The Ned London
The latest five-star luxury hotel to open its doors to the public in London next week is The Ned. The 252 guestrooms and suites, nine restaurants and other exclusive lifestyle amenities are set up in the building, designed by renowned designer Sir Edwin “Ned” Lutyens, near the Bank Junction that was once one of the Big Four banking groups in the country, Midland Bank.
The Ned hosts 13 types of guestrooms and suites with their own templates of original 1920s décor, each with their own bits and bobs, knicks and knacks from the yesteryear. Other than the eateries and spa and grooming, The Ned has also reserved exclusive areas to their prestigious Ned’s Club members: the panoramic Roof Bar, The Vault Bar and Lounge behind the 20-tonne vault door that was once the original Midland Bank strongroom, the members-only gym, and the members-only relaxation realm furnished with an indoor pool, a traditional Moroccan hammam, and a library-style club room where you can enjoy a post-treatment refreshment.
Kingsman: The Golden Circle trailer
The story of England’s modern day secret espionage agency continues, when a new villain (starring Julianne Moore) emerged from a New World Order organisation called The Golden Circle. In the trailer for the sequel slated for September this year, the Kingsman headquarters is destroyed, and the remainder of the secret agent force has to work together with their American counterpart, Statesman to bring down the criminal mastermind. Not to mention, the return of Harry Hart (starring Colin Firth), Eggsy’s (starring Taron Egerton) former mentor whose “death has been greatly exaggerated.”
The new Mr Porter x Kingsman collection
With the return of the stylish British spies, comes the release of a new exclusive wardrobe collection by Mr Porter. Following the first collection of velvet smoking blazers, plaid pants and jumpsuits, the new series highlights the signature Kingsman silhouette of double-breasted suits in wool and mohair, Prince of Wales checked linen and a blend of slub wool, silk and linen, alongside overcoats and raincoats with hidden buttons in Herringbone wool and Mackintosh bonded cotton, respectively.
This time around, the collection pays more attention to the accessories, featuring a range of cufflinks, tie clips and money clips in rose gold-plated silver by Deakin & Francis, and a selection of silk pocket squares by Drake’s – all with the Kingsman’s logo impression.
Shop the full collection here.
Reebok Alien Stomper “Final Battle” Pack
Speaking of wearable adaptations, over the recent Alien Day on 26 April (dedicated to the Aliens film franchise), Reebok has announced the upcoming release of the “Final Battle” pack for the Alien Stomper. Set to hit the stores on 18 July, the double pack features the “Queen” Alien Stomper of black patent leather and toxic green glow – a rendition of the final duel between Sigourney Weaver’s Ripley and the Xenomorph Queen in Aliens; and the “Powerloader” Alien Stomper with yellow leather upper and orange outsole, inspired by Ripley’s cargo battle suit.
Adidas x Kanye West Yeezy Boost 350 in Cream White
Since we are on the subject of sneakers, the notoriously sought after adidas Yeezy Boost 350 by Kanye West will release its second cream white version tomorrow, 29 April. (Sorry guys, registration for the raffle to purchase the shoe has closed). The Primeknit upper, distinct centre stitching and heel tab will all be in cream white, coinciding with the semi-translucent rubber outsole, which within carries the adidas BOOST technology for a durable, shock-resistant and responsive sole.
Codex Silenda: The Book of Puzzles
Here is an unusual book to add to your reading list. The five-page book tells the story of an apprentice in Da Vinci’s workshop who stumbled upon the Codex Silenda. In order to protect his work, Da Vinci has created the Codex as a trap set to ensnare spying apprentice, not unlike the protagonist, and he has to figure out the puzzles before the master returns from his trip.
Already yawning at the story plot? Hold that thought, because in order to carry on with the story, readers have to solve the puzzles themselves! Codex Silenda features intricate wood work of laser-cutting technology by industrial designer Brady Whitney, coming together to form five different kinds of puzzles for readers to work through.