In the meantime, I wanted to share a few things that are not only on my already own or wish list, but definitely make for a great present at this time of year. As always, I’ve taken this in a non gender specific direction as much as possible, because duh.

First up Encre Noire by Lalique which I picked up at the airport on my way to Dubai. As a Tom Ford boy, it blends so perfectly with any Tom Ford Oud Private Blend and also with Black Orchid to create a very luscious and woody scent. Top note is cypress; middle note is vetiver; base notes are musk and cashmere wood.

Next we have the Bowers & Wilkins C5 Series 2 in-ear headphones. There are few in-ears that truly bring to life a song in the way that they deserve, but I like the minimalism of a headset, so these are the ultimate compromise on sound quality versus aesthetic. They bring such incredible acoustics and fit so tight (even when you have an in-ear piercing like I do!).

Spot number three goes to the Ada + Nik Hero Biker aka #TheHeroBiker, it’s been proving really popular – as with anything that I’m doing, there is an element of genuine fear about putting your work out there, but this beast is legitimately being appreciated. We wanted to create the perfect biker jacket – and trust me when I say I have worn hundreds of these from the most prestigious of brands, so detail, fit(!) and form were everything when creating this beast! You can shop it here: www.adaxnik.com

Fourth up, the dream of all dream boots from Thom Browne. Introducing the Wingtip Suede And Leather Ghillie Brogue Boots…need I say more? I’ve been searching for a pair that truly is multi dimensional yet constructed with a softer upper material. Could these be anymore ideal? Shop them now at MR PORTER.

On a marginally off-black note, is a personal festive favourite, Johnnie Walker Blue Label. You can shop an exclusive 20cl limited edition gift box at The Whisky Shop, Piccadilly, but what I really wanted to share with you was a pair of films released by the eponymous whisky brand. Here is The Gentleman’s Wager Parts 1 and 2!

Last but not least, the Huawei Watch. I’ve been spending a tonne of time with this device over the last few weeks for a project that I shot with GQ which is coming out next week. My experience with Android Wear devices is now surprisingly high, and I’ve really enjoyed them since they allowed synching with your iPhone (ideal!).

Ok so the Huawei Watch is round. So refined in shape and fit that it feels super lightweight and much more unique than perhaps wearing the same brand of device that everyone else might have. It’s one for the rebels. It has a 1.4-inch full circle AMOLED display, 400×400 screen resolution, 286 ppi
10,000:1 high contrast ratio – for the tech junkies out there.

But back to the aesthetics – it comes in variations. Your strap changing and screen customisation game are endless. Black is a personal favourite, but I love the steel too and of course the campaign is shot by none other than Mario Testino and feature Sean O’Pry.

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Thom Browne has always been a huge inspiration – certainly in terms of his runway aesthetic versus WHAT makes it to store on a more commercial level. With a strong base in tailoring with a playful, subversive edge comes the capsule collection from the eponymous Thom Browne for MR PORTER – which plays out perfectly for synergy. The nine-piece collection of includes a sport jacket, Chesterfield overcoat, cropped trousers and contrast brogue boots. My personal favourite is the Colour Block Wool Jersey Sweatshirt. Some more editorial images under the cut.

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Achraf is about to launch ILLUSTRASHION magazine – trailer for issue 1 under the cut!

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