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Typically, the only scent associated with bicycles is the odour of sweat and oil slicks. But Italian fragrance house Acqua di Parma has engineered something less mechanic and much more sophisticated. Acqua di Parma is celebrating ten chic years of its signature men’s fragrance, Colonia Assoluta, with an intricate bottle redesign.

In a process that takes hours, the linear metallic webs crisscrossing the bottle represent the spokes of a bicycle to celebrate Italy’s longstanding cycling culture — and its longstanding culture of handsome, savoir faire men saving our drunk selves from fountains.

The fragrance is almost as intricate as the engraved bottle itself, with more than ten different notes including bergamot, red orange, jasmine, rosemary and American cedar and sandlewood — a concoction making the Acqua di Parma man as unique as he is rough-riding irresistible.

For the 10th Anniversary Limited Edition of Colonia Assoluta, visit House of Fraser.

Words: Elise Marraro (follow Elise on Twitter @PardonMe_Lissie)

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Pepe Jeans has certainly come a long way from its reggae hipster fans and andro-punk models trading bits and bobs for a pair in the heart of Portobello Market. Started in 1973 by Nitin Shah and his brothers Arun and Milan, the jeans were vibrant, colourful, and decidedly different from the drab Annie Hall trousers sauntering gloomily down London sidewalks.

The band of brothers created designs that were perhaps partially influenced by their African routes, but mostly by the loud, Clash-led epicenter that was London: “London at that time was raw and hot. It was a place to explore, with so many irrepressible and rebellious musical and artistic scenes. London was our main inspiration, in the same way that James Dean or Andy Warhol can influence. It was all about London, music, art, and youth.”

Forty years of Pepe, with expansions across Europe, Latin America and Asia, is no small feat; but the snap-happy Nitin shows no signs of stopping: “Forty years have passed… but 40 years is still not enough, I need 10 more… When something lasts for 40 years it means it has to be good… Pepe Jeans belongs to the people.” Pepe will celebrate the big 4-0 with the brand’s infamous Singular Music Festival, which features unique venues and emerging alternative talents — and the cycle continues.

Words: Elise Marraro (follow Elise on Twitter @PardonMe_Lissie)

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A true aristocrat leads by example — and celebrates success without planning the party. Thus Lacoste, the design house of royalty sport, celebrates eighty years of polo pimping with an indulgent and very republic collaboration effort. Nine top French houses commemorate the Lacoste crocodile with exclusive anniversary gifts, from bags to golf clubs to delicious sweets. The collection is for looks only, as no items are available for sale — an old world affair, indeed.

Baccarat Crystal Vase with Lacoste Crocodile

Baccarat, known for its luxurious crystal pieces, commemorates that elusive crocodile with a large green vase. Inspired by the tennis and golf trophies won by Rene Lacoste and his athletic brood, the shape harkens 1930’s design but with a very modern, geometric pattern.

Bernardaud for Lacoste Golf Tees

Rene Lacoste married golf champion Simone Thion de la Chaume, and their daughter, Catherine, was also a reigning golfer. So to honour Lacoste’s long-standing relationship with the thinker’s game, porcelain company Bernardaud created a collection of golf tees, each in the colour of the infamous Lacoste polo shirt.

Boucheron Lacoste Crocodile Brooches

The Maison Boucheron is one of the most exclusive jewelers in the Place Vendrome, and indeed the world. Known for its collection of bejeweled animals, the house adds two Lacoste crocodile brooches to its extensive bestiary. Made out of diamonds and emeralds, these are two crocs we’re not afraid to handle.

Christofle Silver Golf Club for Lacoste

This gift for Lacoste’s anniversary is a guaranteed conversation starter at your local country  club. From brooches to place settings, the house Christofle produces priceless silverware, but nothing compares to the complete silver golf club the company made in tribute to Lacoste.

Fauchon Eclairs for Lacoste

Culinary powerhouse Fauchon creates one of the more entertaining (and ephemeral) gifts with these delicious signature eclairs. Specially designed by the Fauchon pastry chefs, the eclairs are magenta, green and white and come in five decadent flavours: green tea, almond, vanilla, lemon and strawberry.

Goyard Lacoste Crocodile Travel Bag

Luxury trunk design house Goyard combines its own stylized chevron-patterned monogram with the infamous Lacoste crocodile insignia to create an exclusive, limited edition travel bag. Perfectly sized and elegantly shaped, this is the travel bag for sporting babes jetting the Riviera.

Hermes for Lacoste Crocodile Tennis Bag

Nothing screams hallmark than a gifted bag from Hermes. The fashion house pays homage to Lacoste’s tennis history with a large crocodile skin tennis bag. With organic curves and that gorgeous green, the Hermes for Lacoste bag will make style pros out of sporting novices.

S.T. Dupont Crocodile Note Kit

Luxury manufacturer S.T. Dupont has created the perfect gift for the sharp and elegant Lacoste sportsman. The case, created to look mysteriously plain from the outside, holds a lighter, two candles, a notebook and two pens: Elysée and Classique.

Veuve Clicquot Champagne Trolley for Lacoste

No anniversary celebration is complete without a bottle of bubbly. Lacoste, of course, was gifted some of the best in the land from the infamous Veuve Clicquot-Ponsardin Champagne House. Along with champagne, the brand designed a special case in the shape of an iconic golf trolley.

The 80th Anniversary Lacoste Collection will display at Colette in Paris from June 10th to 15th.

Words: Elise Marraro (follow Elise on Twitter: PardonMe_Lissie)

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You introduced London street style to Japan with your initial publication STREET. How did you 
get started?

During a trip to Europe – namely London and Paris – I noticed the difference between what people wore on the streets of Europe and what they wore in Tokyo. I knew at the time that what was happening was important and I needed to show this to the people of Japan. After I published STREET, the Harajuku kids responded to it by experimenting in their own way with fashion and created the scene I documented in FRUiTS.

It’s been over ten years since FRUiTS (the book) was published. How has the Harajuku street scene changed since then?

The ‘original’ FRUiTS fashion is completely different but the ideas and sense of style are the same. 
Arguably, the best time was when Harajuku had the ‘pedestrian heaven’. No cars were allowed and everyone came to hang out and share with each other. Unfortunately, this only lasted for a year after FRUiTS magazine came out.

Since you started, there has been an overwhelming wave of street style photography blogs
 and publications, but yours still stands out as different. What’s your take?

I’m moved emotionally when I find perfect street fashion. I consider street fashion as a kind of art, like music and photography. I feel that most blogs treat street fashion as a tool for personalities, market research and attracting customers. I’ve just started my blog ‘Pleasure of Street Fashion’ and will start another blog about Harajuku fashion soon.

What’re the current trends in Harajuku? Who, what or where is influencing Japanese teenagers today?

It’s really interesting right now. There are a lot of genres, not one thing in particular. I don’t have any interest in trends and there isn’t really just one in my opinion.

Have you visited anywhere else you think is comparable to Harajuku or is it truly one of a kind?

London in the 90s – Portobello Market was the best. Better than Harajuku then and now. It existed before the movement here.

Are there any plans for a third FRUiTS book or a Street/Tune publication?

The two books that are out now are a mix of five years’ worth of photos I shot in no specific order. Now, you can buy the iPhone/iPad APP ‘FRUiTS Mag’ and download all of the new magazines, which is really great for people in any country who can’t buy them. Someday soon we will have the back issues up for sale as well. I also plan to make a book of old STREET photos from the nineties… I wonder if I’ll get in trouble for shooting Anna Wintour without asking? I didn’t want to waste time finding out! I also have plans for a TUNE app and a TUNE book. Finally, I am shooting a new magazine at the moment that will be called STREET.RUBY and will feature the new look from Shibuya.

Words: Frankie Mathieson

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