Palace X Harrods
Even in the post “Fendace” world, there are collaborations that genuinely surprise. As such, Harrods, one of the world’s great department stores, has teamed up with Palace Skateboards, the bleeding edge board brand beloved by Rihanna and behind the viral “National Health Service” t-shirts. Despite being separated by 160 years, Londoner Lev Tanju has found the common ground. The collaboration features hoodies, t-shirts-sweatshirts and even a custom wicker hamper - with highlights in the splendid gold and green (Pantone 871 and 574 since you ask). Without question one of the most audacious British creative partnerships of the year.
Available in store from 11am on 10 December - 12 December. Online until 17 December. Harrods.com
De Beers flagship
The diamond industry is going through an astonishing evolution as heritage brands embrace sustainability like never before. After almost a decade in London, De Beers Jewellers recently opened their new two storey flagship store on Old Bond Street that offers the perfect showcase of natural diamonds in high and fine jewellery collections. The store captures how the rare diamonds are sourced, the life-changing aspect of those who trade them as well as a fine jewellery collections. On the ground floor you can admire wedding rings and rare fancy coloured diamond pieces (called ‘Heritage Master Diamonds’ one in every 10,000). On the second floor find an exhibition of the brand’s history - and a VIP room for those looking to pick up a 1.42 carat vivid green oval cut diamond more discretely.
45 – 50 Old Bond Street, London. debeers.co.uk
M Restaurant
Thanks to the exceptional business savvy of owner Martin Williams, Londoners are blessed with two very different steak houses: the (newly cowhide-free) Gaucho chain and M Restaurants, offering a more ratified approach. With two sites already and a third planned for 2022, the Victoria Street branch of M is as refined and elegant as one might hope for. Underneath the lavish wine shop past the bar, the raw area and the private bar (complete with locked storage for rare bottles), the main space is decadent and the service is particularly astute. The steak is as exceptional as one will find anywhere including the highest grade of Kobe available in London and Blackmore wagyu, aged in a Himalayan salt chamber and coated in beeswax. And if you’re still not sorted your Christmas party? Try the ‘M Thames Yacht experience’ where you have a three hour charter of cocktails, steaks and considerable revelry.
Yacht Experience runs until 20th December, From £3,500 (non members) excluding food and drinks. mrestaurants.co.uk
Aberlour A’bunadh
As the mercury plummets and the nights seem to draw in around mid afternoon, take heart: we're right in the middle of whisky-supping season. If your bar cart is looking a little folorn, try something special direct from the Speyside region of Scotland. Double-cask matured for at least 12 years in Oloroso sherry barrels and American oak barrels, you can't go wrong with a bottle of cask strength Aberlour A’bunadh (meaning “the original” in Gaelic, in homage to the brand's founder James Fleming.). With a hint of spice on the nose, this full-bodied spirit recalls the best festive fruit cake you've ever tasted - and is a wise investment for the tough winter months ahead.
£64.99 from amazon.co.uk
Zegna’s Outdoor Capsule
Fashion’s love of adventure and the outside world shows no sign of abating, four years after New York magazine dubbed it “gorpcore”. The most stylish example we’ve seen recently comes from Zegna, featuring their elegant new logo on technical apparel and ski equipment. No wonder the brand has such a connection with the natural world - after all Ermenegildo established “Oasi Zegna” nature reserve in the Biella Alps in Piedmont. Best of all Zegna have collaborated with Kask, La Sportiva, Sigg and Zalaski to ensure the equipment is off the highest quality and also have used innovative recycling materials to make the range more sustainable. Use the custom skis on the mountain side, but don't forget the coats and knitwear will look equally good in Milan come January.
From £85-£3855. zegna.com
