THE JOURNAL
Mr Devendra Banhart. Photograph by Mr Clement Jolin
The time to catch up is now.
Feeling fragile? We expect so. By this point on Christmas Day, we’ll assume you’ve got through the shudderingly exciting experience of opening all your gifts – we hope that many of these are from MR PORTER, by the way, but we know that reality is not always that kind – and are now beginning to embark on the downward spiral that will end, ultimately in torpor, indigestion and, if you live in the UK, a particularly violent episode of EastEnders. Unfortunately, we have no solution to this particular problem of excitement and aftermath, of jubilation swiftly followed by boredom. But we know you’re not likely to be up to much in any case, so decided that this is as good a time as any to remind you of some of the intriguing, useful and stylish features that may have passed you by on MR PORTER during 2017. Scroll down for an edit of our editorial team’s favourite pieces from the past year. And yes, pour yourself another glass of something. This is, after all, the only day when this kind of behaviour is really allowed, however horrible the eventual outcome. Merry Christmas, by the way.
Food and drink
Palatino, Clerkenwell. Photograph courtesy of Palatino
Our finest selection of culinary wisdom, featuring some of the world’s very best chefs. Essential reading if you’re working on 2018’s gastronomic bucket list.
London’s Best Local Restaurants
MR PORTER’s Deputy Editor Mr Samuel Muston pays tribute to the resurgence of the neighbourhood restaurant in London, from Hoxton to Holloway.
How I Cook: The Yorke Arms’ Ms Frances Atkins
A Michelin-starred chef who thinks edible flowers are silly and talking about foraging is a little embarrassing. How thoroughly refreshing.
What is the Modern Man’s Dream Kitchen?
Food writer Mr Tim Hayward explains why his ideal cooking space is small, open and always has six dessertspoons hanging on the wall.
The World’s Most Expensive Bottles Of Booze
Mr Richard Godwin trawls the auction houses (and the annals of history) to discover the most preposterously priced bottles of plonk to ever have existed. Eye-watering in more ways than one.
The Man Behind The World’s Wildest Burger
A video journey to Ardgay, Scotland, where Mr Andy Waugh serves up a venison burger seasoned with pine salt, caramelised onion and blue cheese. Enough to re-whet the appetite, even after a hefty Christmas lunch. Watch it here
Style advice
What to wear on a date. Photograph by Mr Mark Shearwood
What to wear, how to wear it, how to act to carry it all off elegantly. Sheesh, we are bossy at MR PORTER aren’t we? It all comes from a good place though, we promise. In any case, if you’re looking for a sartorial refresh in 2018, you could do worse than start with the tips and tricks below.
What To Wear On A Date?
Of course, people care about the real you. But why not enclose it in a slightly more appealing package? Our guide to appropriate date-wear covers a variety of situations, from Tinder meet-up to afternoon coffee. But in every case one factor is paramount: making an excellent first impression.
Five Of The Most Stylish Men In Literature
Yet another good reason to pick up a book, or several: Mr Shane C Kurup’s guide to the dandified fictional characters that have inspired legions of imitators.
How To Roll Up Your Trousers
More complicated than it sounds. Plus, where else can you find this vital information but MR PORTER?
Eight Ways To Wear A Blazer
Of course, we’re well aware that there are far more than eight ways to wear this most marvellous of garments. Consider these a starting point.
Five Habits Of The World’s Most Stylish Men
If you don’t want to just look smart, but act smart, too, you could do worse than taking some cues from the likes of Messrs Tom Ford, Alasdhair Wills, Alessandro Squarzi and more.
Interviews
Ms Nicole Kidman and Mr Colin Farrell in The Killing Of A Sacred Deer, 2017. Photograph courtesy of Curzon Artificial
One of our favourite things to do: spend time with stylish men and ask them questions. Here’s who and what this inquisitive impulse uncovered in 2017.
Mr Cillian Murphy
The Peaky Blinders star reveals why he would never, never choose to have that haircut in real life.
Mr Devendra Banhart
The singer songwriter shows us just how you wear a whole lot of Missoni.
Mr Jeffrey Eugenides
The Pulitzer-prize-winning author of Middlesex and The Virgin Suicides delivers some key points of advice on the craft of storytelling.
Mr Russell Brand
“Don’t you want to know if you’re addicted to something? Don’t you want to know if you’re not in control of your own mind?” asked Mr Russell Brand when we spoke to him earlier this year. Well, don’t you?
Mr Colin Farrell
Mr Colin Farrell discusses the “twisted perspective” of director Mr Yorgos Lanthimos and admits that his deadpan delivery in The Killing Of A Sacred Deer was a happy accident.
Life advice
An intelligent man’s guide to detoxing. Illustration by Mr Andrea Mongia
And finally, because it’s not all about clothes, a few tips to help you sort out everything else. If you’re planning on getting on a plane, going to a party or hauling yourself out of bed at all in 2018, the following articles are for you.
The High-Flying Morning Routine That Won’t Kill You
It seems that entrepreneurs, CEOs, and other godlike individuals are particularly keen to share their punishing pre-dawn rituals these days. But how to get up with a bit of energy, and do it like a human being? Mr Jamie Millar investigates.
Twenty Secrets From The World’s Most Frequent Flyers
The in-flight know-how. Why you should bring your own bitters, how to skip the queues and smart ways to get a luxury experience for less. And why not.
The Intelligent Man’s Guide To Detoxing
If you have to do the whole dry January thing, you might as well do it right. Click through for Mr Ahmed Zambarakji’s guide to detoxing the right way.
An Expert Guide on How to make Small Talk
If you found yourself somewhat at a loss as to what to say at this holiday season’s parties, fear not: there’s still time to put in a dazzling performance on New Year’s Eve. You just need to ask people lots of questions, apparently.
Five Easy Tweaks For The Perfect Night’s Sleep
Ah, one of life’s greatest pursuits: unconsciousness. Here’s how to do it better, courtesy of Harley Street physician Dr Jim Brown.