Written by Craig Landale in Essentials on the 30th March 2023

In this month’s roundup of the coolest drops, I will be highlighting some of the latest releases in fashion, technology, and lifestyle. Percival's new SS23 Collection: Blue Willow Club, the Ruark Audio R1S radio, TOMS’ Gamma shoes, Tomatin’s 45 Year Old Single Malt Whisky, TRIWA’s Ocean Plastic Timer, and a great collaboration by Ben Sherman and Pauli Lovejoy for B By Ben Sherman SS23. From sustainable fashion to premium whisky, there is something for everyone.

Percival presents SS23: Blue Willow Club 

Percival have unveiled their new SS23 Collection: Blue Willow Club. The British menswear brand have produced an array of understated, light fits for the warmer months, focussing on geometric patterns and floral detailing across the collection that promise to bring a fresh sophistication to any summer wardrobe. The collection comes accompanied by a short film to celebrate its release, featuring appearances from Asim Chaudhry, Danny Lomas, and Jordan Ezra King. The 1970’s inspired visual takes the viewer on a boozy journey around a bar, accompanied by a Disco soundtrack from Rayowa, also featured in the video. The Blue Willow Club offers a variety of looks and prints, most notably the blue and white willow trim on the tracksuits, as well as the detailing on the linen shorts and Cuban shirts. The whole collection embraces a retro style, featuring bomber jackets and pinstripe shirts that feel transportative to a different era. 

percivalclo.com >

Ruark Audio R1S Radio 

Some think that radio is outdated, but in truth, it’s still very current and thriving, with recent polls showing that radio for many is still their main form of entertainment during the day. Ruark recognises this fact, and takes this timeless medium to a new level with the beautiful R1S. With Wi-Fi and Bluetooth streaming also built in, R1S is altogether a complete music system, that’s easily accommodated and capable of providing day-long entertainment. With its subtle curves, elegant Mid Grey finish and composite wood hand-crafted grille, R1S exudes fresh contemporary design. 

ruarkaudio.com > 

TOMS Gamma 

The Gamma is a modern remix of TOMS' classic Alp, specially designed for Earth Month, with the planet in mind. With a speckled, chunky outsole and an upper that takes cues from TOMS’ signature slip-on. The Gamma features earth-friendly upper materials in REFIBRA and REPREVE, a midsole composed of blended Eco-EVA and post-manufacture recycled EVA regrind, and an Ortholite insole with 26% total eco content. The Gamma’s padded collar and rubber outsole provide comfort and traction, so you can feel good, knowing your shoes are good for the earth as well. 

toms.com >

Tomatin 45 Year Old Single Malt Whisky 

Award-winning Highland distillery, Tomatin, has unveiled an exceptional new limited-edition 45 Year Old single malt whisky. Available from airports and luxury global travel retail outlets, with only 250 individually numbered bottles available worldwide, this is the first time the distillery has released a 45 Year Old in travel retail. Bottled at 41.5% ABV, it is available in a 70cl with a RRP of £7,500 (€8,500). The extraordinary whisky has been gently matured in a Spanish Oloroso sherry cask for more than 45 years before being bottled in early 2023 at natural strength, natural colour, and non-chill filtered. The result is a tropical spirit on the nose which is followed by a wave of summer berries and cherry before a dryness emerges in the form of freshly roasted coffee beans. On the palate, a mix of dried tropical fruits develop before a burst of tangy Sanguinello blood orange, salted caramel chocolate, and a hint of herbal bitters. A satin-like texture cloaks the palate with dried tropical fruits and tangy citrus, followed by the subtle influence of the sherry cask which comes through lightly at the end. Tomatin’s latest premium aged statement is presented in an exquisite, custom-made Glencairn crystal decanter with a golden stopper, and is encased in a striking high gloss wooden box. 

tomatin.com >

TRIWA Ocean Plastic Timer 

TRIWA, the Swedish watch and accessory brand known for their commitment to sustainability, has launched their latest watch, Ocean Plastic Timer made completely from recycled ocean plastic. The watch is part of TRIWA's Time for Oceans collection, which is dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of protecting our oceans and be part of a solution. The new watch features a 1970’s inspired case and dial design, with a dual time zone feature that makes it perfect for traveler’s and everyone that wants to make a statement for our oceans. The watch is available in two colours - matte black and navy blue - with contrasting mini dials and hands. TRIWA's commitment to sustainability is at the heart of this new watch. The brand has long been dedicated to reducing their environmental impact, and the Time for Oceans collection is a testament to their ongoing efforts. 

triwa.com >

Ben Sherman X Pauli Lovejoy in B By Ben Sherman SS23 

Ben Sherman Global Artist Foundry drops the second global campaign for the spring-summer season featuring accomplished multi-hyphenate Pauli Lovejoy. Performing under the moniker Pauli The PSM, his talents know no bounds. He is an exceptional drummer, sought-after musician, composer, producer, musical and creative director, model, DJ and more. Pauli has honed his craft for years, performing and touring with some of the best musicians in the business. Recognised as one of "The World's Best Drummers" by The Guardian and Wired, he is the current musical director and percussionist for Harry Styles' LOVE ON TOUR. Check out Pauli Lovejoy's social media and his weekly radio show on AMP – Flybrations.radio, and you'll see why his career is on course to burst out of this stratosphere. Featured in the B by Ben Sherman campaign and shot on location in Los Angeles, Pauli exudes confidence and style with poise and Zen in a short film with an infectious soundtrack. The score for the short film is an original Pauli The PSM composition, entitled “Paulinho Fasano”, written exclusively for the B by Ben Sherman campaign. 

bensherman.co.uk >

Breitling Premier Collection 

Introducing six new Premier models, updated with a heritage-inspired design and equipped with the Breitling Manufacture Caliber 01. Their launch coincides with a new book chronicling the genesis of Breitling’s most collectible chronograph. By 1943, Willy Breitling had built a name for himself as a maker of aircraft instrumentation and tool watches that met the functional needs of wartime. But the third-generation Breitling founder also dreamt of a time after the war, when utility would give way to unbridled optimism. With that future in mind, he designed a series of elegant chronographs and assigned them the best materials, the best finishings and the best calibers. He called his new line the Premier. Reintroduced by Breitling in 2021, the Premier Heritage chronograph collection revived Willy’s dream of seeing the functional chronograph made undeniably elegant and infinitely wearable — in his words, “the unmistakable stamp of impeccable taste.” Today, the Swiss watchmaker adds six new references to the Premier assortment, all of them powered by the self-winding Breitling Manufacture Caliber 01. 

breitling.com >

Baracuta X Needles 

Baracuta has linked up with the Japanese brand Needles who have put an eccentric twist on the British brand’s pieces. It’s not the first time Baracuta and Needles collaborate on creating a unique collector’s piece, however this time there are three to choose from. Needles was founded in Japan in 1997 and is known for its blends old Western and American military styles with sophisticated Japanese fabrics. The Japanese brand is also famous for its intricate and unique patterns which can be seen in this capsule collection. Baracuta and Needles have always shared the same values, one of the most important is their dedication to being authentic. Looking to the world of cinema and music for inspiration is another element common to the two brands and both have always been closely linked to the unforgettable Steve McQueen. The world-famous actor was a die hard for Baracuta apparel whether it was in his private life or in his films. As well as this, McQueen's chest tattoo in the film “Papillion” was an inspiration for the famous Needles butterfly logo created by founder and designer Keizo Shimizu. 

uk.baracuta.com >

Aesop Gloam Eau de Parfum Gloam 

Eau de Parfum is the fifth instalment of Othertopias, a collection of fragrances inspired by spaces both real and imagined. Centred on the Divan - a horizontal portal for self observation — Gloam conjures the dreamscape, where imagination enters, and the waking world recedes. Here the familiar collides with the uncanny, in a fragrance that blends the tangible and the illusive: rich florals, warm spice and a bed of wooded depths combine to invoke reverie, rousing the senses and enchanting the mind. An arresting first impression of spice characterises the opening accords of Gloam, one composed of Pink Pepper and Cardamom and softened by the fresh florals of Neroli and its sweeter counterpart, Orange Flower. This is followed by aromatic spice notes of Saffron and Clove, that unfurl alongside herbal Maté, heady Narcissus and pollen-like Mimosa. Warmth from Rose and Jasmine Sambac lend a roundness to the spicy floral heart. At its base, Gloam is a sumptuous and powdery blend of Iris, Patchouli, Copaiba and Sandalwood that delivers unexpected tactility and comfort. 

aesop.com >

Featuring Percival presents SS23, Ruark Audio R1S Radio, TOMS Gamma, Tomatin 45 Year Old Single Malt Whisky, TRIWA Ocean Plastic Timer, Ben Sherman X Pauli Lovejoy, and Breitling Premier Collection.