Written by Craig Landale in Essentials on the 23rd December 2019

Here I am signing off - before putting my feet up for Christmas - with my favourite monthly roundup blog post. These below product drops could well be something you snap up for the new year ahead, especially if you end up with a ton of unwanted gifts come boxing day. Here we have bags made from a sustainable material and denim shirts made in Japan among others. So, following on from my November roundup, I’ve compiled a list of my favourite products and releases for the month of December 2019 – enjoy.

Mulberry Launches ECONYL Regenerated Nylon Men's Collection 

Mulberry this month launched a new Camo Check capsule collection for men, featuring some of the brand's best-loved silhouettes crafted from the regenerated nylon ECONYL. ECONYL is a durable, sustainable material crafted from ghost fishing nets retrieved from the ocean and other salvaged waste. Designing with this material allows Mulberry to move towards a closed loop manufacturing process that also removes waste from the environment. The collection includes five key silhouettes from their men’s range including the Antony, Small Antony, Heritage Backpack and City Tote, as well as their newly launched urban Sling Bag. Taking a playful approach to heritage and classic military motifs, the new print introduces traditional tartan to overlaid camouflage forms. 

Vivobarefoot Tracker Boots 

Did you know that we are changing the formation of our feet and are developing bad movement habits as a result of wearing the wrong footwear? Vivobarefoot are a leading global barefoot footwear company that makes shoes which allow your feet to do their natural thing. Their ultra-thin soles allow you to reconnect your feet with your brains and the world around you. The Tracker is a barefoot hiking boot made from high quality leather and is perfect for any outdoor enthusiast. It's designed for wild and rough terrains, with a Vivobarefoot firm ground sole. This minimalist walking boot has a waterproof lining and thermal protection to keep feet a comfortable temperature and ready to explore nature.

MCM Launches Underwear, Lounge and Sleepwear Collections 

Unveiled this month, the MCM Underwear collection is fully sustainable and made from biodynamic Egyptian Giza cotton. This type of cotton employs more ethical and ecological farming practices than conventional cotton. From the design to production, to labelling and packaging, the underwear collection is dedicated to sustainability. MCM is the first brand to use the superior and sustainable material for underwear. The Lounge & Sleepwear collection is also rooted in the brand’s travel heritage and the collection includes a reversible robe, pajama sets, drawstring and sleep shorts, boxers, and sleep masks. The colour scheme is classic and full of attitude, all in an eye-catching cognac with black accents.

Vans Debuts the Mismatch Era 

It doesn’t get much more classic than the Vans Era. The world’s first skate shoe designed by skateboarders was introduced as the Vans #95 in 1976 with a padded collar, two-tone colour options and waffle outsole providing skateboarders both the style and function they craved. Today, the Era remains the choice for skaters, surfers and creatives worldwide with its versatile construction and unique material combinations. By mix and matching seasonal colours and prints on the left and right shoe of its Classic silhouettes, Vans brings to life the early days of Vans’ family run business. The Era leads the pack as the original mismatch form blending blue canvas with camo on the left shoe and pink canvas and zebra print on the right. The Mismatch styling will also be offered on the Classic Slip-On which features a subdued take on the trend, while the Style 36 is complimented with opposing laces and Sidestripes.

Besnard Japanese Denim Shirts 

Besnard’s rich heritage started in 1878 when the 28-year-old Albert Besnard established himself as a tailor in The Hague (La Haye). Over the years the brand became known as the best place to buy bespoke suits and luxury clothing. Around a century later, A. Besnard’s great-great-grandson Victor Besnard revived the company. Here we put the spotlight on their denim casual shirts woven by one of the oldest and most renowned mills of Japan. The shirts are finished with single needle tailoring, where the fabric is folded over three times and then sewn together. As a result, the seam has a smooth touch to the skin and an elegant bump on the exterior. This superior technique is becoming rarer and can only be found on premium dress shirts. It takes experienced seamstresses twice the time to finish a shirt, but it’s a true sign of craftsmanship.

Rolex Datejust Silver Baton Dial 1601

If you’ve ever dreamed of owning a vintage Rolex timepiece then look no further than Watches of Wales who have a vast collection available. The one that caught our eye is this Rolex Datejust Silver Baton Dial 1601 priced at £3950. This Vintage timepiece features a stainless steel 36mm case, a silver Baton dial, fluted bezel, Rolex detail on the crown, perspex glass, and a beautiful leather strap. The watch is in excellent condition for its age and it comes complete with Rolex box, and the retailer also includes a complimentary insurance valuation certificate.

Snow Peak SS20 Collection 

Snow Peak this month unveiled its Spring/Summer 2020 collection. Apparel merges Japanese tradition with forward-thinking design, providing versatile options for both home and outdoors. Snow Peak staples like the Octa, Indigo and Takibi remain at the centre of the range, while soft and breathable layering offers a fresh look for the new season. Highlights include lightweight canvas jackets and trousers in natural colourways and abstract patterns, a quick dry collection of shirts, as well as a new Printed Flexible Insulation line. The upcoming SS20 collection offers functional style using technical fabrics, staying true to its contemporary aesthetic.

Microsoft Surface Arc Mouse 

2020 is the year to upgrade your workstation. The Microsoft Surface Arc BlueTrack Touch Mouse is ultra-slim and lightweight, and it goes anywhere without the weight or bulk of traditional mice. What’s more, you can snap it flat and easily slip it in your inside jacket pocket or backpack. The Surface Arc Mouse connects wirelessly to your laptop via Bluetooth. An ideal companion for anyone who works remotely, whether that's the kitchen table, coffee shop or co-working hot desk. After years of seeing the same design of mouse it is refreshing to see this unique and clever design. From scroll plane to tail, the Arc Mouse is soft to the touch and meticulously crafted to sit comfortably in your hand. Choose from 3 rich colours to complement your Surface device and your personal style.

Bang & Strike Underwear Collection 

Confidence, style and comfort, it all starts with the right underwear. From cool, breathable fibres that keep you cool under pressure to silky soft fabrics that exude luxury, premium underwear brand Bang & Strike has the briefs and boxers you need for every occasion. Its new range couples stripped back modernism style with performance fabrics and embossed logos in an understated palette of white, desert, black, rifle green and khaki. With designs for added support and wicking during exercise, fabrics with sustainable credentials and core cuts for the style conscious, the new collection has a pair to suit every man.

We feature Mulberry ECONYL, Vivobarefoot Tracker Boots, MCM Underwear, and BESNARD Menswear in December 2019’s Coolest Stuff.