Editorial Director Picks: 6 Must-Haves for January 8, 2026
Editorial Director Picks: 6 Must-Haves for January 8, 2026
Let’s dive into the first beloved Editorial Director picks of 2026. These six must-haves range from prestige designer pieces to a delicious treat for two—perfect for starting the year on a good foot. Not just manifesting the “New Year, New You” motto, but turning it into reality.
From beauty to style and lifestyle, these picks can help elevate your routines and show your resolutions are paying off—all thanks to Story Magazine’s very own Marian Kwei.
1. Chanel Limited Edition Rouge Noir Collection – From £30 to £118
Limited edition Chanel is enough to sell to any makeup guru—but the exclusive, bold shades are the cherry on top. The Rouge Noir Collection consists of six classic Chanel items with a daring twist.
First is the Rouge Noir Confidence eyeshadow and blush palette, featuring four shades: soft pink, electric magenta, red with pink shimmer, and a pearly rose hue. Next is Noir Allure, an all-in-one mascara delivering length, curl, and definition. Then comes Le Vernis nail colour in three shades: bright pink (387 Performer), stone grey (377 Moderniste), and deep burgundy (397 Rouge Noir)—each perfectly aligned with the striking palette of the collection.
Also included: the Baume Essential Rouge Noir multi-use glow stick in the shade “Cute” (a fitting name for the bright, sparkly pink pop your new year deserves), the Stylo Yeux Waterproof longwear eyeliner and kohl pen, and the Les Pinceaux Rouge Noir three-piece professional brush set—quintessential finishing touches to pull together the full 2026 rebrand.
2. Hotel Chocolat Mini Chocolate Dipping Adventure for Two – £28.95
Who can resist a chocolate dipping adventure? This tasting selection is filled with milk and white chocolate pots to melt, plus nuts and biscuits to dunk—perfectly wrapped into an experience for two. Save it for your next Galentine’s wine night, or bring it out for Valentine’s Day if you’re ready to impress.
The chocolate isn’t only delicious—it’s premium. With cocoa raised from Hotel Chocolat’s St. Lucia estate in high-altitude, fertile soil, the flavours are especially heavenly. A must-try 2026 treat. Hotel Chocolat gets a 10 out of 10 for this dipping experience.
3. Loewe Ivy Wax Candleholder – £114
The new year calls for a refresh. What better way to redecorate than with the Loewe Ivy wax candleholder? A pop of pink, beautifully crafted in wax, scented with ivy essence and a woody forest profile with hints of floral—exactly the kind of detail your space needs.
4. Brunello Cucinelli Cotton Diamond Yarn Outerwear Jacket in Desert – £3300
The dull weather of January calls for a coat that makes you feel sparkly even in the deep freeze. Brunello Cucinelli delivers with the cotton diamond yarn outerwear jacket in Desert. The elegant touch of shimmering sequins embedded into the yarn lets you embrace your femininity while staying bundled up.
A perfect splurge for feeling like your true, glowing self—even when the weather says otherwise.
5. Swedish Stockings Lois Rip Resistant Tights in Black 40 – Now on Sale for £60 from £75
Rip-resistant tights are essential for staying chic and warm in winter. Swedish Stockings uses recycled materials alongside Sheertex Knit Technology—one of the world’s strongest polymers—to create long-lasting wear.
Talk about “New Year, New You”—this is the version of you who never has to face the horror of arriving somewhere with ripped tights again.
6. Dior Small Bow Bag in Rose Songe Lambskin – £3250
Dior Bow Bag. I repeat: Dior Bow Bag. Everything about it hits—from the luxurious natural grain lambskin to the perfectly executed magnetic bow closure. How could you pass up Jonathan Anderson’s design made for practically every occasion?
It’s dual-wear too: carry it by the chain strap to drape across a polished look, or tuck it under your arm for a chic clutch moment that will absolutely stun your friends.
By Caroline Spendio
Caroline is on LinkedIn