The Perfect Gift
Rule number one in selecting the perfect present this Christmas is establishing the personality of the person you’re buying for. This is certainly easier said than done, so for their 2013 Christmas Gift Guide Opumo teamed up with celebrated graphic designer Janne Iivonen to showcase ‘Six Characters Of Christmas’.
Exclusive Reader Offer
Before we break down the key pieces for each type of man, Opumo.com is offering FashionBeans readers 30% OFF across its entire AW13 collection (valid from Friday 29th November until Monday 2nd December). Simply use the discount code: FBAW1320
The Six Characters Of Christmas
So here they are, from left to right – The Media Mogul, The High Flyer, The Sportsman, The Gadgeteer, The Deal Maker and The Après Skier:
The Media Mogul: Gift Ideas
If he’s in media, he’s sure as hell going to care about the finer aspects of his look. This guy likes to be
1. London Undercover: Navy City Gent Umbrella
An ideal gift for hard to buy for media types, this Navy City Gent Umbrella from London Undercover is understated and classic in design with a vivid multi-braid button fastener. Priced at £110.
2. WANT Les Essentiels Beige O’Hare Canvas Tote Bag
The O’Hare Tote Bag from Want Les Essentiels de La Vie is the go-to day-to-day accessory for any stylish mogul on the move. The robust beige cotton canvas construction is hard-wearing and subtly complemented by the soft cognac tan leather handles. Priced at £170.
3. Dents Cashmere-Lined Brown Bark Leather Gloves
These suave and sophisticated Cashmere-Lined Brown Bark Leather Gloves are a Dents classic and an indispensable winter wardrobe accessory. Hand-sewn, they are made using premium materials and put through a series of meticulous quality tests to ensure they meet the high standards of the Media Mogul. Priced at £90.
4. Anonymous Ism Navy Broken Stripe Crew Socks
One area where the Media Mogul likes to make a statement is with his socks – meaning boring monochrome multi-packs will no longer do. These Navy Broke Stripe Crew Socks are warm, comfortable and will help add a splash of much needed colour during the cold winter months. Priced at £13.
The High Flyer: Gift Ideas
He’s just back from a business trip to Hong Kong; he’ll meet you in that bar for a drink, but just one because in four hours’ time he’s off to the south of France for the weekend. He’s the fast moving, here, there and everywhere kind of guy and he wants you to know that he is on the move. One thing’s for sure, he looks dapper and exudes smooth. Even when laden with luggage, this guy manages to make it look effortless thanks to his superb collection of pocket squares, weekend bags, sunglasses and hats:
1. Bellroy Travel Wallet in Midnight Leather
Frequent travellers need to be organised and the Bellroy Travel Wallet allows the High Flyer to fit all their travel documents into their pocket with ease. There is section for a passport, plane tickets, credit cards and even a pen for filling in landing cards. Priced at £88.
2. WANT Les Essentiels Sprucefire Green Kastrup Backpack
Named after Copenhagen’s Kastrup airport, this Green Tweed Backpack features a padded laptop sleeve and a number of internal pockets to fit all the essentials of any stylish High Flyer on the move. Priced at £480.
3. Mismo Pine Green MS Explorer Weekend Bag
This iconic Explorer Weekend Bag from Danish accessories brand Mismo calls for a serious adventure and is as suited for a trip to the wilderness as it is a luxury hotel. The bag contains ample interior space to hold clothing and essentials and is built to last, meaning that it will be a trusted companion on the High Flyer’s trips for years to come. Priced at £550.
4. WANT Les Essentiels Midnight Navy Blue Suit Carrier
Even if you’ve flown halfway around the world for a meeting, a creased suit is not a good look. Named after Stansted airport, this Leather-Trimmed Tweed Suit Carrier is designed to keep suits sharp and features multiple pockets for socks, ties, cuff links and other essentials you need for an overnight business excursion. Priced at £425.
The Sportsman: Gift Ideas
Let’s face it, this guy has a head start. Underneath whatever he’s wearing, he has honed his physique to impress you on the beach as much as for his sporting prowess. Of course, when he’s not strolling around in the buff, he needs to exude cool, but without looking like he’s trying too hard. The sportsman doesn’t like to appear too fussy. He has got to be practical and this applies to his clothes and accessories, too:
1. Herschel Supply Co. Navy Novel Duffel Bag
The surprisingly elegant Navy Novel Duffel Bag from Herschel Supply Co. is an ideal gift for The Sportsman to use as a gym or weekend bag. The issue of where to put his mud-covered trainers after a run is solved by an innovative separate shoe compartment. Priced at £75.
2. Tsovet JPT-NT42 Black on Black Watch
With focus on durability, simplicity and comfort, Tsovet have created a highly functional modern day watch. Powered by a Japanese Quartz Miyota Movement in a single piece, solid stainless steel case with a hard-wearing rubber strap, the JPT-NT42 is perfect for sport, travel and everyday use. Priced at £169.
3. Ebbets Field Flannels Brooklyn Bushwicks 1949 Cap
Fanatical about playing sport, The Sportsman also has a keen interest in sports history and heritage. This Ebbets Field Flannels Brooklyn Bushwicks 1949 Authentic Ball Cap is constructed using the same materials and methods the original production model utilised nearly 100 years ago. Priced at £45.
4. Sandqvist Blue Cordura Ingo Gym Bag
The Sandqvist Ingo in Blue Cordura is a twenty-five-litre weekend or gym bag. The outer material is a very durable 1000 denier Cordura with leather detailing, whilst inside the bag has an extremely hard-wearing grey cotton lining. Priced at £115.
The Gadgeteer: Gift Ideas
He’s busy, has the solution for everything and he’s always doing something interesting. What’s more, he has brought whatever is needed with him; electronic kit, outdoor gear… you name it. He prides himself on travelling smart and if he’s going to cart all that equipment around, he will do so in comfort. The quality of the items he wears and the bags he uses matches his cutting-edge technology:
1. Sandqvist Blue Cordura Mats Briefcase
This Sandqvist Mats Laptop Bag in Blue Cordura is ideal for protecting The Gadgeteer’s prized gadgets. The case comes with strong handles in belt leather and two flat outer pockets on the front whilst on the inside the bag has a 15″ padded laptop sleeve and one zipped pocket. Priced at £130.
2. DSPTCH Black Slingpack Utility Messenger Bag
The Slingpack from DSPTCH is an ideal gift for the serious photographer. It is lightweight and ergonomically designed to comfortably fit all camera necessities for a daily excursion. The bag also features a separate padded laptop compartment, elastic organisers and a secret compartment that allows The Gadgeteer to hide valuables. Priced at £95.
3. DSPTCH Camo Camera Wrist Strap
If you’ve ever doubted the flimsy strap that’s included with your camera then you can be certain that The Gadgeteer doesn’t trust them at all. The DSPTCH Camo Camera Wrist Strap is the solution that will finally put those fears to rest. Braided with 550 Type III Paracord and paired with a 316 military grade stainless steel clip, this wrist strap is an ideal gift for any tech-savvy photography enthusiast. Priced at £30.
4. C6 Graphite iPhone 5 Hard Case
C6 iPhone 5 Cases precisely follow the contours of the iPhone, offering minimum styling with unparalleled protection. The outer-shell is made from moulded plastic and has a matte finish whilst inside, a soft fabric inlay protects The Gadgeteer’s iPhone and guarantees a perfect fit. Priced at £20.
The Deal Maker
“Ok, let’s do it!” barks the man having a loud, brash telephone conversation nearby. As you follow the source of the disturbance you observe the man in question. He’s dressed in a sharp suit, a crisp white shirt and a stylish tie. He tucks his mobile away, picks up his briefcase and umbrella and shoots off to seal the deal. There’s no messing around with his look – it’s uncluttered, effortless, suave and elegant. His pocket square complements his tie, which is neatly secured by a pin, and you caught a flash of his cuff links as he breezed past you. You feel it’s time to start dusting off that CV:
1. Oppermann London Vallance Black Leather Briefcase
An ideal gift for any businessman, the Oppermann London Vallance Briefcase in black leather is based on the design of their impressive Goswell model but with added handles, an increase in size and a new handy slip-in pocket on the front. Priced at £199.
2. Berg & Berg Grey Prince of Wales Wool Tie
Simple, classic and stylish – this is an understated tie that is guaranteed to stand out. The Grey Prince of Wales Wool Tie by Norwegian brand Berg & Berg is handmade in Italy from 100 per cent wool. Priced at £60.
3. Alice Made This William Black Cord Cuff Links
Inspired by decorative stopper knots of 19th century British sailors, these Black Cord Cuff Links are hand-woven using a smooth braid cord that is durable and hard-wearing. Each cuff link is engraved with an Alice Made This ‘a’ on its copper end piece and presented in a smart numbered box with a record of the ropemaker handwritten on the outside. Priced at £95.
4. P Johnson Tailors Memphis Print Pocket Square
A huge leap from the monotony of the polka dot pocket square, this striking pochette from the widely celebrated Melbourne Tailor Patrick Johnson is eye-catching to say the least, with a number of patterns and colours able to be displayed at any one time. Priced at £40.
The Après Skier: Gift Ideas
Never looks hot, never looks cold, and always looks good. Those who come off the slopes, sweating profusely having spent seven agonising minutes toiling to remove their boots, one thing’s for sure; he’s beaten you to the bar and has bought a round for the group. Whilst you look like a Michelin Man, he looks as though he’s come prepared to party:
1. Han Kjobenhavn Tortoise Wolfgang Sunglasses
Skiing comes second on the agenda of The Après Skier – he is more concerned with the party. These Wolfgang Sunglasses from Han Kjobenhavn are designed to impress. They come expertly crafted and feature high quality Carl Zeiss lenses to protect your eyes from the glare of the sun on the snow. Priced at £120.
2. Universal Works Navy Herringbone Stripe Beanie Hat
Lightweight and warm, this Navy Herringbone Stripe Wool Bobble Beanie Hat from Universal Works is the perfect cold-weather companion and will look great wherever you’re skiing this season. Priced at £39.
3. The Hill-Side Jacquard Nordic Camouflage Scarf
This Jacquard Nordic Camouflage Scarf from The Hill-Side is made out of a warm cotton blend sourced from Japan. Manufactured in New York city, this piece makes a superb gift for any Après Skier who appreciates accessories with flair. Priced at £80.
4. Sandqvist Multi-coloured Lars-Göran Backpack
The Sandqvist Multi-Coloured Lars-Göran Backpack is constructed using durable Cordura with closure straps and details in tooling leather. Wide and ergonomic shoulder straps make this bag comfortable to ski with, even when loaded with all your daily essentials. Priced at £140.
