Tag: Fashion

Since 1926 the stately and laureled InterContinental Mark Hopkins hotel has captivated its San Francisco-visiting guests from the moment they walk through the French Chateau-inspired marble arches into the opulent entrance. They’re even more entranced when they elevate up its 19 stories to the glass-walled Top of the Mark, the iconic Art Deco cocktail lounge and restaurant famous for its spectacular views.

The highest bar in all of San Francisco, and one of the most historic, it offers priceless panoramas of the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco Bay, Alcatraz, and its character-rich Nob Hill neighborhood with the mysterious Pacific-Union Club next door on its manicured grounds.

A triple-A Designated San Francisco Landmark, the 5-star property is the oldest in the impressive InterContinental portfolio, which it joined in 1973. The hotel is named after railroad magnate Mark Hopkins, who built an elaborate mansion for his wife on the site, at that time the highest perch in Nob Hill, in 1878. The mansion was destroyed by fire after the 1906 earthquake.

The former mansion set the grounds for the pedigree that would see the French-and-Spanish-influenced hotel designed by the estimable Weeks and Day architectural firm, open in 1926. Opulence, refined taste, and escapism where channeled into an imposing 380-room structure with 33 suites for guests who cherished history, comfort, and a feeling, well, of being above it all.

The Top of the Mark always attracted its share of affluent swells. But it also hosted countless uniformed servicemen and their gals before the men set off for the Pacific in WWII. A tradition of officers buying bottles for their battle-bound soldiers evolved into a tradition of “squadron shots,” and continued after wartime with a cabinet of bottles purchased by those wishing to do the same; the tradition continues to this day.

In its hallowed past, the likes of Elizabeth Taylor, Judy Garland, Betty Grable, and Elvis Presley all made the Mark Hopkins their escape hatch from the press and paparazzi. Plus the likes of Charles de Gaulle, Britain’s Prince Philip, Herbert Hoover, and FDR. Many were entertained by Benny Goodman and Tommy Dorsey who performed at the hotel in the Big Band era.

Now you can keep up with the A-listers in a modernized but still classically elegant hotel. Buckwheat blinis with Beluga caviar and a Champagne tasting are a great way to experience the Top of the Mark; the favored hour being, of course, sunset. Open for all meals, the more casual Nob Hill Club, off the lobby and serving traditional American and San Francisco-inspired cuisine, is where to have classic Eggs Benedict, Dungeness crab rolls, or a fresh-caught salmon entrée.

Equally edifying is the treasure trove of artwork throughout the hotel. The nine historic seven-foot-tall murals in the stunning Room of the Dons depict various scenes from California’s history. They were unveiled at the hotel’s opening in 1926 and were created by Maynard Dixon and Frank Van Sloun. Most recapture “discoveries,” such as Sir Francis Drake’s landing in 1579.

The Continental-evocative rooms and suites feature all the modern amenities. And the higher-floor aeries are of course all about the views, views of all the landmarks and the Bay from nearly every room. The top suites, including the California Suite, Penthouse Suite, Presidential Suite, Nob Hill Suite, and, best of all, the Mark Hopkins suite, are a lot like checking into your own private Nob Hill mansion, some complete with wood paneling and fireplaces.

As Mark Hopkins with its elevated anchor, Nob Hill is one of the most prestigious neighborhoods in the city. Nearly every adjacent residence has its own intricate details. And besides all the restaurants, bars, and upscale retail, it is strategically located to take in all of the City on the Bay, with the Financial District and Chinatown just East and Fisherman’s Wharf to the north. Take one of the fabled cable cars on its 90-degree angle street, and visitors will pass emblems of historical and cultural divides, such as Grace Cathedral and roads that Steve McQueen made famous in car chases.

With the Pacific minutes away, as well as Napa and Sonoma wine country just to the north, it is clear why San Francisco is considered easily one of the finest culinary ports in the States. Gastronauts plan trips there annually to sample its seafood and other delights. And do not leave the city, or hotel, without asking concierges where to find the best cioppino, the port’s signature seafood stew first cooked up in the 1800s, or the intel on who has the best oysters in town.

Horror movie sequels rarely live up to expectations, but when it comes to scary cigars, Tatuaje just dropped another special-edition stogie collection that’s perfect for spooky season.

The Tatuaje Monsters package is an annual limited series of cigars. Each release since 2008 has been themed after a horror icon, from Frankenstein’s Monster to Dracula, Chucky to Jason Vorhees. Founder Pete Johnson created a total of 14 blends for the monstrous collection, but if you missed out on those releases, you’re in luck because he’s brought them all back for a gift set called the “Monster Smash.” For this 2024 collector’s set, each previous release has been recreated in a uniform size—a 5 1/4 x 52 box-pressed robusto.

That includes all 14 monsters, described somewhat cryptically in the special edition box as follows:

• Frank 
• Drac 
• Face 
• Wolf 
• Mummy 
• JV13 
• Jekyll 
• Hyde 
• Krueger 
• Michael 
• Chuck
• Tiff 
• Bride
• Creature

Tatuaje may not be a luxury name alongside Davidoff and the well-known Cuban brands, but for 21 years, founder Pete Johnson has employed some of the best factories and cigar rollers in Nicaragua and the U.S., and for nearly all of that time his cigars have found their way onto revered lists like the Cigar Aficionado Top 25. 

But the Tatuaje Monster series has an equally long (and for its creator, exhausting) history. Johnson debuted the first Monster—The Frank — in 2008. In homage to Frankenstein’s monster, the cigar was big and squarish. At the time, Johnson sold the limited collection to just 13 brick-and-mortar stores because that was the number he could supply with the tiny run of smokes. The Frank was released in a production of just 666 13-count boxes. 

Those boxes, shaped like coffins, were numbered and decorated differently each year with (fake) blood spatters, ski masks, and other gorgeous artworks in the campy spirit of classic horror films. Johnson released The Drac (a sharply pointed torpedo), The Wolfman (a shaggy-footed torpedo), and a number of other monster-inspired smokes. 

Johnson kept the 13-store format for his future releases, but almost everything else changed—especially demand. “It caught on a little sooner than I expected it to,” Johnson told CigarPress a few years ago.  The 666-box production run was amended with non-collector boxes for fans who just wanted one or two cigars—those afraid of missing out on the occasion but not about to commit to (or even find) a $200 box. 

There have been a few sequels and remakes of these cigars over the years. Johnson released the Littler Monsters about a decade ago, then the Skinny Monsters in 2017, and a 13-cigar Monster Mash in 2021. Halfwheel has a fantastic comprehensive guide if you want to see a release timeline.

This year’s package includes all 14 cigars in a book-like hinged double slide box. For $175, it’s a great way to light up some nostalgia—cinema and cigar alike .But the best news is that Tatuaje produced a total of 13,000 boxes for 2024. While it’s still a relatively small run, at least the prospect of tracking a set down for yourself isn’t as scary as it has been in the past. 

G. Clay Whittaker is a Maxim contributor covering lifestyle, whiskey, cannabis and travel. His work has also appeared in Bon Appetit, Men’s Journal, Cigar Aficionado, Playboy and Esquire. Subscribe to his newsletter Drinks & Stuff for perspectives on drinks, and stuff.

The It silhouette.

The best part is you likely already own a few of them.

The previous-gen Ducati Panigale V4 already verged on perfection. Its 1,103-cc “Desmosedici” V4 engine—so named for the desmodromic valve-timing system first implemented by Ducati in the 1950s to achieve more uniform power delivery—was developed from a prototypical race-only MotoGP powerplant. At the hands of rider Álvaro Bautista, the Panigale V4 has won the past two titles in the Superbike World Championship, the pinnacle competition series for production street bikes. It’s the two-wheeled equivalent of a Ferrari SF90 Stradale—a thoroughly race-bred machine that will test your ability at a track and then carry you home on public roads. In late July, Ducati announced the new seventh-generation Panigale V4. And the early consensus is that, even with a seemingly immaculate pedigree, the superbike has somehow gotten even better.

“Ducati’s mission is to enrich people’s lives through technologically sophisticated motorcycles characterized by sensual beauty,” declared Ducati CEO Claudio Domenicali when presenting the bike during the Ducati World Première. “The new Panigale V4 continues a history of successes and unforgettable models, which represents the maximum expression of our values of style, sophistication and performance.”

This is the first Ducati in 30 years to employ a double-sided swingarm, which is arguably the most substantial change when compared to the preceding Panigale V4’s single-sided swingarm. There was something undeniably cool about seeing the rear wheel almost float in the space beneath the tail when viewing the old model on its throttle side, but as the RideApart site points out, MotoGP bikes employ double-sided swingarms in pursuit of ultimate performance because, among other reasons, they’re lighter. Indeed, this new Ducati Hollow Symmetrical Swingarm, connected to MotoGP-derived suspension linkages, helps shed 8.4 pounds off the rear. Thanks to the weight loss and a 37-percent decrease in lateral stiffness, the new swingarm should improve traction when exiting corners and increase feel under acceleration.

While the swingarm’s performance benefits may be obvious, many are contending that aesthetic value has suffered. Perhaps Ducati anticipated this gripe, as press materials cite the Ducati 916—widely praised for being one of the most beautiful motorcycles ever—as having inspired the new Panigale V4’s design. The similarities can best be seen in profile, where the balanced horizontal line, created by raising the Panigale V4’s front and lowering its rear, becomes most apparent. The rear-view mirror supports were mounted inside the fairing to further accentuate this line, while the rear LED unit’s “double C” shape and narrow tank are two more elements evocative of the 916.

The powertrain has also been improved—the base Panigale V4’s standard alternator, oil pump and gearbox drum come from the hardest-core performance-minded variants of the previous Panigale. Most of the engine remains largely unchanged; it’s still a stressed element of the chassis, and it’s got four camshafts that move 16 valves. The U.S. version’s power output changes negligibly, with a peak 209 horsepower coming at 12,750 rpm and 89.5 pound-feet of torque at 11,250 rpm. However, several new pieces of MotoGP-inspired componentry have been brought aboard, one of which is Ducati Vehicle Observer. According to Ducati, this algorithm “is able to evaluate a high number of kinematic and dynamic parameters that influence bike behavior and calculate acceleration, forces on the tires and the maximum torque that the vehicle can support.” This capability further enhances the Panigale V4’s comprehensive rider-aid suite, which includes traction control, slide control, wheelie control, launch control and engine brake control.

The all-new dashboard is also lifted straight from Francesco Bagnaia and Enea Bastianini’s MotoGP bikes. The 6.9-inch screen, which was optically bonded to ensure readability in all conditions, features a “Track” display that shows a series of new parameters. Among them are “g-Meter,” which indicates the g-force value when leaning, accelerating and braking; “Power & Torque,” which displays the percentage of power and torque delivered in any given moment; and “Lean Angle,” which shows the instantaneous lean angles alongside the throttle level and the pressure exerted on the brakes. A time-split table, with T1, T2 and T3 icons indicating the performance obtained in different sectors of a track, uses the same white, gray, orange, and red colors seen in MotoGP.

Perhaps the single most promising piece of data provided by Ducati is that the Panigale V4, priced at $25,995, is one second quicker than the outgoing model around the company’s test track. And that’s just the base bike: For $33,895, the Panigale V4S offers even racier features, like lighter alloy wheels and an upgraded electronically controlled Öhlins NPX/TTX suspension, ensuring more milliseconds will be dropped from lap times. The next-generation Panigale V4R, the ultimate expression of the Ducati Corse racing program in a road bike, will likely be announced at some point in the near future. Who knows? This generation of Ducati Panigale V4 just might bring about superbike perfection

The art and craft of making great bourbon has a surprising amount in common with making a stylish pair of men’s boots, and Wolverine is once again proving the two fields go hand in hand with its latest Old Rip Van Winkle collaborative work boots.

The covetable and often-hard-to-find bourbon makes for a natural source of inspiration alongside ruggedly stylish boots from the Michigan bootmaker. Case in point: Past partnerships between the two have even incorporated Pappy Van Winkle barrel wood into the boots themselves. Suffice to say, the latest and greatest Wolverine x Old Rip Van Winkle Batch IV Boots continue to check all the right boxes in terms of timeless style and countless nods to stellar bourbon.

This year’s edition brings “freshness to the collaboration,” Wolverine noted, using a workwear-friendly wedge sole hailing from the famed Wolverine 1000 Mile line. That the boots arrive in time for the middle stretch of National Bourbon Heritage Month is a fitting crossover, and design cues drawing from America’s spirit are present from the ground up in the latest envy-inducing pair.

Wolverine is no stranger to boozy partnerships, having teamed up with Dragon’s Milk on a beer-inspired set of durable 1000 Mile Boots back in 2021. The new Wolverine x Old Rip Van Winkle Boots (set to retail for $424.95 online while supplies last) draw their deep color from the ” rich caramel and wood notes of Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year,” while the tongue is adorned with a hand-numbered Old Rip Van Winkle woven label.

Better still is the fact that the first 100 buyers of the fast-selling boots will receive a special-edition duo of Wolverine x Old Rip Van Winkle coasters featuring bourbon barrel wood. And in a further nod to what Wolverine calls “timeless American craftsmanship,” a portion of proceeds will benefit student-focused workforce development organization SkillsUSA.

Between a fresh silhouette, handsome leather sure to get better with age, and a natural pairing between rich bourbon and finely crafted leather boots, the latest from Wolverine and Old Rip Van Winkle is (nearly) as covetable as Pappy whiskey itself.

And just like that, we’re back with another mid-week Taylor Swift outfit report. Since her Eras tour began, she’s made a habit of spending the weekdays in NYC, popping out once or twice in a perfectly put-together early-summer outfit (see here and here). 

Similar to her music, Swift also has style eras, and I’d call this her classic one. In keeping with the quiet luxury thing that’s happening in fashion right now, Swift has been wearing low-key, label-less pieces that would still look relevant ten years from now. Accordingly, her latest photographed look consisted of an anti-trend dress style that you likely already own yourself: a black knit maxi dress. Swift belted the dress and paired it with her favorite Mansur Gavriel bag and a pair of comfortable Birkenstock-esque sandals with gold buckles.

Just in case Swift has inspired you to add a new anti-trend dress to your own closet, scroll to shop a few of our favorite styles and similar sandals (as well as the rest of her polished look).

Next up, 29 anti-trend summer Nordstrom items we’re losing it over.

If you want to talk A-list energy, no one is doing it like Versace. Only five months into 2023, the iconic design house has already given us some of the most major fashion moments of the year with runway ready-to-wear and red carpet looks that rank “best dressed” every single time. And Versace’s latest eyewear collection is pushing me to go further. Even on my not-so-great days, putting on a pair of these glasses will instantly boost my confidence. From reinvented cat-eye shapes to classic oversize frames, the glasses in this collection are the only accessories you need for summer. Keep scrolling to shop my favorite styles.

Featuring the fashion house’s signature Medusa motif, these sunglasses embrace the strength that the mythical character represents. The shape itself is an edgier take on the classic cat-eye, leaning toward that sporty look Gen Z can’t get enough of. And if you’ve read anything here on WWW, you know silver accents are having a moment, with the fashion set donning all things metallic lately. Gold will always remain a staple, but accessorizing with on-trend silver this summer is definitely a good idea.

If you’re all about sticking to the classics, it doesn’t get more timeless than these square frames. The rich black colorway, recognizable gold insignia, and oversize look scream, “No pictures, please.” Of course, the paparazzi might not be knocking down your door, but if the goal is to give off rich energy, look no further than these frames. This more neutral style can be dressed up with a matching black pantsuit or dressed down for your everyday athleisure. No matter your outfit of choice, these will be a go-to pair all summer long.

When it comes to eyeglasses for everyday wear, look no further than these frames. The Medusa Glasses are another timeless design defined by the signature Medusa plaque, and they’ll give every outfit the expensive-looking upgrade we’re all after right now. The subtle cat-eye shape and gold detailing make them the perfect combination of classic and statement-making, so whether you need prescription glasses or just like the clear look, these are a major step up from your average eyewear. 

Don’t you love the feeling of earning a brand-new stamp on your passport? Earlier this month, I went to Spain for the first time and those four square centimeters of fresh ink were so satisfying because of what they represented: a chance to explore a destination through an unspoiled lens. Oh, and also the opportunity to take some excellent outfit pics, of course.  

I traveled to the small town of Deià on the island of Mallorca with the express purpose of celebrating the launch of the new Kurt Geiger x Matthew Williamson collaboration. Why Deià, you might ask? Williamson is a British ex-pat who has made his home in the picturesque hilltop village for the last 8 years (cue the jealousy). Since it’s also Kurt Geiger creative director Rebecca Farrar-Hockley’s favorite vacation destination, it was a no-brainer to use the locale as inspiration for the collab. 

“My job was to create a print that would encapsulate Kurt Geiger, my brand, and Deià,” Williamson told me. “I started looking at traditional Mallorcan ikat patterns, so I wanted to incorporate that. The florals were actually inspired by these wild orchids that grow on the road down from my house in Deià to my daughter’s school, so all of that is enmeshed in the print.” 

The result? “We’ve ended up with a colorway that represents both Kurt Geiger, with our distinctive rainbow palette, and the amazing Mediterranean sea: turquoise, blue, and green,” Farrar-Hockley told me. “And then the rich burnt aubergine and orange of the sunset. The prints Matthew created really sum up those two sides for me.”

I decided to style the collab in a way that would put the colors front and center. Specifically, my favorite vacation outfit formula involves an oversized white button-down shirt, white linen pants, and colorful accessories.

Scroll down to see how I styled the new Kurt Geiger x Matthew Williamson collab and shop the pieces for yourself. In addition to online, the items will be featured in pop-up shops throughout the month of June at six different Bloomingdale’s locations. 

I wear black jeans regularly. While I’m also favoring light-blue jeans these days, I routinely turn to black denim because I think it can bring a chic and polished feel. Fun fact: My go-to silhouettes are from Levi’s and Mott & Bow. But there are also a plethora of other A+ silhouettes out there. And yes, I decided to take the next few moments to share some of the said picks with you.

I scrolled through a range of go-to sites from Nordstrom to Shopbop to find the black jeans I think are great from a style perspective but that are also top-rated by customers. The jeans in question all have over four stars and above.

If you’re looking to add a fresh pair of black jeans into your rotation, keep scrolling to check out the best picks, broken down by style. You’ll also find an actual customer testimonial for each.

This post was published at an earlier date and has since been updated. Next, check out outfits to wear with jeans.