The Blueprint

Formulas for better living

[spokestream]

Josh Butler rowed in the Great Britain Lightweight Squad between 2012 and 2014. Today, he’s the head coach at Westminster School, where no fewer than 6 of his charges have progressed to the national team - and he also cycles up very steep hills, professionally fast.

So, as we approach Olympic season, we thought we’d ask: how do you squeeze world class performance from an athlete? What’s the formula? 

These are Josh’s ...

Ten Ways to Go Faster

1. Find a Coach

Of course my rowers need a coach. But even as an amateur cyclist, I use one. It’s less about honing technique, or constructing a programme - and more just a case of accountability. If I have a date in the diary with a coach, I feel like I need to make good use of the time, and explain my performance. It keeps me honest and hungry.

2. Train

You need to train, and train hard. We all have good days - days when everything just clicks. But when you train properly, and with regularity, you don’t just get better - you also minimise the variation in your performance. You limit the bad days. And ask any athlete - that consistency, that rhythm, is the key to winning.

3. Sweat the Detail

You might have heard about Dave Brailsford obsessing over “marginal gains” at Team Sky. I have to take a similar approach. A rowing boat looks like a simple piece of kit - but I spend hours every week, fine tuning the rigging, optimising it for the different rowers in each seat. The height of the swivel. The angle of the pin. No detail is too small - races are won & lost by seconds, and those details can make all the difference.

4. Test & Learn

I don’t find the best eight for my boat through guesswork or even good judgement. I test different combinations for weeks, and analyse the results exhaustively until I know. 20% of my day is spent pouring over numbers, Moneyball style.

5. Break the Problem Down

I may be coaching an eight - but at the start of a season, we do a ton of work in pairs. You can put down some soft strokes in an 8, and no-one will know - but in a pair, there is nowhere to hide. That’s how I uncover my best athletes.

6. Work on the Weakest Point

If you’re a big powerhouse, chances are I’ll be working on your endurance. If you’re more of a lean, long-distance type, I’ll be working on your strength. To win, I want complete athletes in every seat.

7. Eat Colourful

For 2 years as an international athlete I ran a negative calorie balance - and I was in the shape of my life, performing at my peak. Let’s just say I've long since abandoned calorie counting as a total waste of time. Dietary rules need to be simple to work - and the one piece of nutritional advice that has stuck, is to eat colourful - to make sure there’s a bit of green, yellow, red, white and brown on every plate. If you are training hard and looking for physical performance, there’s no better recipe.

8. Sleep Early and Often

When I was rowing full-time I’d aim for 8-10 hours a night, as well as a 20-minute power nap in the early afternoon. There is simply no substitute for sleep. Even now I am shamefully bad on a night out - by 9pm I’m in pieces.

9. Relax

I have my headphones in when I ride - but they’re not smashing out ‘Firestarter' on loop. I don’t have any ‘powersongs’. Most of the time, my goal is keep my heart rate as low as possible, so I’m more likely to be playing Cafe del Mar than Tiesto.

10. And Just Occasionally, Get Angry

Sorry to go all Darth Vader on you, but when you are pushing through intolerable pain, it does help sometimes to feel a bit of anger or frustration. And I do find myself picturing the people I don’t want to lose to. It’s nothing personal. But you always have a point of view on who you should be beating. 

To check out Josh’s fine-tuned trouser-wear for yourself, visit the SPOKE store.

[spokestream]

Freerunning, explained.

We’ve been making some bold claims about our new Flex chinos. But sometimes it’s better to show than tell. 

So - we let them loose on professional Parkour practitioner (and bona fide 'UK Ninja Warrior') Ruel daCosta.

And then we sat him down to ask the sort of questions you’d ask of a man who makes a living hurling himself off bits of urban architecture. 

Ruel, let’s cut to it. Parkour looks like fun. And also a serious health hazard. How and why did you end up making it your thing?

Well, like most kids, I liked learning tricks. Maybe you had the ‘Running Man' down pat. Perhaps you taught yourself to ‘Moonwalk'. I  just got carried away. Mine was running on a wall like a character from the Matrix. And then in 2001 Parkour arrived in the UK, and gave a name (and a lot of encouragement) to something I was already doing.

Where do you do it? Where’s your playground?

Places that to most look run down and dirty are typically the most beautiful places in the eye of a free runner. Older furniture tends to be easier to access. And shiny, new surfaces aren’t great for grip. So I love the Barbican and the South Bank. Those are my stomping grounds.

OK - Talk us through your near death experiences. 

Look, I’ve had many minor injuries, no question. Dislocated both ankles a few times & cracked my head open once. But, honestly, nothing too serious. Is that so different from a season snowboarding? Probably not. And i don’t have to worry about avalanches.

Is there a text book. Do you all have a foundation of basics, or do you make it up as you go along?

There are obviously some foundational moves that we all use all the time. You need to know how to ‘kong’, ‘pre’ and 'roll’. But there’s no doubt that the fun really lies in improvising a bit, and inventing new tricks. I look to animals for inspiration - when they move in their own habitat it’s beautiful. The answer is to turn off your adult brain and listen to your inner child. Sorry to sound like a hippie, but it’s true.

OK, we’re sold. Where do we start?

Well, you don’t have to jump from buildings on day one. If you want to learn ‘hard’ skills. Gymnastics, Trampolining and Acrobatics, are all great places to lay a foundation. Anything that teaches you to jump and fall in a controlled way. Better still, come along to Paramount Parkour gym - the first purpose built indoor Parkour gym in the UK. Here, we take urban environment and condense it into one room with mats and skilled coaches to teach you in a safe way. 

Finally - crucially - how do you like them Flex chinos? Time for a quick review?

Can i keep this pair please? As an athlete with big thighs, most trousers I wear just don't fit right - but these are awesome.

And on that note … If you too want to free your inner child (not to mention, travel in comfort and style), book yourself and acrobatics class, and then check out our range of Flex chinos. Built for movement. 

Find your Flex >>>

[spokestream]

At the extremes of human endurance, we learn a lot about ourselves. How else to explain marathon running? Or space exploration? Or Bush Tucker Trials?

And who better then to teach us about early starts than BBC breakfast business anchor, Ben Thompson - a man operating at the outer reaches of the sleep cycle.

Ben’s day starts at the filthy early hour of 430am. And not long after that, he’s beamed into the homes of millions. 

Kicking off a new series of SPOKEsman profiles, Ben offers some tips for making those early starts look and feel easy - and models his favourite SPOKEs to boot ...

1. Segment your sleep - If you’re up as early as I am, you need to manage your sleep - but that doesn’t mean turning in at 9pm every night. I’ve learnt to work with a split sleep schedule - four hours in the late afternoon, and four hours from midnight. The trick is to be strict, and stick to four - you mess your cycles up if you run over. But it’s a myth that we need 8 straight hours - and by splitting, i can get up early, AND maintain a social life.

2. Keep Workwear Simple - My alarm goes off at 430am. Early morning is no time for complex decision making - so a uniform helps. Mostly, I’m in a suit on camera - I stick to Dark Blue, and Dark Grey, and a white shirt. That way i can accommodate any background set - and any of the ties I’m sent as gifts. There’s a lot of politics and diplomacy in those ties. If I’m on location, the hard hat / hi-vis jacket combo is an occupational hazard for a business presenter - but underneath, i’ll keep things simple with some dark denim or navy chinos, and a white Oxford button down.

3. Tailor, Tailor, Tailor - I’m 6’6” - so i know the value of a good tailor, better than most. I know I’m preaching to the converted, but it’s amazing how much better things look when they really fit. I have a guy in Fitzrovia, near the office. He’s great. And no I’m not sharing his details - he’s run off his feet!

4. Make the Commute Count - I use the journey to work to get plugged in. I’ll start with the BBC (check!) - and I spend a lot of time on Twitter, which is a great aggregator. My email inbox will be full of City briefings from the big newspapers, banks - and of course our teams in New York and Asia. 

5. Then Decompress on the Way Home - It’s hard to switch off from a newsroom that operates 24/7 - but I try to tune out on way home. I’ll dial up some Spotify - usually a mood playlist - and leave the phone in my bag.

6. Use Cardio to Switch Off - I head to the gym most afternoons - and again, I leave the phone in my locker. I do way too much cardio. Getting your head down and just running is the ultimate stress management tool. Headphones on, music up, switch off.

[spokestream]

We’ve styled 5 Spring photoshoots now. Time to draw some conclusions. 

These are our five fallbacks - the Spring wardrobe fixes we turn to again and again. Click the links to see the featured strides ...

#1 - The Denim Jacket - paired with Ocean 

The perfect spring top-layer. Solves the same ’not-quite-warm-yet' problem as a ‘Shacket' - but with more heritage, and no ridiculous names. 

#2 - The Print Shirt - paired with Dusk 

Nothing says ‘impending summer’ like a bold print. So it’s 7 degrees outside? Fake it ’til you make it. Paul Smith is a reliable source - and this shirt is from Orlebar Brown, who do an unbeatable line in photographic prints.

#3 - The Grey Marl Hoodie - paired with Marine

Sorry Zuck, but we want our hoodie back. This is too good to be left to geeks. It’s easy to sling on. It has pockets. And a hood. It’s just objectively better than a sweatshirt. We note that the 'luxury hoodie' is a thing now - but we think you do just fine in the mid market with something from J Crew, or Saturdays NYC.

#4 - The Proper Plain White T - paired with Mint 

Here’s our observation: you get what you pay for, up to about £30. For that sort of money, you’ll get better cotton, in a stronger, more compact weave, and a cleaner finish on the stitching. Even in the course of a photoshoot you can watch a cheap t-shirt lose it’s shape. It’s a false economy.  Albam hit the sweet spot. We love Sunspel too - but at £60, you’re paying for the brand ... 

#5 Light Leather Trainers - paired with Ocean 

A pair of clean white sneaks is incredibly durable, and will give you coverage across range of trousers. You should invest a bit to get something that lasts. Those Chuck Taylor Converse will look like a grimy mess after 3 wears - so consider some leather Stan Smiths, or row the boat out with some Common Projects.

[spokestream]

The chocolate and the flowers are table stakes. If you want to win big on Valentines, you’ll have to get creative.

We’re told that experiences make us happier than things - so that’s where we’ve stacked our chips this year:

1. Urban Massage

Think of it as ‘Uber for massage’ - and order up a surprise treatment (or a gift card). A therapist will visit at a time of your choosing offering everything from an ‘Urban Classic’ to a more rigorous Deep Tissue massage.

2. Tickets to Helsinki

Because why not? Unexpected places make great memories. The Finns gave us Angry Birds, the Moomins and saunas - and Helsinki deserves a closer look. Finnair and BA will get you there for little more than £100. You can wrap the guide book.

3. Grub Club

Some nights, Pizza Express is just not the answer. This directory of totally original pop-up dining experiences offers something completely different, across a range of world cuisines - including several over Valentine’s weekend.

4. AirBnB in Your Own Town

You don’t need to travel for a memorable city-break. Few of us know much about the other side of town, wherever we live - and spending a night seeing the place you call home from a fresh perspective is startling and fun. Consider One Fine Stay for something more decadent.

5. Trapeze Lessons

Learn to fly together in a two hour introductory session. Most schools will offer vouchers or gift cards. Discover important lessons in letting go ….

Good luck out there.

[spokestream]

We’re suckers for a good subscription. There’s a kind of magic in the timely drop of a parcel through your door. Anything to break up the bills and furniture catalogues ...

Since January is a time to set things up, here are six of our favourites. We’ve even negotiated some discounts for you.

Take a look - and tell them SPOKE sent you.

1. Wax & Stamp

OK Spotify, we know - but everyone needs a bit of analogue in their lives. It’s been great to watch the LP rise like a phoenix from the smouldering ashes of HMV. If you have a turntable, and it’s not getting enough use, this is your answer. Founded by real collectors, Wax and Stamp will send a couple of obsessively curated records - an LP and a single - every month. No, you don’t get to pick. Serendipity is a beautiful thing. 

£26/mth - and 10% off your sub, with code SPOKE16

2. Cure & Simple

Artisanal bacon. By post. Every fortnight. There should be Nobel prizes for this sort of entrepreneurship. We like the Bourbon flavour. 

Use code SPOKE for 60% off your first pack.

3. Cornerstone

Famously, a Gillette razor blade sells for 50 times its cost. All that money for Roger Federer. He doesn’t make your shave better though, does he? And from the glut of new shaving services, promising to end this rip off, we’re announcing a clear winner. Cornerstone use German engineered blades and let you choose from a range of pre and post shave products to configure your perfect box. Never shop for overpriced blades again.

Use SPOKE10 for £10 off your first purchase.

4. Pact

If caffeine is our drug of choice, Pact is the Avon Barksdale of our world, re-upping the office with freshly ground, luxury-grade coffee. Some of us have it set up at home too, for our weekend fix. It’s almost sad. Smart packaging means it’ll fit through any letterbox - if you’re a coffee lover this is one of those subs you’ll never cancel.

Use ‘spokelondon’, and order a trial pack for just £1.

5. Nutribox

You know how everyone raids your ‘Graze' box, and there’s never enough? Well Nutribox is office-sized, and fit for sharing. They make extravagant claims about ‘nutritional balance’ and ‘employee productivity’ - but honestly, you had us at ‘luxury trail mix’, guys. 

10% off any box. Quote 'Spoke London' when ordering online or by phone.

6. Stack

You’ll have noticed we’re magazine aficionados here at SPOKE - we think there are few greater pleasures than cracking the spine on a sharply written, beautifully printed periodical. Trouble is, most of the interesting titles publish just a handful of times each year. Stack fill the gaps, curating an independent magazine each month - sourced anywhere from Riga to Dorset. As they put it themselves, 'we guarantee a totally original read'

Use SPOKE16 for 10% off all subscriptions

[spokestream]

In a stunning moment of clarity we’ve realised: Not everyone in your life is going to look great in a pair of SPOKEs. So, we’ve spent the past couple of weeks curating some gifts with a more feminine vibe.

We went for brands wth a focus on sharp design and smart thinking. Everything from soap to an iPhone app. One way or another, this list should fill any gifting gaps, big or small....

1. Cereal Magazine Subscription @ £22

Working your way through a beautifully shot magazine is one of life’s great indulgences - and we can do better than Grazia. Cereal is probably our pick of this pack - a style and travel magazine, pairing great stories from around the world with striking photography. Their shop features subscriptions, back issues, city guides and some beautiful stationary. Consider also The Gentlewoman - 'a magazine for modern women of style and purpose’

2. Soap Gift Set, by Soapsmith @£24

We’ve a soft spot for anything made in our home town - and these soaps are all crafted using a traditional cold process method, right here in the big smoke. There’s a gift set of 4 for £24, exploring the range of ‘floral, fruity fresh and gourmand’ scents. Individual bars are £10.These have 'stocking filler' written all over them.

3. Zurich Bag, by Milli Millu @£475

Handbags with a clever edge - these beautiful bags have been designed explicitly and thoughtfully with the modern professional woman in mind. The exterior is all handcrafted Italian leather luxury - but on the inside, you’ll find spaces and compartments to accommodate a modern professional toolkit - laptops, phones, papers. If you don’t trust your instincts, the gift cards are a great option … and she’ll have a range of clutches, day bags and wallets to choose from.

4. Headspace App, by Headspace @ £60

If you think ‘mindfulness' is all crystals, wind chimes and new-age voodoo, you need to reconsider. Meditation is not just nourishment for the soul - it builds a healthy, happy mind. There’s clinical proof, and everything. But - and here’s the big secret - it’s actually quite hard to do right. This app is the perfect route in. A year’s gift subscription to Headspace comes in at just £35 … and it’s probably the closest thing to a ‘life-changing’ gift that you’ll find on any list.

5. Gift Set, by Skin & Tonic @ £45

OK, so 'ethical cosmetics' are hardly breaking new ground - but the folks at Hackney-based startup 'Skin and Tonic’ make the whole thing more tangible by promising to use no more than 7 ingredients in any one product. Lovely packaging too. And of course, they nailed it with that name. A beauty gift from outside the mainstream - this one will demonstrate real thought.

6. Gift Card, by The Fold

Finally, a line of clothing. Now look, we’ll concede (from difficult personal experience), that buying clothes for the lady in your life is fraught with risk - but she will always appreciate an introduction to a new label - and The Fold have a inspired focus on that tricky beast, the working wardrobe.

Happy gifting folks. And remember, the internet is your friend. Do it online ....

[spokestream]

If your winter wardrobe needs a top-up, this is your shortcut - some carefully chosen layers from brands we really rate. Indulge yourself in some generous self-gifting, before the retail madness kicks in. Or lay down some hints. Now’s the time.

1. 5-Pocket Cords, by SPOKE

Some important facts about corduroy: it’s soft and warm, and built for winter. If you still harbour an old prejudice against cord, it’s time to move on. Cord is hot right now - and we’ve cut these needlecords in a 5-pocket Jean style, for a thoroughly contemporary finish.

2. Waffle Knit Hoodie, by Beams Plus

Apparently 'Tech Chic' is a thing - and while we have no ambition to look like Mark Zuckerberg, we love a great hoodie as much as the next man. When our favourite Japanese knitwear brand, Beams, created this warm waffle-knit, we were first in line.

3. Tartan Scarf by Hacket

Hackett do a sensational line in wool and cashmere scarves - and we love the pattern-break of this MacKellar tartan number.

4. Olive Shell Jacket, by The Workers Club

At this time of year, fashion brands pedal an endless parade of heavy winter coats. But the truth is, on this rainy  island, a transitional, weatherproof outer layer will serve you better. We love everything TWC stand for - and this windproof, waterproof, breathable Olive Shell pretty much captures it all. Take a look.

5. Brushed Twill Shirt, by COS

Soft brushed fabrics are the sartorial highlight of the winter - and this clean modern cut by COS is a versatile layer you can dress up or down

6. Wool Gloves, by Hackett

Grey wool gloves, trimmed on the palm and fingers with soft brown leather … so they work with a touchscreen.

7. Black Backpack, by Brooks Bags

That free rucksack you got with your gym membership? It’s not OK. And while this sits at the top end of our backpack budget, we found it easy to make the case. Cut from water proofed cotton and trimmed with leather, you’ll still have this in ten years time - and it will have worn in, not out.

8. Palmer Tan Boot, by Hudson

Sure, if money were no object, we’d buy our boots from Viberg. But hey, we can’t all invest the national debt of a small developing nation in our footwear. Hudson are a sensational alternative, selling beautifully made boots at a decidedly sane price. Free delivery and returns, too.

9. Socks, by Form & Thread

This is great site - clean and sharp, serving up beautiful product by post. Everything we aspire to. Try these cotton-rich, mid-weight socks, woven in a triple-twisted yarn. The definition of winter wardrobe staple.

10. Our Winter Reading

Everyone talks about curling up with a good book. Realistically you might be snatching a half a chapter on the District Line - but our Winter Picks will improve any journey:

In fiction - it feels like a cop-out to list a Booker prize winner. But A Brief History of Seven Killings is Un. Put. Downable.

In non-fiction - we love the bite size doses of hard, smart rationality from Ben Goldacre in “I think You’ll Find it’s More Complicated than that"

So, enjoy those. And stay warm out there.

[spokestream]

You have a choice. You can endure your commute, and fill it with the empty calories of Facebook or the Metro. Or you can turn it into something worth doing everyday. You could even look forward to it.

We’ve made some suggestions to get you started ....

1. ‘Reply All’ - A Podcast

Podcasts are perfect commuting fodder - bitesize morsels of content that work door to door, however you’re travelling. We’ll assume you’ve tried Serial - so we’ve settled on this as our current favourite: Reply All - a brilliantly produced series of stories about the internet, and how it’s changing our lives. Just trust us on this. 2. Angle and Curve Headphones 

At any moment in time, 40% of the world’s earbud headphones are stuffed at the bottom of a drawer, tied in a Gordian knot. You can do better than this - without becoming a Beats or Bose robot. We’ve tested a few but British brand Angle & Curve is any easy choice. Come for the distinctively sharp, clean design; stay for the audio quality.  Whatever your sountrack, it will sound better with these. 

3. Sophnet Trainers

Leaving your house in trainers is a safe way to enhance the quality of your commute, even if it means a quick change at your desk. To avoid looking unintentionally hipster you’re better off with discreet branding and a classic design.  This pair from Japanese brand Sophnet is a take on the German army trainer, a perfect combination of timeless design and well conceived comfort. 

4. Mr. Stanford Umbrella 

Summer’s over (such as it was). Deal with it. Embrace the umbrella – and specifically this monochrome number from Mr.Stanford. Designed and made in England, it’ll stand up to a monsoon – and finishing is great: from the hand lacquered mapled handle to the beech wood shaft. They signal uncompromising quality and very good taste. 

5. Ally Capellino Shoulder Bag 

Ally Cappellino bags wear in, not out. This Robin briefcase is beautifully constructed, yet practical as they come. There’s a shoulder strap for an easy commute and leather handles for when you’re walking into a meeting.  The waxed canvas is what sets it apart - a bit of rugged appeal to balance its traditional form. If nothing else, bookmark Ally for Christmas shopping.  

6. London Guided – Travel Guide by Cereal magazine 

One for the Londoners. It’s when you’re stuck on the tube, surrounded by a bunch of exhausted strangers trying not to look at each other, that you feel London is failing you. ‘Guided - London’ by Cereal magazine is an elegant reminder of how brilliant London actually is. iPads are great and everything - but let’s never forget the simple pleasures of a carefully edited, beautifully printed magazine. 

7. Alfie Douglas Wallet 

With their minimalist, geometric designs these guys might be mistaken for a Scandinavian import - but their workshop is actually just West of London.  The bifold wallet is a great example of their work.  Handmade from start to finish, with great details like the saddle stitching and flat rivets, this is a thoroughly modern wallet - simple and compact, it’s all you need, now that so much of your life is on your phone. 

That should get you started. And of course, should you need perfect piece of commuting trouser-wear, you know where to find us.

[spokestream]

Statistics, eh? Apparently there’s more chance of being killed by a toaster than a shark. And a 28% chance that you're going on holiday in the next 3 weeks.

We don't like to argue with the numbers - so, this week, we're eating cereal for breakfast ... and composing our 2nd Annual Beach Checklist - ideas to round out your holiday packing:

1. Sloane Stationery, ‘Lab Notes’ Notebook

The best ideas arrive in unexpected places. The beach is no place to be fiddling with your phone - and crisp, blank pages are their own kind of inspiration. Sloane make a great range of soft-covered journals and notebooks, with wit and style.

2. Frescobol Carrioca, ‘Leblon’ Beach Bat Set

You don’t own these beach bats - you look after them for the next generation. OK, so we’re getting carried away - but these are handmade in Brazil from 13 piece of resin-coated wood. A sensational upgrade. You’ll be excited to pull them out on the beach - or anywhere else

3. Frescobol Carrioca, Linen Towel

We were so in love with the beach bats, we just kept clicking. 2.4 square meters of lightweight luxury, these towels resist sand and water and soften with every wash. 

4. SPOKE Washed Cotton Shorts

A beautifully cut pair of tailored shorts: the backbone of any summer wardrobe - finished in our signature style with Liberty pocketing and swiss hardware.

5. Kite Eyewear, ‘Pacific’ sunglasses

When swimming shorts are all you’ve got, a stylish accessory becomes a necessity. London-based Kite Eyewear nailed the formula there: British designed, Italian-made with German-sourced lenses. We dig them not just because they are rigorous about their design but they are big on fit too; so no nose marks. The Pacific model is a contemporary take on the Aviator, enhanced by the on-trend golden mirrors.

6. Harper Lee, ‘Go Set a Watchman’

Our fiction pick for the summer - because the original earned a sequel, and you should know what everyone is talking about. If you live in London, entertain yourself by using the Amazon ‘Prime Now’ 2 hour service. It’s extraordinary.

7. Andrew Jennings, ‘Foul: The Secret World of Fifa”

This was written in 2006. We should all have read it then. It will leave your jaw on the floor. Or perhaps just angry. But a very compelling read.

8. Neighbourhood x Henry & Henry, Flip Flops

An unlikely collaboration between Italian sandal brand and Japanese clothing company created what might be the perfect flip flop. Cutting a simple, classic shape, the rubber upper sits on a sole featuring customised ‘tire treads’. You don’t get more ‘beach essential’ than these. And if purple ain’t your thing, there are several other colours.

9. Triumph & Disaster, ‘No Dice’ Sunblock

Sunblock is not grooming, it’s a necessity. T&D make smart, sane skincare products for the modern man - and any brand that takes its name for Rudyard Kipling’s ‘If…’ has us onside from the outset.

10. Tarifa Custom Swimshorts

Tarifa are kindred spirits. Every pair of these swimshorts is custom finished in your choice of waist and length, and your pick of pockets. You can even have them monogrammed with your initials.

Have fun out there.

[spokestream]

DADDY COOL

[spokestream]

Father’s day is coming. You know this, because you have 73 emails with that title in your inbox. We’re adding to the noise, only with a great a deal of careful thought.

As usual, our first rule of gifting applies – buy him things he would never buy for himself - and this year, we’re embracing nostalgia as a theme:

1. Polaroid camera and film from The Impossible Project

There’s still magic in a Polaroid camera –a little black box spinning and whirring and spitting out a single copy of a picture that you can hold in your hand, or stick on the wall. Everyone needs a bit of analogue in their lives. He’ll have fun with this. #nofilter

2. Model Airplanes From SPOKE

Every man loves a model plane – and surely the best way to acquire one of these nostalgia trips is to buy a perfectly cut pair of SPOKEs. We ship one in every box – guaranteed to make him smile. And if you’re not sure on size, we sell beautifully presented, easily wrapable gift cards …

3. Set Squares from Hay

No one needs a set-square. We’re not even sure school-children do any more. They probably do geometry on their Samsung Galaxy’s for all we know. But these set squares by Danish design company ‘Hay’ are bound to evoke some nostalgia in any man born before the 90’s. And they are strikingly cool pieces of desk-ware, doubling as useful paperweights. We still need paperweights.

4. Knitted Tie from Wool and the Gang

From the gang that is responsible for the knitting revolution, a lipstick-red tie for cool and confident style. And if you think that’s a reach, they have a beautiful selection of sweater and beanies, all knitted by hand. It’s really a very clever model – check it out.

5. Boxers Shorts From Hamilton and Hare

A greying pair of M&S Y-fronts is no place to start the day. Inspired by the original boxer shorts - the ones worn by boxers - these are a perfect marriage of function and form.

And use this code to get 15% off Spoke_HH15  

6. ABC of Men’s Fashion, by Hardy Aimes From Amazon.co.uk 

A 1964 classic - a ‘perfect gift for both the style-conscious and the desperately in need! ‘ – so that pretty much covers the spectrum, and it’s a great, surprisingly sane read.

7. Greeting Cards from Telegramme Paper

You’ll need a card – and ideally it won’t be one you picked up at the Texaco garage on Saturday afternoon. These are great, with a mid-century, vintage vibe – buy one of their brilliant ‘supply boxes’, so you are set for next time.

[spokestream]

AW 15 inspiration: Iceland.

Volcanoes and that ....

[spokestream]

Happy International Workers Day ! 

[spokestream]

Today is Fashion Revolution day. A day to ask: who made my clothes?

We think that matters and that you’d like to know. 

Since November, Miguel makes our trousers.

We’ve scoured this continent for the best makers we can find. And Miguel is comfortably the best so far.

Miguel owns a small workshop, just north of Porto, in Portugal. He takes fabric we’ve sourced from a mill outside Milan, trim from the north west corner of Switzerland, and pocketing from England. He cuts and sews on a small production line of just 14 stations.

It’s not the fastest way to cut or make chinos. He makes in batches of hundreds, not thousands. But Miguel runs a happy team, who cut and sew with precision and care. They are proud of their work and they love what they do - so they make a beautiful product. 

Everyone wins.

Read more about the revolution  

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And also here

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