Buon Compleanno Acqua di Parma

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To mark, and in celebration of its Centenary year, Acqua di Parma have launched three new Colonia Fragrances. These haute fragrances have each been inspired by arias from two of Italian opera’s most prestigious composers, Verdi and Puccini. In a nod to Acqua di Parma’s milestone anniversary, each fragrance is packaged in a reinterpretation of Colonia’s first bottle.

Note di Colonia I – this vibrant composition emits an atmosphere that is both joyful and full of vivacity inspired by and in keeping with Verdi’s La Traviata and its’ much loved ‘Libiamo ne’ lieti calici’.

It offers an explosion of bergamot, in its sparkling and most prized Italian quality, as well as the bright notes of neroli. The citrus start, classically cologne, sweetens and embracing as
the heart of the fragrance. Here, the composition fuses the freshness of lavender with the velvety warmth of Damascus rose and violet. In the rich and sumptuous finale there is a
refined combination of patchouli and cedarwood.

imageNote di Colonia II – is inspired by everyone’s favourite aria, ‘Nessun Dorma’ from Puccini’s famous Romance Turandot.

With this we have the radiant notes of bergamot, orange and grapefruit with magnificent citrus vitality. Then enters the vibrant notes of basil and cardamom. This is completed by the soft and engaging tones of sandalwood and Gaian united with the undertones of musk and vetiver.

Lastly, Note di Colonia III – from Verdi’s ‘Marcia Trionfale’ from Aida

This scent manages the notes of mandarin and ginger straight away before the notes are enriched by vetiver and jasmine. In its final part, the fragrance offers the refined notes of tonka bean which meet the intense and full-bodied notes of ciste labdanum and myrrh.

All three fragrances are exclusively available at Harrods and for key collectors and genuine fans of the luxury brand. Acqua di Parma have collaborated with Italian Jeweller, Damiani. On a special Centenary Edition which is limited to 100 pieces.image

6 of the Best – Bomber Jackets

imageThis Autumn there isn’t really a key coat or jacket that stands out as a leading figure or star buy, instead we have a whole host of options to choose from, whether that be the traditional crombie style overcoat, the Parka, the trench, military inspired but alot of them are great for the depths of Winter. What about when its get a bit chilly or there starts to be a nip in the air ? In the Fashion Industry this is called a transitional piece, an item of clothing that can see you through those inbetween periods when the weather isn’t too hot, chance would a fair thing, or too cold. Today I have a great example for you the BOMBER JACKET, rocked and made famous by the likes of Steve McQueen in the Great Escape, JFK busted his with far more style then then successor George W and how could we forget Ryan Gosling in the great ‘Drive’. Take a look at these great examples.

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You can’t go wrong with this example of a classic Jacket by Next

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A great example of a bomber jacket that’ll see you through the coolest of Autumn days from Tommy Hilfiger at House of Fraser

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A Classic British Jacket from a classic British Brand, Burberry Brit

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I know Im not meant to have favourites but this is a killer of a jacket from Jigsaw Menswear

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The original and still the best, the MA-1 from Alpha Industries,  plus comes in a whole host of colours

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To to finish off a brilliant interpretation of the Bomber Jacker from Kenzo, you can’t go wrongly

The Greatest gift they’ll get this year – For the man who has everything and the person who can afford it !!!

250x250_CMTM_BannerWe all know someone who has everything they could possibly desire, you know the person, where you think of a brilliant gift only to be told he already has one. Whether it be a Brother, Dad best mate, cousin, Uncle, boyfriend or even one’s self, its a flipping nightmare to buy for them so we have LITERALLY picked up that internet thingy given it a good shake and gone through it with a fine tooth comb to give you some blooming well fantastic gift ideas, even if those gift ideas happen to be for yourself. Take a look –

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Who could resist this Backpack from Louis Vuitton, in keeping with the Mountaineering/Explorer theme from their Autumn/Winter 2013 Show,  Menswear Designer Kim Jones produced a Masterful collection, still managing for it to be wearable and totally desirable.

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Who’s says White Men can’t jump, Christopher Bailey of Burberry has worked and reworked animal prints into all sorts of luxury goodies, from man bags of all shapes and sizes to these hi-top-tastic trainers. Looking good !

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This amazing leather bound games compendium by Bill Amberg is ‘Made in England’ from Bridle leather. There are boards for backgammon, chess, draughts and noughts and crosses, It also comes with pieces for these games all wrapped up in a leather box. Perfect for travel or home and great entertainment for all the family, like after the turkey and stuffing and before the mince pie and brandy butter.

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My Life is complete ! Or it will be with this Tateossian paperweight at a cool £10,000, its what every man wants and needs, he just might not know it just yet.

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How truly decadent and could this gift be any more Rock n Roll ??? Strangely enough the brainchild of actor Dan Aykroyd, Crystal Head Vodka is the statement drink and gift this season. The enigmatic, hand crafted Crystal Head Vodka is based upon thirteen crystal heads found in various regions around the world.

 As if the legend wasn’t cool enough, Crystal Head Vodka spent the Summer partnering up with the Rolling Stones themselves to create the definitive Stone’s lover gift pack. The Rolling Stones 50th Anniversary set

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For anyone in the international jet set, you won’t be stuck without power abroad again with this Travel Adapter from Mulberry. A chic leather pouch reveals the adapter, compatible with plug sockets pretty much across the globe. There is also a USB connection for charging a wide variety of devices. Just don’t forget to take it with you!

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Now if you desk is a bit more bomb site then place of tranquility this is the perfect gift. This luxury calf leather desk set from Graf von Faber-Castell, available from Harrods.com features a letter opener, notelet box, pen tray, pen holder, 6 guilloche pencils and a desk pad.

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Now everyone and we mean everyone needs some down time, even the most workaholic out of us and down time requires the correct attire, but for some people your regular hoodie won’t cut it. Now this Loro Piana silk and cashmere-blend hoodie from MRPORTER.com embodies contemporary sportswear luxury. This Italian-crafted knit delivers ease and elegance in equal measure. Wear it with cashmere sweatpants for a contemporary your time look or refined in-flight lounging.

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The Buyers Guide to Winter 2013 – Jason Broderick – Harrods

 

Harrods, Mr Jason Broderick

Harrods,  Jason Broderick

Well, dear loyal readers with the Yuletide, little more then a month away and with that all important time of the year comes the equally all important Party Season. For all too long us men folk have let the female of the species, out shine us on every front with regard to dressing up for the Festivities. So with Winter 2013 well and truly upon us, there was only one choice for who to seek counsel from, when asking how to dress at this time of year. There is one store synonymous with not only Winter but all things of a Christmas Nature, of course the one and only Harrods and who better then the Fashion Director of Menswear, Sports & Fine Watches – Mr Jason Broderick to give us his top selection for Winter 2013.

 

 

 

The tuxedo has undergone a transformation over the last few seasons, allowing for a more modern attitude to evening wear. This forest green interpretation of the classic look by Richard James is confident, sharp and contemporary. The perfect way to make a seasonally festive entrance.

The tuxedo has undergone a transformation over the last few seasons, allowing for a more modern attitude to evening wear. This forest green interpretation of the classic look by Richard James is confident, sharp and contemporary. The perfect way to make a seasonally festive entrance.

Winter can be an incredibly formal affair, these Lanvin sneakers offer a luxurious alternative to accent your winter casual wear.

Winter can be an incredibly formal affair, these Lanvin sneakers offer a luxurious alternative to accent your winter casual wear.

The peacoat is one of the most versatile pieces available in the outerwear arsenal. It has an ability to switch from smart to casual effortlessly.

The peacoat is one of the most versatile pieces available in the outerwear arsenal. It has an ability to switch from smart to casual effortlessly.

The skeleton has provided inspiration for many artists, in this case the design team at Alexander Mcqueen who have created a unique wallet with practicality and style in one.

The skeleton has provided inspiration for many artists, in this case the design team at Alexander Mcqueen who have created a unique wallet with practicality and style in one.

Putting the same dedication into their jeans as they do into their fine tailoring offer. Isaia deliver the sharp feeling of a suit with the versatility and durability of denim.

Putting the same dedication into their jeans as they do into their fine tailoring offer. Isaia deliver the sharp feeling of a suit with the versatility and durability of denim.

This Lanvin tuxedo jacket is a perfect partner to any number of tailored trousers, the peaked satin lapels offer a classic addition to this modern eveningwear item.

This Lanvin tuxedo jacket is a perfect partner to any number of tailored trousers, the peaked satin lapels offer a classic addition to this modern eveningwear item.

Valentino's camouflage collection has many stand out pieces but their socks are an affordable luxury item which add a touch of flair to your winter wardrobe.

Valentino’s camouflage collection has many stand out pieces but their socks are an affordable luxury item which add a touch of flair to your winter wardrobe.

For the fashion forward Ricardo Tisci's Baseball inspired sweater is a statement piece indoors yet subtle when paired with a simple piece of outerwear for the outdoors.

For the fashion forward Ricardo Tisci’s Baseball inspired sweater is a statement piece indoors yet subtle when paired with a simple piece of outerwear for the outdoors.

The scarf is a winter wardrobe necessity, we are in England after all! This simple tricolor tipped neckwear is a perfect example of understated style.

The scarf is a winter wardrobe necessity, we are in England after all! This simple tricolor tipped neckwear is a perfect example of understated style.

A glance back in history tells us that Chelsea boots are a solid bet for timeless winter style. Masion Corthay offer this classic pointed toe style which is both simple and elegant.

A glance back in history tells us that Chelsea boots are a solid bet for timeless winter style. Masion Corthay offer this classic pointed toe style which is both simple and elegant.

Whatever the Weather – Six of the best Trench Coats

The weather at the moment is as reliable as a TfL train schedule, don’t get me started. You wake in the morning it seems a bit dull and overcast, by the time to get to work the sun is cracking the stones, you fly out to grab some lunch and it pours down and by the time you’ve arrived back to the office the sun has dried you off via its natural radiation, or it can be any of the mixed up aforementioned scenarios, literally four season in one day.

To combat this infuriating conundrum and make your life a little easier we’ve selected six of the best, of a piece of outerwear that EVERY man should possess, the Trench. Thin enough for the transitional period, thick enough to tackle most things Mother Nature can hurl at you, essentially enough to see you through whatever the weather and still having you looking sharper then sixpence, whatever that means ????

 

OK lets start with something a little left field and not your traditional Trench, from Belstaff @ Harrods.com

OK lets start with something a little left field and not your traditional Trench, from Belstaff @ Harrods.com

 

This is a classic in every sense of the word and if you look after it, it should return the favour. Jaeger @ House of Fraser

This is a classic in every sense of the word and if you look after it, it should return the favour. Jaeger @ House of Fraser

 

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This trench is a must for the season and is from Marks & Spencer’s Autograph Collection so you can be assured of quality and price

 

Within Trench coat history there is an on going argument as to who first invented the Trench, with Aquascutum claiming they did.

Within Trench coat history there is an on going argument as to who first invented the Trench first, with Aquascutum claiming they did.

 

Whereas the other contender to this title, also holds the Royal Warrant. It is of Course Burberry, this example of the classic is from Burberry Brit at MrPorter.com

Whereas the other contender to this title, also holds the Royal Warrant. It is of Course Burberry, this example of the classic is from Burberry Brit at MrPorter.com

 

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Fancy something a little more contemporary but that won’t go out of fashion ? Go for this Trench from Reiss available from JohnLewis.com