Smart Buys,Style

Smart buy – Uniqlo work trousers

Smart buy – Uniqlo work trousers

Work trousers are surprisingly hard to find. Go too cheap and they give an unsightly sheen. Go too high end and you’re too scared to wear them anywhere, let alone run the risk of spilling a coffee on them. A solid halfway house are this pair of Tasmanian wool blend trousers from Uniqlo, which combine a reasonable price with enough quality to make them stylish and leave you not feeling too precious about wayward cappuccinos. (Uniqlo, £39.90)

 

 

Food & Drink

El Bulli and the ball

Click to playEl Bulli and the ball

Grey Goose’s annual winter ball, held in aid of Elton John’s AIDS charity is a mere five days away. In anticipation, Esquire met with former El Bulli chef and Ferran Adria’s right hand man Paco Roncero, to hear what he’s got in store for guests at the event for which he is producing all food. This is one guestlist worth kicking up a fuss to be on. [Read more...]

Design & Technology

Reinventing the chair

Reinventing the chair

Tired of hunching over your office chair or trying to get comfortable at the dinner table? British duo BarberOsgerby have designed a new chair that gives form to fidgeting.

[Read more...]

Smart Buys,Style

How to wear it – Duffle Coats

How to wear it – Duffle Coats

The duffle coat. There’s no doubt of its classic status but there’s also no doubt that there’s still something of the naughty schoolboy about the classic navy woollen version. [Read more...]

Style

Smart buy – Gucci monk-strap shoes

Smart buy – Gucci monk-strap shoes

The classic monk strap is big news this season. Gucci’s version has a slim and sleek buckle for a modern edge, while the hazelnut colour will work with everything from a navy suit to jeans and a jumper. Plus, the tough rubber sole and leather toe mean they’ll make it through the winter. £335, (mrporter.com)

Design & Technology

Want list – Grado headphones

Want list – Grado headphones

It’s anything but music to the ears of the beleaguered record labels, but the fact is that these days, we’re spending more on iPods, audio hardware and accessories than the music itself. Headphones especially. Escape the tyranny of replacing your tangled in-ear buds every six months with a serious upgrade into the world of Grado – with some justification they claim to make “truly the world’s finest headphones”. Winners of countless audiophile awards, the depth and clarity of these cans really does have to be heard to be believed. Plus they make you look like a WWI Spitfire pilot. And WWI Spitfire pilots are cool. (£350, veda.co.uk)

Style

Yes, they’re Ugg Boots

Yes, they’re Ugg Boots

No, not the kind your niece wears. From bright nylon cagoules to chunky boot socks and heavy-duty trousers, this winter is all about dressing for the great outdoors. And the most important place to start is with your feet, for which you’ll need a good, solid pair of hiking boots like these by Ugg – crafted from waterproof full-grain leather and lined with sheepskin. The brighter the laces the better. (UGG store, £225)

Style

Want list – Burberry cable-knit jumper

Want list – Burberry cable-knit jumper

Though it’s best known for trench coats, moody teenage models and an iconic check, British brand Burberry also does a sublime line in knitwear — as this season’s super-chunky, uber-insulating cable knit jumper attests. The flattering shade of cream will look great with a pair of indigo selvedge jeans and even though you’re the only one who’ll see it, the check lining is bang on trend.

Essential because It’s a classic jumper from a classic British house, and nothing will keep you warmer. (£275, uk.burberry.com)