The New First-Class Status Symbols
Today’s hype-fueled fashion landscape yields a mountain of fresh menswear drops every month. Which is why every issue of GQ now includes a guide to the best of the best new gear as it hits stores. May brings a Rimowa's worth of Diamond Medallion–status travel necessities, starting with a limited-edition ombré Rimowa designed by L.A. artist Alex Israel. There’s also a just-released Rolex GMT-Master II, the Crown’s latest globetrotting wristwatch that’s got a waitlist longer than JFK’s security line. And there’s a grip of super-versatile fashion by Z Zegna, Michael Kors, and Stella McCartney that’ll take you from TSA to the tarmac to the taxi line. Come shop with us.
A Highly Evolved Blazer
Z Zegna's ace travel jacket is crafted from super-lightweight, sweat-wicking, and machine-washable Techmerino wool fabric.
The Great Getaway Shorts
If your go-to swim trunks walked into an old-school boxing gym, you'd get these quick-drying water-to-watering-hole SSS World Corp bad boys.
The Go-Anywhere Weekender
The North Face's legendary Base Camp duffel now comes with two sets of straps (so you can carry it or wear it as a backpack) and in rad '90s-inspired hues.
Rimowa Lands at LAX
The fashion world's favorite hard-sided suitcase now comes in an on-trend ombré colorway, thanks to artist Alex Israel, who overhauled the aluminum carry-on in his signature L.A.-sunset motif (that's Israel's painting Sky Backdrop in the background).
The Drug Rug, Upgraded
During a flight delay or a red-eye, we'll be burrowed in this luxuriously soft Michael Kors Baja-style knit hoodie.
Recycling Looks Good on You
Stella McCartney stays on the cutting edge of environmentally responsible fashion by making these wear-anywhere sweaters from regenerated Italian cashmere.
Time Flies
The business-class corps are fighting over Rolex's new “Batman” GMT-Master II, which is engineered to keep track of both home and away time.
New Wave Smells
Alex Israel also leaves his mark on a Louis Vuitton travel case for the brand's three new, crisp unisex scents (his artwork appears on their packaging as well).
Samuel Hine is GQ's associate editor.
A version of this story originally appeared in the May 2019 issue with the title "The New First-Class Status Symbols."
PRODUCTION CREDITS:
Photographs by Matt Martin
Prop styling by Dustin Hubbs at Mark Edward Inc.
