Written by Craig Landale in Essentials on the 17th October 2023

Discover October 2023’s Coolest Stuff, an eclectic ensemble of innovative releases and collections from the world of fashion, fragrance, spirits, and beyond. From heritage-inspired winter wear by New Era to a captivating NFL collaboration by Just Hype, and the unveiling of 'The Mermaid' by Glen Scotia in their Icons of Campbeltown series, this month offers an array of remarkable creations and collaborations. Join us as we delve into the realms of style, craftsmanship, and storytelling, highlighting the latest and most exciting releases of the season. 

Ben Sherman x John Lennon Collection 

Ben Sherman, the iconic British fashion brand, is honored to partner with the John Lennon Estate to present a limited-edition collection, celebrating one of the world’s most prolific modern singer-songwriters and composers of all time, John Lennon. This exclusive collection commemorates six decades of music, art, and fashion by seamlessly blending the essence of Ben Sherman's DNA with original John Lennon sketches. It also features iconic album artwork, song lyrics, and Lennon's iconic signature throughout. The Ben Sherman x John Lennon collaboration was inspired by John Lennon’s incredible timeless song "Imagine" and its powerful lyrics. The vision was to incorporate this topical subject matter and Lennon's lyrics into the collection in a fresh, innovative way while preserving the essence of modern menswear. Mark Williams, Ben Sherman’s Creative Director, shares his enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, "Straightaway, we loved the idea of making the lyrics structurally form part of the design. We knew this was an original approach that hadn't been explored to this level of detail."

New Era Heritage-Inspired Collection 

New Era prepares for the colder seasons by delving into its long history of warm varsity staples. Calling out retro letterman jackets, sweaters, hoodies, t-shirts, and headwear, New Era’s latest winter offering will keep you out of cold this season. Kicking off the season, two adjustable 9FORTY curved visor styles top the collection. Made from recycled REPREVE fabrics, both styles feature a tonal colour palette which reflects retro aesthetic of the collection with embroidered shoutouts to the brand’s founding hometown of Buffalo, New York and the company’s founding year - 1920. A series of recycled Polylana ribbed tonal beanies finish the headwear collection with minimal branding with a subtle New Era flag logo on the left side.

NFL X Hype London Games Collection 

Ahead of the NFL London Games, Just Hype, a leading name in fashion innovation and the National Football League (NFL), have launched the Adults and Mini Me Apparel Collection to support this year’s teams in style. The collaboration is set to captivate fans of all ages with its unique blend of style, comfort, and sports fervour. Available from www.justhype.com from the 28th of September and HYPE.’s store in Oxford Street from the 3rd of October, in time for the first 2023 NFL London Game at Wembley Stadium. Capturing the excitement and colourful vibrancy of this year’s NFL London Games’ teams, the collection includes, T-shirts, Hoodies and Bomber Jackets, showcasing designs encompassing bold team logos with the Just Hype DNA, for new and current fans to tell a story of team pride and gridiron glory.

Glen Scotia unveils ‘The Mermaid’ 

Glen Scotia has launched the first in a new five-part limited-edition annual series ‘The Icons of Campbeltown’, a celebration of the Campbeltown community and inspired by the iconic Campbeltown market cross, a historic meeting point for celebration and storytelling. Each release will be based on icons which were intricately carved by unknown hands into the face of the medieval cross once found in the centre of the town, which dates from the 14th century. Saints, beasts, heroes and their foes are said to vividly capture tales of Campbeltown’s prevailing spirit, creativity, and history – much like the Glen Scotia story. The first release, The Mermaid, is a 12 Year Old unpeated single malt (54.1% ABV, £90). Aged in ex-bourbon barrels, the liquid was then transferred into Palo Cortado finishing casks for a further eight months. The result is a whisky with a sweet and nutty character interwoven with subtle maritime nuances, bracing Atlantic Sea breeze notes on the nose, and a signature Glen Scotia saltiness on the palate. This new limited edition has been released at cask strength and its natural colour without chill filtration.

Palladium Outcity Collection 

Putting the escape into cityscape, the Palladium ‘Outcity’ collection targets the urban mountaineer. For city dwellers seeking elements of nature amongst the concrete, Palladium’s stylish ‘Outcity’ combines mountain looks with an urban sense of style. Part of Palladium’s Metropolitan category, ‘Outcity’ is a hybrid between a hiker boot and sneaker with colourful 1980s-inspired detailing. The Pallashock Outcity boot features a soft suede upper mixed with tech nylon and webbing details. The durable and chunky rubber outsole adds to the powerful silhouette while colourful lacing and D-rings reaffirms the urban hiking aesthetic. Men’s colours include Black, Beluga and Mood Indigo, while women’s colours include Black and Almond Milk. The Troop Runner Outcity encapsulates the season’s city mountaineering inspiration. Premium leather is combined with tech nylon details and webbing, a durable rubber outsole and a protective rubber toecap.

Hackett London Eau de Parfum Absolute

Inspired by the vibrant atmosphere of the British capital, Hackett London delivers a distinguished fragrance line with a British Twist. Enigmatic and enticing, Hackett Absolute is an alluring fragrance that merges the intensity of amber with oral notes of iris and its woody accents. A cosmopolitan fragrance that merges warm and aromatic spices with the enigmatic note of iris and its oral woody accents. The Royal Oak accord, symbol of strength and passion, leads the way to an exuberant trail of enchanting noble woods combined with the irresistible aroma of amber and vanilla.

AVI-8 Dambuster 617 Squadron 80th Anniversary Watch 

AVI-8 has released their highly anticipated Dambuster 617 Squadron 80th Anniversary Chronograph Limited Edition. This exclusive timepiece pays homage to the historic Dambusters Raid and commemorates the 80th anniversary of Operation Chastise, a seminal feat of daring featuring the Avro Lancaster Bomber and some of WW2 bravest airmen. AVI-8 has also partnered with the esteemed 617 Squadron Association, and a portion of net sales from this launch will be donated to support their valuable work. The Dambusters Raid, also known as Operation Chastise, holds a significant place in the annals of aviation history. Executed by the Royal Air Force's 617 Squadron during World War II, this audacious mission aimed to target dams in the Ruhr Valley, Germany, using the ingenious bouncing bomb technique. Led by Wing Commander Guy Gibson, the squadron's skilled pilots displayed unparalleled bravery and precision as they navigated through a web of obstacles to carry out their vital mission. This exquisite timepiece collection pays tribute to the heroic acts of the 617 Squadron and the technical brilliance of Operation Chastise with its impeccable design and exceptional craftsmanship.

Harold & Hansa Premium Rums from the island of Madeira 

Harold & Hansa has a mission to turn the spotlight on lesser known, premium quality rums from Madeira. Using exceptional varieties of sugarcane and a meticulous production process, Madeira creates some of the best rums in the world. Co-founder Harold is from this beautiful Portuguese island and his family has been involved in the rum trade for many years. Harold & Hansa’s current selection of rums is distilled at Engenhos do Norte, on the north-side of the island of Madeira. The distillery recently celebrated its centenary and is the only distillery in Europe still to use steam as its driving force. All the rums are Agricole Rums, meaning they are distilled from fresh sugarcane juice (not molasses, which is a by-product from sugar refining). Among the handpicked selection, some of the rums have been awarded Gold, Silver and Bronze medals at many of the largest International spirit competitions. Several other rums are Limited Editions and only made in small batches, making them a perfect addition to any rum enthusiast’s collection.

Universal Works X Yogi Footwear 

Universal Works has announced a new collaboration with Yogi, certified masters of the laidback moccasin, available for AW23. Featuring two versions of Yogi’s chunky, ranger-style Finn moc, as well as a low-top, slip-on rework of their classic Hitch shoe, it’s a collection built on shared ideas about style, comfort and craft, with an undercurrent of playful experimentation. The project takes Yogi’s quality, comfort, and understated style – and adds a Universal Works touch. Co-founder David Keyte, a long-standing admirer of Yogi, explains, “I have a genuine love of Yogi. They really do make something that can provide the comfort of a sneaker whilst fulfilling the need for a proper shoe. That's easier said than done, but Yogi always manages to pull it off.

Blauer USA Autumn/Winter 2023 Collection 

A contemporary mood is combined harmoniously with Blauer USA's historic elements in this new collection. Creativity and experience are the keywords of a collection combining must-have uncompromising performance with classic and innovative items presented in a variety of different fabrics, from the timeless classics to today’s trendiest high-tech materials. In addition to black, the collection features various shades of grey and off-white, bright hues and vibrant colours adding a note of fun to the Blauer USA look. Outerwear is an essential part of the winter collection, in a great variety of sizes, thicknesses and volumes. For him, Blauer USA offers new versions of the essential bomber jacket, the iconic parka, the military/work jacket and the field jacket with plenty of pockets, produced in a variety of different fabrics which can be mixed and matched, including a range of wools. Uncompromisingly soft is a new concept in down outerwear for both men and women: made of ultralight matt nylon, it is one of the brand’s most popular new items this season. The collection is underlined with a line of fashionable jackets and vests featuring ecological Sorona and Repreve padding. In line with today’s eco-sustainable orientation and commitment to the environment, Blauer USA focuses on research into use of eco-compatible and recycled materials.

Featuring New Era Heritage-Inspired Collection, Palladium Outcity Collection, Ben Sherman x John Lennon Collection, and Universal Works X Yogi Footwear.