Timeless simplicity – Mondaine Watches

imageIngenuity and simplicity are often the elements that distinguish a truly iconic design classic from just an attractive design piece, think of classics like the Eames Molded Fiberglass Chair, the Original Volkswagon Beetle or even the I-pod. Responsible for the design of one of the most recognisable watch faces in the world, Mondaine is renowned for its iconic timeless designs inspired by such elements as the Swiss Railways clock and the Helvetica font. A master of combining simple unity of timeless design with innovation, craftsmanship and functionality, Mondaine exemplifies 20th century design. The brand’s Swiss heritage forms what some say is the heart of the brand.

imageThe original Mondaine collection houses the brand’s most recognised and signature styles, including the iconic, simplicity of the Mondaine Official Swiss Railways Watch which takes inspiration from the clock seen on all Swiss railway stations.

This season Mondaine introduces the Mondaine Helvetica No 1 Smart, unveiled at the Baselworld International Watch fair to rave reviews, the first-ever smartwatch to be launched by a Swiss watch brand. This collection is inspired by Helvetica, perhaps the most popular and widespread font ever created. By focusing on the simple unity of timeless Swiss design with innovation, craftsmanship and functionality, in contrast to other smartwatch launches, which focused more on the technical or communication aspects, Mondaine made the intriguing move of combining technology with horology. This Swiss-made watch, with the only indication that it had anything different about it being the sub-dial at 6 o’clock position, provides an analogue readout of the sleep and exercise data collected by the MotionX activity tracking software and App via sensors in the watch.

imageFollowing the success of this timepiece, Mondaine ‘smartened up’ five more of its heralded Helvetica models, including one special Subscription-only version, which is limited to 1957 pieces, in reference to the year Helvetica was born. Mondaine has remained true to itself by focusing on the simple unity of eminent timeless Swiss design. All the new Helvetica models have a 44mm case diameter, anti-reflective coated sapphire crystal and a matt brushed stainless steel case, and come in Black, Gold and White versions.

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Not looking bad for their age – Penfield’s 40th Anniversary

imageEstablished in Hudson, Massachusetts by New England Native Harvey Gross in 1975. Penfield, was founded on a motto of ‘for life in the open’ and is one of the original U.S. outdoor brands. As you’d expect with a brand of this calibre who have built a reputation for being relied on and trusted for producing high quality, stylish apparel and accessories.

imageThis year sees Penfield celebrates its 40th anniversary and have selected two of their most iconic styles to be offered on a limited edition basis. These styles have been designed with a one-off anniversary fabric created using original design drawings and spec sheets dating back to 1975 (see above). The two styles include the limited edition Kasson hooded mountain parka(see top image) which is recreated in classic navy, with striking petrol can red pop colour zippers and leather cord locks, inspired by the original archive collection.

The other style in the collection is the classic Outback gilet (see below), one of Penfield’s most celebrated styles since the very first collection 40 years ago. Both styles have been lined with a commemorative 40th anniversary lining, a distinctive print of original design drawings from the last 40 years. Included are the drawings of some of our most recognizable styles by, some by the hand of Penfield founder, himself, Harvey Gross.image

Top Tips For Taming Your Tash This Movember

imageIt’s Movember we’re over a week in and your stubble, hopefully, has started to take shape, but before you think about committing to a horseshoe, handlebar or even the chevron you need to take a moment to care for your whiskers. Courtesy of Stelios Nicoloau, Aveda Master Barber, Aveda brings you top tips for taming your tash, helping you to boast a top lip to be proud of this Movember !

Aveda’s Stelios Nicolaou’s Top Tips for Taming Your Tash this Movember

  1. If you shave around your tash, soothe skin and hair post-shaving with a product like Aveda Men Pure-Formance Composition Oil that not only penetrates deep into the skin but also softens harsh stubble. Massaging into the skin in the direction of growth will maximise the moisture your pores take in.image
  2. Hydrate and moisturise your moustache with Aveda Dry Remedy Daily Moisturizing Oil – a lightweight, daily leave-in treatment formulated with hero ingredient Buriti Oil to instantly moisturise dry, course facial hair.
  3.  High-texture, definition and a matte finish are yours. Manipulate this paste into your fingers before moulding into the tash. Wash facial hair no more than twice a week. Washing daily will strip out all the natural oils facial hair needs and will leave hair feeling dry and could lead to irritation For added moisture apply Aveda Dry Remedy Daily Moisturizing Oil to a damp tash to soften stubble and course hair.
  4. Control your style and maintain a sharp silhouette with Aveda Control Paste – rub between fingers before twisting into the ends to help create a perfect handlebar.
  5. Create effortless definition and texture by emulsifying a clay paste and stroking through the moustache from root to tips – this will also help to give the illusion of a thicker tash.
  6. Always prep skin before shaving facial hair around the moustache to avoid irritation, you can do this by gently pressing and holding a hot flannel against the skin and allowing the follicle to rise so you can get a closer shave.image

10 Boots for Winter by Keanu Adorable and Harry Bradbury

Autumn has come to a close, the clocks have gone back an hour and to quote everyone’s favourite house of Stark catchphrase “Winter is coming“. Yes cold winter days are fast approaching, and keeping warm is one of the top priorities, all the way from your the top of your head to the tips of your toes, it’s important to look like the part whilst trying to prevent yourself from getting frostbite. Footwear are essential, the best boots keeps our feet warm and cozy when the two bar heater is just not cooperating. Here are our top 10 Boots you should purchase for coming winter.

Hannibal Navy Vachetta - Mr. Hare - £450

Hannibal Navy Vachetta – Mr. Hare

 

Black Calf Leather 'Kelly' Boots - Paul Smith - £370

Black Calf Leather ‘Kelly’ Boots – Paul Smith

 

Leather Chelsea Boot - Cos - £135

Leather Chelsea Boot – Cos

 

OSF31 Country Boot Black Leather - Oliver Spencer - £349

OSF31 Country Boot Black Leather – Oliver Spencer

 

Gideon Boot - Grenson - £240

Gideon Boot – Grenson

 

Dargo Rise Black Boots - Clarks - £100

Dargo Rise Black Boots – Clarks

8130 Heritage Work 6” Moc Toe Boot - Red Wing - £239

8130 Heritage Work 6” Moc Toe Boot – Red Wing

 

Alfred Wing Cap Boot - Kurt Geiger - £220

Alfred Wing Cap Boot – Kurt Geiger

 

Fiss Boots - Camper - £130

Fiss Boots – Camper

 

Shackleton Crew Boot - Shackleton - £325

Shackleton Crew Boot – Shackleton

Fish Soho give us their Hairstyles for Winter

image2016 is a big year in the Fish Soho calendar as it marks their 20th anniversary, Fish opened its doors in Soho, in what was formerly a 1940s fishmongers with original deco tiles and slate floor. In the early days of the salon the brand worked with, at the time a little known model, Ms Kate Moss on one of her very first photoshoots. It’s come on a long way since it created the first water-soluble hair wax with its unique coconut fragrance. The brand’s larger than life founder, Paul Burfoot, pictured above outside the Soho barber shop has many a great story or we caught up with himself and Fish Creative Director Jacqui Weaver to chew the fat on some of  2016 mens hair trends;

imageUnkempt quiff
The quiff is a classic haircut that is here to stay , but with a more modern textured look to it , it’s all about hair that moves instead of the super tidy and firm hold look , also moving away from the disconnected versions we have been seeing to a more blended classic cut. This can be super tight at the sides or left with a little more length for a more natural look.
Apply some Aquafish Fishpaste to damp hair and dry hair pushing it backward with the fingers, lifting the root area to create some volume. Once dry use some Fish Stonefish Clay to give hold and texture to the hair with a matte finish.image

imageForward fringe
It’s all about the fringe ,the hair is cut short around the back and sides and is blended into the top but is left with a heavy weight line , the top is textured and worn forward onto the face. This is a great versatile haircut as because plenty of length is left at the front it can be styled in many ways.
Dry hair forward into the face then use a little Fish Fishfingers wax to shape and define the hair.image

imageLong texture

Long hair is always effortlessly cool, Make sure the layers are kept long and textured to keep the shape looking masculine. Hair can be worn in a simple middle parting or worn on the side. Apply a small amount of Fish Fishpaste to damp hair before you dry to minimise frizz and finish with spray wax to add texture and define ends.image