Tastemaker Emmanuel Lawal Shares 20 Of His Current Favourite Things
THE OUTFIT
When I’m running around (which is 90% of the week) I’ll be wearing an Arc’teryx jacket and trousers, a Stone Island t-shirt and my Asics trainers. I like dressing light and sleek, and these pieces offer a utilitarian approach to workwear. This ‘uniform’ practically styles itself. My top tip is to keep things casual and to focus on quality.
THE PIECE
I’ve got three. I already mentioned my Asics, then there’s my Burberry bucket hat and my Polite Worldwide necklace. You won’t catch me in all three together, but they all get plenty of wear. The hat is great for hiding my afro when I don’t have time to comb. The trainers are important to me because I play tennis every other day. And the necklace is for when I’m feeling playful with an evening look.
THE TRAINERS
The New Balance x Aimé Leon Dore collaboration and campaign really got my attention. The palette works so well because the neutrals feel low key – a look that isn’t seen that often anymore, with logos and branding being so big. I love the juxtaposition of this with pops of colour and metallics to keep things current.
THE T-SHIRT
Polite Worldwide’s t-shirts are always extra special. They’re made in small batches in their Los Angeles studio. They print on upcycled shirts, one by one, by hand, meaning each one is unique, with slight variations.
THE WATCH
I’m a huge fan of Patek Philippe watches. The Aquanaut in green is at the top of my wish list. It’s a brand that feels extra special – from the weight to the quality to the fact they make them in limited runs.
THE CAP
You can rarely wear the same cap from morning to evening, but you can with my Rhude x Los Angeles Lakers New Era Dreamers Hat. I use it to dress up a look or add a bit of interest.
THE TAILOR
Clothsurgeon, Tom Ford and Ozwald Boateng top my list. You have to really trust your tailor and let them guide you through the shopping experience. For the full experience, try on every colour presented to you.
THE CAMPAIGN
I love all of the campaigns Lacoste do. Their Spring/Summer 22 campaign is one of my favourites: the juxtaposition between old and young, allowing people to understand the brand champions all ages/sizes/genders, I think it's just genius.
THE ICON
I think the word icon comes down to having a presence across a span of time, so Pharrell has always been someone I consider fit for this title. He’s lived through the ages. My earliest memories are of him on MTV after school, back when he was making music with Justin Timberlake. This talent carried him across so many years, where he is still just as relevant – and now working at LV.
THE GROOMING PRODUCT
The FaceGym Hydro-Bound Daily Serum is my ride or die. I use it straight out the shower before I moisturise and put SPF on.
THE SCENT
It has to be Tom Ford Grey Vetiver Parfum. It smells like a good time!
THE CAR
Bentley’s Flying Spur S in Granite is worth shouting about. Bentley do a really good job at showing off lines and curves, and this model is a perfect example of their excellence. The Flying Spur S looks and feels like a whirlwind, but when you step inside it gives off a far more intimate feel.
THE MUSICIAN
Larry June is an artist to know. He’s a West Coast American who’s worked with some of my favourite producers – you’ve probably heard some of his songs without knowing who he is. The music itself is poetic and majestic. His latest album The Great Escape feels from beginning to end like a soundscape directed by Quentin Tarantino – like a movie in itself.
THE PLAYLIST
I made this playlist for Mr & Mrs Smith. It’s perfect for a travelling day or for those moments at home with candles and fresh air coming in through a window.
THE PODCAST
I took a chance on a Spotify recommendation and listened to High Low with EmRata – I really liked it. The episode with Diplo was very intriguing, as he shared insights and context in areas he’s publicly never really spoken about before. That was cool to hear. I think Emily has a really good way of speaking to guests about certain topics to make them feel really relaxed. It allows for great conversation.
THE SERIES
Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty is loosely based around Magic Johnson and largely follows the dynasty of the Lakers basketball team. You get a first-hand lesson on Jerry Buss and how he revolutionised every basketball game we see today – 100% one to watch.
THE MOVIE
Air – which stars Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, Chris Tucker, Viola Davis and Marlon Wayans to name just a few – is based on the owner of Nike making a decision which has led to it becoming the single most impactful brand of today. I really enjoyed watching such young, aspirational individuals come together with a shared value and understanding of a product.
THE RESTAURANT
Studio Frantzén in Harrods is a recent favourite. The food makes you want to eat the fork too – it’s that good. The atmosphere is relaxed and the lights are dim, so you feel like you can really sink into your chair while eating roast Orkney scallops, salmon tataki and grilled lobster.
THE DESTINATION
The Mediterranean is amazing in the summer, and Palma is the perfect place to escape and enjoy calm waters. I stay at the Sant Francesc hotel and explore Deia. Ca's Patró March is a restaurant on a tiny beach cove in Cala Deia – it’s a must hit for delicious, fresh seafood.
THE HOTEL
The Rosewood in London is my go-to for a staycation. You’ll find the best hotel breakfast in London here, plus the rooms are spacious, comfortable and you feel really well looked after – they really go the extra mile.
Follow Emmanuel on Instagram @EmmanuelLawal
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