Journal captures this Winter’s unique and beautifully crafted essentials in the heart of Central London.
Words & Photography Kirk Truman
KESTIN HARE
STYLE FOR EVERYDAY LIFE
Neist Overshirt / Khaki £129
Reverse Fairisle / Tonal greys £229
Victoria Pant / Olive £155
Kestin Hare is a Scottish menswear brand from a designer who gets what works and is inspired by the clothes men want for everyday life. The brand was launched in 2014 when Kestin returned to his hometown of Edinburgh. He grew up watching his grandad, a man with a distinct style who took great pride in his appearance and ran pubs in Leith. This inspired Kestin’s degree in Fashion Design BA Hons and Marketing, which led him directly to the industry, where he instantly felt at home. Kestin has steadily created his signature look for Kestin Hare, and has continued to nurture his core values of vintage research, seeking out the most unique and technologically advanced fabrics, road testing every garment for fit and purpose, and is in constant conversation with his customers and the best of the industry.
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- Valerie Ebuwa, Contemporary Dancer
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- Reece Laurent-Hughes, Buyer
YMC
PRETTY IN RED
Suede Jacket / Red £450
Suede Skirt / Red £350
Bloomsbury Jacket £350
Creole Trouser £195
YMC, or ‘You Must Create’, has become one of the most popular brands among young men and women wanting to look and feel good without having to try too hard. With a simple philosophy – you must create your own style – most of the YMC clothing can easily be mixed and matched with any existing piece in your wardrobe. This multi-functional, modern take on design gives the brand’s pieces a timeless yet relevant feel, and leaves the wearer comfortable in the knowledge that any of their pieces will stand the test of time.
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- Lee Jay Hoy, Ballet Dancer & Model
OLIVER SPENCER
STYLE & FUNCTION
Brookes Jacket / Evering Stone £340
Drawstring Trousers / Everying Stone £170
Conduit Tee / Raspberry £70
Conrad Sunglasses / Havana Tortoiseshell £185
Self-taught tailor Oliver Spencer launched his eponymous label in 2002, fast becoming the favourite of rock stars and politicians alike. With over 40% of production in the UK, he champions British industry and marries inspirations from London subcultures, English heritage and American and Japanese urban youth. The result is a signature look straddling streetwear and smart dressing.
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- Kiera Court, Singer/Songwriter
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- Reece Laurent-Hughes, Buyer
WOOD WOOD
JUXTAPOSITION MEETS ICONOGRAPHY
Osa Jacket £310
Anesia Skirt £150
Laszlo Jacket £200
Tomi Shorts £110
Wood Wood’s collections are built upon new takes on iconic silhouettes and a sports-fashion approach that remains true to the sub-cultural heritage of the brand. Wood Wood mixes high fashion, sports and streetwear with youth culture, art and music. Always aiming to find the perfect balance between style and functionality, the Wood Wood collections have evolved into tailored and sophisticated expressions while keeping their playful graphic profile that often revolves around juxtapositions and iconography.
CUBITTS
FRAMED IN FITZROVIA
Charlotte £425
Cleveland £425
Fitzroy £425
Rathbone £425
Cubitts frames are made in the traditional way, and go through 50 crafted stages of production over a period of six weeks, including four separate stages of polishing to ensure a glorious lustre. Most of their frames are constructed with custom Cubitts pins that secure right through the acetate. It’s a process called pin drilling; it’s done by hand and takes more time and skill than other methods, but means hinges can be easily maintained. Attaching themselves to the areas in which they’ve opened stores, their frames are named after nearby streets. For their latest opening, Cubitts have chosen the names Cleveland, Fitzroy, Charlotte and Rathbone for their Fitzrovia collection, celebrating their new store opening at the corner of Charlotte Street and Goodge Street.
CURIONOIR
HANDMADE IN AUCKLAND
Pablo Extrait de Parfum £150
Pablo Candle £145
Black Spice £145
Curionoir carries integrity, that is ingrained in the brand and has been since its organic inception. Placing value in the relationships of all people and makers, prioritising ethics and sustainability, striving to source local to its home of New Zealand and continuing to push boundaries its at the heart of the brand. Curionoir does not follow trends. This is not just a theory or philosophy, it is the brands life long commitment which it is proud to hold.
AESOP
FOR THE HOME
The Familiar Horizon Gift Set £60
Aesop’s minimal packaging meets maximum posturing ethos stems from the rigid edicts of its founder, Dennis Paphitis, who started life as a hairdresser in Melbourne before turning his hand to all-natural hair and beauty products. Grab some straight-talking Post-Poo Drops, Mouthwash or Room Spray to complement the perfect home environment.
ANYA HINDMARCH
PENCIL SHAVINGS
Pencil Shavings Diffuser £99
Pencil Shavings Candle £50
Anya Hindmarch candles launched back in November 2017, and as far as we were concerned it was love at first sight. Now, Anya has added three new scents and a diffuser to the collection. All have their own unique twist, but our personal favourite was Pencil Shavings, available either as a candle or in Anya’s new diffuser. Either way, your home will be full of the most delightful scent.