The new Bentley: MULSANNE - No Compromise.

BENTLEY recently launched their new flagship model the Mulsanne. Named after a popular corner of the Le Mans 24hour racetrack, as a sign of sporting heritage and passion for power and speed.

This car was designed to remind the world that Bentley ‘represents the pinnacle of British Luxury’, despite being unveiled in California and Frankfurt....

Parts of the bodywork is made from a range of techno-modern materials and processes such as complex frame aluminium front wings; a method of construction taken from the aerospace industry. The boot lid is also made from composite material providing lightness, without compromise.

Although it’s the flagship model (typically large and based on comfort), the styling has a hint of sportiness. The level of imagination for the design is as imaginative as Porsche’s designers; little. This car merely looks like it was fused between the Bentley Continental Flying Spur and the Arnage (pictured below)...

We’re also not sure about the headlights as the front of the car looks like a Piccadilly line train.

Nonetheless, with 20’ wheels (as standard) the car as a whole looks more like it comes from Lady Penelope’s Collection. It also has the world’s most powerful 2200 watt in-car amplifier, enabling the owner to perfectly listen to the band they probably just bought...

The party piece of this car is the engine. It has a hand built twin turbocharged 6.75 litre V8 engine producing a mind boggling 505bhp giving a deep muffled V8 burble. Monstrous power top end and the turbochargers providing monstrous torque from just above idle; all complimented with an eight speed automatic gearbox .

However, not to worry tree huggers! Only half the engine runs whilst cruising, which most of the time it will be.

Most importantly this car has a new air suspension system providing a smooth ride, allowing the passenger in the back to smoothly negotiate the purchase of their next country. Once they have made their purchase they can swiftly get to the airport with ease as the ride height lowers at speed to reduce lift and improve aerodynamic stability.

Ultimately this is a Bentley. No compromise. In addition to the superior quality, this car can be custom made to your taste, right down to the stitching on the steering wheel.

Prices will be confirmed mid-December.

LACOSTE LIGHT BOX - COVENT GARDEN (Only until Sunday 29th November!)

In honour of the ATP Tennis World Finals based in the London O2 Arena (for the first time), the official sponsor LACOSTE, has launched a pop up store and exhibition in Covent Garden’s piazza. Appropriately named the ‘LACOSTE LIGHT BOX’ this is a giant sized inflatable white cube, illuminating the Garden.


Inside the 'Box' is a white space, white floors, ceilings and walls. The reason being is to experience the digital journey of the brand’s universe; an ethereal tennis game being played around the room with you in the middle. The scene is splashed with Lacoste’s history expressed by images displayed all around the box and surround sound following the images, giving an ultimate sensory experience. It’s one step ahead of being a 3-D cinema.

After experiencing the digital journey, the second compartment is the Lacoste store with a concise selection of items, including two t-shirts made exclusively by Andreas Crews for the 2009 London ATP Tennis finals event.


The ‘Light Box’ was launched on 22nd of November with a party; entertainment from models Alice Dellal, Ben Grimes, TV presenter Nick Grimeshaw and musician Mr Hudson (including a tennis style DJ match!).

The 'Light Box' is something which must be experienced, even just to see the modern illuminated structure contrasted with the traditional Covent Garden scene. However, the lights go out at 9pm on Sunday 29th November so get to the Garden quick not to miss this experience.

Free Admission.

Selfridges Sale starts tommorow -Print the voucher here!

DON'T forget, the Selfridges 20%* discount sale starts tommorow so make sure you click and print your voucher! Click on the followingfor details; Selfridges 20% discount .

*Exclusions apply, please see in-store or visit www.selfridges.com/exclusions for details. Discounts only apply to purchases made in-store and all discounts will be applied at point of sale from November 26 to November 29 2009 inclusive only.

FRENCH CONNECTION SAMPLE SALE!

FRENCH CONNECTION will be holding a unisex sample sale THIS weekend. Let's help relieve them of their stock!

 

Starting THIS FRIDAY 27^th November to Sunday 29^th at: Centro One, 39 Camden Street, London, NW1 0DX (entrance on Mandela Street). Closest tube is either Camden Town or Mornington Crescent (Northern Line).

 

£1 entry which will be donated to charity.

 

Opening hours:

FRIDAY – 09.30-19.00

SATURDAY – 10.00-17.00

SUNDAY – 10.00-16.00

TOPMAN's New Antony Price Collection

Military Jacket £120.00

Well done I say chappy! This new winter collection brings out the child in you and with todays unique fashion range, you can use any of these pieces to create your own uniqueness! Be it only a bow tie for £20.00, or the full 'Austin Powers' soldiers uniform -get unique. The Benchmark recommends! VISIT: Antony Price -TOPMAN

Bow tie £20.00

Grey Poachers Jacket -£140.00

RAIN COAT! Tis the season to be raining.....

Since it only stops raining for 3mins of each day and the wind force matches that from Wizard of Oz, it's best to invest in a smart rain coat - from one of our favourites asos.co.uk.


For the simple overcoat Fred Perry provide their Parka jacket for £175.00

Fred Perry Parka £175.00

For the whole winter, Polo Jeans provide the Chris Parker. One of our favourites as the variety of pockets are great for all your goodies and it's heavily padded with the sleeves tightly wrapped at the ends to stop chills getting through. Selling at £275.00 - which is a lot of jacket for your money.

Polo Jeans Parker £275.00

This next jacket does what it says on the tin (well ASOS website rather), a YMC Hooded raincoat. Plain and simple. A steal at £132.00!

YMC Hooded Raincoat £132.00

Into the Trenches

In 1914 Thomas Burberry (founder of Burberry) had skilfully crafted the first known Trench coat for the British Officers of World War I(excuse the history lesson). Since then the coat has become an icon to fashion and has never gone ‘out’ of fashion. Our favourite trench wearer was the late Peter Sellers as the Pink Panther. That should be enough said to persuade a purchase! The trench coat can now be found from a variety of retailers therefore we have scooped up some of our favourites here.

Starting with the original- Burberry sell their iconic double breasted trench coat for £895.00 with pointed collar. This piece is both buttonable and comes with matching fabric belt and leather covered buckle; made with the upmost quality. Colours range from Navy (pictured), dark mushroom to honey. This coat is an iconic piece of thoroughbred detail providing the relaxed look.

Following British brands, another iconic maker of the trench coat is Aquascutum. They have also provided the classic look fitted coat for £695.00. Available in beige, navy or black.

A modern look of the trench coat made by one of our favourites; Hugo Boss. With an eight button silhouette and the design of simplicity yet sophistication, this provides a professional look at £349.00.

An unexpected yet welcomed 100% cotton design is from Lee. This navy ‘Denzel’ coat has the traditional design with the front shoulder guards, rear vent, buttonable closure along with the belt. The inside has a pinstripe lining to finish. Selling at a moderate £145.00 provides a tidy fit.

Finally we have the Trench coat from Topman selling for £70.00. Camel colour cotton full length and double breasted, again providing the classic trench coat design. This coat may not have the lining or leather buckle, but does provide the wearer the look they’re after.

The trench coat is meant to provide the tailored look so best to check the sizes. Ideally the coat should sit just over the knee and the material should be rigid enough to keep the collars at bay. If the belt feels tight, then tie at the back. Avoid leather trench coats unless you have the urge to ‘choose between the red pill or the blue pill’ whilst wearing sunglasses. The shoulders must be clear cut and not stretched over, but also not too loose as a town flasher.

Our favourite is of course the classic Burberry, but the Topman’s price can’t be ignored nor can the professional look from Hugo Boss.

Neal's Yard Remedies -Natural Grooming Products

There is a little shop hidden in the narrow streets of Covent Garden called Neal's Yard Remedies which at first glance appears to sell no more than natural soap. Venture further in and you find a range of products carefully designed to not only provide a fresh scent, but are effective grooming products; all from natural ingredients. Each natural ingredient has a purpose and not just for the smell. The Men's collection for face and body wash (pictured) includes three potions; Invigorating Body Wash 100ml, Purifying Face Wash 100ml and Rejuvenating Moisturiser 50g. This is a must buy.

The Basil ingredient has a natural mental stimulant, perfect for the morning shower.

                                          The Men's Collection 'Groom' £25.00

This box set has
all the items needed for men’s grooming; facewash (designed around the different oiliness found with men from women), body wash and the moisturiser.


The hand moisturiser is quickly absorbed and doesn't leave your hands feeling oily, unlike cream E45. The face wash is easily applied and easily washed off, but leaves a stimulating scent. The shower gel easily washes off too and leaves a spicy strong Christmas scent.
Also a favourite product from Neal’s Yard Remedies is ideal for man-flu - The 'flu-kit'. This is a set of products including herbal teas designed to get you better asap without all the drugs! RRP £25.00


Another product for the lady in your life; The Captivate Collection with Jasmine-it's a natural aphrodisiac.... £32.00.

Neal's Yard Remedies

15 Neal's Yard

London

WC2H 9DP

0845 262 3145

http://www.nealsyardremedies.com/

SELFRIDGES Christmas Spirit - 20% SALE !!!*

Have you ever walked into Selfridges and thought -'I like that, but it's just a touch out of my budget....' WELL TRIM 20%* off the price and think again. Because from Thursday 26th November to the 29th (three days only!) the Christmas Spirit is with Selfridges.                                
                                                   Muji Magazine Rack -Pre-sale price £24.95

 Because of the wide range of goods sold at Selfridges, it's worth venturing just to browse as there's bound to be something you'll like. Either a Muji desk tray, a remote control 'Back to the Future Delorean' to a pair of True Religion Jeans.

To get the discount you must print the Voucher. Click on the link below and simply print your Web voucher. Enjoy (and Merry Christmas!)  

 Selfridges & Co
 
*Exclusions apply, please see in-store or visit www.selfridges.com/exclusions for details. Discounts only apply to purchases made in-store and all discounts will be applied at point of sale from November 26 to November 29 2009 inclusive only.

TOPMAN'S NEW COLLECTION - OUT FRIDAY 20TH NOVEMBER

Make sure you check out the new 'trend' from Topman. Expect slim silhouette outfits, hats and shiny fabrics.
"a hint of relaxed sophistication to your winter wardrobe with the latest trend. Expect to see roll necks under slim fit shirts and decadent loungewear for understated and refined winter style" Could be very interesting! We'll soon see. -FRIDAY 20th NOVEMBER.

Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, they’re my shoes thank you.

EDITORS PERSONAL NOTE:

Early in 2007 I came across a pair of black patent shoes from Topman which cost a mere £10 in the sale.

Topman -£10.00

Not thinking much of them at the time, I took these shiny fellas to a bachelor party in Barcelona. During the stay I was ridiculed by my drinking partners for wearing such contraptions on my feet. Any time we’d meet up they’d check my feet first to see if I was wearing the shoes. By the time of the wedding in November , black patents from Prada or Russell and Bromley could be spotted on the feet of numerous friends and family.

Dolce and Gabbana sell a laced leather patent shoe in either black or blue for £265.00

 D&G -£265.00

As the black patents became a trend, I explored other patent colours which brings me to the Pewter patents from River Island; a bargain at £20.

        River Island - £20.00

These were saved for my engagement party and I must emphasise the importance of these shoes. Once again they were the talk, but also they are the most comfortable shoes I have owned. I still wear these shoes as they can be worn with almost anything casual to bring a unique look, with the comfort of a trainer.

Spring 2009 I was in Kuwait and visited uber chic Villa Moda. I found a pair of ‘chrome’ shoes by Gucci.

Gucci

These were safely stored away (in their individual dust bags) until the day of my brother’s wedding. Since black patents and pewter shoes had become the norm for me, the chrome Gucci’s were photographed as much as my brother!

Having got word of a Hugo Boss sample sale, the child in me forced me to buy a pair of red –chrome shoes.

These are my personal favourites because of their eccentric look. The shape is very conservative but with the chrome-red finish, it gives an unexpected punch. These debuted at my bother-in-laws fancy dress birthday and added that perfect twist to a moderate outfit. although my favourite look with these is wearing a simple suave suit paired with the chrome-red shoes. This again provides an edgy look without the need to dress as if I were from an ‘80’s high school.

            Hugo Boss

Patent shoes are being more and more recognised by other shoe retailers. Office for example sells a rainbow of patent shoes for £64.99.

Office - Blue / Yellow / Chemelion £64.99

Dune also sell a leather shoe with metallic finish (Amir –MLF032) for £75.00 although I am dubious about the quality of these.

Dune - £75.00

My favourite high street store Topman also sells a selection of chrome finish shoes (including the plain chrome similar to the Gucci’s), but you would need to get yourself to the Oxford Street branch to get your hands on these.

Buy British! YSL that is....

To honour the re-launch of the Harrods refurbished Menswear department, Yves Saint Laurent have created an exlusive T-shirt featuring a graffiti-style Union Jack motif in the shape of the iconic YSL logo. Sold exclusively from Harrods, this T-shirt is simple yet will compliment almost any dress occasion that can be thrown at you. Be it casual, you can wear it alone, be it smarter - it can also be worn well under a black leather jacket. Although the best would be with a black/navy dinner jacket.

As London & Britain have become more iconic in fashion, embracing the Union Jack has become a familiar logo within the fashion world; which is why The Benchmark recommends you embrace this T-shirt!

The iconic piece of Yves Saint Laurent retails at £179.00 from Harrods.

Recommended Jacket to compliment T-shirt from Topman £100.00

Jenson Button book signing at Selfrigdes- Thursday 19th Nov

Formula 1 2009 Champion, Jenson Button will be at the  Selfridges Store Oxford Street on Thursday 19th November between 6-7pm (lower ground floor Bookstore) signing copies of his new book ‘My Champion Year’.

He will be signing his new book which is a personal diary of his winning season. Written in a ‘race per chapter’ method, the book provides details of the circuit, changes to the car, notes on specific strategy,  training, fitness and mental preparation. Radio transcripts and texts are also included providing not only the facts of each race, but the atmosphere. NO EXCUSE TO MISS- it's from 6-7pm!

Please note: Arrive early to avoid disappointment. The book must be purchased from Selfridges and you will be asked to produce a Selfridges receipt. You will be asked to purchase the book from Selfridges if you are unable to provide one.

Harry Brown -UK PREMIERE Starring Michael Caine

Sir Michael Caine

Hosted at the ODEON Leicester Square, with guests including David Haye and Martin Kemp (Spandau Ballet).

This film was set out to be shocking and violent with authentic content -and delivers exactly that. Daniel Barber's directorial debut ensures that he is one to keep an eye out for.

One to watch: Director- Daniel Barber

The movie is slow to start with but soon catches pace providing an amazing action performance from Caine and others. Mixing emotions such as revenge, fear and a hint of lost love, this movie has difficulty sitting in a single genre; but this is what makes this film strong. 

This movie is unmissable especially with Caine's performance. Most believe that British films are poorly cast, under funded and generally boring BUT this breaks the mould. A strong storyline, perfect cast and plenty of gruesome details; you get Harry Brown .

Ben Drew (Nasty piece of work!)

Some of the most shocking scenes of the movie are inspired by real life inner city council estates.

The benchmark verdict; recommends!