This Father’s Day, forget the traditional fare of cufflinks and watches. Rebecca McLaughlin-Duane has a list of gifts that show you’ve really put some thought into finding that perfect present for dad.
Best foot forward
Carolina Herrera has launched a Middle Eastern-inspired sandal for gents this month. The debut collection is minimalist in design and embellished with the logo of the luxury fashion house in a perforated pattern. The sandals are made from Spanish steerhide leather and available in navy, white and brown. Prices upon application. Find your nearest boutique at www.carolinaherrera.com
A new leaf
The latest volume in The Manual for a Stylish Life series by MrPorter.com is packed with fashionable tips for the modern man. The volume, which is embossed and leather-bound, contains interviews and profiles of gentlemen known for their sartorial elegance. The tome also includes features about the top global restaurants and best furniture designers. The book is available to buy online at MrPorter.com for Dh88. www.mrporter.com
Rise and shine
For new father’s, who struggle to leap out of bed in the morning or sleep at night, there are two new aids on the market. First up, a discreet digital clock that doubles as a humidifying diffuser and comes with relaxing aromas and light settings. Prices start from Dh199 at Lifestyle stores. Then there’s a Power Glow licorice face wash by herbal brand Himalaya, priced at just Dh24. The cleanser, which is soap free and contains wood apple extract, can be found at leading supermarkets and chemists across the UAE including Geant, Carrefour and Life pharmacy.
Lighten up
Pale and pastel shades are everywhere this summer and men's' shoes have not been overlooked. To brighten up linen suits this season, Steve Madden has just the thing for Dh399 a pair. The Stannis Oxford brogue has been reimagined in a salmon-tan shade and distressed denim blue. The style is characterised by a two-tone midsole and pull-on loop and elasticated inner sock for maximum comfort and ventilation. Locate your nearest Steve Madden store at www.stevemadden.com
Platters that flatter
Cheese fiends will love the selection of presentation and cutting boards now available in-store at Crate and Barrel. For nature-lovers there are Acacia tree serving platters showing the internal grain of the wood, finished with a handcrafted bark rim. Also available are traditional French marble cheese boards with built-in slicers and natural slate plate designs. Optional extras include cheese knife sets with mahogany or rosewood handles as well as condiment spoons for quince jelly. Prices start from around Dh80 at Crate and Barrel in the region. www.crateandbarrel.com
Designs for life
Comfy and quirky best describes the range of Ottomans that Cities Boutique in Dubai has on display this Father’s Day. Notable pieces include a hand-finished Beatles drum foot stool by the brand the Spanish brand Woouf, priced at Dh1,832.
Also guaranteed to appeal to dads who are young at heart, skateboards with cartoon characters and abstract art – prices upon application. Alternatively, and providing focal points for any study or office desk, mini telescopes & magnifying glasses by Batela ranging in price from Dh300-900. www.citiesstore.com
A cut above
Beards are most definitely back, and for men who want a one-stop-shop grooming kit, Tweezerman have just the thing. The range includes specially designed moustache/beard combs and stainless steel scissors with micro-serration edges to allow for easy styling. There are also deluxe shaving brushes made from softened badger hair for the best lather and for men who like manicured nails there's a multi-use nail tool combining a cuticle pusher and nickel abrader for filing. Prices start from Dh99 and Tweezerman products are available in Harvey Nichols, Bloomingdales and Areej stores across the UAE. www.tweezerman.com
Heads-up
Intersect by Lexus has a selection of gifts and gadgets to keep father's looking and feeling cool this summer. There's a line of handmade Sashiki fedora hats for Dh500, made from grey blade paper and raffia to provide equal shade and ventilation. Also worth a look, eco-friendly Sphelar Power hand-held lights in silver, navy, green and copper. The devices, which are ultra lightweight and finished with a leather strap, take sphere-shaped solar batteries which absorb more light than conventional flat ones. POA. Visit Intersect by Lexus at the Dubai International Financial Centre or call +9714 355 9524. www.lexus.ae
Adventurous accessories
Whether he's into surfing, snorkelling or simply sunbathing, the new collection of towels from the philanthropic brand Gandys is destined to make any Dad stand out on the beach this June. Three designs of round towels are now available at The Dubai Mall and House of Enspa branches across the UAE, featuring feathers and tribal designs. Limited-edition versions, created in collaboration with The Rolling Stones, are also available to buy online with express worldwide delivery. Towels, which start from Dh300, have matching flip flops from Dh93. www.gandyslondon.com
Polo pitch perfect
For men who like to wear a variety of scents, Ralph Lauren has a new version of Polo for them to add to their collection. The Polo Blue eau-de-parfum is fresh and light with notes of bergamot and cardamom. The fragrance also has accords of vetiver and ambery woods. Bottles are available at leading UAE department stores from Dh330 for 75ml. www.ralphlauren.com
