Tag: Fashion

The very last bike the great Barry Sheene rode to victory was recently auctioned by Bonhams in the UK, his 2001 FWD Manx Norton 500cc Racing Motorcycle ‘FW02’, which was specially prepared for the two-time World Champion and took him to first place in the Lennox Cup motorcycle event at the 2002 Goodwood Revival Meeting. If ever there were a case of two icons working together in perfect harmony, this was it.

This 2001 FWD Manx Norton was a customized version of the latest of Norton’s first racing machines built in Birmingham, England in 1927. When Cycle World got their hands on a couple to test in 1962 they found that, “Before the day was out, we had acquired a pretty good idea as to why the Nortons win, and a real appreciation of how skilled, and brave, are their riders.”

Their main conclusion about this hair-raising superbike was, “All in all, the Norton Manx is a machine that beggars description. It goes very fast, and it handles like nothing the average street or dirt rider has even imagined could exist. It is, beyond any doubt, one of the best.”

The Manx Norton’s success was due to its remarkably simple 500cc single cylinder engine known for its power and reliability. The hand built, factory tested motors revved to 7,800 rpm and were so well engineered that Vanwall later lifted the design for their Formula One cars.

Together with its legendary “Featherbed” frame looping around under the engine and back to the headstock, “Roadholder” forks, lightweight aluminum spoked wheels, and fantastic brakes with four drums in front and two at the rear, the Manx Norton racers made formidable competition bikes in the right hands with a level of road-holding second to none. With gearing for the road race that gave them their “Manx” name, these beasts would see more than 150 mph down the mountain at the most dangerous road race in the world, the Isle of Man Tourist Trophy.

As for the chap riding this weapon to victory in the last win of his long and illustrious career, well, back when motor racing was dangerous, and sex was safe, two men stood head and shoulders above the rest of the sporting world as playboy legends in their own time: Formula 1 star James Hunt, and Barry Sheene, who was married to Penthouse Pet of the Month for April 1970 and Pet of the Year in 1971, Stephanie McLean—who once said, “Famous, good looking, what’s not to like?” Like real life James Bonds, women wanted them, and men wanted to be them.

All Sheene wanted as a kid was to, “go out and make my mark on the motorcycling racing world, but I don’t want to make any marks on the circuit at the same time.” He proceeded to drill a hole in his crash helmet, insert a cigarette, and smoke his way across the finish line both literally and metaphorically to the top of the game.

By the mid ’70s Sheene was an established contender on the grand prix circuit and mixing in the same circles as Hunt. They became fast friends united by sporting ambitions, and a passionate dedication to sucking the marrow out of life on the way to the top. Steve Parrish, one of Sheene’s racing teammates, put it like this: “It was the 1970s wasn’t it… short skirts and sex, drugs and rock n roll… You still had a glass of wine the night before and wouldn’t be in the gym all day long… your fitness came from driving or riding or whatever you were doing, or shagging.”

Meanwhile Sheene’s sister has pointed out that, “He was the first of the glamorous world champions. There was George Best in Football, and James Hunt in cars, and Barry in bikes; and they were the three, weren’t they? Longhaired, good looking womanizers.” Despite a death-defying crash in 1975 testing at Daytona resulting in metal plates and screws holding him together, by 1976 Sheene had won the 500cc Motorcycle World Championship, and his buddy Hunt was the Formula One World Champion.

Keep your eyes peeled for the forever-forthcoming movie Sheene, which we hope will rival Rush (if it doesn’t it won’t be for lack of material); but meanwhile if you get the chance to buy his iconic last bike, please be in touch—so I can get a leg over and take her for a whirl to attempt the backwards “V” he gave Kenny Roberts as he passed him at 180 mph during the 1979 British Grand Prix.

The new year is as good a time as any to take stock of what’s in your closet and what’s on your wrist: A lively shot of color and rugged design via the new G-Shock Ignite Red Series might be a fine way to kick off your style resolutions.

Whether experimenting with the refined-yet-durable G-Shock ‘CasiOak’ or collaborating with the likes of John Mayer and Hodinkee, the pioneering watch brand is never one to rest on its laurels.

That ethos is best seen in the fiery, vibrant Ignite Red Series, which updates four of the brand’s most recognizable models.

The thinking behind selecting black and red was quite simple, as it turns out: Both red and black encapsulate the brand’s passion and strength, a fitting backbone for a company that’s sent its watches into all kinds of extreme conditions over the years.

The G-Shock GA100BNR-1A gets the red-and-black treatment with distinctive touches throughout its bezel and pusher buttons, plus the famed G-Shock logo itself.

And yet, G-Shock retained the same specs that make its timepieces so indispensable for global adventures, literally.

The GA-100 boasts world time functionality across 29 times, not to mention helpful features like a 1/1,000-second stopwatch.

The GA-2200BNR-1A also gets the new color treatment and includes the company’s utilitarian 200 meters of water resistance and a distinctive day-window dial design.

For those who prefer a clean look, the GA-2100BNR-1A uses visually striking red indices and the same signature case design that made the CasiOak a downright winner among watch enthusiasts earlier this year.

The lineup also includes the G-Shock GA700BNR-1A, a classically shock resistant analog-meets-digital watch that again includes essential water resistance, for good measure.

Each watch strikes the right balance between technical specs, utility and even a touch of style points, thanks to the bold black-and-red color scheme.

Perhaps the best part? Watches in the G-Shock Ignite Red Series range from just $99 up to $150, an accessible way to amp up your wrist game in 2023.

There’s surely something to be said for escaping to one of the best luxury hotels on a quest for opulence, but what if you prefer your vacations a touch more rustic? The Trakt Forest Hotel quite literally rises to meet the occasion, boasting tranquil cabins suspended over the forest floor among Swedish pine trees.

Designed by architect Gert Wingård, timber cabins tucked away in Sweden’s Sällehägnad promise an experience that (according to the hotel), “invites you to the tranquility that makes you forget the stress of the city.”

The eco-retreat is described by the architect himself as featuring “floating rooms,” and it’s just the latest envy-inducing getaway to hit the market: Trakt opened in July 2022 and already looks to be quite the covetable travel experience.

Family-owned land delivers the space for Trakt Forest Hotel, which features five timber cabins appointed handsomely with luxe-meets-rugged Scandinavian design touches.

Spacious windows boast panoramic views, and the destination certainly leans much more toward “glamping” than a typical “off-the-grid” trip.

The property also looks inward when it comes to sustainability, using locally grown and sourced food in the Trakt Kitchen and repurposing fire-damaged wood throughout the sprawling locale.

The main lodge is inviting, warm and just rustic enough for an unplugged-yet-premium experience, and the Trakt Kitchen itself should prove a highlight of any Swedish trip.

The kitchen does a little bit of everything in its own way, from smoking its own meat to boiling its own jam and using other natural ingredients from the surrounding region.

Perhaps the best part is, rates are much more agreeable than one might expect: Stay at the expertly crafted Trakt Forest Hotel starting at $375 a night.

Lest you think the experience might prove too remote, the hotel is accessible by taxi from the Nässjö train station, or by rental car from Växjö Airport (a 1-hour flight from Stockholm) or Gothenburg/Landvetter Airport.

If you ask us, it sounds like the stars are aligning for a remote yet surprisingly accessible Swedish forest getaway in 2023 and beyond.

Regardless of whether you’re a liquid, gel, or kohl type of person, if you frequently ride the liner train (translation: you rely on it to look awake each morning like your life depends on it), you know how pivotal finding the absolute perfect formula is. Once you’ve found your holy-grail pot, pencil, or what have you, chances are you’re never letting go Jack and Rose–style. But there is a but, or rather, a budget. 

Eyeliners fall into that annoying category of beauty products that seem like they should only cost $5 but typically manage to run us upward of $15, $20, even $30. Uh, not cool! Previously, we’ve grinned, purchased, and born it, but what if we were to tell you this little place called the drugstore plays home to formulas that are identical to, if not better than, some of the best eyeliners in the business? 

Now, we love our Stilas, Laura Merciers, Bobbi Brows, and Kat Von Ds just as much as anyone, but when you have bills to pay, Postmates to order, and highly salted overpriced margaritas to sip, your enthusiasm for extremely expensive eyeliners starts to wane. Thus, in the spirit of saving money without sacrificing our perfectly eyelined prerogative, we set out to find the seven best dupes to match the seven best eyeliners. Ahead, the crème de la crème of drugstore pencils, pots, felt tips, and, yes, even rollerballs, that give cult-status eyeliners a serious run for their money performance-wise and completely whip their bums price-wise. Keep scrolling! 

Next: These Drugstore-Priced Primers Are Basically the Blur Tool in a Tube

This article was originally published at an earlier date and has been updated.

In case you’re new around here, we Who What Wear beauty editors are very into fragrance. With every new fragrance launch, we’re always falling over each other on Slack to discuss the absolute best new launches and the classics that we can just never quit. 

When it comes to perfume, I feel like I’m always coming back to some of my tried-and-true favorites. What can I say? At this point, I know exactly which fragrances will earn me tons of compliments per wear. 

In 2023, however, I’m trying to branch out as much as possible with my fragrance choices. So many perfumes are incredibly interesting and unique, and it’s high time that I put them center stage. My resolution is to wear a different fragrance every day for the first week of 2023 to test out some of the quirkiest fumes—see the seven I’ll be testing below, plus some of each brand’s more toned-down counterparts. 

Next, This Scent Has Officially Eclipsed Baccarat Rouge and Santal 33 in NYC

Steve Madden has been in the fashion business since launching in 1990 with its iconic chunky heeled shoes. But did you know the brand also has an A+ accessories game? It’s true. 

We caught up with Christina Ciglar, creative director of retail at Steve Madden, to get the scoop on their latest and greatest handbag offerings, including details on the top ten best-selling styles. This season’s must-have is the top handle BAMINA, followed closely by BBRIGHT and BNOBLE-C, the glimmering rhinestone mesh mini bags. “We think they are perfect for any festive get-together this upcoming winter season,” notes Ciglar. Also, evening bags are all about bling, with the customer pairing her night-out heels with top-handle styles and petite pochettes.

From crossbodies to clutches and evening bags to every day, there’s bound to be a bag to meet the moment. And, of course, any bag you choose is guaranteed to go great with a pair of Steve Madden shoes.

Next, TikTok Is Obsessed With These Affordable Shoes, so I Test-Drove 4 Pairs.

It’s no secret that the Y2K resurgence has ruled the past few years, but simultaneously, fashion people are turning to the ’90s for a bit of inspo too. The decade popularized some of our staple footwear brands, Vans, Dr. Martens, Converse, and of course, Timberland. Gen Z may not be as knowledgeable about the origins of this popular shoe brand, so to enlighten, Timberland started as a durable workboot but became known in fashion during the rise of the hip-hop and rap scene. Icons such as Notorious B.I.G. and Tupac, along with groups like Wu-Tang Clan, were often spotted in the shoes, and quickly they became synonymous with hip-hop and New York style.

The shoe remains just as relevant today, with celebrities including J. Lo, Rhianna, and Pharrell often sporting the boots. Most recently, the brand has taken on several collabs with brands ranging from Jimmy Choo to Kith, so you’re sure to see the shoe everywhere in upcoming months. With durability and a waterproof exterior, we can’t forget that they are the perfect boot for the winter season.

Perhaps you’re looking to branch out from the classic 6″ Work Boot style. Luckily, the brand has broadened its selection to include types from Chelsea boots to even heels; yes, you heard that right. So whether you’re looking for the perfect pair of black ankle boots to pair with a lace slip dress or a fashionable shoe to sport on your next hike, you’re sure to find a way to incorporate the shoe into your personal style.

If you’re looking for a new way to style your Timbs, are considering purchasing your first pair, or just need outfit ideas with combat boots, we’ve put together ten fashion-forward ways to wear the shoes, no matter your taste.

While many of us can’t resist the siren call of a logo handbag, right now there’s a much subtler option that will just as effectively communicate your love for fashion. It’s all in the details: A bell-sleeve sweater with extra-long sleeves is a trend that will tell everyone in the know that you’re a fashion person. 

The trend is all over the street style scene and is ubiquitous on Instagram, but it doesn’t feel overblown in any way because it’s such a small detail that can be easily missed—there’s nothing in-your-face about this trend. Bell sleeves can also be found on a wide range of sweaters, from camel turtlenecks to oversize cardigans, so there’s no monotony here. Scroll down to see how fashion people are wearing bell-sleeve sweaters, and shop our favorites. 

Next, 5 Risqué New Trends to Try If You’re Dressing for Revenge

As a self-proclaimed expert shopper (hey, it’s literally my job!), I’m willing to go to great lengths when it comes to finding an item I simply need. Whether it’s an amazing pair of jeans, the perfect summer sandals, or an Instagram-famous dress, if an item is sold out, I look at it as an obstacle rather than the end of a journey. With that in mind, today I’ll be sharing five of my best tricks for finding these seemingly out-of-reach pieces since, more often than not, they have worked for me. Plus, as they say, you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take! 

Scroll through for my top tips and to shop some of my favorite basic (that I’m betting will sell out soon) along the way. Below, five insider tricks on where to find sold-out clothing.

Oftentimes, your best bet is to go straight to the source. One way to do so is by simply emailing customer service. They may have intel on if and when an item is coming back or at the very least tell you what days restocks happen on the site. If you’re not shy, you can ask the brand directly on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. You’d be surprised how responsive brands can be—even large corporate conglomerates are all about customer engagement these days.

While there are many associate resale sites with “old” or “used” clothes, when a relatively new item is in demand, buyers oftentimes catch on and are willing to part with an unworn or slightly used piece for even a small profit. Be sure to check resale sites such as Vestiaire Collective, What Goes Around Comes Around, and The RealReal for such pieces.

If you’re lucky, the sold-out item you’re coveting will have a waiting list either in-store or online, in which case you can enter your email address or provide your phone number and get notified when it’s back in stock. If that’s the case, definitely sign up but also sign up for the site’s newsletter regardless. If the item is highly in demand, the general newsletter might notify you of the restock well before the store gets in touch with you personally.

This is one of my FAVORITE tricks. Whether an item is completely sold-out or just sold-out in your size, bookmark the direct link to the piece on all your devices (cell phone, work computer, laptop) and check it once a day—at least. If someone returns the piece, you’ll likely be one of the first to notice when the site processes it and be able to snatch it up once it’s back in stock. This has worked for me countless times.

If your own attempts to find a piece are unsuccessful, enlist a third party to help you out—they’re effective and allow you to be more effective with your time. Threads is a personal shopping service that specializes in this for new luxury items. Other options include PS Dept. and The Bettina Looney Edit.

This post was originally published at an earlier date and has been recently updated.

Shop the items I have my eye on at the moment—from affordable finds to investment buys. Return each month for my new picks.

As a fashion editor, I constantly have my eye on the latest emerging brands, trends that are gaining traction, and new items that are dropping at retailers. It’s my job to bring you the coolest finds and the special pieces I think deserve a place in your wardrobe, which is why I’m rounding up all of them here in a column dedicated to the buys I would personally put my money behind and test-drive in my wardrobe.

I also have a specific style that blends my penchant for minimalism on some days and maximalism on others, so you’ll find pieces across the board here. The common thread? A mindset for supporting amazing design talent and only investing in pieces I plan on wearing for years to come. So let me take you on a virtual shopping trip, on which I’ll highlight all of the pieces I think are worth adding to your cart.

Next: I Tried 5 Cult Designer Accessories Everyone’s Talking About