WORDS
Joanne Glasbey
Phew. As we near the close of a progressively turbulent 2022 – were you briefly prime minister? – ‘permacrisis’ has been anointed Word of the Year by Collins Dictionary. As a depiction of the chaos created by the political playbook going off piste that’s about right. But wait! We can just make out those sleigh bells ringing in the distance as the festive season approaches. Maybe we can turn it into a permaparty. While many will embrace the opportunity to celebrate and spend time with loved ones and friends, others will look forward to the chance to kick back quietly and take stock. But, good sport or Grinch, there will be no dodging the gifting conundrum.
Throughout this issue let us guide you to ideas and indulgences, with a focus not only on giving but giving back. So among stories about everyday gold jewellery, the latest Leica 35mm camera, men’s accessories, hats, clothing and footwear, motorbike rallies, single-occupant electric cars, luxury watches, sustainable gourmet restaurants and more, we hear from the philanthropist Badr Jafar. He’s on a mission to put every charitable gesture from anywhere in the world, however tiny, to effective, strategic use. We delve into the epic fine art photography of David Yarrow and discover he has raised more than $10million for philanthropic and conservation projects, with the proceeds from his new book of images going to a children’s cancer care charity, too. And we discover some philanthropic contributions from brands across the watch world, from saving manta rays to initiatives empowering women and working with a breast cancer charity.
The word philanthropy translates from Ancient Greek as ‘love of what it is to be human’. Let’s tune in this season of goodwill and do our bit, however small, to help make the world a better place. We hope you give as good as you get this holiday and wish you a happy and altruistic new year.