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October's Hot List

Our monthly Hot List rounds up all the inspiration and recommendations you need to know about right now. From one of the year’s most anticipated films to the supersized drinks company, this is the SLMan team’s roundup of the hottest things to do, see, buy and read in October…

@LIFEOF_RILEY

MAN TO FOLLOW: Riley Harper 

Stuntman Riley Harper travels the world driving, riding motorcycles and taking hits as a stunt double for some of Hollywood’s biggest stars. He is just as talented behind the camera documenting his off-screen activities from surfing in his hometown on the California Coast to riding his Triumph near his LA home. Follow for some seriously good snaps.

Follow @Lifeof_riley
 

COLLABORATION: Rick Owens x Veja Sneakers

After 22 years in fashion, Owens is best known for a ‘stylish grunge’ aesthetic that encompasses world-renowned leather jackets and relaxed jersey pieces. Popular trainer brand Veja has now enlisted his creative genius. Entirely vegan in construction, Veja’s trainers are instantly recognisable thanks to their ‘V’ branding, but it is Owens’s signature two-stripe design that makes these ones stand out from the crowd. Available in white, grey or black, they are an easy way to add serious style to your shoe game.
 
Shop here.
 

THEATRE: Ian McKellen On Stage

Spend an evening with a national treasure as Sir Ian McKellen delivers a one-man show to celebrate his 80th birthday. A beguiling collection of personal stories from the charismatic actor is as sentimental and entertaining as you would expect from someone who’s spent a life in the world of film and theatre. With a second-half dominated by some of his most celebrated Shakespeare roles, and ticket profits going to theatre charities, there is no excuse not to book your seat.
 
Get tickets here.
 

GYM: MCP, Manor – Eccleston Square

The Manor group, operator of gyms in SE1, EC1 and W1, has opened an unconventional training area at its Eccleston Square flagship. In an underground car park, the MCP space is designed to test your mental resilience, challenge your physical fitness and develop your stamina. Classes include: Yard Work, Gas Tank, Strongman and – coming soon – Strength. It might be described by the guys behind the brand as “slightly unhinged” and “a touch nuts”, but don’t be intimidated by the intense ethos. All levels of fitness are welcome – just be warned that each class is a guaranteed sweat session that will push you to the edge. Want SAS-style training? Look no further.

Book here.
 

COLLECTION: Oliver Goldsmith Winter Sun

Designed by Oliver Goldsmith specifically to protect against the winter sun and remove the brightness of interior lights (including phone screens), this sunglasses collection features very lightly tinted lenses that were known in the 60s as ‘cosmetic lenses’. Goldsmith’s contemporary upgrades include the highest-quality UVA and UVB sun protection. Available in colours such as Olive, Potato, Storm and Velvet, the collection makes us think of windy walks in the winter sun, log fires and hot drinks. The Lord and Gopas styles are our favourites.
 
Shop here.

BOOK: Talking to Strangers

In this much talked about book, Malcolm Gladwell explores what happens when we encounter people we don't know and what it says about us. Revisiting cases such as the trial of Amanda Knox, the suicide of Sylvia Plath, and the death of Sandra Bland he throws our understanding of them and those involved into doubt. A powerful examination of our interactions with strangers, this book explores the strategies we use to make sense of people we don’t know and why they often go wrong.
 
Buy it here.
 

RESTAURANT: Allegra

The seventh-floor Sky Garden of The Stratford hotel is given over to Allegra, a restaurant bringing high-end dining and old-school hospitality to East London. The main room evokes a Scandinavian farmhouse, with an open kitchen, sweeping stone bar and rich, stained oak furniture – all illuminated by floor-to-ceiling windows. Former Chiltern Firehouse head chef Patrick Powell’s menu is modern European, hyper-seasonal and influenced by produce from the restaurant’s organic farm just 40 minutes away.
 
Book here.
 

FILM: Joker

Joaquin Phoenix is mesmeric in a film that feels more Taxi Driver or The King of Comedy than modern superhero movie. Phoenix plays misfit Arthur Fleck, a fledgling clown and failing stand-up comedian trying to get by in a rotting and discontented Gotham City. A series of violent and shocking events push Fleck to the limits, spurring his transformation into Batman’s great nemesis. The film received an eight-minute standing ovation at the Venice film festival in August before going on to win its Best Film award. There have already been whispers that Phoenix’s performance is Oscar-worthy.
 
Book here.
 

BRAND: Samsøe & Samsøe

Enhance your wardrobe with an old-school trip to an actual bricks-and-mortar shop. This Danish brand’s timeless classics were only available online until its first UK store opened in Soho this summer. Now it’s easier than ever to achieve minimalist Scandi style with its traditional worker jackets, authentic overshirts, 24-hour trousers and elevated merino-wool knits. 
 
Check it out here.
 

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