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.” 

Football fans reveal their perfect away day experience

Amid reports that 6 in 10 football fans agree that they prefer away days over home games (61.2%), SeatPick surveyed 3,000 football fans to uncover what fans consider to be the ultimate away day experience.

Q1: “If you could choose any stadium in Europe (outside of the UK) for your ultimate away day, which of the following would it be?” 

SeatPick can reveal that Camp Nou, Barcelona, is the ultimate away day stadium, with one in six fans selecting it as their top venue. The current closure of Camp Nou for renovations, aimed at increasing the capacity to 105,000 and featuring a retractable roof and a solar powered 360-degree LED display, has fans eagerly awaiting the 2025/26 season, which is clearly depicted in the results.2 

Burnley fans are the most enthusiastic about attending a game at Camp Nou, with over a quarter(27.3%) of Burnley respondents expressing their eagerness, followed by Liverpool FC, where 17.1% of fans are keen to visit the newly renovated Camp Nou. 

 

The Allianz Arena, home to Bayern Munich, is the second most popular choice, with one in sevenrespondents selecting the stadium (13.4%). The Allianz Arena ranks as the second most popular choice for the ultimate away day, particularly among Luton fans (22.2%). With Tottenham legend Harry Kane’s summer transfer to Bayern Munich, over one in six Tottenham Hotspur fans now favour the Allianz Arena as their top away day choice. Furthermore, despite Manchester United’s recent Champions League loss at the Allianz Arena fans are keen to head back, with the Allianz Arena ranking as the top choice among Man United fans (16.9%). 

 

Q2: “What team would you like to see for the ultimate Premier League away day?”

Across all Premier League teams, almost one in 10 respondents would choose Tottenham Hotspur as part of their ultimate away day experience (9.6%). Arsenal is the second most popular choice, favoured by 8.2% of respondents, closely followed by Manchester United (8%). 

Fanbases with clear local rivals in the Premier League all picked their rivals for their away day, except West Ham. Despite having local rivalries with other London teams, one in eight West Ham fans in the survey chose to see Manchester United on their away day (12.3%). 

Q3: “How much would you be willing to budget for a single away day ticket?”

The most common budget for an away day ticket among all football fans was between £51 to £100. SeatPick can reveal that Burnley fans are willing to splurge the most on their ultimate away day, with almost 1 in 6 respondents admitting they would pay over £300 – over triple the average cost – for their away day ticket (13.6%). On the other hand, Aston Villa fans are the most budget-conscious, with a fifth (20.2%) not willing to spend more than £50 for an away day ticket, the highest percentage among all fanbases.

International away days, such as the Champions League and Europa League games, consistently generate higher interest due to happening less frequently. If you find it challenging to secure ticketsfor your favourite team’s matches, resale sites like SeatPick are here to assist you. 

 

Q4: “How much would you be willing to budget for transport to and from the venue, accommodation, meals and incidental expenses during the away day?” 

SeatPick can reveal that a third of fans (30.2%) would be willing to spend between £101 to £200 for their ultimate away day experience, which would include transportation, accommodation, meals and incidental expenses. This was the most popular choice among fans of 16 of the 20 Premier league clubs. Bournemouth AFC and Luton Town fans were willing to spend between £301 to £400 on expenses, while Sheffield United and the Wolverhampton Wanderers were willing to spend between £201 to £300.

Q5: “How far are you willing to travel for an away match?” 

Aston Villa fans are the most adventurous, with almost one in four agreeing that they would travel more than 500 miles (23.1%) for an away day game. Overall, more than a quarter of respondents would be willing to travel between 101 and 200 miles (26.3%). Surprisingly, the second most popular distance to travel is between 201 and 500 miles, with almost one in four (23.5%) respondents admitting they would be willing to travel this far for their ultimate away day experience.