What’s Trending

WAG spotlights the new and noteworthy

WAG spotlights the new and noteworthy

 

We need a little Christmas

This year, Christmas cheer can’t come early enough. Recently, Italian singer Giada Valenti wagmag.com/all-you-need-is-love/ released a lovely, soothing version of “What Child Is This?” This beautiful Christmas carol was recorded in an unplugged style, with guitar and violin. It was produced by Paul Umbach, who also worked with artists like Britney Spears, ‘NSYNC, Backstreet Boys. The violin solo on the track is played by Volkan Canbolat.

Said Valenti: “I love Christmastime and I love to sing all those songs that bring so much joy to all of us. But ‘What Child Is This?’ is one of the few songs that every holiday season reminds me of what Christmas is all about. It touches my heart every time I sing it, thinking about hope, that hope we all have at Christmastime that things will get better. It was great to work together with two amazing and talented friends, like Paul Umbach, a veteran record-producer and one of the most talented musicians, and Volkan Canbolat, a young immigrant like me with big dreams who always creates love vibes with his violin. ‘What Child Is This?’ is my first Christmas recording, and I loved every second of it.”

The carol’s lyrics were written by William Chatterton Dix in 1865, although the melody, recognizable as “Greensleeves,” is an English ballad that dates from the Renaissance. At the time he composed the lyrics, Dix was an insurance company manager who had been struck by a severe illness. While recovering, he underwent a spiritual renewal that led him to write several hymns, including lyrics to “What Child Is This?” Although it was written in Great Britain, the carol is more popular today in the United States than in its country of origin.

To listen or download the track, visit: giadavalenti.com/epk-1 

— edited by Georgette Gouveia

 

Bringing home an exclusive Birkin

Who doesn’t love a beautiful Hermès heirloom-quality Birkin bag?  It’s the world’s most coveted purse.  Problem is it can be hard to find — which the author Michael Tonello hilariously described in his wonderful book, “Bringing Home The Birkin” (available on Amazon).  As of today, WAG readers are in luck.  The Privé Porter store — which has grown to become the largest and most reliable source for brand new Hermès collectible handbags and accessories, all via its Instagram e-commerce instagram.com/priveporter/ — is giving our readers “first crack” at one sumptuous, brand new, never-used purse, for just one week, starting today, before it goes on sale to the general public.

This Hermès handbag features gold hardware and is made of porosus crocodile, considered to be the most valuable material used by Hermès to make Birkin bags. It is the most expensive and exclusive leather in the world. At Hermès, no bag of precious skins (alligator, crocodile, lizard, or ostrich) is made with more leather than one animal can produce. No scars, no damage, just a finely bred specimen to meet Hermès’ ultra-high standards.  You’ll look stunningly gorgeous carrying this VIP purse — whether in first class on your private jet — or just on your outings to the supermarket, where you will be a standout. 

And all for just — yes, you’re reading this right — $78,000.

— Debbi K. Kickham

 

Clothes to vroom in

What’s better than driving a sleek car by McLaren? Driving a sleek car by McLaren while wearing its equally elegant clothes.

The British luxury pioneering supercar company has partnered with British premium sportswear brand Castore to debut their first technical male sportswear collection. 

Taking inspiration directly from McLaren’s modern engineering and use of lightweight materials to improve performance, the limited-edition Castore collection is designed to offer style and comfort in cotton T-shirts, performance tops and outerwear. 

Bonded seams, a sonic welded construction and heat transferred interior components keep garments highly streamlined and near-weightless. The collection also embraces smooth, sloping curves and hexagonal grid formations, while creating a streamlined and flattering silhouette with an understated yet distinctive aesthetic. 

Each piece is ergonomically cut for ease of movement and offers superior wicking, odor-resistance, four-way stretch and a unique mesh construction that increases airflow, cooling and ventilation. 

Castore was founded to create the highest quality sportswear in the world and its collaboration with McLaren is true to that pioneering spirit. Both British brands were drawn together by an enduring quest for creating products of exceptional quality and unrivalled user experience. 

As with McLaren’s supercars, every last detail has been thoughtfully considered and executed in the creation of their collaborative performance collection. 

Hero pieces include a range of performance tees. With thermo regulation properties through Coldblack technology, the performance tee reduces heat buildup while protecting you from the sun’s rays through a UVA and UVB protection textile finish. The tees also feature laser-mapping design in key sweat zones to increase airflow through the garment, making them the ideal choice when you’re training or on the move. 

The utilization of advanced engineering techniques is key to every piece of the collection. A case in point is the technical softshell jacket, which is designed for both style and function. Showcasing a streamlined silhouette and relaxed athletic fit, the jacket is highly breathable and also includes seal branding to reduce added weight. Featuring water repellent zip closures, the collection’s Softshell Jacket is a model example of light outerwear for an active lifestyle. 

The Castore and McLaren collection is available at Castore stores and castore.com.

edited by Georgette Gouveia

 

Written By
More from Staff
THE CONSTANT GARDENER
Botanical celebrates Monet’s floral works By Georgette Gouveia He was, of course,...
Read More
Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *