Written by Craig Landale in Essentials on the 16th February 2020

Just when we thought we had gotten away with a pretty mild and calm winter, we get bash by not one, but two storms. However, whilst Ciara and Dennis have kept me housebound and shackled to my desk for the past week or so, I’ve had more time to research into the coolest wares that have dropped this month. There’s a £55k whisky (Yes, that's £2200 a shot!) and a menswear collab inspired by historic maritime artefacts, among others. So, following on from my January roundup, here I’ve compiled a list of my favourite products and releases for the month of February 2020 – enjoy.  

NHM + Finisterre Collaboration  

Established over a decade ago, Finisterre offers functional and sustainable product for sea lovers. From the very beginning, it has been Finisterre’s ambition to inspire a deeper connection to the sea, and to motivate the public to become the ocean’s guardian for generations to come. Now, Finisterre collaborates with the Natural History Museum (launching 1st April) in order to further its efforts to help protect the natural world and support an iconic British institution. In recent years, the Natural History Museum has been championing oceanic research and conservation and looked to partner with a brand that shared its purpose. The Museum’s decision to approach Finisterre was based on the brand’s ethos and B Corp status, which demonstrated a commitment to the environment. The Natural History Museum was confident that Finisterre would successfully bring its historic maritime artefacts to life in its designs and celebrate the work of its natural history experts. 

finisterre.com

SEVENFRIDAY latest T-Series watch 

Capturing the warmth of nostalgia and the moments we continue to enjoy with friends, has motivated the design behind the latest SEVENFRIDAY timepiece. Lasting memories, whether joking by a warm fire at a chalet with a tipple or a weekend getaway at a house on the coast, help to form the style objective for the latest T2/02 piece. Rich browns and greys in the design reflect organic materials that conjure the welcome smell of ageing leather and burning wood. This latest T-Series watch mirrors the smaller, thinner and lighter aesthetic of its immediate predecessors. The new design language also plays with transparency and gradients by using a genuine piece of sunglass lens as a dial. This combination with a skeleton movement results in a new interface experience for each wearer. 

sevenfriday.com

Vans Reissue “Fast Times” Checkerboard Slip-On

In terms of contemporary fashion, few footwear styles are as immediately recognisable as the Vans Checkerboard Slip-On. The Classic Slip-On debuted in 1977, with the Checkerboard pattern being introduced in the early 1980s after Van Doren noticed kids drawing checks all over their shoes. Shortly thereafter, the Checkerboard Slip-On became a global icon for the spirit of the Vans brand thanks to its inclusion in the cult classic film, Fast Times at Ridgemont High. For the first time since the film’s premiere, Vans will reissue a limited-edition Fast Times Slip-On through its Anaheim Factory Collection, celebrating the shoe’s transcendence to popular culture and its all-time classic styling.

vans.co.uk

Kría Launch 2020 Capsule Collection  

Crafted out of leftover Polartec Neoshell and fleece fabrics from last year’s products, the new Kría capsule unites 66°North’s heritage inspired 90s design with a long-term sustainability commitment to never throw away product or materials. The Neoshell jacket pays homage to the original Kria jacket, first produced in 1991 and quickly becoming a staple outdoor uniform for Icelanders of all ages. The latest edition is made in a highly technical Polartec Neoshell fabric, providing exceptional protection from wind and water without compromising breathability. Blending the leftover fabris, the vintage colour-blocked designs continue for 2020. Produced entirely out of 66°North’s own factory, the capsule features a functional Polartec Neoshell jacket and pant set, a Polartec Thermal Pro fleece half-zip jumper and vest, retro base-layer shirt, a bucket hat and fleece beanie. 

66north.com

The Dalmore Single Malt Whisky Aged 51 Years 

The Dalmore has unveiled a rare 51-Year-Old single malt, a masterpiece whisky which has evolved and matured over half a century, expertly composed using the world’s most exquisite casks. Only 51 bottles of this limited-edition release have been created, each beautifully presented in a crystal decanter and high gloss presentation case. The latest release is The Dalmore’s first of the new decade and reflects the distillery’s pioneering spirit and the enduring legacy of its 180-year history. Presented in a striking decanter and adorned with the iconic 12-point ‘Royal’ stag in Sterling silver and crowned with a crystal stopper, each bottle pays homage to The Dalmore’s Royal heritage. Every decanter is held in a hand-crafted high gloss coffret case crafted from black sycamore wood echoing the sophistication of the liquid within. 

thedalmore.com

British Army x G-Shock Mudmaster collaboration

Casio Computer Co. has announced the first timepiece to be released as part of G-SHOCK’S and the Ministry of Defence’s new partnership. The partnership positions the watch brand as an official partner to HM Armed Forces. G-SHOCK is an unbreakable timepiece built from a Never Give Up philosophy that makes it perfectly equipped to support UK Servicemen - both on and off-duty – all over the world. G-SHOCK is already the watch of choice for many in the Armed Forces and this limited-edition release further cements the partnership as an official supplier to the Ministry of Defence. The watch is built to withstand the harshest land environments and features an updated Carbon Core Guard Structure and triple-layered carbon-insert bezel, providing durability in a lightweight case. The special edition Mudmaster features a camouflage design inspired by the Army’s own Multi Terrain Pattern. Furthermore, the model sports a stealth-black dial, specifically requested by the British Army so as not to attract undue attention when worn on operations. 

g-shock.co.uk

SCUM by Rat Boy launches at The Chimp Store 

If you've not heard of Jordan Cardy, you could be forgiven - but the chances are you know him by his stage name, Rat Boy. Known for his strong punk influence, juxtaposed against 90s hip hop beats, Rat Boy burst onto the scene in 2017 with his debut studio album SCUM. This brand is an extension of all things Rat Boy - by marrying together his musical influences, love of skateboarding and his own sense of style, SCUM was born. Heavily graphic focused, items in the SCUM catalogue feature familiar faces, presented in unique scenarios. If you've never managed to find that t-shirt depicting Tigger picking fresh weed leaves then let me put you out of your misery, because thanks to SCUM, it now exists. 

thechimpstore.com

Dickies Life SS20 Lookbook  

Dickies Life has united its near century-long heritage in workwear with contemporary fashion design to create an on-trend men’s apparel and accessories collection for Spring/Summer 2020 that will stand the test of time. Famed for transcending countless sub-cultures and time periods, Dickies Life nods to the 90s with its ‘Colour Block’ collection, featuring contrast colour pops across a selection of retro silhouettes such as ‘Denniston’, an oversized ¼ zip fleece and ‘Twin City’, a bucket hat. Further retro inspiration can be seen in the wide array of Cuban collar shirts on offer, namely ‘Forest Park’ which is vertically striped, available in peach brulee and dark blue and ‘Shiloh’ which features a Hawaiian style print, available in violet and black. Dickies Life honours its workwear past with the ‘Custom Create’ collection, an all dark navy offering embroidered throughout with ‘SAME OLD DICKIES’, a reference to the brand’s enduring success from consistently producing durable, functional and rugged garments since its conception. 

dickieslife.com

The North Face 7 Summits Collection  

Introducing the latest edition of the Seven Summits collection from The North Face. Inspired by the challenge to change the future, the new range is crafted from recycled materials collected in the shadows of the most famous summit of them all – Mount Everest. To help restore a part of the world from which The North Face have always drawn inspiration, their Bottle Source T-shirts are created using plastic bottles collected in the Indian Himalayan Watershed, protecting the area for future generations to explore. Their waterproof, breathable and lightweight FUTURELIGHT features in the 7SE Jacket 1994, Retro Mountain Light Pant and Mountain Lite Cap allowing explorers to embrace the challenge and explore any environment in comfort. 

thenorthface.co.uk

Carl Friedrik The Carry-On 

Carl Friedrik creates masterfully made leather and travel products for the modern professional. Elegant aesthetics, premium materials and excellent craft is imperative to each product. The Carry-on is a Polycarbonate hard shell suitcase made to stand the test of time. Featuring a lightly textured finish paired with Italian leather detailing and a thick aluminium frame. The zipperless construction ensures quick access and avoids the most common breaking point. With a durable polycarbonate shell, rigid aluminium frame with two TSA approved locks, Italian leather detailing and handles, smooth and silent glide with Japanese wheels, and option for integrated power bank, the £295 price tag suddenly sounds like a bargain. 

carlfriedrik.com

We feature Kría Capsule, British Army x G-Shock, NHM x Finisterre, and The North Facce 7 Summits Collection among others in February 2020’s Coolest Stuff.