Welcome to Ape to Gentleman’s Top 10 Feature of the Month! Here, we highlight the most noteworthy trends, insights, and recommendations, empowering you to enhance your lifestyle while staying ahead of the latest happenings.
In this edition, we’ve meticulously selected 10 vital topics that span new-season menswear, grooming essentials, premium spirits, cultural insights, and entertainment releases. Whether your goal is to elevate your winter wardrobe, explore fresh experiences, or simply stay updated on this month’s exciting launches, we have you covered.
Let’s dive into how you can make November your most stylish, fulfilling, and productive month yet.
The Dalmore Cask Curation Series: The Madeira Cask Edition
As the chill of autumn deepens and cozy evenings become more inviting, the allure of a comfortable chair, a captivating book, a warm fire, and a fine dram becomes increasingly attractive. Hence, The Dalmore’s final release in the Cask Curation Series is high on our wish list.
Featuring three extraordinary single malts aged 30, 34, and 45 years, The Madeira Cask Edition delves into the influence of rare Madeira wine casks on The Dalmore’s Highland whiskies. Crafted in partnership with Blandy’s Wine Lodge, a historic seventh-generation Madeira producer, each variant is finished in unique wine casks: Terrantez, Bual, and Malvasia. What results are whiskies bursting with layers of citrus, dried fruits, spices, and rich sweetness, showcasing the intricate complexities that maturation in Madeira can impart.
Limited to a mere 150 sets globally and presented in an exquisite Italian-made leather case, this collection is undoubtedly a treasure for collectors. What an impressive array to possess!
Wild Horse Nine
Acclaimed director Martin McDonagh, known for his modern classics such as In Bruges, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, and The Banshees of Inisherin, returns with his latest work. This time, he brings his signature black comedy and sharp dialogue to a political thriller set against the backdrop of Chile’s 1973 political upheaval.
Wild Horse Nine centers on two CIA agents, portrayed by John Malkovich and Sam Rockwell, who are dispatched to Easter Island just before the military coup that catapulted Augusto Pinochet to power. The cast also features Steve Buscemi, Parker Posey, and Tom Waits, adding to the film’s eclectic ensemble. Expect dark humor, uncomfortable truths, and brilliantly unpredictable characters—elements that have solidified McDonagh’s films as must-watches. This promises to be yet another highlight in the director’s impressive portfolio.
In cinemas from 4 November
Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Arts School
The release of a seven-volume master collection of culinary guidance from Le Cordon Bleu is undoubtedly significant, especially given the prestigious culinary school’s storied history since its establishment in Paris in 1895.
Beautifully housed in a custom slipcase, Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Arts School presents over 770 recipes complemented by expert instruction. The volumes encompass everything from the art of preparing artichokes to boning fish, perfecting sauces, pastries, and mastering classical French culinary techniques. Additionally, there are dedicated volumes for meat, seafood, vegetables, eggs, and desserts, along with a thorough kitchen handbook detailing equipment, techniques, and culinary terminology.
Spanning over 1,700 pages, this collection is essentially a culinary education you can keep on your bookshelf. Rarely do books offer such extensive possibilities for learning, experimentation, and improvement—making it a worthy investment for life. A perfect addition to your Christmas wish list!
Darn Tough Run Micro Crew Cushioned Running Socks
After a hot summer filled with missed running opportunities, the arrival of cooler months should motivate us to hit the pavement again. With that in mind, we’re constantly searching for ways to enhance our running gear. Although not the most glamorous item, Darn Tough’s Run Micro Crew Cushioned socks are a fantastic addition to our collection.
Crafted in Vermont from a lightweight merino wool blend, they excel in natural temperature regulation, moisture management, and breathability, all while providing sufficient cushioning for longer runs. The performance fit ensures that the socks stay in place, while the seamless toe construction minimizes friction and the risk of mid-run blisters. Comfortable enough for shorter neighborhood jaunts but durable enough for serious mileage, they also come with Darn Tough’s unconditional lifetime guarantee. Not an ordinary pair of socks by any means!
New Balance Made in USA 990v7
New Balance has released another iteration of the beloved 990 model, and the v7 version is an attractive addition to the dad-shoe family. While it may appear largely unchanged at first glance, a closer look reveals a refined silhouette and an upscale upper made from pigskin suede, breathable mesh, tumbled leather accents, and synthetic suede.
Beneath the surface, significant advancements have been made, incorporating a dual-density FuelCell midsole, ENCAP cushioning, and a TPU midfoot shank to create a perfect balance of support, stability, and comfort. It’s nostalgic to remember how the original 990 debuted in 1982 as a serious running shoe, following an extensive four-year development and a then-groundbreaking price of $100. While we wouldn’t suggest they replace your next Parkrun shoes, they are undoubtedly one of the most comfortable everyday sneakers available. Dad shoes truly don’t get better than this.
Available from 6 November
ThruDark x Musto
In light of current apocalyptic rhetoric buzzing in the air, we’ve found ourselves often peering into the realm of rugged adventure gear. While the ThruDark x Musto collection is likely to see only occasional use in our hands, its appeal is undeniable.
This collaboration merges Musto’s extensive offshore sailing expertise with the military background of ThruDark’s founders, former Special Boat Service members. The Nautikos collection is indeed a serious assortment of gear. Endorsed by British offshore sailor Will Harris, it includes technical jackets, trousers, and insulating layers built to endure extreme conditions.
Highlights of the collection feature GORE-TEX PRO waterproof protection, Dyneema reinforcement in high-wear areas, detachable pockets, D3O knee protection, and photoluminescent reflectors for visibility in low-light conditions. While this may seem excessive for a damp trip to the pub, the allure of equipment designed with such remarkable purpose—and looking sleek in all black—is undeniably appealing.
P. Johnson Campagna Coat
Occasionally, while scrolling through endless menswear inspiration, you find a jacket that makes you think, “this could change everything.” P. Johnson’s Campagna Coat did just that for us recently. Even the model’s striking expression seems to say, “This is a gem.”
Made from luxurious Italian full-grain leather in a sumptuous chocolate hue, the Campagna redefines the traditional field jacket with a modern, relaxed silhouette. It boasts spacious bellows pockets, a throat latch, natural horn buttons, and a breathable cotton blend lining, making it both practical and stylish. With exquisite suede neck detailing and a concealed placket, it maintains a polished look while an internal drawcord waist allows for shape adjustment. This is a nuanced, utilitarian take on leather outerwear, steering away from the typical bomber or biker jackets. We can only dream of owning one.
Peggy Guggenheim in London: The Making of a Collector, Royal Academy of Arts
It’s intriguing to imagine Peggy Guggenheim arriving in 1930s London, challenging the conservative art landscape with her avant-garde approach to collage, abstraction, and sculpture. Indeed, her influence has enriched modern British art.
The exhibition Peggy Guggenheim in London: The Making of a Collector revisits this transformative period 88 years after she inaugurated her first gallery, Guggenheim Jeune, on Cork Street, Mayfair. Between 1938 and 1939, she hosted over 20 exhibitions introducing London to groundbreaking Surrealist and abstract art, including the first solo UK exhibition of Vasily Kandinsky.
The Royal Academy showcases works from artists such as Eileen Agar, Salvador Dalí, Barbara Hepworth, Rita Kernn-Larsen, Henry Moore, Piet Mondrian, and Kandinsky, allowing visitors to appreciate how one collector reshaped the cultural landscape. This exhibition is certainly worth a trip to London.
21 November 2026 – 14 March 2027
Book tickets at the Royal Academy
Pendleton Wyeth Trail Three-Piece Towel Set
Towels may not seem like the most thrilling gifts, but sometimes a touch of luxury in everyday items can be the ultimate treat—especially for something you wouldn’t typically splurge on. Pendleton excels at turning everyday household goods into something special.
The Wyeth Trail three-piece towel set from this venerable American heritage brand includes one bath towel, one hand towel, and a washcloth, each adorned with Pendleton’s signature bold geometric patterns. Crafted from 100% cotton, the towels boast a soft, velvety finish on one side and a looped texture for maximum absorption on the other. They are also OEKO-TEX Made in Green certified, indicating production meets environmentally and socially responsible standards. This stunning bathroom upgrade also makes a memorable Christmas gift for anyone who values quality.
Dumber Mini
We’ve been reconsidering the idea of “dumb” phones lately. It’s ironic to scroll through options on our smartphones, reflecting on the desire for simplicity. Ideally, we’d prefer a device that supports essential functions like WhatsApp and maps while minimizing distractions from internet browsing.
Enter the Dumber Mini. This modern take on a classic Nokia design features a 2.8-inch touchscreen and a physical keypad, combining the straightforwardness of traditional mobiles with contemporary functionality. It supports WhatsApp, navigation, banking apps, contactless payments, and digital ticketing while limiting the scrolling temptation of social media thanks to its compact interface.
This device strikes a balance between total disconnection and remaining attached to a smartphone. You can navigate unfamiliar cities, listen to music, and stay connected with friends without getting sucked into the endless scroll of online distractions—an appealing middle ground.
