Sunspel

Suddenly I want to smell like a coconut again



 Maya Njie Tropica fragrance

Well this is awkward. After a lifetime a year in relative isolation during which my longest journey away from home has been the decidedly unexotic Hastings pier, I find myself craving tropical coconut-laced smells.

That’s maybe not so surprising though. As with the power of touch and what’s known as ‘skin hunger’, the pandemic has not only literally stolen the sense of smell from some unlucky individuals, it has also heightened the link between scent and nostalgia.

“Fragrance can control your mood,” says perfumer and founder of her eponymous brand, Maya Njie. “If you’re feeling low and you need a boost, put fragrance on and it will elevate you.” (more…)



Don’t snooze on these ultra-classic Sunspel knitwear deals



Sunspel grey lambswool crew neck

I’m not really into Black Friday hysteria but these Sunspel knitwear deals (up to 30% off) are worth checking out. It’s a good British-based brand to support with great products.

I recommend their most classic pieces – merino silk crew necks* and roll necks*, lambswool crew necks* and this nutmeg cable knit*, all worthwhile investment pieces that you’ll wear beyond a few seasons. I particularly like the depth of the ribbing on the neckline, cuffs and waistband of the crew necks (all too often, brands mess about with these – please don’t!) and the colour palette. Buy the women’s Black Friday knits here*. (more…)



Buy it now: The Sunspel 45R collaboration has arrived



Sunspel 45R sun and cloud tee

I just saw the new Sunspel x 45R collection in the Sunspel window and it looks great. I love the sun and cloud print tee* (above). IRL all the details are on point; the proportions, the thickness of the neckband and the quality of the cotton.

I didn’t notice the cotton scarves* the first time but they look really nice on the website – almost frame-worthy. (more…)



Everything Japan: J-Wellness, Terahaku, Yasuko Takahashi and more



David Bowie and stylist Yasuko Takahashi

With the Tokyo Olympics happening this summer, the spotlight is firmly on Japan.

For starters, I’m looking forward to the V&A’s Kimono: Kyoto to Catwalk exhibition, which opens on 29th February. With its vast archives, this is the kind of exhibition the V&A does really well, time travelling from rare 17th and 18th century kimono to contemporary streetwear via Kawakubo and Galliano – that’s got be good!

Meanwhile, Sunspel is also feeling the Japan love this spring, collaborating with three contemporary Japanese brands – 45R, N.Hoolywood and Beams – on a capsule collection of men’s and womenswear. I like this 45R interpretation of the Sunspel Sun and Cloud logo, using an indigo dye cloud placement on a white cotton tee (below). All products will be available in Sunspel* shops and online from 7th March. (more…)