Travel in Style – Hackett London x Carl Friedrik

Following the successful 2024 launch of Hackett London x Carl Friedrik, the two iconic British brands have expanded their travel goods range with new silhouettes for refined and effortless travel. This collection is built on a shared belief in sartorial excellence and lasting quality and empowers travel-savvy customers.

The launch includes their versatile cabin case The Carry-on X (43 L), featuring an integrated front pocket, allowing travellers to quickly retrieve electronics and documents while on the move. Uniquely constructed with a hardwearing aluminium frame and polycarbonate shell, it promises industry-leading durability for the modern globetrotter. The sleek design is elevated with vegetable-tanned leather accents, co-branded detailing, and Hackett London’s signature navy and green colour palette.

This drop also includes the nubuck leather Compact Weekender bag – an ideal staple for overnight stays that has been thoughtfully refined with the addition of an integrated luggage holder. This new feature ensures the Compact Weekender can be seamlessly slotted onto the handles of all Hackett London x Carl Friedrik travel cases, including The Carry-on X.

Mattis Oppermann, co-founder of Carl Friedrik, said of the new collection: “Hackett London is the quintessential British menswear label and we share their quality-driven, timeless approach, albeit in the travel space. We believe this is why the collection resonated strongly with our customers, and it felt natural to expand the offering”.

Five of the best tech must-haves for motorists looking for a hassle-free drive

Technology and automotive apps can play a big part in helping relieve the stress of driving on Britain’s busy and unevenly maintained roads. 

 

Life in the fast lane can be difficult, whether it is avoiding potentially damaging potholes, finding a parking spot, or locating the nearest EV charging station. But, modern apps can often come to the rescue of motorists who might be feeling the strain. 

 

Below, Graham Conway, Managing Director at Select Car Leasing, reveals five of the best tech must-haves for anyone who demands a hassle-free drive: 

 

1. Smart Dash Cam

“There are a growing number of apps that turn your ordinary smartphone into a dash cam, without having to fork-out for a dedicated camera. 

 

“Dash cams can be extremely important when it comes to protecting yourself on the road. If you ever happen to be in an accident, having everything recorded can be helpful, as it makes it easier for authorities to determine who was at fault. The footage can also aid any insurance claims.

 

“Apps like ‘Smart Dash Cam’ still allow you to play music through your phone, and use ‘loop recording,’ where old videos are overridden by newer ones, so that you never max out your phone’s storage space.”

 

2. Petrol Prices

“Nobody wants to pay extortionate prices for their fuel, especially as the cost of living crisis continues. 

 

“Apps like Petrol Prices or myRAC allow you to view the cheapest fuel pumps in your local area, as well as to submit your own prices for others to make use of. 

 

“The Petrol Prices app covers 98% of the UK, with 8,500 petrol stations, so you will not have to break the bank.”

 

3. Waze

“Waze, a subsidiary of Google, calculates the best driving route based on what other drivers in the community have fed back into the app.

 

“Waze users can flag accidents and congestion in real time, and the app automatically reroutes you to avoid those areas if necessary. 

 

“It’s all about finding the quickest way to get to your destination – even if it means going a way you might never have taken before. 

 

“And, crucially, Waze also warns you of imminent potholes in the road, with any significant road craters flagged by other ‘Wazers’. That could help you swerve an expensive pothole repair bill at your local garage. 

 

“Waze is also heaps of fun, allowing you to change the navigation voice to dogs, cats, zombies, and even Karamo Brown from TV’s Queer Eye.”

 

4. Parkopedia 

“Nothing can ruin a journey more than not being able to find a car park once you reach your destination – enter Parkopedia. 

 

“This free app connects you to the closest possible parking spaces, as well as letting you know how much each stay will cost you. It’s definitely a handy app if you’re visiting a new city for the first time.”

 

5. Zapmap

“Apps like Zapmap are designed specifically for electric vehicle drivers who need to search for public EV charging points. 

 

“You can view live availability information, plan your journey, pay for charging, and even share live updates with other app users. You can also hone in on charge points according to your personal preferences, with filters like ‘user rating’ and ‘multiple charger locations.”

How to wear the fisherman aesthetic

Fisherman core or the ‘fisherman aesthetic’ looks set to influence men’s fashion in 2025 with Pinterest predicting laid-back nautical vibes and stripes on everything. Mitch Hughes, menswear director at M&S, explains how men can channel the trend:

“The fisherman aesthetic is all about keeping it simple and not overdoing it. The intention should be to capture the essence of maritime dressing without looking like you’re headed out on a voyage.”

Stick to nautical colours

“You can instantly evoke a maritime vibe by focusing on colours that are reminiscent of the sea. The fisherman aesthetic has a simple colour palette that focuses on navy, beige, white, red and khaki. Although, I think touches of bright orange or yellow can also work well.”

Stripes are key

“An easy way to make a subtle but intentional nod to the fisherman aesthetic is to incorporate Breton stripes into an outfit. These distinctive horizontal navy and white stripes were historically worn by French sailors. Think a class cotton crewneck T-shirt. Or choose a striped classic oxford shirt for a more tailored take on this fisherman aesthetic staple.”

Cable knit knitwear

Chunky knitwear is a key element of the fisherman aesthetic. The dense knit pattern of cable knit is particularly perfect for keeping warm in cold weather, plus the rugged texture is evocative of nautical ropes. Similarly, a sturdy beanie is symbolic of this aesthetic.”

Footwear

“The types of shoes typically associated with the fisherman aesthetic, such as boat shoes, espadrilles and fisherman sandals, are more suited to warm weather. In colder months, suede boots or clogs offer a modern alternative that will keep your feet much cosier.”

Work jackets

“A classic work jacket is ideal for layering over a nautical-inspired outfit. With a silhouette that frames your shoulders and oozes practical off-duty energy, it pairs perfectly with this rugged aesthetic.” 

Roll up your trousers  

“Turning up the hems of your trousers is a simple yet effective way to take your look from refined to rugged – ideal if the fisherman aesthetic is the one you’re chasing. Plus, it costs nothing!”

Stay as fresh like nature intended – Dr Squatch Deodorants

Dr. Squatch is proving to be the ultimate in natural deodorant—ruggedly effective, kind to your skin, and ! Great for your health. It breaks the mould with its collection of natural deodorants, combining efficacy with skin-friendly ingredients.

Each powerhouse formula combining charcoal powder to fight odor, postbiotics to balance bacteria, and arrowroot to absorb moisture, these deodorants also nourish skin with coconut oil and shea butter. Free from aluminium, parabens, and synthetic nasties, that interfere with your body’s natural detox process.

They deliver natural freshness,proving you can stay fresh all day naturally—all while nourishing your skin with coconut oil and shea butter.

With bold, nature-inspired scents like Pine Tar, Fresh Falls, and Cool Fresh Aloe, theyw strikes the perfect balance of power and care to keep you fresh and irresistibly appealing.

Dr. Squatch deodorants, prove that taking care of yourself doesn’t have to mean sacrificing your edge.

See the stars this winter with a January stargazing guide

January is an ideal month for stargazing, particularly on a crisp, clear night. Throughout the month, anyone, not just, stargazers,  can observe prominent winter constellations such as Orion, Taurus, and Gemini, alongside some of the brightest stars in the night sky. In fact in and around 25 January we have a “planet parade” where we have 5 planets aligning and will be visible to the naked eye. So keep an eye out for Venus, Mars, Saturn, Jupiter and if we’re super lucky Mercury.

That said, stargazing in January can come with its challenges. Unpredictable weather and cold temperatures can make venturing out more demanding. However, with the right preparation, it’s a great time to gaze at the cosmos.

As part of their latest campaign exploring the UK’s top stargazing spots, the experts at Select Van Leasing have compiled practical tips to help you make the most of this stellar season:

1. Avoid light-polluted areas

“To get the best view of a starry sky this month, steer clear of towns or city centres and head to a location free from light pollution. Rural areas or dark sky parks are ideal as they offer clear and unobstructed views of the night sky.

“Our stargazing report revealed that Eryri National Park (Snowdonia) is the best place to stargaze in the UK, followed by Cairngorms National Park, and Northumberland National Park. If you are in or around these areas, you should have a pretty good chance of witnessing the meteor shower.”

2. Plan your route in advance

“If you’re heading to a remote or rural area, it’s important to plan your route in advance, particularly if you’re unfamiliar with the area. Check for any road closures or weather-related disruptions, especially if snow or ice is expected, to ensure a smooth and safe journey.

“Additionally, remote areas often have limited signal, so it’s a good idea to inform friends or family of your route. Plan ahead to ensure they know when to check in with you during or after the event.”

 

3. Check the weather forecast

“It may seem obvious, but clear skies are crucial for stargazing. Be sure to check the weather forecast before heading out, as cloud cover can block your view of the meteors. Ideally, aim for a time with minimal cloud cover and little to no moonlight, as the brightness of the moon can wash out the light of the stars.”

 

4. Check your vehicle’s winter readiness

“Before hitting the road, ensure your vehicle is ready for winter conditions by checking that your tyres are in good condition, and make sure your windscreen wipers, de-icer, and headlights are working properly.

 

5. Arrive early

“It can take up to 20 minutes for your eyes to fully adjust to low-light conditions, so make sure you arrive in good time to give your eyes a chance to adapt to the darkness.”

 

6. Wear warm layers

“January is typically one of the coldest months of the year, so it’s essential to wear plenty of warm layers. Consider preparing hot drinks to take along with you as an extra way to stay warm.”

 

7. Stock your vehicle with winter supplies

“As with any nighttime winter road trip, make sure to keep an emergency kit in your car, including extra blankets and warm clothing, a torch, bottled water, snacks, and phone charging equipment.  

 

8. Take something to sit on

“If you’re planning to stay for a while, bring blankets, cushions, and camp chairs to sit on while stargazing. This will help avoid straining your neck while looking up at the sky and allow you to comfortably gaze upwards for long periods without discomfort.”

9. Use a star map or stargazing apps

“To make the most of the experience, use a star map or stargazing app to help you identify constellations and other celestial objects near the Quadrantid meteor shower. These tools also make it easier to locate the best areas of the sky for observing meteors. Some recommended apps include: Star Walk, SkySafari 7 Pro, Sky Tonight, and Heavens-Above Pro.”

 

10. Use car parking areas to stargaze

“Many people may not realise that a lot of car parks in rural areas are actually recommended stargazing locations, thanks to their minimal light pollution and spacious, open settings. This makes them ideal for those driving to a designated spot, as you won’t have to venture far from your vehicle to enjoy a perfect view of the sky.”