freedom of their city on two wheels.” And their latest launch shows just how seamlessly they’re bridging the gap between fashion and function.

The debut range, The London Collective, reimagines classic British outerwear and bags for the modern cyclist. At first glance, these jackets and backpacks wouldn’t look out of place in a designer boutique — think timeless silhouettes, refined details, and fabrics chosen as much for their quality as their innovation. But hidden beneath that heritage-inspired styling lies smart, cyclist-first technology: LUMO Glow LED lights discreetly woven into each piece. Invisible until switched on, the lights transform the garments into a beacon of safety, dramatically increasing visibility on the road. Step off the bike, switch them off, and you’re left with a jacket or bag that looks as sharp in a bar or office as it does at the saddle.

It’s clever, it’s practical, and most importantly, it refuses to compromise. LUMO understands that city cycling isn’t just a hobby anymore — it’s a way of life. And with The London Collective, the brand proves you don’t have to sacrifice style to stay safe.

With cycling firmly cemented as part of our daily culture, it feels like the right time for brands like LUMO to step in and lead the way. Marrying heritage-inspired design with science-lab innovation, they’re rewriting the rulebook for urban cycling gear. So whether you’re pedalling to work, riding to meet friends, or heading out into the night, LUMO has you covered — literally.

MAINTAINING THE TIME HONOURED TRADITION – ACQUA DI PARMA INTRODUCES GELSOMINO A FREDDO

The latest scent from the luxury fragrance house is crafted from the ancient technique of cold enfleurage, a thorough and time-consuming process that gently captures the purest olfactive essence of jasmine, the vibrant and bold composition joins Acqua di Parma’s Signatures of the Sun collection.

Time is the most precious ingredient in this new fragrance, where the name ‘a Freddo’ reflects the rare craftsmanship of the method. Jasmine flowers are carefully hand-placed on purified shea butter and left for 48 hours to release their essence under supervision of a master perfumer. This process is repeated multiple times, with fresh flowers replacing the previous ones, until the butter is fully infused with the essential oil. The process ensures the capture of every nuanced olfactive molecule, preserving the flower’s natural complexity and richness in the resulting jasmine enfleurage essence. It’s a method steeped in heritage, where human expertise elevates nature to its most sublime expression.

The olfactory construction of Gelsomino a Freddo embodies the tension between purity and depth. The luminous white jasmine symbolises light, while black tea and guaiac wood add smokey undertones, creating a bold and unexpected duality.

“Creating this fragrance presented a double challenge: the first was balancing the contrasting elements while elevating the jasmine enfleurage extraction. Creating a genderless jasmine fragrance was the second challenge: finding the middle ground between the floral and woody elements of the composition,” says perfumer Daphne Bugey. The result is a complex composition where the cold essence of jasmine meets the smoky facets of black tea, guaiac wood, and patchouli, culminating in a gender-neutral fragrance that defies convention.

The top notes of Italian lemon, pink pepper, and artemesia bring a zesty, uplifting opening, while the heart reveals jasmine enfleurage essence, black tea, and orris concrete. The base notes of Gaia’s wood, cypriol, and patchouli essence anchor the fragrance with warmth and structure, leaving a lasting impression that resonates. The new transparent Signatures of the Sun fragrance bottle showcases the coloured jus and features a redesigned label. It is also presented in a newly enlarged hatbox with updated colour and finish.

Penfield at 50: A Legacy of Adventure Reimagined for Today

 

Half a century in fashion is no mean feat. Few brands manage to stay relevant, fresh, and true to their founding values while constantly adapting to the ever-changing landscape of menswear. This year, Penfield — the Massachusetts-born outerwear pioneer — celebrates its 50th anniversary. And fittingly, the Autumn 2025 collection serves as both a love letter to its rugged roots and a confident stride into the modern era of style.

Founded in 1975, Penfield carved out its reputation crafting outerwear that could handle the unforgiving landscapes of New England. Built for explorers, mountaineers, and city-dwellers alike, their signature blend of functionality, durability, and design-led thinking made Penfield an instant favourite for men who wanted kit that worked as hard as it looked good. Fast-forward fifty years and the brand’s latest collection proves that heritage is more than nostalgia — it’s a springboard for reinvention.

The Autumn range draws deep inspiration from Penfield’s archives. Expect the familiar silhouettes of classic puffer jackets, parkas, and fleece pullovers, but remixed with sharper tailoring, premium fabrics, and a colour palette that nods to earthy New England landscapes — think maple reds, pine greens, and granite greys. Technical features like weather-resistant coatings and innovative insulation ensure these pieces are as practical as ever, while slimmer cuts and cleaner lines bring them firmly into the contemporary wardrobe.

What’s refreshing is how Penfield is balancing authenticity with evolution. The brand hasn’t chased fleeting trends; instead, it’s doubled down on its DNA: outdoor performance, timeless design, and a quiet confidence. The result? A collection that feels as at home on the streets of London or Tokyo as it does on a windswept trail in Vermont.

Celebrating fifty years is not just about looking back. It’s about asking the question: what’s next? For Penfield, the answer seems clear — building on its pioneering spirit to create menswear that respects its heritage but moves with modern life. As Autumn sets in, the new collection reminds us why Penfield has endured: clothing designed for men who don’t just wear their jackets, they live in them.

Here’s to the next fifty.

A Picture paints a thousand words – Jack Hughes, Textual Conversations

Jack Hughes, maybe a name that sounds familiar to you, but after today’s interview, there will not only be no doubt who he is in your mind but also, hopefully, you will have fallen for his work as much as I have. Jack’s images have appeared all over the world whether it be in the pages of leading fashion magazines L’Officiel Hommes, Esquire, or The New York Observer. Plus he is highly sorted after whether that be commissioned by leading creative agencies such brands like Netflix, MrPorter.com, Levis and Burberry.

 

Jack has a truly individual and unique style, not only capturing the subject matter but also injecting a beyond realness, other dimension to his images which explains why brands are clambering over themselves to implement his talents. Lets hear from the man.

How did you get into the industry ?

I was quite lucky actually, during my third year degree show in London my soon-to-be agent saw my work and recruited me there and then! I’ve been freelancing ever since.

 

If you could have invented anything what would it be ?

Scandinavian design.

 

Screen Shot 2014-09-22 at 13.45.43What makes an interesting subject ?

Something personal to the person creating it.

 

What artists do you admire ?

Loads! J.C. Leyendecker is a favourite.

 

If you had one day to live what would be your biggest regret ?

Not loving enough. 

 

What inspires you ?

My own successes.

 

What’s your favourite piece of clothing ?

Either my Burberry trench coat or my AMI double breasted jacket that I never wear.

 

If you could only wear one brand/Designer for the rest of your life who would it be ?

Probably Maison Martin Margiella, I think anyone from any background can appreciate the style and details they employ, even if they don’t like the clothing.

 

Tell us something no one else knows ?

I really, really like the sound of hair dryers and vacuum cleaners, they can literally send me to sleep given the right circumstances. 

 

What do you have to do after this conversation ?

Sleep! And dream…

 

Who would be your ideal diner guests ?

Trish Keenan, Susan Cain, Hayao Miyazaki, Stephen Fry, Neil Gaiman, Alison Goldfrapp, John Everett Millais and Louis C.K.

 

How do spent your free time ?

I rarely have free time these days, but I enjoy running and curling up with a good book or video game.

 

If you could give your teenage self advice, what would it be ?

I would hug him and do nothing more. 

 

 

 

Ready to upgrade your Shaving Routine ? Harry’s Plus

When it comes to shaving, most guys don’t want to overthink it—they just want a clean, comfortable shave that doesn’t leave their face looking like a battlefield. But for the team at Harry’s, “just good enough” has never been good enough. That’s why, more than twelve years after launching their first razor, they’re back with something entirely new: Harry’s Plus—the brand’s most advanced, comfortable shaving system yet.

So what makes it different? Everything.

Comfort Is King—And Harry’s Plus Rules Supreme. Ask any guy what he wants out of a shave, and chances are the answer is the same: smooth skin without the nicks, cuts, or post-shave irritation. That insight has been at the core of Harry’s DNA since day one—and Harry’s Plus is the culmination of a decade-long obsession with getting every detail just right.

At the heart of it all is a breakthrough pivoting razor, designed to glide across the contours of your face like it’s reading a map. If you’ve ever had to manually adjust pressure or do awkward jawline contortions mid-shave, this one’s for you.

After testing dozens of springs, axes, and prototypes (and yes, probably annoying plenty of engineers in the process), Harry’s developed a pivot system that naturally adapts to your skin, applying just the right amount of pressure—no more, no less. That means fewer strokes, less irritation, and no more second passes.

While most razors are content with welded blades, Harry’s took things further. Their five-blade cartridge is forged from a single piece of steel—not two pieces mashed together. Why does that matter? It gives the blades more flex, reduces tugging, and ultimately makes the whole experience feel smoother and more precise.

And the blade architecture? Let’s just say it’s doing more than just looking sleek. With progressive spacing and a design that mimics a “bed of nails,” Harry’s Plus ensures better skin support and closer contact. The result? Less redness, fewer bumps, and a whole lot more confidence when you’re done.

Under the nose. Along the neckline. Around that stubborn mole you’ve had since uni. Shaving around tricky spots can make or break your grooming routine. Harry’s didn’t overlook this. The refined precision trimmer—sharper and more accurate than ever—is made for tight detailing, and the compact cartridge profile means you can manoeuvre with ease.

Even the handle has been reimagined. With over 100 prototypes tested, the final design features a matte-metal finish, a balanced, weighted feel, and an ergonomic tapered neck that gives you pro-level control without trying too hard. It’s subtle, sophisticated, and, honestly, just feels right in your hand.

Oh, and if you’re a sink-tapper? They’ve got you covered with a secure, push-button cartridge connection that clicks in tight and holds its own.

Harry’s Plus isn’t a minor tweak or a flashy rebrand—it’s a full-on reinvention. A razor system built from scratch, engineered for the man who takes his grooming seriously but doesn’t want to pay an arm and a leg for a clean shave.

With Harry’s Plus, the brand has stayed true to its roots: affordable, well-crafted tools that elevate everyday rituals. It’s for the guy who knows that confidence starts with the little things—like a shave that feels effortless and looks sharp.

Because at the end of the day, comfort isn’t just a feature. It’s the whole point.

Harry’s Plus is available now at harrys.com and select retailers. Trust us—your face will thank you.

For more grooming gear, modern style updates, and essentials for the well-dressed man, keep it locked to Clothes-Make-the-Man.com.