French Connection Toni Wheeled Suitcase
As any man with a well-thumbed passport will tell you, solid luggage is an even more solid investment. However, dropping £1,000 on a costly case isn’t always an option. Luckily, high street retailer French Connection has loaded itself onto the carousel for the first time with a collection that includes this sleek-yet-affordable canvas and imitation nappa leather trunk. Available at French Connection, priced £199.
Richard Brendon X Grenson Coasters
Set your home bar on the straight (up) and narrow (glass) with a set of coasters from British product designer Richard Brendon and storied Northampton shoemaker Grenson. Inspired by the heritage footwear brand’s shoemaking process, each coaster features three layers of fine hand-cut and stitched leather, finished with brogue detailing. Available at Richard Brendon, priced £80.
G-Shock Gulfmaster GWN-Q1000
G-Shock is well known for turning out timepieces that are tough-as-nails, but the brand’s latest model blows all others, literally, out of the water. Based on the durable watches worn by coast guard officers, the Gulfmaster is equipped to monitor ocean conditions from weather patterns to water depth with a built-in depth gauge, digital compass and altitude metre. Available at G-Shock, priced £700.
Spinn Original Coffee Machine
How does a scientist make his or her short black? In a centrifugal brewing chamber that spins beans and water together at speeds up to 12,000rpm. Obviously. The all-in-one, app-connected Spinn coffee contraption is a straight-out-of-the-bang (or rather, Wang) to your beat. The pair’s latest collaboration not only delivers on stellar sound quality, but also on looks thanks to a dove grey colourway and croc-embossed Italian leather ear cups. Available at Apple, priced around £475.
The Simba Art Collective
Believe it or not, Christmas spirit doesn’t refer to whatever liquid you get drunk on at the office party. It means getting involved with initiatives like this one from design-led sleep brand Simba. The company has commissioned five contemporary artists to screen-print a limited edition range of mattresses, with all profits going to homeless charity Crisis. Available at Simba Sleep, priced £599.
