London Zoo’s population of Bolivian squirrel monkeys have taken a liking to the glasses worn by visitors in the recent warm weather – and have begun to snatch the accessories off people’s heads.
All the tools you need to pull the best shot at home every time Whether you’re a daily dripper or a post-dinner sipper, your preferred roast does play an important role in the espresso. But in the end the most important key to a great shot is the consistency. How do you maintain a perfect balance every time? The short answer is solid gear and attention to detail—good coffee is a science after all. I recently set out to source the top gear for making the perfect shot of espresso, soon realizing the daunting variety of machines, tampers and grinders on the market made so I turned to Chris Nachtrieb of Chris Coffee for help. Over the past 30 years, Nachtrieb has cultivated relationships with some of the industry’s best espresso machine producers and has become known for his extensive mechanical knowledge about how machines work. A huge proponent for improving espresso, Nachtrieb happily customizes machines to customer specifications. I was first drawn to the good looks of Quick Mill’s Vetrano machine, and after a few pulls was very pleased with the results. With further research, I realized in many high-end home espresso makers—the Vetrano included—a single boiler both heats the steam for milk and the water for espresso. These machines use heat exchange, meaning that inside the boiler 255
All the tools you need to pull the best shot at home every time Whether you’re a daily dripper or a post-dinner sipper, your preferred roast does play an important role in the espresso. But in the end the most important key to a great shot is the consistency. How do you maintain a perfect balance every time? The short answer is solid gear and attention to detail—good coffee is a science after all. I recently set out to source the top gear for making the perfect shot of espresso, soon realizing the daunting variety of machines, tampers and grinders on the market made so I turned to Chris Nachtrieb of Chris Coffee for help. Over the past 30 years, Nachtrieb has cultivated relationships with some of the industry’s best espresso machine producers and has become known for his extensive mechanical knowledge about how machines work. A huge proponent for improving espresso, Nachtrieb happily customizes machines to customer specifications. I was first drawn to the good looks of Quick Mill’s Vetrano machine, and after a few pulls was very pleased with the results. With further research, I realized in many high-end home espresso makers—the Vetrano included—a single boiler both heats the steam for milk and the water for espresso. These machines use heat exchange, meaning that inside the boiler 255
All the tools you need to pull the best shot at home every time Whether you’re a daily dripper or a post-dinner sipper, your preferred roast does play an important role in the espresso. But in the end the most important key to a great shot is the consistency. How do you maintain a perfect balance every time? The short answer is solid gear and attention to detail—good coffee is a science after all. I recently set out to source the top gear for making the perfect shot of espresso, soon realizing the daunting variety of machines, tampers and grinders on the market made so I turned to Chris Nachtrieb of Chris Coffee for help. Over the past 30 years, Nachtrieb has cultivated relationships with some of the industry’s best espresso machine producers and has become known for his extensive mechanical knowledge about how machines work. A huge proponent for improving espresso, Nachtrieb happily customizes machines to customer specifications. I was first drawn to the good looks of Quick Mill’s Vetrano machine, and after a few pulls was very pleased with the results. With further research, I realized in many high-end home espresso makers—the Vetrano included—a single boiler both heats the steam for milk and the water for espresso. These machines use heat exchange, meaning that inside the boiler 255
An accessories vet reinvents classics in her debut handbag line Italian-Brazilian accessories designer Paula Cademartori toys with tradition in her signature line of handbags, which bridge classic construction with modern silhouettes and unusual combinations of leather, suede, deerskin and the like. Cademartori first studied Industrial Design at the Lutheran University of Brazil, then relocated to Italy where she studied fashion management at Milan’s revered business school Bocconi University. Cademartori continued her education at Istituto Marangoni , where she received her Masters in Accessories Design before becoming a junior designer at Versace. Not surprisingly, Cademartori’s talents were first recognized for a shoe she designed for the Vogue Talents Corner, a project she was selected to participate in during September 2009 and landed her on Italian Vogue’s list of 140 Emerging Designers. Devoted to ageless elegance, each bag features incredibly precise detailing, durable fine leather and custom-crafted metal hardware. The style names recall princesses and archetypal women like fashion editor and idol Anna Dello Russo , who was one of her first fans. In addition to her seasonal collections, Cademartori also has Aristocracy, a made-to-order line featuring high quality crocodile leather and beautiful detailing.
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Paula Cademartori
The ultimate socks and gloves for pushing the limits when cycling the city by Scott Cooke As an avid city cyclist and man constantly on the move, finding accessories that can keep up with my lifestyle is a challenge within itself. Although I’d heard good things about the brand, I was reluctant to try DeFeet socks and gloves at first, due to their ultra sporty appearance. But after three weeks of wearing them through my daily urban triathlon, I am amazed by how useful they really are. Made from CoolMax performance fabric, the Dura gloves are the perfect weight for riding my bike. The finger grips are not only great for switching gears, but they function so well I can easily grab stuff out of my pocket, mash buttons on my Blackberry and most impressively, pull credit cards out of my wallet all without taking the gloves off. The extremely comfortable fit improves with incessant wear, and the bright neon color helps keep me visible when signaling through NYC traffic. The machine-washable Dura gloves come in 4 sizes and cost $15 from DeFeet Cushioned in all the right spots, DeFeet’s $12 Cyclismo socks actually do help with my pedal pushing, balance and stability. They are comfortable, higher than an ankle sock and lower than a basketball sock, and they don’t grab manly leg hair. I also like the colorways, with the red and blue stripes and white base they keep a classic look suitable for casual days at the office. Defeet is a world-class cycling company founded by a group of cyclists to meet the needs of road warriors everywhere. Their collection of socks, gloves and other bike accessories all sell online from the DeFeet website .
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DeFeet
More than meets the eye from ties handmade in an East Village living room Working out of an East Village apartment, Curie Choi and Beverly Liang meticulously craft their collection of “man enhancing” ties under the label C. Chauchat . The name, borrowed from German novel “The Magic Mountain” and its otherworldly temptress Madame Chauchat, also translates to “hot cat” in French. Much like their ties, the well-considered choice is both playful and has depth. By layering sheer fabric over opaque prints, the duo create a look that’s subtly complex. A gauzy black tones down a vivid jungle print, but even there faint inflections, like a pale paint splotch or muted stripe, show through. Employing a “special insane hand collaging” technique, Choi and Liang even produced a tie that features four layers of fabric—silk chiffon, tulle and two different printed cottons. When designing, the pair constantly think about what looks good on a man and how the tie fits into his world, but they use feminine fabrics and techniques from dressmaking. This “women’s take on masculinity” is inspired by the stylish men in their lives. While they appreciate refined dressing, the ties are meant as an everyday accessory, not a showpiece. Now in their third season, their latest collection was inspired by a “dandy on vacation,” presenting an assortment of rakish styles that channel Op Art, magic eye posters and David Hockney paintings. Also look out for a collaborative collection of scarves, ties and bow ties in Rober Gellar’s Fall/Winter 2011 season. Each made by hand, the C. Chauchat ties and bow ties sell worldwide for $155-180 from Strasburgo in Japan, as well as from Creatures of Comfort, La Gar
An L.A. stylist debuts her statement-making line of repurposed t-shirt necklaces When L.A.-based stylist Lauren Constantine needed more distinct accessories on set, she decided to make them herself. After several years of crafting one-off statement pieces, Constantine finally opened up shop, peddling two styles under her label V&Y Mart . The V&Y neckpiece is comprised of upcycled t-shirts, ripped and twisted into a multifunctional scarf. Both a cozy cold weather accessory and bold face-framing necklace, you can wear the accessory year round, dressed up or down and adjusted with its hardware closure. Constantine explains, “It’s more important to me that clients celebrate their own sense of personal style and feel good in what they’re wearing, not just throw on a different trend each season.” Putting her sewing skills to use, Constantine crafted a collection of bows she calls El Bow Co . She stuffs each with tulle, and they come in a variety of adorable fabrics and sizes spanning small to Minnie Mouse-style large. “I’m really passionate about getting down with the sewing machine, and so any chance I have to do that is exciting,” says Constantine. “As a stylist, you hone skills as a visual artist—bring characters to life, create moods and make statements—which is really rewarding in and of itself. But, to bring wearable art to life and be a part of the creation process, from the initial swatch selection to the final stitch, is for me the biggest thrill.” Bows span $22-36 and neckpieces sell for $58 from Constantine’s Etsy shop, V&Y Mart .
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V&Y Mart
Vintage neckties upcycled into cheeky rosette brooches “I’m a sucker for odds and ends,” says Boston-based fashion designer Nicole Deponte . So when she inherited a trash bag full of one-of-a-kind vintage neckties in 2009, what started “as a happy accident”—an experiment with a belt—”grew into a ruffled collection of innovative accessories” called Lilian Asterfield. Among the line’s original scarves, hats and headbands, Deponte’s hand-sewn rosette brooches put a particularly feminine twist on the source material. The exaggerated poof of the accessory reinvents the meaning of a power tie for today’s dandy, looking equally fitting playfully paired with an ’80s suit as it would with a more modern cut. Although Lilian Asterfield launches a new collection each season, the label prides itself on not being season or gender specific. The brooches retail for around $25, and sells online through Etsy or Nicole’s site directly .
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Lilian Asterfield
Everyday leather bags with minimalist-luxe appeal Brothers Tim and Dan Joo created their bag label Haerfest with the intention of designing “modern basics that age well.” With four simple styles crafted in durable materials like leather and brass, the unisex line boasts equally straightforward style names such as A1 Back Pack (shown above). While the A1 retains the classic backpack shape in sultry leather, the A2 Bucket Bag riffs on the roll-top trend with its open top and multifunctional straps. Together, they sling over shoulders as one strap, or for a more streamlined approach, separate them to keep it casual. The A3 Shoulder Sack, definitely the most feminine of the collection, flattens completely making it a useful bag to pack on your next trip. For extended journeys, the A4 Overnight Duffel mods a classic but keeps it functional. The tubular shape makes it easy to stow, leather flaps secure hidden pockets and its simple leather exterior adds an alluring Bond element—sure to get you bumped up to first. Most styles come in a variety of muted colors, which can be seen in full from the Haerfest website. Since the collection just launched, stockists are still undetermined but to get your hands on a bag, contact Haerfest . Prices span $380-550, depending on the model and materials.
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Haerfest
Everyday leather bags with minimalist-luxe appeal Brothers Tim and Dan Joo created their bag label Haerfest with the intention of designing “modern basics that age well.” With four simple styles crafted in durable materials like leather and brass, the unisex line boasts equally straightforward style names such as A1 Back Pack (shown above). While the A1 retains the classic backpack shape in sultry leather, the A2 Bucket Bag riffs on the roll-top trend with its open top and multifunctional straps. Together, they sling over shoulders as one strap, or for a more streamlined approach, separate them to keep it casual. The A3 Shoulder Sack, definitely the most feminine of the collection, flattens completely making it a useful bag to pack on your next trip. For extended journeys, the A4 Overnight Duffel mods a classic but keeps it functional. The tubular shape makes it easy to stow, leather flaps secure hidden pockets and its simple leather exterior adds an alluring Bond element—sure to get you bumped up to first. Most styles come in a variety of muted colors, which can be seen in full from the Haerfest website. Since the collection just launched, stockists are still undetermined but to get your hands on a bag, contact Haerfest . Prices span $380-550, depending on the model and materials.
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Haerfest
Literally wear Lego love on your sleeve with spaceman head cufflinks For the dapper dork Etsy seller Gr0gimann ‘s Space Lego Smiley Helmet cufflinks are a way to subtly show off your inner fanboy. Taking a pressed button-down to another galaxy and sure to spark a conversation or two, these cute, happy explorers are made from authentic plastic Lego spaceman heads affixed to silver-plated hardware. Available in five colors, each set comes with a drawstring gift bag and proceeds help Gr0glmann “pay for school.” You can snag a pair from the seller’s Etsy shop or Nuji for $17 a pair.
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Space Lego Smiley Helmet Cufflinks
Get awesome with limited-edition Keds celebrating the ’80s This limited-edition collection of sneakers from the Keds Century Collection colorfully pays tribute to rad ’80s fashions. Geometric patterned interiors add to neon suede exteriors for a zany style typical of the decade that saw the birth of the computer and Comme des Gar
A new line of handcrafted hats for high-spirited gals On a mission to find her own Isabella Blow, milliner Satya Tweena’s playfully inventive collection of well-crafted hats should attract a suitably mischievous muse soon enough. While the self-proclaimed “design scientist/architect” modestly doesn’t compare herself to Philip Treacy beyond a shared desire to take risks, it’s impossible not to think of the iconic British designer when it comes to the flirty shapes and exaggerated flips of Tweena’s toppers. Her looks, for “confident, risk-taking women,” skillfully blend vintage inspiration with modern style for an accessory that will endure for seasons to come. Where the eye-popping aesthetic might fail in less talented hands, Tweena’s flawless execution makes it hard to believe that this is her first collection. The Parsons grad spent the past two years honing her technical design skills, taking an expansive approach that included everything from learning letterpress printing to sewing. It’s an enthusiasm that comes from a bohemian upbringing—a family of painters, musicians, sculptors, designers and actors—that meant she “grew up thinking that everything and anything can inspire art.” Tweena’s curiosity funnels directly into her design process, as she explains, “Each skill provided me with a distinctively different way of using and thinking of materials. For example, I don’t look at a felt hood and think to just mold it on a block like a traditional milliner. I think about what would physically happen to the felt if I burned or scored it and then tried to block it.” While her online shop just launched today, she’s already thinking about the future, “looking to collaborate with interesting people on designing avant-garde headwear.” New pieces are added to the collection every week and sell on a first come, first serve basis online , spanning $110 to $1,200.
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Satya Tweena
For commuters, jetsetters, sightseers and more, 12 accessories to make traveling easier For those who spend more time on the road than at home, we’ve culled some favorite items from our Gift Guide to make their travel experience more comfortable and entertaining. While all of these products sell online, you can check several out in person at our holiday pop up shop in NYC (noted with an asterisk below). Nikon CoolPix P7000 Capture every moment with this camera that’s perfect for the photographer who wants control and quality in a more portable package. The latest CoolPix features a 7.1x Optical Zoom, a three-inch LCD display and a five-way VR image stabilization system. ($434) Tamasyn Gambell Notebook Jot down travel memories with London-based, eco-minded illustrator Tamasyn Gambell’s recycled notebook . Printed with water-based pigment, the geometrically patterned notebook is bound with reject (though perfectly good) sheets of paper from local Holborn printers, making each one unique. (
