The halls may not be decked with boughs of holly just yet, but quite frankly, we are very ready to fill the meadcup and drain the barrel, as we imagine you are too. The culmination of a long but rewarding year requires just one more hurdle to leap - Christmas. It's that time of gathering together friends and family and pouring forth gratitude, love and fine port, but not before you've negotiated the slippery slope that is the work Christmas party. In fact, parties abound this time of year which is why we are intent on pointing you in the direction of suitable sartorial kit to regale in. We've also curated the very best of festive jollies occurring in London right now, as well as seeking out what has to be the greatest Christmas playlist ever compiled.
'Tis the Season to Wear Velvet
For the sophisticated gents among you (that's all of you by virtue of being a Favourbrook customer), the festive season no doubt offers endless opportunities to dress up, from the elegant formality of black tie events to the cosy decadence of slipping on a smoking jacket at home. But our favourite party-centric attire has to be the velvet dinner jacket. Velvet is such a stunning fabric, and has somehow been imbued with an innate reputation to party. It looks and feels luxurious (indeed it is), but even more than that it puts one in the mood to party. What's more, velvet dinner jackets are not restricted to the realm of formal events, unlike the black dinner jacket. The velvet dinner jacket likes to mix things up, and can be just as easily worn in a more elevated casual attitude as it can regal and refined. With a plethora of rich winter tones to choose from, you'll find just the style to match your party mood right here.
Three Decadent Coats to Host In
The festive season is the perfect opportunity to gather together friends at one's home. Playing the host with the most is always fun, especially if you've corralled your other half into doing the cooking, leaving you to be the champagne queen you've been waiting 11 months to resurrect. But seriously, hosting is really fun, especially when you invite different friendship groups who many not have met one another. Ambiance, food and drink and the central pillars of putting on a good evening, but your style also sets the tone from the very moment you open the door to welcome your guests. And so we have selected three coats that perfectly set a sophisticated scene:
Belgravia Coat Black Dafydd Silk Organza
|
Belgravia Coat Black Dafydd Silk Organza |
A stunning dark long-line silhouette for an eveningwear look, this Belgravia coat features a beautiful geometric floral pattern. Cut from lightweight silk organza, the coat features a back button design with regular pockets and a single back vent. Finished with working button cuffs, it is the perfect expression of refinement when hosting this season.
Kimono Coat Lime Aubergine Rhydian Silk Velvet
|
Kimono Coat Lime Aubergine Rhydian Silk Velvet |
The epitome of fin de siècle elegance, our elegant kimono coat is a stunning day or eveningwear piece, cut in divine Italian printed silk velvet. The unique silhouette combined with the vibrant colours is a certain head-turner for party hosting, and yet it's relaxed and undeniably fun. Slip it over a silk jumpsuit for a beautifully elegant look.
Carnaby coat Black Azure Parkhurst Heavy Crepe De Chine
|
Carnaby Coat Black Azure Parkhurst Heavy Crepe De Chine |
Our Carnaby coat is a striking style that features contrast piping detail and interesting button details fashioned at the front. This version cut in heavy crepe de chine features multiple bold geometric patterns to make a strong style statement when you are hosting this season.
Festive Highlights in London
Southbank Centre Winter Market
Indulge in the enchantment of the Thames-side Winter Market hosted at the Southbank Centre in London. Delight in a picturesque stroll beneath glittering lights, savouring delectable drinks and street food offerings while perusing a treasure trove of Christmas gift options. Embrace the festive spirit by engaging in alpine-themed curling adventures at The Curling Club or relishing the warmth of toasting marshmallows at Fire & Fromage. Dive into an array of tempting treats awaiting discovery at Beltane & Pop, Choco Fruit, and The Thirsty Farrier, each offering its own unique delights amidst this seasonal celebration.
Christmas Light Trail, Kew Gardens
If you don't yet have tickets for the Christmas Light Trail at Kew then you might be struggling with this one, otherwise try and pull some strings because it's one of London's festive highlights. You'll step into a magical botanical wonderland aglow with festive joy, where shimmering lights and the melodies of the season create an enchanting atmosphere. Explore enchanting pathways adorned with radiant tunnels of light, mirroring their sparkle on the tranquil lakeside, and immerse yourself in the splendour of trees bedecked in jewel-toned hues. You might even catch a glimpse of ol' Klaus.
Witness the visionary artistry of Degas, Cézanne, Morisot, and Van Gogh anew at an exhibition at the Royal Academy which examines Impressionist art immortalised on paper. Transporting you to the vibrant tapestry of late 19th-century France, these Impressionist and Post-Impressionist maestros not only reshaped the course of art through their canvases but also ushered in a seismic shift through their sketches, pastels, watercolours, temperas, and gouaches. They elevated works on paper from mere preparatory pieces confined to studios to standalone masterpieces in their own right. Now you can embark on a captivating journey through 77 exquisite works on paper by these pioneering artists. Delve into their innovative expressions that defied convention, laying the foundation for future movements such as Abstract Expressionism.
Christmas Carols at St. Paul's
St Paul's hosts a number of fantastic Christmas choral services wherein you can give your dulcet tones a good workout. First on December 2, one of the year's most dramatic services services sung by the Choir of St Paul's Cathedral, involving a candlelit procession that focuses on the Advent themes of light in the darkness.
Next up on December 14 is A Celebration of Christmas, when celebrity readers join the Cathedral Choir and City of London Sinfonia for an evening of words, music, meditation and laughter with carols for all to sing (the next batch of tickets will be released on Tuesday 28th November). Finally, the Christmas Carol Services of December 23 and 24, with the re-telling of the story of the birth of Christ in words and music at this traditional service of Lessons and Carols, with music from the St Paul's Cathedral Choir and readings given by representatives of London life and the St Paul's Cathedral Community (the next available batch of tickets will be released on Tuesday 5th December.)
Christmas Tunes That Won't Make You Die of Cringe
If you would prefer to bring the festive tunes into your own home, then we have an absolute treat for you. Our very good friends over at Oliver Spencer asked their buddy, DJ, and founder of Wonderfulsound Mr Miles Copeland to put together a Christmas playlist to end all Christmas playlists. He has done a sterling job, too. You won't find a more thoughtful or discerning Xmas track list than this.
Miles also runs "The Singles Club" for subscribers, which is like a "taster menu" where you can discover, hassle-free, wonderful sounds through the essence of the classic 7" vinyl format. It's only £5 per month and past releases include Monks Road Social feat Paul Weller, A dynamite reggae cover of Fools Gold, rare folk funk reissues, Paul Bender from Haitus Kiaiyote, Nev Cottee and modern soundtrack & Library music from Discodor. Rare limited releases for the exclusive music lover!
The Favourbrook Christmas Gift Guide
And finally, the proverbial partridge in a pear tree that is the Favourbrook Christmas Gift Guide. If you're short on gifting ideas for either the special men or women in your life, or of course just fancy treating yourself, then our seasonal gift guide features a plethora of sartorial and stylish options. With many a men's style accessory to chose from, including bow tie sets, silk ties, braces, and waistcoats, as well as expertly curated seasonal coats and dresses for ladies, you'll find everything you need to have the most elegant Christmas yet.
