FINE LIVING

Angus Tsui and Ayumi Kwan, two Hong Kong-based eco-fashion designers, have launched Astra Tailoring, a men’s label that amalgamates masculine and classic elements through colourful prints and details – all constructed with up-cycled dead stock fabrics to promise zero-waste designs. Things to look out for include three-hole rather than four-hole buttons and its signature 3D printed seasonal floral pattern on linings.

www.astra-tailoring.com 

Tipping the hat to a 1973 design inspired by Jackie Kennedy, S.T. Dupont again translates the lighter’s roller to the body of a pen in the latest D-initial model. Available in black with gold or chrome, the click-pen is topped off by the S.T. Dupont’s D blazon. The ballpoint option even comes with an ultraglide refill to ensure i’s and t’s are dotted and crossed with assertion.

 

British expert in men’s grooming, Bolin Webb debuts the Prestige Razor Collection, available in R1 Chrome and R1 Gold. Both feature a Gillette Mach 3 blade for an ultra-high performance shave, an ergonomic blade and a pebble-like stand. The razors are complemented by a Wash Bag made by leading leather designer Bill Amberg. The travel-friendly leather pouch is fashioned with a nylon sidewall weave and neoprene lining for strength and durability, and also features black synthetic zips, a two-tone handle, inside net pockets and washable mat.

 

Graham’s Chronofighter Vintage Nose Art Limited Edition harks back to the 1940s with a bit of feminine charm. Aside from an enlarged trigger on the left for easy manoeuvring, the dial is illustrated with one of four motifs of pin-up girls, which were originally painted on military planes to bolster morale. Each limited to 100 pieces, the models are whimsically named Anna (with wavy hair and in military costume), Lily (in an off-shoulder strapped mini skirt), Nina (dressed in sailor attire) and Sally (blonde in high-heeled boots).

 

Interior designer Claire Rendall has joined arms with Robert Milder and Van de Sant to make furniture from ocean plastic, foam and fabric. Predominantly aiming at the UK and yacht owners, the contemporary-looking collection includes sofas, garden chairs and tables. “There’s an estimated 5 trillion tons of plastic currently out there,” Rendall said. “The problem is so acute that is has entered our food chain. This partnership hopes to help raise awareness as well as use some of this waste.”

 

Pierre Hermé brings a touch of Paris to Mid-Autumn Festival with four new flavours: Pierre Praliné & Chocolat, Ispahan (rose, raspberry, litchi and rose), Infiniment Vanille, and Yuzu & Matcha Green Tea. They are available in assortments of four and eight, in gift boxes with tea caddies, and in bespoke hampers until October 15.

 

Born in 1917, the Cartier Tank is celebrating its 100th anniversary. The invention by Louis Cartier himself mimics the top view of a tank: the brancards evoked the treads and the case represented the cockpit of the vehicle while the classic large roman numerals, chemin de fer and the sapphire cabochon crown make it instantly recognisable. For 2017, Cartier has released seven new models: Tank Francaise (quartz in a steel case with brilliant-cut diamond) in two sizes; Tank Américaine (quart and mechanical movement) in three sizes; and Tank Cintrée skeletons in pink gold and platinum powered by the 9917MC mechanical movement.

 

Tune out traffic and other background noise with Plantronics’ Voyager 3200 Series, a Bluetooth headpiece that includes an in-ear design for easy take-on and off; 3-mic noise-cancelling technology; smart sensors that automatically answer calls upon wear; dynamic mute alert sensors that alert the user when the device is muted; and a 90m wireless range. The add-on portable charging case increases its battery life from six to 10 hours.