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.

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: Snapped I

Mr Essentialist captured Camille, walking in Palo Alto & having an exceptional hair moment. What do you think of the shade?

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?

Day of the Dead

Just because you're partaking in a celebration of the dead does not mean your sense of style should die too. Au contraire!

In fact it became rapidly clear that the Dia de los Muertos celebration in San Francisco's Mission district is the perfect occasion for a tailored tux and skull mask (you know, that one you just happen to have laying around?). Not only did the whole experience smell incredible - incense, especially the church smelling kind, is basically the same as Cire Trudon's Spiritus Sancti candle - it also reminded me of a masquerade ball (think Stanley Kubrick's Eyes Wide Shut, only way less naked). I even managed to spot a varsity-inspired look which, as you know, is basically all I'm wearing these days. 

- Photos by Alexander Atkins

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: Runaway

Mr Essentialist loves Tuesdays, especially when a great track like Runaway by Mr Little Jeans is playing.

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.

Mr Essentialist: Zanerobe Showroom Showdown

Mr Essentialist visits Zanerobe's showroom, in the heart of downtown Los Angeles. The Australian street-wear brand explores giraffe print by-way of Aztec motifs. Yes, we are excited.

Essentialist XI

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

Mr Essentialist: Hoppin' Los Angeles

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

Mr Essentialist: Essentialist IX