Holiday Gift Guide 2017: 7 Gifts That Last a Lifetime

Here’s an idea: this Christmas, instead of buying the man in your life something flashy, seek out an heirloom that’ll get use over many years – even a lifetime. Each piece is crafted intentionally by artisans preserving tradition. And while the prices reflect the old world craftsmanship and quality, remember: these are timeless investments with sentimental value.

And with that, here are 7 tokens deserving a look.

Moore and GIles Attache

Moore & Giles Standard Attaché

Globetrotters and businessmen on the go will delight in Moore & Giles’ Standard Attaché, a smooth leather briefcase made from titan-milled leather that combines chrome and vegetable tanning for a vibrant, burnished surface similar to that of high-end dress shoes.

But don’t let its sleek exterior fool you – the briefcase boasts serious substance, with functional design elements like a small padded computer compartment and a large compartment with an expandable gusset for document storage. Classic styling means the briefcase pairs well with any outfit, regardless of season.

SHOP: Moore & Giles Standard Attaché, $860

Junghans

Junghans Meister Handaufzug 38mm Stainless Steel and Leather Watch

A exemplum of masterly German watch-making, Junghans Meister Handaufzug is based on a design first built in the 1930s. This handwinding watch combines vintage aesthetic with contemporary technology (including a 42-hour power reserve). A luminous navy dial, slender calf leather strap, and lightweight design make the timepiece a staple suitable for daily wear. The stainless steel case and plexiglass dome ensure durability.

SHOP: Junghans Meister Handaufzug 38mm Stainless Steel and Leather Watch, $1280

Sandro Wool Blend Overcoat

Sandro Wool-Blend Overcoat

Add a bit of Parisian cool to his wardrobe with Sandro’s Wool-Blend Overcoat. Crisp tailoring and a streamlined fit – signatures of the Parisian fashion house – make the camel overcoat flattering no matter the occasion. He can dress it up with a shirt and slacks, or throw it over a sweater for weekend errands.

SHOP: Sandro Wool-Blend Overcoat, $645

ceramic

Terre Étoilée Ceramic Cocotte

This Christmas, give him – and your family – the gift of a lifetime of great meals.

Terre Étoilée cookware has been made by artisans in France since 1830. The cook in your life will appreciate the heavy ceramic of this cocotte, which maintains temperature to cook food evenly, and the bosses on the interior of the lid, which capture and redistribute moisture and flavor evenly. This cocotte is a mealtime lifesaver with a simple yet charming design.

SHOP: Terre Étoilée Ceramic Cocotte, $189

liliput

Kaweco Liliput Copper Fountain Pen, Medium Nib

The Kaweco Liliput Copper Fountain Pen (Medium Nib) is for the gentleman who appreciates the art of physically writing down thoughts and notations. The Liliput pen originally debuted in 1910 in Germany, and was re-released over a century later, in 2011. A smaller version of Kaweco’s Sport Fountain Pen, the Liliput Copper Fountain Pen transforms into full-size length once the cap is screwed on to the end of the barrel.

The raw copper body, which has an elegant silhouette, transforms beautifully over time. Frequent use will give the penny red pen a reddish brown patina that will protect it from daily wear.

SHOP: Kaweco Liliput Copper Fountain Pen, Medium Nib, $109


cashmere scarf

Johnstons of Elgin Fringed Cashmere Scarf

Treat your loved one to a luxurious cashmere scarf from a company that holds a Royal Warrant.

Johnstons of Elgin crafts time-honored knitwear he’ll treasure for a lifetime. Founded by Mr. Alexander Johnston over two centuries ago on the banks of the river Lossie in Scotland, the company continues to create knitwear in the same factory where it was founded, using traditional methods. Each scarf goes through 30 painstaking processes before it is delivered to stores.

This understated cashmere does a good job of keeping him warm while looking masculine.

SHOP: Johnstons of Elgin Fringed Cashmere Scarf, $175

hr_401-158-00_muhle-purist-safety-razor-briarwood

Muhle Purist Double Edge Safety Razor, Briarwood

Does he appreciate fine craftsmanship in his grooming tools? Then Feather As-D2 Stainless Steel Safety Razor is a gift he’ll treasure for years to come. A collector’s piece with sinkside appeal, Muhle Purist Double Edge Safety Razor in Briarwood features a stunning briarwood handle, with reddish graining unique to each razor. Briarwood is prized for its aesthetic appeal and durability – it’s the same type of wood used to make high-end tobacco pipes.

This is a gift that keeps on giving day in and day out, as he’ll enjoy smooth, non-irritating shaves from the closed comb construction.

SHOP: Feather As-D2 Stainless Steel Safety Razor 

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Grooming Artist News Roundup: September 2017

Autumn heralds a bounteous season for gentlemanly pursuits. The casual shorts and breezy shirts of summer are replaced by a noticeably more grown-up and structured wardrobe. We switch out our zesty shaving creams for something richer, darker, smokier (more on that in the links below). As such, this Grooming Artist Roundup is dedicated to celebrating the new season.

We begin with the unofficial start of fall: Labor Day. Esquire provides a stress-free Labor Day weekend packing list so you can spend your last summer days in style, while Food Network dishes out simple standby recipes for the grill.

Once the leaves change color and you feel that first chill in the air, it’s time to work hydrating moisturizers into your daily routine; Esquire picks 6 options to prevent chapped skin. You also can’t be without a blazer, one of the biggest trends we saw on the fall runways. MR PORTER serves up 6 options along with styling tips.

And finally, we’ve included some wonderful wet shaving articles. Sharpologist condenses his encyclopedic knowledge of wet shaving into “10 Commandments of Wet Shaving,” while Men’s Journal picks 14 all-natural shaving creams to try if you’re looking for an eco-friendly way to enjoy your shave.

Enjoy!

Turns out, there is a good use for foam shaving cream: removing makeup stains from clothing, according to Kim Kardashian. (This Is Insider)

Men’s Journal’s 14 best all-natural shaving products. (Men’s Journal)

The 6 best shaving creams for fall. (Grooming Artist)

The 10 Commandments of Wet Shaving, via Sharpologist. (Grooming Artist)

One man’s journey to discovering and embracing the safety razor. (The Z Review)

8 ways to wear a blazer, just in time for fall. (MR PORTER)

Transition your skincare into cooler weather with these 6 Esquire-approved moisturizers. (Esquire)

Out of town for the long weekend? Here’s what to pack for Labor Day style. (Esquire)

Spending the holiday at home instead? Here are 30 cookout classics. (Food Network)

Inspired Style: Idris Elba

As a dedicated sartorialist (he has his own menswear line with Superdry) and contender for the role of James Bond, Idris Elba is a fitting choice for today’s Inspired Style. The Luther star’s love of dark, moody colors and layering provides a wealth of inspiration for the coming fall months. What we admire about Elba’s sense of style is how he brings polish and charisma to any outfit, transitioning seamlessly between red carpet suits and street wear. What keeps his looks on point is keen attention to tailoring – as well as knowing when and how to break the rules.

With his new sci-fi film The Dark Tower in theaters, Thor: Ragnarok coming November, and another season of Luther, you’ll be seeing a lot more of Elba – and his nearly impeccable style pedigree – in months to come.

Let’s learn from this dashing Englishman by breaking down three outfits where he proved he’s one of the best-dressed A-listers out there.

Outfit 1: The Gray Suit

The gray suit has become a staple for Idris Elba on the red carpet. More interesting than a black suit and less outlandish than a more colorful hue, a gray suit conveys sleekness. Just remember to give it personal flair by playing with the color and texture of your shirt and tie. Here, at the premier of Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, Elba wears a lavender button-up and polka-dot tie to add a touch of color to his Prada suit. A good rule of thumb for patterns: the bigger the pattern, the simpler the shirt.

When donning a suit, Elba believes it’s all about the shoes and the cut on the trouser. Decide on proper pant length and the amount of break you’d like.

SHOP SIMILAR:

The Suit – Bonobos The Foundation Italian Wool Suit

The Shirt – Finamore Cotton Herringbone Shirt

The Tie – BHLDN Grey Dot Tie

The Shoes – Monte Rosso Lazio Cap-Toe Oxford

Outfit 2: The Casual Polo

Many actors excel on the red carpet, but their style flounders when it comes to everyday dressing. Not Elba. As an actor who works 18-hour days, it’s no surprise Idris Elba has mastered comfortable style. In fact, he says his style is best described as “charismatic and easy-to-wear gear.” His go-to look? A polo shirt and jeans.

If you thought polo shirts were just for golf, Idris Elba will quickly convert you. A devotee to the classic polo, Elba adds attitude to the staple while keeping things polished with impeccable fit.

For his appearance on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” Elba packed a casual punch with a navy polo, dark blue jeans, and comfortable printed slip ons. To prevent casual from looking sloppy, Idris always abides by the rule of dressing for his body shape. The polo isn’t too tight (which would make him look like a beef head) or too loose.

The dark blues of this outfit, combined with varying textures, make it an excellent transition look between summer and fall. Put on a gold watch like Elba for a smart finishing touch.

SHOP SIMILAR:

The Shirt – Polo Ralph Lauren Slim-Fit Cotton-Jersey Polo Shirt

The Jeans – AG Jeans Tellis Slim-Fit Denim Jeans

The Shoes – Toms Navy Washed Canvas Deconstructed Alpargatas

Outfit 3: The Layered Wool Coats

Technically this is not Elba’s outfit but that of his tormented detective character, John Luther, but it doesn’t stray far from how Elba usually layers his coats and overcoats. Elba sticks with monotone grays to keep the focus on texture. The popped collar and striped red tie freshen up what would otherwise be a somewhat bleak palette.

The result is a rich, interesting ensemble befitting cold fall and winter days.

SHOP SIMILAR:

The Overcoat – Brooks Brothers Double-Faced Wool-Blend Topcoat

The Coat – Hugo Boss Wool Blend Jacket

The Shirt – J. Crew Secret Wash Shirt in White

The Tie – Canali Dots & Stripes Silk Tie

The Pants – Thomas Maier Slim-Fit Stretch-Cotton Twill Chinos

2017 Grooming Artist Father’s Day Gift Guide

We owe a lot to our fathers. For many of us, they were the ones who showed us how to use a safety razor for the first time. They also stood by us during our less than palatable adolescent stages. So this year, let’s not buy him another tie for Father’s Day, shall we? Instead, let’s hone in on something he’ll love and actually use.

Read on for our Father’s Day gift suggestions for dad based on his interests.

The Golfer

Picnic at Ascot Golf Trunk Organizer, $45.99

If dad’s idea of the perfect day involves teeing it up on the green, the Picnic at Ascot Golf Trunk Organizer will have him doing it more carefree than ever. The Golf Trunk Organizer handles all the little bits and pieces involved with a round of golf, providing storage for shoes, spikes, gloves, balls, tees, and a towel. This way, he can focus on tackling the back nine rather than a golf ball gone rogue.

The Stylish Fitness Buff

Chronos, $99

There are plenty of fitness tracking watches out there. But let’s be honest – most of them are not that attractive for the fashionable crowd, or at least don’t disguise as an actual watch well. For the dad who likes to get his 10,000 steps in and track his daily fitness in style, we highly recommend  Chronos. It’s a smart disc that attaches to the back of any watch, effectively turning it into a smartwatch. So dad won’t have to give up his beloved Montblanc to track his fitness.

Chronos syncs with a smartphone app to also control music, notifications, and alerts using vibrations and LED.

The Globetrotter

G-Ro Luggage, $449

Whether dad takes regular business trips or enjoys jetsetting around the world, his face will light up when he receives the G-Ro Carry-On. Designed for the modern commuter, the carry-on innovates with saucer-sized, indestructible wheels that keep the bag streamlined on the outside. A four-stage telescopic handle is the longest in the industry, providing shock absorption that powers over uneven surfaces.

The inside is cavernous and comes with an optional charging station so dad can stay connected on the go.

The Sailor

Mizzen + Mane Dress Shirts, $125

Dad’s cabin cruiser is his second home, and he’ll frequently take it for a spin after work. But problems arise when his office button-up can’t stand the sweat and movement from nautical adventuring. Mizzen + Mane dress shirts are made from performance fabrics – polyester and spandex – to wick sweat quickly. And four-way stretch means he can helm the ship without being restricted by stiff clothing.

These shirts are also brilliant for the boardroom: no more embarrassing wet spots during presentations. If you’re really looking to treat dad, also pick up a few of their casual pieces, which range from henleys to short sleeves.

The Grooming Artist

RoyalShave Merkur 34C Chrome Safety Razor Set, $124.95

For your old man, shaving is a ritual he treasures each and every morning. Gift him beautifully made wet shaving products to add to his collection with the RoyalShave Merkur 34C Chrome Safety Razor Set. The set features Merkur’s classic 34C HD Safety Razor. Midweight construction applies just enough pressure for effortless passes, and the stubby handle enhances maneuverability. Two-piece construction allows dad to easily change blades and clean the razor.

RoyalShave Lemon Sandalwood Soap, a brush stand, a first grade badger brush, and a pack of Merkur blades make this gift set shave ready.

The Cook

Bison Airlighter, $79.95

As any dad who loves to grill knows, getting the coal lit is the most unappealing part of the BBQ process. Lighter fluid and newspaper don’t work well, and chimney starters are messy. Enter the Bison Airlighter, a precise way to get a grill, fireplace, or campfire started. The Bison Airlighter is a lighter and fan that ignites coal in 10 seconds – so your old man can get to the fun part faster.

The Handyman

InstruMMents 01 Dimensioning Instrument, $149

Dad may say he has all the tools he needs, but that won’t be the case once he lays his eyes upon the InstruMMents 01 Dimensioning Instrument. This sleek app-connected pen has a wheel on the end; roll the wheel across any surface (straight, curved, or contoured) and it’ll calculate the dimensions in any unit you need. The app then logs the info and allows you to access it anywhere as well as share it on the go.

In other words, InstruMMents 01 beats the tape measure at its own game.

The Sartorialist

Moore & Giles Fine Leather Eyeglass Case, $135

Dad always leaves the house looking like he just stepped out of a GQ fashion editorial, and he wore bespoke before it was cool. Instead of taking the risk of purchasing a piece he’ll never wear, opt for something that’ll care for what he already owns. The Moore & Giles Fine Leather Eyeglass Case comes in beautiful Titan Milled leather, and the suede interior is available in 5 colorways, so there’s sure to be one that suits his tastes.

This simple eyeglass case will hold his glasses in style.

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