Spike Jonze is a Fantastic Man

If you're sitting at your desk thinking about something to do, know this: Fantastic Man is fantastically fantastic. Seriously.
In short, read it. With that said you're probably going "Should I be into this? I'm already a GQ subscriber!". Well that's great and all, but this is better. Why? It just is.

For starters Fantastic Man is completely original, witty and showcases real style (which, let's be honest, is pretty hard to come by). Turning each page means being inspired. Take their ROTATION production (in collaboration with Dior Homme) for instance. Each week a new video showcasing a key look from the Kris Van Assche-designed collection for A/W 13 is released - but on dancers who are vogue-ing out. The Daily Recommendation on the Fantastic Man website is also worth bookmarking, simply because each item (from the benefits Chanel's Hair Mist to layering denim) is thoughtfully presented and perfectly curated. In short the whole thing is worth your time. And mine.

- Photos by Alexander Atkins. For bi-annual subscription information click here.

Aesop Futurist Intensity Gift Set

Futurism was easily the oddest thing I ever encountered during my Art History studies (and that's saying something).

I remember thinking the whole thing would be all Back To The Future-ish and therefore intrinsically fun. Au contraire! In fact (and much to my disappointment) Marty McFly, time travel and a DeLorean DMC-12 did not factor at all. Instead extreme confusion, disorder and exceptionally odd 'poems' featuring loud jolting noises did. Rather appropriately the movement that promised to modernize 20th century Italian culture through rebelliousness, inventiveness and unabashed eccentricity left me (and much of Italy) confused. Very confused. That is until now.

Yes friends, Aesop has saved the day again. How? The art-minded skincare brand has created six gift kits that pay homage to the ground-breaking (i.e. WTF-inducing) Futurist language, art and typography. While each kit targets different concerns (academically and cosmetically) I was drawn to the 'Intensity' set. Inspired by the vibrant paintings of the movement (personal favorites include works by Umberto Boccioni and Giacomo Balla) and crafted specifically for the active man, the Intensity kit offers a trio of formulations that are ideal for post-workout purification (which, let's face it, we all absolutely need). Moroccan Neroli Post-Shave Lotion soothes, nourishes and offers excellent moisture while any unwanted odors are neutralized by Aesop's signature spray Déodorant (featuring Vetiver notes - ahhhh!). And finally there's the low-foaming, incredibly invigorating Coriander Seed Body Cleanser which, if you must know, leaves skin conditioned and refreshed. Sounds good? It is.

- Image courtesy of Aesop. Watch Aesop's interpretation of the Futurist Manifesto and shop the products mentioned, below.

Mr Essentialist: Something for the Weekend II

Mr Essentialist wishes everyone a fantastic weekend, with this Niki and the Dove track.

Stephen Webster's Thumbs Up!

This story begins in Beverly Hills (which means it's going to be good) and deals with the notion that more is always more.

So if you're one of those minimal 'I paint everything white and love clear acrylic furniture' types, well, this probably isn't going to be your thing. But don't click away just yet. You might surprise yourself - I know I did. 

In fact I only recently became interested in the idea of layering rings, probably because I've been stacking bracelets for a while and things always seem to creep-up on me (that is to say my fingers were becoming insanely jealous of the outrageously fun wrist parties I was hosting just a couple of inches away). So in an effort to satisfy every last extremity and in the name of pavé, pierced skulls and studs I ventured back to Stephen Webster's flagship on Rodeo Drive and got a-stacking. The result? A resounding (and quite literal) two thumbs up! 

For starters the various black rhodium pavé 'spinner' rings are clever in that they give you something to do in moments of boredom (aside from twiddling your thumbs). Each is part of the 'Highwayman' collection and features black, blue or yellow pavé sapphires. Also I will forever be partial to a solid studded band. Why? Any grouped-stud situation will inevitably remind me of a belt I once owned (a nod to a fleeting Blink-182 style moment - don't ask). But when push comes to shove (which often is the case when shopping for jewelry) I'm always going to be drawn to the skull. It's the whole overtly and unapologetically badass thing, which is entirely not me and therefore completely alluring. I mean who doesn't like a pierced skull ring? This one features a black rhodium plated shank and a rose gold plated Union Jack motif, so that's something. 

A quick Google search unanimously dictates Stephen Webster as putting the rocks in rock'n'roll, but his reality is actually far more romantic (albeit dark, moody and mysterious). And while an on-going courtship of the Ferry's and Bowie's of the world serves to satisfy his deep-rooted obsession of glam-rock, for me Webster's aesthetic boils down to two fundamental things: careful craftsmanship and exceptional design. Both are executed with ease. 

- Photos by Jessica Craig and Alexander Atkins. 

Stephen Webster Beverly Hills is located at 202 North Rodeo Drive. Call 310 246 9500 for information.

Mr Essentialist: From My Desk

From Mr Essentialist's desk, a very happy Friday to all!

Mr Essentialist: View from the Top

Mr Essentialist had a great weekend, driving on Skyline and listening to Flaws by Bastille. What did you get up to?

Mr Essentialist: Celebrate

Mr Essentialist celebrates turning 24, while listening to Kendrick Lamar.

Mr Essentialist: Something for the Weekend

Mr Essentialist predicts a happy (read carbohydrate-filled) weekend, full of good music like Ariel Pink's 'Baby'.

Mr Essentialist: The Eye Has to Travel

Mr Essentialist recently watched The Eye Has to Travel, the Diana Vreeland biopic. For anyone looking to be inspired, a truly remarkable film.

Mr Essentialist: The Deluge

Mr Essentialist has been swamped, quite literally. To wade through the water check-out rainproof items from Burberry, Hunter, Barbour and Archer Adams.

Mr Essentialist: Essentialist XII

Mr Essentialist explores the functionality of the tote, featuring examples by Jil Sander, Louis Vuitton, Freitag, Goyard and Hermes.

Aesop Mandarin Facial Hydrating Cream

Aesop is a repeat offender, and I mean that whole-heartedly, in the best possible way imaginable. So let's chat fall skin.

As the leaves turn and the air becomes crisp your skin will be in dire need of moisture. Take note! Feed it. Also, a sound skincare routine is ever-evolving. It's seasonal. You wouldn't wear shorts in winter would you? Well, perhaps you would (especially if you're a New Zealander) - but that's not what my point. Back to your skin!

For summer you might recall I was all about Aesop's Parsley Seed Anti-Oxidant Hydrator. And for good cause. Its lightweight texture meant moisture was absorbed and instantly locked-in. (The whole thing was easy and to-the-point, just the way I like it.) But now, with all that dry air thrashing your face it's time to transition to something richer, more powerful and long-lasting. Enter Aesop's Mandarin Facial Hydrating Cream. The anti-oxidants and botanicals derived from mandarin, lemon and tangerine rinds deliver exceptional hydration and overall replenishment. Used following the Parsley Seed Facial Toner, skin is left nourished, supple and refreshed. The hazel base means absorption is prompt and moisture is long-lasting. The dominant citrus notes not only smell great, they ensure that fresh feeling (which we all undoubtedly love). Sounds good? It is. 

Browse and shop Aesop's product line here.

- Photos by Alexander Atkins

Essentialist XI

Mr Essentialist adores Marni. Here are a few essential Marni items for Fall. Enjoy the weekend!

Essentials: Acne Studios Wallet

Wallets are everything in that they a.) hold your money / credit cards / etc, and b.) they actually reflect your personality.
So in the spirit of always putting your best foot forward (which, by-the-way, should always be the priority), you may or may not be in need of an upgrade - and by that I mean get an upgrade. It's time.

Personally it's always been about that perfectly compact wallet situation. Something that isn't fussy or bulky but still makes a statement. I did the Gucci Guccissima thing for a while and yes, it was spectacular if you're going for the whole chic euro-trash vibe, but I've moved on (even if I haven't entirely gotten over this song). Currently I use a crocodile card holder for everything. It's very minimal which has it's pros (no cash or that dreaded jingle of coins) and cons (no cash and no coins to jingle at all). Basically I got it because I loved touching the croc's spine - which, admittedly, is weird. 
The real point is that I recently discovered Acne's zipped leather wallet. The bright bolt of blue means you'll easily find it and it's got a zip, which actually is a big deal. Zips equate to you being able to have the option of coins (yay laundromats?). Aside from the aforementioned practicalities, in true Acne style it looks pretty damn good - which doesn't hurt one bit when settling-up. So that's always something.

Browse and shop Acne's zipped leather wallet here.

- Photos by Alexander Atkins

The Watch: Daniel Wellington

So this one basically was a no-brainer. I'm from Wellington and my brother, well, he's called Daniel. Need I say more?

Apart from that little coincidence (is there ever such a thing?) I'd be lying if I said I wasn't loving this watch. It's got an unoffensive preppy thing happening and it's very sophisticated. But more than that it's also easy. And by easy I mean it goes with everything - honestly.

Daniel Wellington, who actually was a real person, inspired Filip Tysander (the founder of Daniel Wellington - confused yet?) to fuse classic timepieces with weathered Nato straps. Why? Well Mr. Wellington wore his Rolexes this way, as did James Bond in Goldfinger. The idea was about being unpretentious while remaining gentlemanly (you know, the whole je ne sais quoi relaxed debonair thing). Essentially the strap has the unique ability to dress-down any dressed-up look. De-formalizing if you will. And all while staying sharp - which, by-the-way, is alway the point. 

If your budget is more dash than cash then Daniel Wellington is the perfect option. I usually pair mine with several bracelets and charms because nothing beats a good wrist party. What's more the strap is completely interchangeable and each is named after a prominent British university town. Technically I should have worn this one (because I went there) but instead I chose both the Exeter and Belfast straps. After all, two straps are always better than one...

Learn more about Daniel Wellington and shop the collection here.

- Photos by Alexander Atkins

Mr Essentialist: Essentialist X

The Motley: Atlas Cologne

It's moments like this I wish they'd finally invent the smeller-net, because The Motley's Atlas cologne is just that good.
But alas, we're not quite there yet. Instead you'll just have to make-do with my (hopefully decent) description of the various aroma compounds and essential oils used in 'Formula 0142' - The Motley's very first foray into the world of fragrance. I'll be sure to elaborate, I promise. Consider this Smell-ology 101. I know, I'm excited too.

The Vibe:
Here's the deal (and by the way, this is always the deal): I'm not interested unless the packaging is worth mentioning. Well you guys, thank god - because this is the epitome of solid packaging. I'm digging the whole apothecary vibe that's happening. The label has a this-was-made-exclusively-for-me thing going on which, obviously, I like. What's more the bottle arrived in a fully customized tin case promising to ignite inner-notions of 'mystery', 'adventure' and 'nostalgia' - which are always good (oh, and major props on the cursive - that's a nice touch). 

The Smell:
Because the cologne is compounded and hand-poured in Los Angeles using a 10% concentration of fragrance-oil means a small splash is decisively potent. This is all incredibly fitting as Atlas the Titan held up the celestial sphere of planet Earth (translation: he was strong too, but you probably already knew that). The dominant notes including Algerian Atlas Cedar, American Oakmoss, Amber Musk and bergamot means the fragrance is intensely musky and masculine. The addition of Indian cardamom combined with an infusion of cloves not only adds spice, but also evokes the spirit of a world traveller. Smells good? I thought so.

The Destination:
Anywhere really. The perfectly compact bottle (1 fl. oz) means this puppy is perfect for planes, trains and anything else (yachts?). But if I had to pinpoint a location (go on, twist my arm) I'm definitely into being transported to any Balearic Island, wearing Atlas, and more than likely listening to this.

To discover more about The Motley's Atlas Cologne, and to purchase click here.
-Photos by Alexander Atkins

The Essentials: The Aran Knit

Yes, it's still hot. But because autumn is hopefully looming I thought I'd grin and bear it, and wear some serious knitwear.

As I've mentioned before, it's good to plan ahead. So now that fall fashion is being flung at us every-which-way we turn (TV, Instagram, those annoying pop-ups - you get the picture) I'd say the retail gods are sending a very clear message. Namely: get shopping. So Voilà! Here it is. The white knit sweater. A staple for the upcoming equinox courtesy of Mr. Neil Barrett, who, in case you are wondering, is consistently exceptional.

There's something so right about a solid white knit. Something so luxe and exceedingly debonair. Call it what you will (a chunky-knit, an aran-knit, a cable-knit, whichever), the point is it's a beacon of luxury and heritage. Ultimately the wearer exemplifies sharp yet easy dressing. It's so fresh. What's more the whole thing screams fun in an, 'I enjoy stone-skipping' and, 'why yes, scallops sound marvelous' kind-of way. (I'm painting a picture of the Kennedy's in Hyannis Port, for those of you who may be confused.) Also, the fact that I bought this knit a while ago during a visit to Barneys (an exceeding dangerous trip I might add) as an impulse and not as a pre-mediated thing only adds to the my final point. Which is this: a full-on white knit sweater should be a staple in any and every man's wardrobe. White suits literally everyone, as does looking and feeling a million bucks. It's that simple.

Alexander Atkins, wearing Neil Barrett knitwear, Acne jeans, Dior Homme Blacktie Sunglasses and carrying Louis Vuitton's Poche Documents, photographed by Camille Labat in San Francisco.

*Click the arrows above to browse and shop this story.

Mr Essentialist: Essentialist IX

Mr Essentialist: Essentialist VIII