C/D: Volume 19
🚀🦚🌪️🍒🌊🎾🪄💎🔮
Holiday seasón is upon us. This past week felt like an astroid field of sales being hurled at us from every direction. I bought gifts from brands that were on sale, for sure a motivating factor when it came to urgency but I also respect the brands that didn’t go on sale. It’s such a slippery slope that can quickly make everything feel cheap if done without care. Also so many newsletters. Too many? You take a week off reading those puppies and there’s a digital pile to the sky. Maybe I’m just adding to your pile here but our methodical C/D cadence insures there is no fluff, just the good stuff for your reading enjoyment.
Besides buying things and digesting digests, we’ve been busy at L11 Worldwide Enterprises. Cruised through Complexcon in Vegas, traveled to Peru and saw Machu Picchu, watched Pivot live with Scott+Kara in LA, joined an art collective with a private Doja Cat concert, and have been playing a lot of tennis again. LFG.
In this edition you’ll find the only holiday gift guide you’ll ever need, a fantastic new documentary rec + the usual tried and true C/D componentry.
With love,
L11
Main Event 🎡
SPEAK
I’m not sure if it’s like this for everyone but my movie consumption comes in waves. Months will go by where I’m essentially flick-free, then all of a sudden I turn into a Letterboxd elite user. In this current power stretch I’ve watched a deluge of silly superhero movies from the new Superman (bad), the new Fantastic 4 (ok), and Thunderbolts (surprisingly good) but the one film I’m actually here to speak about is called, well, SPEAK.
Produced by Josh Gad, I came across this project in a sort of random way. Researching how parts of the entertainment industry are evolving to setup film studios for brands, I came across this post from my pal Matt Rotondo. As a former Mock Trial state champion (yeah, that’s right) my interested was piqued. After looking up screenings I was pleasantly surprised to learn there was one in LA the following week…sometimes it just be like that.
SPEAK is one of the most inspiring, uplifting and emotional docs I’ve seen in a long time. Following the journey of 5 high school speech and debate students, it brought back so many memories of Mock Trial and the concept that some of the most competitive individuals are not out on fields, but out on stages. Without giving away too much more I highly recommend SPEAK if you feel like getting a little emotional watching courageous young people speaking their truths. It looks like there are some upcoming free screenings in LA/NY and look out for the general release next year.
A Restaurant to Consider 🍜
Mauka - Cusco
Is it downright dirty to recommend a restaurant so far away? Perhaps. But Mauka is the truth and you need to know about it. Nestled inside the historic Belmond hotel, this restaurant on the 50 best radar is to be reckoned with.
We were greeted by a table with carved compartments housing every local spice, vegetable, and god knows what that was to be incorporated in our soon to be meal. Mauka is the type of restaurant where everything you order is excellent, whether you know what it is or not. It really doesn’t matter. Just order, eat, and enjoy. A perfect last meal for a memorable trip to Peru. For what it was the prices were reasonable. Add it to your list. Sail away.
A Store to Check Out 🛍️
Rare Reserve - LA
Everyone in LA knows about Mohawk (it’s a great shop) but do they/you know about the hidden gem perched right next door!? I’m guessing by the 3 people I’ve mentioned this to—likely not.
Rare Reserve is a well curated vintage shop hawking archival fashion pieces at fair prices. While their IG features too much Chrome Hearts (miss me with that) the shop has a nice selection of men’s and women’s Japanese cult brands like Kapital, Aura Lee, Needles and Issey Miyake. Every time we’ve gone in there’s a fresh selection and in this economy, that’s all you can really ask for.
The L11 Shopping Contingency™️ has a high hit rate at Rare Reserve and I’m confident you will too…with or without leather crosses on your jeans.
A Brand to Know 📡
Snow Goose
Let me be clear—this isn’t a brand I think you should buy but is a brand I think you should know. I’m a real sucker for something that feels like it won’t last long and boy is that the case with the strange but lovely pairing of Haider Ackermann and Canada Goose.
With an elevated diffusion line, comically called “Snow Goose” the collection can be best described as the meat of a sandwich in between REI and Gucci bread. I would potentially eat that.
Like I truly don’t know what I’m looking at or who is buying this but I also kinda like it? I mean they got a 92 year old Willie Nelson to model which is truly epic in and of itself. We live in a strange world at a strange time, I guess sometimes you just need to close your eyes and release your inner SNOW GOOSE. After all, the earth really does need all the friends it can get.
Something(s) to Buy 💸
The L11 2025 Holiday Gift Guide
AKA the only holiday gift guide you will ever need! Alas it is here. Some serious stuff. Some silly stuff. And everything in between. No affiliate links, just for the love of the game. Ok Let’s go!
L11 Tennis Pouch (V3) ($60) - We are so back!! I have been sitting on this batch for a while now, waiting for the right moment to put these bad boys back into the world. We have arrived at that time—now with a little more space (.25” deeper) and Endstate’s NFC chip technology embedded under the L11 woven label stitched inside. Scan the label to learn about your individual pouch including some content from the making of. As always each L11 Tennis pouch is lined with a soft canvas, providing a luxurious inner feel.
This batch utilizes vintage tennis towels sourced from seven different Grand Slam tournaments from 2009 to 2020, procured through dealers across the globe. Most are from the fabled Wimbledon Grand Slam with one coming from the U.S. Open.
Every L11 Tennis Pouch is completely one of a kind, yours is yours. What you put it inside? Well, that’s the entirely up to you.
Tejesta Tuttle BRG ($495) - Not JMM’s but almost as cool for half the price. This brand is one to watch in the ever evolving shades space.
Cerato Fragrances ($68) - Great new brand out of LA with 3 delectable roll on scents. Get one for someone special and one for yourself!
HAVEN Ascent Zip Neck ($235) - Super cozy fabric which we’re very into during the colder months. Also quarter zips are currently all the rage if you haven’t heard.
Prada Lunch Box ($195) - Hell yeah, this is important. I came across this by accident and now everyone needs to know about it. Prada makes a lunch box. There you have it folks.
Ryan Evans “Times Up” Print ($25) - Recently found this dude and his work is rad. There’s more strange and colorful options like this one on his site.
SpenceTec 7.0 Short ($158) - Spence signature red short now in the longer 7.0 size. If you’re not playing tennis in these what are you really doing? Use code L11LOVESYOU to make the cop a little smoother. De nada.
RRL Shot Glass Set ($495) - Perfect for your rich cowboy uncle and/or bougie friend who loves everything RRL makes. I love knowing stuff like this exists.
Benjamin Edgar Gravitational Cutting Mat ($75) - Your designer friend’s favorite designer that makes random stuff you don’t need but should probably have.
Calle Del Mar Hoodie Scarf ($750) - Luxurious and what the doctor ordered to keep your head AND neck warm this chilly season. It’s a two for one.
Untitled Folder Wallet ($45) - Just like the folder on your computer but real. Can’t link directly to this one but he makes other cool stuff so click around!
Hoto Cordless Leaf Blower ($190) - No idea why this is on here but it’s working for me. One day I’ll buy a leaf blower and it might be this one.
Portal Drift Merino Glove ($60) - Portal is very nice and these gloves are very nice and you know what, that’s nice.
Paulin Oh No Quartz Red ($620) - Have been contemplating this watch for myself so happy to share it with you. Cool brand with lots of nice options in both quartz and automatic movements.
Phipps Trucker Hat ($78) - Interesting newish brand with a logo I like. Giving RRL/Cherry vibes mixed with Filson. Star power.
Boy Smells Candle ($19) - I imagine this smells good. Either way their rebrand slaps so this will look on any shelf. Also it’s on sale which helps.
Lady White Co. “Our T-Shirt” 2 Pack ($110) - No L11 gift guide is complete without my favorite t-shirts.
Rite of Way “Rising Sun” ($188) - Killer new scent from my buddy Alex’s new fragrance brand. Packaging on point and smell is divine.
Kapital Bandana ($55) - An all time L11 gift for anyone who has great taste. There’s really nothing like giving or receiving a Kapital bandana. So many options. Choose wisely.
TILIT x Chrome Kadet Sling Chef’s Bag ($130) - Something I worked on personally, an excellent choice for that chef in your life. These came out so great with a removable knife roll and tons of custom details.
Hudson Wilder Asobi Drinking Glass ($110) - I really like these, actually I just bought them, oops. Sometimes a gift guide is really just shopping for yourself in disguise.
OOFOS “OOAHH” Slide Sandal ($48) - These joints are so comfy. A serious squish fest for your feets, if you will. Get familiar.
Blanked Valet Tray ($169) - A very sleek and sexy valet tray. A key organization system piece. Not sure if I need this but I might. Price is in euro so I did the conversion for you.
Room Service by Michael McGregor ($35) - Super fun book featuring colorful illustrations on hotel stationary from one of my favorite artists.
Couldn’t find anything for that specific person? Shoot me a note and I’ll send you some personalized ideas.
An Account Worth Following 📲
@eddyartist
Eddy Bennett is making stuff the hard way. Slow and deliberate with incredible attention to detail. In some ways I appreciate artistic nature of what he does more than the actual output but that’s a conversation for another time. The world needs more artists like Edward.
until next time ✌️
Linkies: 1 (weird collectors) 2 (black sea) 3 (gift shop) 4 (spencers spa) 5 (huge flex)
share with someone you think might enjoy ❤️
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