Issue 78: Rounding Up 2025
Welcome to Issue 78 of Essential Journal – our final edition of 2025, where stories of craft, character and quiet innovation take centre stage.
This season, we explore the creators and tastemakers reshaping the landscape of modern style and culture, beginning with one of Manchester’s most talked-about dining rooms. Winsome (pp. 55–59) brings a disarmingly warm philosophy to city-centre dining – a place where exceptional British cooking meets the comfort of a friend’s kitchen table. Chef Patron Shaun Moffat and front-of-house lead Tom Fastiggi have built something rare: a restaurant with white tablecloths, Michelin Guide recognition, and absolutely no ego. Simply joy, generosity, and outstanding food.
We also turn the page with David M Robinson, as the renowned jeweller unveils its most personal collections to date (pp. 30–33). From the sculptural harmony of Making Waves to the expressive symbolism of Giallo Pavé, this new chapter is defined by individuality, storytelling and the brand’s continued commitment to expert, personal guidance. It’s a moment that honours DMR’s heritage while embracing the evolving desires of modern clients.
Our exploration of craftsmanship continues with OMEGA, which brings a bold new light to its celebrated Dark Side of the Moon collection (pp. 40–41). The 2025 release is a landmark evolution: slimmer profiles, advanced ceramic mastery, and a striking Apollo-8 tribute featuring a laser-ablated lunar surface across dial and movement — a true technical and artistic statement for collectors.
Beyond our headline stories, this issue journeys through fashion’s newest ideas, the rise of playful purism in design, and the artists capturing life’s soft, unguarded moments – from Inès Gradot’s analogue-digital world to Edie Medley’s London of overheard conversations.
Wherever you’re reading — at home, in the city, or on the move – we hope Issue 78 offers inspiration for the season ahead, and a deeper appreciation for the makers shaping our cultural landscape.
