The Art of Bespoke: Floris London
A scent can trigger a memory, as well as evoke one. Carry you to the tips of pleasure and the depths of excellence… all with one sniff. It is this feeling of warmth and personal experience that Floris London use to create their masterful bespoke perfume. The craft itself has graced the lives of the greats since 1730. Some of these creations have remained safe in the vault and passed down through generations; while others such as No.127, made... Read More
Design x Skin care: Conran Bath & Body
With the growing of the skin care industry – particularly pertaining to men’s grooming – new brands face a struggle to break into the market and establish a sustainable presence. It’s very rare to come across a brand that manages to combine both innovative product design, with a top quality product to ‘back it up’ – this is most certainly the case with Sir Terence Conran’s new line, Conran Bath & Body. Given Conran’s... Read More
Ultimate Grooming Gift: Tom Ford Private Blend Tuscan Leather Collection
The ‘inauguration’ of Tom Ford Beauty was in 2005 but it wasn’t until 2007 that Tom Ford truly flexed his substantial wings with the launch of the Tom Ford Private Blend Collection; a selection of initially 12 (now 13 with the arrival of Azure Lime) exclusive Eau de Parfums. This in itself, is old news to many, but with Christmas nearing we are once more on the hunt for the Ultimate Grooming Gift and it seems that Tom Ford has ears in the... Read More
Ultimate Grooming Gift: Baxter of California Blue Steel “Not a Replica” Straight Razor
2010 saw esteemed US grooming brand Baxter of California celebrate their 45th Year Anniversary with a Hart Steel Limited Edition Razor – they’re back again with a another precise shaving instrument – the Baxter of California Blue Steel “Not a Replica” Straight Razor. Predominately a hand made, loosely inspired by firearms, and titled “not a replica”; the blade features a matte black tang (handle), and a blue steel cutting edge.... Read More
Ultimate Gift: Church’s Valet Box
Well and truly English, Church’s was founded in 1873 by Thomas Church and his three sons Alfred, William and Thomas Jr., who could count on family experience in the production of handmade men’s shoes dating back to 1675. Now that is what you call Heritage. Furthermore Church’s is based in Northampton, a county which has been the centre of a flourishing leather and footwear industry since the Middle Ages. So it’s fair to say that if you want real... Read More
Baxter of California x Head Porter of Japan
American male grooming brand Baxter of California has teamed up with esteemed Japanese bag maker, Porter Japan, to create a limited edition travel kit for the Gentleman with an eye for Globetrotting. This limited edition bag is made with the signature Head Porter nylon material, which zips open to reveal three inner removable compartments, elastic nylon bands to hold travel essentials, and an outer zip compartment. The bag carries the iconic Head... Read More
The Mobile ‘Blob’ Living Room
The Mobile Blob Living room (not what I would’ve called it) represents a mobile room containing a bed, bathroom and storage space, elegantly housed in a futuristic egg. The ‘Blob’ features two methods of entry, both reminiscent to that you would find in an aircraft; a side door, and a somewhat excessive bay door. While they are pitching this to be used as a guest room or study, I think it would be perfect for an Ultimate walk-in wardrobe;... Read More
Ultimate Grooming Gift: Merkur Vision Razor
Today’s Ultimate Grooming Gift comes from double-edge shaving experts Merkur, and their crowning glory the Merkur Vision 2000. The advent of this razor should not be taken lightly; the Futur was its predecessor, and some might argue that there was no need to make another, most however would be glad that they did. The Vision is some what excessive in its size and weight, but reassuringly so, as the balance and design of the razor holds it firmly... Read More
Korres – Chestnut & Ruscus Anti-ageing cream SPF 15 for men
Despite the undisputed success of Korres worldwide, the men’s range seems to have slipped somewhat under the radar. Yes, its is a small fraction of the vast Korres range, but regardless of that a condensed range by a brand with such a glowing reputation deserves more attention; today Ape to Gentleman intend to give it exactly that. I, like many men, have fallen into the trap of thinking that you only need to use Anti-ageing products when you get... Read More
Ultimate Grooming Gift – The Art of Shaving ‘Fusion Chrome Collection’
This second installment of the ‘Ultimate Grooming Gift’ feature pays homage to the mainstays of modern shaving – Gillette. Trying to convince a Gillette user to try another razor, is about as easy as convincing a Manchester United fan to support Manchester City, in other words, not likely. So instead of trying to teach an old dog new tricks, why not give him a new toy? This Christmas luxury shaving experts The Art of Shaving have embraced... Read More
