Because classic design never goes out of style, this week’s Editor’s Picks celebrates contemporary new releases drawing inspiration from timeless heritage. From The Little Car Company’s scaled-down recreation of a 1929 Bentley Supercharged Team Car and Aubin’s Wold Rugby Shorts modelled on the traditional rugby short, to Rabbit Hole’s Heigold Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey paying tribute to a master stonecutter from the 1840s; Oscar Dean’s Nelson Sunglasses inspired by 1950s frames issued by the American military; and Ettinger’s iconic Billfold wallet – still the brand’s bestselling product since the 1930s. Take a look…
Road trip: Little Car Company Bentley Blower Jnr
As the first UK road-legal car from The Little Car Company, the ‘Bentley Blower Jnr’ is a scaled-down recreation of the 1929 4½-litre Supercharged Team Car No. 2 in Bentley’s Heritage Collection. The initial 99 First Edition examples are finished in Blower Green, with matching painted chassis and wheels, and a Union flag hand-painted on both sides of the body as per the original. The seats and interior are upholstered in the Dark Green Lustrana Hide used by Mulliner for the Blower Continuation Series, and zero emissions, agile handling and essential safety hardware ensure a harmonious blend of performance and safety.
Lap of the gods: Thrudark Aigis Jacket
Inspired by the Aigis shield carried by ancient Greek gods Athena and Zeus (the literal translation of aigis is “violent storm”) Thrudark’s latest 3L waterproof shell jacket is designed to provide the ultimate protection from the elements using uncompromising eVent® fabric technology. A four-season, three-layer construction, it guarantees all-round protection for alpinism and mountaineering, making use of a two-way full frontal Vislon® Aquaguard® zip from YKK, plus a snap press stud is included at the bottom of the jacket to improve ventilation when climbing.
Silky smooth: Luca Faloni Fine Silk-Cashmere Zip Cardigan
As we approach autumn, this ultra-soft and lightweight cardigan is a must-have staple for the transitional months ahead. Crafted in Italy from a luxurious blend of 70% cashmere and 30% silk from the prestigious Cariaggi Fine Yarn Collections, it’s topped with a funnel neck for added warmth on the go, and has a handy two-way zip. Elegant and versatile enough for effortlessly layering over tailored shirts and tees, the fitted but comfortable design has a natural fluid drape and features a durable double-ended zip from premium producer Raccagni.
Top tipple: Rabbit Hole Heigold Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Founder Kaveh Zamanian went down a rabbit hole to create original, one-of-a-kind spirits for discerning whiskey lovers, hence the name of his distillery. Paying tribute to skilled stonecutter Christian Heigold – a German immigrant who settled in Kentucky in the 1840s and became known for his allegiance to the US – Rabbit Hole’s Heigold Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is a high rye bourbon that’s been matured in slowly-toasted barrels creating aromas of baking spices and toasted malt. It offers lingering butterscotch, orange and black pepper notes, making this bourbon enjoyable on its own or in a cocktail.
Leg day: Aubin Wold Rugby Shorts
Grounded in authenticity but with a refreshingly modern outlook, Aubin and Wills has a sophisticated British aesthetic, juxtaposing heritage references with contemporary music, art, film and sport. Its Wold Rugby Shorts are a perfect example of this – modelled on the classic rugby short with a relaxed elasticated waist and internal drawcord. Made from 100% cotton twill, they have a comfortable well-worn laundered feel that will ensure they become instant daily favourites for a relaxed yet chic sporty look.
Keeping it in the family: Ettinger Billfold Wallet with 6 C/C in Grey
Gerry Ettinger founded his eponymous leather goods company in 1934, and there’s a reason this iconic wallet has been Ettinger’s bestselling product since it started selling them in the 1930s – timeless quality. Featuring six credit card slots, two note pockets and two slip pockets, the Billfold Wallet features a bridle leather exterior and vegetable tanned panel hide interior and is crafted in the brand’s Walsall factory just outside of Birmingham. Armed with a Royal Warrant, Ettinger is still family-owned and run.
In the frame: Oscar Dean Nelson Sunglasses in Olive
These classic frames are inspired by the 1950s sunglasses issued by the American military to its service members, and they’ve been re-designed with a keyhole bridge and a chamfered brow. The lenses are made from lightweight CR-39 plastic and coated for proper UV protection, and the frames from hand finished Italian Mazzucchelli Acetac. The Oliver Dean case, made in collaboration with leather craftsman Otis Ingrams, is handmade in London from two pieces of recycled composite leather, four brass rivets and one brass stud.
Pure and simple: Orlebar Brown Powdered Sky Relaxed Fit Overhead Organic Cotton Shirt
Every Orlebar Brown product is developed with a better holiday in mind, and its new no-fuss, loose-fit Shanklin overhead shirt is a great option for slipping into for a stroll to the beach or a casual lunch. Laundered for a relaxed look and feel, it’s manufactured in Portugal from garment-dyed organic cotton poplin and features a classic collar, branded imitation mother of pearl buttons, a chest pocket and multi-stitch and zig-zag stitching throughout. Sometimes, simple is best.
Face value: Heath Face Set
Heath offers straight-forward daily skincare that’s tailored to the modern man, and its hard-working, anti-pollution face set is a must-have duo for your face care routine. An essential combination of two Heath heroes for simple cleansing and moisturising, the Face Wash includes Microbead-free exfoliating and cleansing wash with Black Lava, Activated Charcoal and Brazilian Papaya Extract to cleanse, clarify and revitalise, while the fast-acting moisturiser with Hyaluronic Acid and Soliberine® NAT smooths, hydrates and protects the skin.
Want more of the best gear money can buy? Check out last week’s Editor’s Picks…
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Further reading
Nick Wakeman, founder of Studio Nicholson, on kickstarting her brand as a one woman show
Filippo Pignatti, founder of Gentleman's Gram, shares his secret style codes
