AFICIONADO

edited by: MICHAEL SONSINO

The coolest things in the world right now

ASTON MARTIN VALHALLA

Named after the Hall of Warriors, you’d expect the new Aston Martin Valhalla to be dramatic, and it certainly lives up to that expectation. This is Aston Martin’s first ever mid-engine, hybrid supercar, combining everything they’ve learned over their decades producing luxury vehicles and their recent re-entry into Formula 1. The new V8 and twin E-Motors produce 950bhp, giving a top speed of 217mph and a 0-60 of 2.5 seconds. Learn more at astonmartin.com

HOUSE ATOP THE ROCK

This large building atop a rocky crag in Canada looks more like an Avengers compound than the family home it is. It was designed by the firm Gort Scott who won an invitational competition to earn the commission. The building combines light and dark areas, with cool and refreshing subterranean rooms mixed with open areas of outdoor terrace. There are many concrete buildings in the world but few are in such a dramatic location as the rocks overlooking a lake. Learn more at gortscott.com

ARTISANS DE GENÈVE MAGGIORE

It’s hard to beat a stainless steel Rolex Daytona, but how about a solid gold one? The latest project from Artisans de Genève combines a rose gold case and bracelet with a grey ceramic bezel to evoke an autumnal scene on the shores of Lake Maggiore on the Swiss-Italian border. The sapphire dial also provides a stunning visual of the gold and anthracite-coated movement housed inside, giving a beautiful yet technical appearance. Learn more at artisansdegeneve.com

THE WASABI COMPANY

One of the surprising trends that came out of international lockdowns is the immense popularity of DIY meal kits and one of the coolest has to be the wasabi starter kit from The Wasabi Company. Not only is this a ‘do it at home’ kit that lets you grate and mix your own wasabi, but also The Wasabi Company are the only brand that grows the plant in the UK. wasabi starter kit, £23, alternative starter kits £20-£100, find out more at thewasabicompany.co.uk

MACALLAN CONCEPT NO. 3

Whisky is as much a cultural and artistic expression as it is a tasty drink and that’s exemplified by Macallan’s concept series, which is culminating with the Concept No. 3. The expression has been made in collaboration with David Carson, an American graphic designer whose signature typography adorns the bottle. The whisky is fresh with a golden hue with primary flavours of apple and pear mixed with oak. For more information visit themacallan.com

CASIO G-SHOCK X MARINO MORWOOD

London-based designer Marino Morwood’s Cetra Visions has gone from strength to strength since Morwood first started supplying clothes for rap superstars like A$AP Rocky and Quavo in 2016. Now, in a limited series of 200 pieces, he’s worked alongside Casio to create the G-Shock DW5600CETRA-7ER, a white resin version of the classic DW-5600 with orange patterns that are a Cetra Visions signature. Functionally it’s G-Shock as we’ve always known it, stylistically it’s at the bleeding edge of rap design. 200 pieces at £119 from g-shock.co.uk/cetra

RUARK BEACH HUT BLUE

Sure, the great audio quality and useability of the Ruark R1 Beach Hut Blue makes it an attractive mid-sized radio but what puts it a tier above is the design. The limited edition blue lacquer combines with the wood-patterned front to give it the appearance of (as its name suggests) a miniature, summer-ready beach hut. It has a lot more character than most speakers and is a fun addition to any audio set-up. £229.99, available from ruarkaudio.com