I don't know what's harder to answer: my therapist asking what makes me happy, or my mum asking what I'd like under the tree. Luckily, GQ and friends can help answer one of these questions |
Mum rang, as she often does, and said "Love, what would you like for Christmas?" and I drew an absolute stone-cold blank. First off, there's plenty I need. But as a fully grown adult, I usually just buy it. And then there's space; I have too much stuff, too many clothes, too many books for a suffocatingly "snug" zone two flat.
What did I ask for then, you say? A dehumidifier. The silence was so long and awkward I thought my mum had ended the call. After all, there is no greater sign of a man's age than his request for something completely practical and terminally depressing for what is the most wonderful time of the year.
So I checked myself, took a deep breath and then realised what I really wanted: a redesigned Harrington jacket from Carrer, a brand that is a little '80s, perfectly fitted and co-founded by Spanish heartsmasher Manu Ríos. But that alone is unlikely to inspire you, so in order to spice up wishlists across this anaemic land, I asked some guys with unreasonably good taste to give me their gift ideas, too.
Merry Christmas, sweet brethren. |
Scott Fraser, designer
Mark The Tailor Park Place Pullover
"I met Mark when I was over in New York doing a pop-up - he came over to show love for [my] collection. I like the pop of yellow with the tonal leather trim on the neck. The fit is for cosy bois, and it's such a refined take on the normal fleece. Also, check out the Western nod of the piping on the neck. Love it."
Adam Cheung, GQ style writer
Rimowa Duffle Bag
"Rimowa makes very good suitcases. They make very good phone cases, too. But this duffle actually stopped me in my tracks. I saw a guy on the street wearing a cropped bomber and very expensive-looking trousers with this bag slung across his right shoulder. I don't usually do this but I had to ask him where it's from. "Rimowa," he said, casually ruining my week. "Now, I can't stop thinking about this Italian-made, recycled nylon, stupidly functional thing, and even though it costs about a month's rent, I'm fully trying to justify it as 'an investment in my future'."
Nikolaj Hansson, founder of Danish menswear label Palmes
Slaughterhouse Five by Kurt Vonnegut
"I know that this is me being idiotic and maybe even slightly pretentious (I do have a tennis-inspired menswear brand, mind you), but I love Kurt Vonnegut's writing and I met a guy in Williamsburg who sold his first editions. "So yeah, if anyone wants to bankrupt themselves and gift me this first edition of Slaughterhouse Five, I promise I'll marry you (and let you read my other Vonnegut first editions)."
Yang-Yi Goh, US GQ senior style editor
Lamb Leather Canadian Coat
"Lately I've been hyperfixated on tracking down a big, enveloping, lush, beautiful, tough-as-nails, winter-beating leather coat. Just as I was starting to give up hope or worry I'd assigned too many adjectives to my fantasy garment, this flawless Comoli number appeared from the heavens." |
Alex Kessler, deputy editor at i-D
Chanel Vintage Classic Lambskin Bag
"All I want for Christmas? Consequence-free Ozempic and Botox, obviously. But if we're getting materialistic about it [deploy eye-roll], then yes, a Chanel bag. And no, this is not a ride on the Matthieu Blazy-era bandwagon. What I actually want is a vintage, beaten-up classic flap in black quilted lambskin. The kind that looks like it's lived nine lives, escaped three and was smuggled out of my great grandmother's vault."
Felix O'Sullivan, PR at Studio Nicholson
Paracia Derby Leather Shoes
"Madrid footwear brand Paracia is making some of the most interesting leather shoes out there. I'm really into these mid-heel derbies - they use a worn textured leather for a dressed-down look, which I like. And a few extra inches on the heel didn't hurt anyone..."
Francesco Martino, GQ Italy style editor
Soshiotsuki Single Breasted Jacket
"I will remember this year as the one in which I discovered the pleasure of wearing a single-breasted jacket in my everyday looks. When someone commented on my shirt-and-jacket combo a few weeks ago by saying, "My grandfather dresses the same way," I took it as a compliment.
"Makes sense then that I've developed a real teenage crush on Soshiotsuki jackets. The Japanese designer, fresh off the LVMH Prize, mixes Armani-coded menswear with a few personal touches. The problem? Soshiotsuki is nearly impossible to find, and not exactly accessible to everyone. It's probably why his recent collaboration with Zara sold out so quickly."
Jake Zielinski, art director
Beige Habilleur x Le Minor Cashmere Coat
"I have my eye on this red wool and cashmere coat from Le Minor. It was made in partnership with Beige Habilleur, a French brand. The red looks great, and it's nice to see a bright pop on a classic winter style." |
Sam Finch, model
Avirex Leather Bomber
"I've been really wanting a vintage brown Avirex bomber. Something about the silhouette of a bomber goes with every outfit, baggy or straight leg jeans, or even trousers. Not to mention vintage American leather could literally be driven over by a truck or thrown on a fire and it would only look better than before."
Adrien Communier, GQ France style editor
Classic Mini Uggs
"Let's be honest: most of my colleagues raised an eyebrow when I mentioned I wanted a pair of Ugg boots for Christmas. But you have to admit they are some of the most comfortable shoes ever created for mankind and, worn with some cargo pants, that's a sick combo during a dry winter. So, yeah, I asked my family for the chestnut Classic Mini and I can't wait to slide my feet into them at home and read a good book in front of the fireplace."
Tommy Corlito, PR
Gander Cottonopolis Jacket
"If you know me personally, it's very unlikely that you've caught me wearing anything other than Gander Cottonopolis trousers. So, topping my list is the same brand's jacket in grey. Brand founder Cal said I've rinsed my allowance this season, so my select would be this excellent garment. Sexy (I'm biased)."
Ryan Hewitt, creative director at Olive
Wonderoud Eau de Parfum
"Comme des Garçons' Wonderoud has been my fragrance for some time. I'm not an expert, but to me, it's earthy, woody and gets me repeated compliments. The second I run out, I'm straight off to get another bottle and it's actually laughable remembering the overwhelming panic I suffered one year when I thought it'd been discontinued."
Big style reads of the week
20 retro sneakers that are about to go boom (again)
Timothée Chalamet's Marty Supreme press tour sneakers are so rare you've never heard of them
Clot's next Adidas collab isn't even a sneaker, it's a kung fu shoe
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