SHARP Stuff: A Guide to What Our Editors Are Loving This Month

Sharp Staff June 27, 2022

Summer has arrived, and with it, a slew of new things for us to covet. The Summer issue is behind us now, as is our Spring/Summer Book For Men, and we finally have a moment of respite to look back through the things that have caught our eye over the last couple of months. It’s a diverse selection yet again, and we’ve given things a little twist. Knowing that more of our readers will be traveling this summer than they have in the last couple of years, you’ll note a couple of destinations mentioned in the list — specifically a must-shop spot in Los Angeles, and some of the best sushi you’ll ever find in Europe.

In the coming months, we’ll continue to update this guide with more of our favourite finds, as it continues to grow into SHARP’s ultimate compendium of the luxury world’s best and brightest. Rather than replacing existing finds, our picks from past months can still be found further on down the page. For now, here’s a look at what 2022 brought to the table thus far.

Brionvega RR231 Totem Stereo System

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When Mario Bellini set about designing a stereo system for Italian audio label Brionvega back in the early 1970s, he didn’t want to create something so clunky or complicated that it needed to be relegated to a room specifically designed for listening. Instead, he wanted to design a stereo system that could camouflage its purpose — something so unobtrusive that it could easily exist anywhere in the house. The result was the RR231 Totem Stereo System, which at first glance appears to be nothing more than a simple white cube. Its magic, however, lies within. Spread the RR231’s wings — actually two sets of speakers — and tucked inside are a turntable, radio, and control console.

While the RR231 is understandably an icon of industrial design thanks to its clever concept and good looks (it is part of MoMA’s permanent collection for a reason), how we listen to music today is drastically different than it was in the 1970s. Accordingly, when Brionvega recently re-editioned the RR231, it kept up with modern habits by adding a USB jack and Bluetooth functionality. Vinyl fans can rest easy knowing that the turntable remains intact and as good as ever, but with the recent additions, Brionvega has made a great design even better. ($18,000 USD)

Meylon Skincare

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Established in 2020 by model Roger Dupé, Melyon is a Swedish skincare brand formulated with people of colour in mind, tapping into the founder’s West African roots and the belief that caring for the skin is an act of caring for the self. Using the powers of science and nature, the line features active ingredients that penetrate deep into the skin to promote cleanliness, optimal hydration, and reparative protection. The brand’s streamlined aesthetics recall Scandinavian minimalism, and its recyclable packaging lessens its carbon footprint. With Melyon, Dupé has taken aim at the skincare industry’s restrictive barriers, inviting those who feel marginalized by conventional beauty standards to enjoy products that respect the individual and the environment.

Dior x Birkenstock Collab

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Kim Jones and Dior are paying tribute to the brand’s namesake founder, Christian Dior, and his affinity for florals with a forthcoming col- laboration with Birkenstock. Jones’s re-envisioning of two seminal styles from the German footwear brand’s roster of footwear, the Milano and the Tokio, were first presented during the Fall/Winter 2022 runway collection in Paris. Hand-embroidered floral motifs are applied to the Tokio model, which, like the new Milano, is available in suede or felt in a palette of grey and neutrals and lined with soft leather. Birkenstock’s signature cork footbeds and rubber soles ensure durability and practicality — ideal for afternoons tending to a lustrous garden in the tradition of Christian Dior himself. ($1,350)

Paco Rabanne Invictus Platinum

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Since its launch back in 2013, Invictus has become the emblematic roster of fragrances for the house of Paco Rabanne, with a family of distinct eaux de parfum that all speak to masculinity and fearlessness. This year, the Invictus realm is expanding once again with the introduction of Invictus Platinum, an olfactory ode to heroism and victory. A scent bursting with lavender, patchouli, cypress, and grapefruit stirred with absinth, this third member of the Invictus family subtly nods to the original, while its deft balance of dense minerality and smokiness brings a more contemporary, empowered signature to the popular fragrance line. Invictus Platinum’s new face is none other than the Houston Rockets’ Jalen Green, an NBA superstar in the making (and one of the league’s trailblazers of personal style). At just 20 years old, Green — who was the second overall pick in last year’s NBA draft — is proof that excellence is bound not by age or experience but by intent and dedication. With a “go big or go home” attitude, the shooting guard admits that, with each passing game, “I’m working to rewrite my goals and my story, learning to be the best version of myself for myself.”

Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical Bronze

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While not a 2022 novelty, the bronze cased Hamilton Khaki Field remains on our radar. The popularity of bronze cases is something that refuses to fade into the background to the point that it is no longer fair to reference the use of the material as a trend. This particular reference is a compact 38mm in diameter, giving it more vintage-inspired proportions. Meanwhile manually wound H-50 caliber is properly modern, delivering an impressive 80 hours of power reserve. ($1,040)

King Kennedy Rugs

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King Kennedy Rugs founder Mikael Kennedy started collecting antique rugs while working as a photographer, and saw his interest deepen as he learned more and more about the backstory of the pieces he collected. “Rugs are maps of humanity; each piece carries the story of a person, or a people, their travels, the cultures they have interacted with, the grit and dirt of their actual lives worn into the pieces themselves,” says Kennedy. Two years ago, after collecting for almost 15 years, Kennedy opened a private showroom in Los Angeles to display his vast collection of tapestries, which include pieces from third- and fourth-generation Persian rug dealers, Navajo blankets, and pictorial creations from Afghanistan. Besides amassing an impressive, ever-growing collection of vintage textiles, Kennedy has expanded into apparel, designing bomber jackets and footwear that features rugs and rug prints. (price on request)

Saint Laurent Vassili Zipped Booties

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Saint Laurent’s Spring/Summer 2022 collection puts creative director Anthony Vaccarello’s fondness for slender silhouettes, androgynous flourishes, and sophisticated tailoring on full display. In particular, the Vassili Zipped Booties, available in various leathers, are a versatile addition to any wardrobe, perfectly suited for both casual and dressy attire. The stacked heel adds a touch of sartorial flair while bolstering the brand’s well-established rock ’n’ roll aesthetic, with this season nodding to the New Romantic era of the ’80s. ($1,380)

Sushi Shunei in Paris

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With veteran chef Shunei Kimura at the helm and a minimalist wood interior designed by Sala Hars, Sushi Shunei has been in high demand ever since it opened its doors in 2021. Recently awarded the illustrious Michelin star, Sushi Shunei goes beyond ordinary Japanese dining, instead priding itself on its Edomae-style sushi, a 200-year-old tradition that involves aging fish. Chef Shunei’s signature nigiri, which includes gambas from Palamós and iwashi (sardine), is enjoyed at the restaurant’s eight-seat counter and come paired with a choice of sake, organic wine, or cold infused tea.

King Seiko

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Amid all the limited-edition watches released last year to mark Seiko’s 140th birthday, there was one that even keen observers might have missed. The Seiko 140th Anniversary Limited Edition Re-creation of King Seiko KSK (or SJE083J1 in Seiko parlance) wasn’t as colourful or complicated as many of the year’s other releases, but it represented something significant: the return of one of Seiko’s boldest and most influential 1960s sub-brands. Now, with a new family of models based on the original KSK available for 2022, King Seiko is returning to its rightful place on the throne.

With their flat dials, faceted indexes, and broad, razor-edged hands, the new King Seiko models pay faithful tribute to the details that make the original 1965 KSK a collector’s grail. And if those details look familiar, that’s because they’ve since become the hallmarks of Grand Seiko’s design language, too. In the 1960s, in pursuit of ever-greater accuracy, reliability, and beauty, Seiko pitted its most talented designers against each other at two competing ateliers. One was Grand Seiko and the other was King Seiko. While Grand Seiko is now known as Seiko’s luxury marque, many of the brand’s strongest attributes — its obsession with light and shadow, and its mirror-polished “Zaratsu” surfaces in particular — actually came out of the King Seiko workshop.The five new King Seiko models available for 2022 combine original details — among them a box sapphire crystal and a textured 12 o’clock marker — with a new selection of dials in muted tones. Powered by Seiko’s Caliber 6R31 automatic movement, they’re a worthy tribute to a 1960s legend. More importantly, however, they tell one of the more interesting origin stories in the Seiko universe. ($2,195)

Bode Los Angeles

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Bode has spread its sartorial wings westward and opened its first flagship store in Los Angeles — a distinctively eclectic retail experience and the brand’s largest to date. Yet another collaboration with Green River Project LLC, the Brookyln-based furniture and design studio that’s a favourite of the fashion crowd, Bode’s Californian outpost emphasizes humankind’s place within natural history and features artifacts that date back to the Late Cretaceous period 66 million years ago. Situated in the plaster archway of the store is a skeletal, life-sized 1930s model of a dodo bird — an avian creature that went extinct in the 17th century due to overconsumption and a harrowing emblem of the imbalance between nature and humans.

Elsewhere, Bode’s commitment to using preserved textiles and techniques from antiquity reveals an attempt to reconcile humankind’s seismic impact on the environment, proving that there is an afterlife to what some may consider waste. This also reflects the brand’s commitment to a circular economy that combats overconsumption by creating and repairing clothing for continued use. Bode has also partnered with the Pacific Marine Mammal Center (PMMC), the first licensed marine mammal rehabilitation organization in California, to further its sustainability focus outside its ready-to- wear offering. Limited-edition pieces that commemorate the collaboration will be for sale, with 100 per cent of the profits going toward the PMMC. This retail space will offer a curated selection of items from the brand’s current collection, as well as one-of-a-kind garments, children’s wear, accessories, and footwear.

Prada America’s Cup Original Sneakers

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One of the most iconic shoes of the ‘90s, Prada America’s Cup sneakers have made a resurgence in recent years, with archive fashion fans snapping up vintage pairs whenever they can find them. The sneaker, originally inspired by competitive sailing, was a staple of the iconic Prada Sport line (now known as Linea Rossa), which was the forefront of the ‘90’s love of minimal silhouettes with techy details and fabrics. This version from the Linea Rossa SS22 collection revives the original silhouette, along with an exterior made of leather, a breathable bike fabric, and an oversized rubber sole. ($1,100)

Louis Vuitton 2022 Lockit Bracelet for UNICEF

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Are you ready to accessorize — for a cause? Re-envisioned yet again by the late Virgil Abloh, this new collection for 2022 follows his first Silver Lockit collaboration from 2020. The signature details remain the same but new materials (chain, padlock, and Louis Vuitton charm), and colours (neon yellow, rainbow, or black cord) grace this iteration of the bracelet. For every Silver Lockit by Virgil Abloh sold, $100 is donated to UNICEF and since 2016, the fashion house has raised more than $18 million USD for the charity organization. If you’re searching for new jewellery this season, look no further. (New styles from $730)

Bearface Wilderness Series Matsutake Whisky

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While the global world of whisky is steeped in tradition, there are certain freedoms that come from being based out of “newer” regions that dabble in the craft. Scottish and Irish producers in particular are often bound by their respective heritage, whereas newer entrants to the category — British Columbia-based BEARFACE being a perfect example — have proven themselves free to rewrite the rulebook in many respects. Case in point, the brand’s inaugural launch in its brand-new Wilderness Series: the Matsutake Release 01. Using rare foraged mushrooms in the aging process delivers a subtle yet surprising character to this new whisky, making it equally appealing poured neat as it is when mixed in the brand’s signature cocktails. ($50)

Resident Offset Bench

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A well-designed bench is unmatched for its versatility — useful as seat in a hallway or at a dining table, or as a coffee table or TV Stand. This option (available in either natural or umber hues) by British-Canadian designer Philippe Malouin for Resident is a particularly striking option, with a unique silhouette created by its chunky, offset legs. Oh, and it’s made of solid oak, so rest assured that it’s up to the task of everyday life. (From $1,750 USD)

Rado Captain Cook Ceramic Diver

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While much of the focus on the watch industry has been centred around releases from Watches and Wonders, brands that weren’t in attendance at the fair have also been bringing new watches to market in the last month. Rado falls into that category with the release of their latest diver — the Captain Cook High-Tech Ceramic. This latest evolution of the much loved diver melds the brand’s rich history with its penchant for working in advanced materials. Previously offered in steel and bronze, the mixed of both polished and matte ceramic to this dive watch is a welcome change of pace, and its 43mm case diameter makes it a good fit for just about anyone. The material is also rather lightweight, which is always a plus. Offered in black, grey, or green/brown ceramic with a handful of dial colour variants, we expect this new model to be at least as popular as its more conventional counterparts. (from $4,000)

Moscot Miltzen Black Sunglasses With Custom Made Tints

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Spring has sprung which means ’tis the season for warm(er) weather accessories, and sunglasses are first on our list. Protect your eyes with these Miltzen black shades from Moscot with customizable tints. This iconic style was first introduced in the 1930s, is handcrafted using Italian acetate, and is tinted by hand. Choose from a range of shades — from Mellow Yellow all the way to Big Apple Fade — and you’ll surely shield your peepers from the sun in style this season. ($480)

VSSL Camp Supplies Kit

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As the days get longer and just a little bit warmer, it’s hard not to dream about getting outdoors, whether that be canoeing, hiking, or just a bit of car-camping. To help sustain you out in the wild (and to make packing just a little bit easier), Abbotsford, B.C.-based brand VSSL has cleverly packed over 70 survival essentials — from fire starter to a Military GI can opener — into a waterproof, aluminum flash-light. The brand offers a similarly clever First Aid Kit, and even a flask for when you need a post-paddle or post-hike tipple. ($185)

Fogia Big Sur Low

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Swedish furniture brand Fogia’s latest coffee table is all about contrasts, propping a rounded glass surface atop four wood legs. Designed by Simon Klenell and Kristoffer Sundin, the table was reportedly inspired by a visit to Big Sur in California, where the coastal cliffs contrast the crisp blue ocean. (Price on request)

Kiton Geometric Design Bomber From Harry Rosen’s Golf Collection

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Harry Rosen’s “style-driven golf apparel” collection has everything you need for a day on the course — but it’s also filled with stylish selections that double as street, lounge, and even dinner wear. We’re loving the Geometric Design Bomber from Kiton which makes for the perfect spring jacket whether you’re into golf or not. Made from a lightweight fabric for easy layering, it’s also crafted from stretch knit for a comfortable fit, making it an ideal statement piece that stands the test of time. ($1,495)

Hermès Arceau Le Temps Voyageur

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It’s safe to say that, once again, the team behind watch development at Hermès threw us a curveball with their latest release. It’s not a brand that many turn to for watches, but they’ve had more than a half dozen exceptional releases in recent years. Case in point, the Arceau Le Temps Voyageur — a new world timer with a peculiar local time setting feature. The local time is indicated on the smaller subdial (home time is digital at 12 o’clock), and when you adjust the local time (via a pusher at nine o’clock) not only does the local hour jump forward, but the subdial also jumps ahead to align with the local city on the dial perimeter. To develop the caliber, the brand turned to Jean-François Mojon of Chronode, whose resume includes calibers for MB&F, De Bethune, and others. ($28,825 USD)

TUMI Travel Kit

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As people are starting to travel once again — for business, pleasure, or both — it’s only right to invest in some new travel gear, particularly this navy blue travel kit from TUMI’s Alpha Bravo collection, made with sustainability in mind, and crafted from select recycled materials. It has tons of pockets, compartments, and even anti-microbial and water-resistant lining. It can sit on the counter or be hung from a fixture to keep all your toiletries, products, and accessories organized. For personalization and added flair, you can opt for a free classic monogram or a premium monogram so you’ll never lose track of your new handy dandy bag. ($210)

A Pair of Grand Seiko Snowflakes

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It’s no secret that I have a soft spot for Grand Seiko’s Spring Drive Chronograph GMT — a peculiar-looking reference with an unorthodox subdial layout and oversized chronograph pushers — but when the brand announced a new version featuring the brand’s much-loved “snowflake dial” it was pretty much game over. The brand has long been known for delivering way more value in terms of design and finishing than any of its competitors, as they continue to struggle against the trope that “luxury watchmaking is reserved for the Swiss and German makers”. The fact of the matter is, Grand Seiko is a watch lover’s dream, and these two new Spring Drive releases add another layer of diversity to the brand’s ever-changing offering. Both are limited in production, with the SBGC247 chronograph limited to 700 pieces, and the SBGE275 diver GMT limited to 1,500 pieces globally. Both will arrive in Grand Seiko boutiques this month. (SBGC247 – 11,000 Euro, SBGE275 – 7,300 Euro)

Porsche Design 50Y Limited Edition Weekender Bag

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Weekend getaways are about all the travel that some of us can muster, between COVID travel restrictions and the hectic start to the new year. That in mind, a well-made weekender bag is always a good thing to have, and Porsche Design’s new 50th Anniversary collection easily answers the call. The simple and rather timeless design combines supple black leather with the same checked fabric found on the seats of the new Anniversary Edition 911 we covered a couple of weeks ago. While few would stumble across this bag without being a fairly seasoned auto geek, one doesn’t need to be obsessed with cars to appreciate the craftsmanship and care that went into this bag. ($1,250)

JBL L75ms Music System

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The balancing act between high performance audio and the practicality of streaming is a fine line to walk. Most casual listeners want a quality listening experience, however going the route of a complete audio system build — preamp, amplifier, wired speakers, etc — is a less popular method for those outside the audiophile community. This is where the JBL L75ms comes in. JBL’s new unit is designed to work equally well both wired and wirelessly, so whether you want to connect to a turntable or stream from Spotify or other services, you’ll get the quality audio you’re craving. As an insider tip — services like Tidal, Deezer and Qobuz offer an option for higher CD-quality streaming content that’s superior to Spotify’s compressed streaming. ($1,500 USD)

adidas for Prada Re-Nylon Collection

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We’re in an interesting period right now where some people are still consistently working from home and laying low, where others are taking on the city — commuting to work, heading to restaurants, and seeing pals. No matter which one you are, this adidas for Prada Re-Nylon collection is for you. Made using Re-Nylon, an innovative fabric made from recycled ocean plastic — and inspired by both adidas and Prada’s iconic aesthetic codes, with the incorporation of their signature trademarks — this collection has pieces cool enough for coffee runs yet comfortable and casual enough for Zoom meetings. (From $650)

Mattiazzi FILO Chair

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Architect Mies van der Rohe once said, “A chair is a very difficult object. A skyscraper is almost easier.” While the iconic architect was surely hyperbolizing, it is mighty difficult to create a chair that’s not only comfortable but good looking too. The FILO chair — the Bouroullec brothers’ latest design for Italian brand Mattiazzi — eloquently answers the old form versus function conundrum with a cord seat and back that is not only striking to look at but plenty comfortable too.

Lost In The Valley of Death, by Harley Rustad

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The disappearance of Justin Alexander Shelter in the Indian Himalayas ­is the subject of Lost in the Valley of Death, an enthralling new work of narrative nonfiction from Canadian journalist Harley Rustad. Part adventure tale, part true crime investigation, Lost in the Valley of Death will naturally be compared to Into the Wild — Jon Krakauer’s investigation into Christopher McCandless’s death in the Alaskan wilderness in the early ‘90s — although it’s a distinctly 21^st century story, ruminating on the contradictions inherent to not only travel in the social media age, but how we live online. Under Rustad’s watch, Shetler is a compelling, complex character: a man simultaneously craving solitude and validation — always searching, in the digital and real worlds alike.

Moccamaster KBGV Select

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Working from home is best accompanied by a big pot of drip coffee. The problem: most drip machines are downright ugly. Not Technivorm’s Moccamaster. Not only is the Moccamaster widely considered the best drip machine that money can buy, its industrial-chic aesthetic — which dates back to the late 1960s and nods to the Netherland’s long history of industrial — makes it a worthy addition to your countertop. ($460)

Dior Double-Breasted Jacket

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Relaxed tailoring is having a moment and if you’re looking to jump in, this double-breasted blazer from Dior is a good place to start. While many double-breasted jackets look stiff and frumpy, Dior’s streamlined silhouette makes for a look that is somehow sophisticated and laid back at the same time. Pair with the matching olive trousers (which are cut perfectly: neither too slim or too billowy) and you’re all set to make an understated style statement come wedding season. ($3,500)

Hydrow Rower

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In case anyone’s New Year’s resolution was to work out more (no shame, we’ve all been there), maybe give the Hydrow Rower a try. It’s sleek and not too bulky or clunky like most workout equipment so it’ll fit nicely in your apartment, spare room or home gym. Its 22″ full HD screen makes it easy to follow along and it pairs with Bluetooth speakers but also headphones in case you want to row without disturbing your significant other. Needless to say, we have a feeling this is going to be your new favourite way to exercise. (Sale price: $2,995)

HAY George Sowden Toaster

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This retro-looking colourblocked toaster is what happens when you blend a kitchen essential with superb design — and we wouldn’t expect anything less from HAY. Founded by a husband and wife in Denmark, the Danish-inspired furniture brand specialities in just that: functional, beautiful, and high-quality pieces. Made from sturdy plastic and stainless steel — and a colour palette inspired by British designer George Sowden — this easy-to-clean and sleek toaster fits perfectly in any nook on your countertop. Don’t you love when cookware doubles as décor? ($125)

Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Quadriptyque

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In the words of Spinal Tap’s Nigel Tufnel, “These go to 11” — complications, that is. From basic calendar functions to a minute repeater that can chime the time at set intervals, this watch can do just about anything you want. The inside and back of its case track the moon’s movement on no less than three different dials that you’ll probably need an astronomy degree to make sense of. But no matter — we like an investment watch that can keep our attention for a while. (Price upon request)

Fritz Hansen Series 7 Chair

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With better days on the horizon, bright colours are back to paint the world with a fresh coat of optimism. Danish furniture brand Fritz Hansen is building upon this celebratory mood by introducing vibrant new iterations of a 1955 classic designed by Arne Jacobsen. With 16 hues to choose from for the shell and upholstery and nine for the base, you have the option to match or create high-contrast combinations. (From $745)

Cloud Bowl by Tom Dixon

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By day, it’s an elegant fruit bowl. But when the time comes for evening festivities, this sculptural silver statement piece — hammered into a unique seed-pod shape by Indian artisans — really comes into its own as a perfect ice bucket. Time to start chilling that bottle of champagne you’ve been saving — the Roaring Twenties have arrived. ($485)

Beautiful World, Where Are You by Sally Rooney

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Before dinner party conversations became all about podcasts and prestige TV, they used to be about big fall fiction. The latest novel from literary sensation Sally Rooney — a story about the highs and lows of success and love that plays out through email — promises to resuscitate at least a few dormant book clubs. The jury’s still out on whether it will manage to jump-start any style trends, à la Connell’s chain necklace.

Braun BC21B Digital Clock

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Much has been said about how the iPod and subsequent smartphones took their design cues from a portable radio that Dieter Rams designed for Braun back in 1958. That raises the question: how might Rams design a bedside phone charger? Thanks to this clock combining the classic Braun design language with a wireless charging pad, we finally have our answer. ($175)

Tan Grained-Leather Garment Bag by Brunello Cucinelli

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What better way to mark your return to the sky than by investing in a statement garment bag? Suddenly, the official accessory of business trips and destination weddings feels like the height of cool, communicating that, after a bit of a dry spell, you once again have exotic places to be, stylish things to wear there, and an admirable commitment to avoiding wrinkles along the way. ($5,715, at MatchesFashion)

Concept2 SkiErg

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No matter if you live in the city or somewhere that winter barely exists, with Concept2’s SkiErg, you can experience the lung and muscle-busting workout that is Nordic skiing. Using the same flywheel resistance system as a rowing machine, users pull down on cords that emulate ski poles, building strength and endurance in the process. The “double-pole” technique hits every- thing — arms, shoulders, core, legs — by creating a downward crunch motion. It’s gonna hurt. ($770 USD)

On Any Sunday

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The film that made a million motorcyclists has officially turned 50. When Bruce Brown’s On Any Sunday hit screens back in 1971, audiences were enraptured by the sight of Steve McQueen and his buddies spending their free time tearing across the California desert on dirt bikes. It somehow looked both thrilling and casual, and it helped transform the image of motorcycling as something for outlaws into something for parents and kids to do on weekends. The doc was ostensibly about “motorcycle sport and the men who ride,” but in truth it was — like Brown’s surfing doc The Endless Summer — about people living life well, finding a thing they love to do, and then doing it. It was a powerful advertisement for motorcycling in 1971, and now, blessed with a nostalgic glow, the film’s pull is even stronger. A remastered and digitally enhanced 50th Anniversary Edition of On Any Sunday by Bruce Brown Films is out now in limited release.