Journal

A chronicle of people, places, happenings, and creations we admire.

Aynhoe Park

whimsy |ˈ(h)wimzē | (also whimsey) noun (pl. whimsies or whimseys) playfully quaint or fanciful behavior or humor: the film is an awkward blend of whimsy and moralizing.• a whim.• a thing that is fanciful or odd: the stone carvings and whimsies.

Whimsy is the theme to this Grade I-listed, 17th century Sir John Soane-designed stately home in Oxfordshire near the Cotswolds in the countryside of England.  Purchased by entrepreneur and collector James Perkins in 2008, Aynhoe Park is now a venerable destination for parties, weddings and receptions for those who require "something completely different". Celebs such as Jade Jagger (daughter of Bianca and Mick) have had celebrated nuptials there.  While Perkins' eclectic collection of taxidermy, natural history artifacts and contemporary art are found throughout the estate; it seems to be almost too much at first blush, but he somehow pulls it off.

Photos: ©Corbis / Aynhoe Park / Architexture

Monocle 24: The Big Interview

Photos ©Monocle / TAG Heuer

Photos ©Monocle / TAG Heuer

Monocle’s editor in chief Tyler Brûlé sits down with Tag Heuer CEO Jean-Claude Biver to discuss adapting to an ever-changing market, collaborating (and competing) and how the “connected watch” will foster the next generation of luxury-watch buyers.  Jean-Claude Biver is in our opinion (shadowing Tyler's) one of the most intuitive characters in the luxury watch sector, and for that matter, the luxury brand sector as a whole.  Head over to Monocle and take a listen.

Originally Aired on December 20, 2015

Duration: 30 Minutes


Polestar Pole Jacket

"Motorsport Pole Jacket", in blue and gold "blågult", resplendent in Polestar details, inspired by the design of the Volvo Polestar Racing's winning cars in the STCC and V8 Supercars. The stylish and slim-fit down jacket has elastic panels on the front and the back.  In addition to the front zip, there is a zipped chest pocket and an inside pocket for maximum versatility. With 90% goose down and 10% feathers, the jacket's 800-gram padding keeps you warm in the coldest weather.  The jacket is smartly decorated with blue Polestar- and A-one - logos.

Volvo Polestar Racing driver Prince Carl Philip of Sweden, Bernadotte & Kylberg, and A-One collaborated on the jacket's design.

This product is not available in the US.


The 2017 Volvo S90

While Volvo Cars is now owned by Chinese company Geely, the design aesthetic has remained distinctly Scandinavian; and perhaps more than ever before.  The new S90 sedan is a study in Swedish restraint, with its clean classic lines, pale wood interior details, leather seats and onboard sustainability and state of the art safety systems, the S90 is the new Volvo icon for the 21st century.  In addition to this and the recently redesigned XC90, we can expect up to 7 more models beginning in 2017.

Monocle Quality of Life Conference 2016

©Monocle

©Monocle

Friday 15 April to Sunday 17 April 2016, Vienna, Austria

After the success of their 2015 Lisbon symposium, Monocle has announced their 2016 conference, more details will be forthcoming.  Here is the rundown on what to expect in April. 

"Our intimate gathering returns in 2016 and this time it will take place in the Austrian capital, a city that provides the perfect backdrop with its humming ateliers, fresh new hotels and mixture of modernity and tradition.

Monocle invites you to a weekend of great debates, good conversations, peerless hospitality and some fun nights too. It’s a weekend where contacts can be made, ideas nurtured and horizons expanded. Join our editors, correspondents and key thinkers in discussing topics ranging from architecture to independent retail, transport to healthy living." - Monocle

  1. You’ll be hosted by the Monocle team (and there will be no lanyards).
  2. We’ll bring powerful voices shaping our cities, from Australia to Brazil.
  3. Our editor in chief Tyler Brûlé will help reveal the future direction for hotels, retail, travel, design and more.
  4. There will be a series of receptions and dinners where you’ll get to meet with people who could change your career, your business or your outlook forever.
  5. We’ll organise access to the studios and ateliers of architects, designers and makers who are delivering a contemporary take on luxury.
  6. There will be morning runs for those who want to stretch limbs as well as minds.
  7. Enjoy live music interludes with a pop vibe.
  8. See special Monocle films that set the tone and dive into the key themes.
  9. Be part of the Monocle 24 radio experience.
  10. Take to the dance floor at least once.

 

Tickets: €1,850. 
Subscribers and founders receive a 10% discount.

​

Nissan Heritage

Nissan Motor Co. Ltd. has launched an amazing website chronicling its illustrious 95-year history with stories, milestones, reference data and photography.  The various decades show clearly the evolution of the modern Japanese motorcar beginning officially in 1933 where Jidosha Seizo Co., Ltd., predecessor of Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., was established in Yokohama with paid-in capital of ¥10,000,000.  Head over and see early versions of the GT-R, Fairlady Z as well as domestic (Japan) passenger vehicles and electric cars as well.  With all the beautiful images and history to pore over, its definitely NSFW.

Follow @Nissan



Apple Watch Magnetic Charging Dock

Overview

With the Apple Watch Magnetic Charging Dock, you can charge your Apple Watch in a flat position with its band open, or on its side. When docked on its side, your watch automatically goes into Nightstand mode, so you can also use it as your alarm clock. The Apple Watch Magnetic Charging Dock uses the same inductive charging connector that comes with Apple Watch. It charges both the 38mm and 42mm models. And it connects via the Lightning to USB Cable and Apple 5W USB Power Adapter.-- Apple USA

$79.00