Editorial Director Picks: 6 Must-Haves for January 8, 2026
Let’s dive into the first beloved editorial director picks of 2026. These 6 must-haves are ranging from prestige designer wear to a delicious treat for two. Items to start your new year off on a good foot and not just manifest the, “New Year, New You” motto but create it into your reality. These picks can help transform your beauty, style, and lifestyle routines to the show off your resolutions really 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 to this future addition in your shopping cart. The Rouge Noir Collection consists of six fabulous classical Chanel items with a daring twist. The first in the collection is the Rouge Noir Confidence eyeshadow and blush palette, including four shades of soft-pink, electric magenta, red with pink shimmer, and a pearly rose hue. Next is the Noir Allure, all-in-one mascara, offering the bundle of length, curl, and definition. Following is the Le Vernis nail colour, available in 3 different shades of a bright pink (387- Performer), stone grey (377- Moderniste), and a deep burgundy (397- Rouge Noir), each perfectly compatible with the striking palette of the collection. The fourth collectible is the Baume Essential Rouge Noir multi-use glow stick in shade ‘cute’, a perfect name for the bright and bubbly pop of sparkly pink needed for your new year. The fifth and sixth final pieces are the Stylo Yeux Waterproof longwear eyeliner and kohl pen and the Les Pinceaux Rouge Noir 3 professional makeup brushes, quintessential pieces to pull together this limited edition Chanel collection and to pull off your 2026 re-brand.
Shop Here
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 and nuts and biscuits to dunk, perfectly wrapped together in an experience for two. Just in time for your future Galentine’s Day wine night or you can save it for that special someone on Valentine’s Day, if you’re ready to impress your guest. The chocolate is not only delicious but also premium, with cocoa beans raised from their St. Lucia estate in high-altitude fertile soil, the exquisite flavours are especially heavenly. This is a must try experience for 2026. Hotel Chocolat gets 10 out of 10 for this dipping experience.
Shop Here
3. Loewe Ivy Wax Candleholder – £114
The new year calls for redecorating. What better way to redecorate than with the Loewe Ivy wax candleholder? A pop of pink perfectly crafted in wax, smelling of ivy essence and a woody, forest scent with hints of floral is just what your home needs.
Shop Here
4. Brunello Cucunelli Cotton Diamond Yarn Outerwear Jacket in Desert – £3300
The dull weather of January calls for a coat crafted to make you feel sparkly even in the dreary cold, Brunello Cucinelli has you covered with the cotton diamond yarn outerwear jacket in the colour desert. The elegant touch of shimmering sequins embedded in the yarn allows for you to embrace your femininity while staying bundled up in these winter months. A perfect splurge to feel like your true sparkling self during the deep freeze of January.
Shop Here
5. Swedish Stockings Lois Rip Resistant Tights in Black 40 – Now on Sale for £60 from £75
Tights that are rip resistant are essential to stay chic and warm in winter. These beautifully designed Swedish Stockings use recycled materials with Sheertex Knit Technology, using one of the world’s strongest polymers to create a long-lasting wear. Talk about the “New Year, New You”, that will never have to face the embarrassment of coming out to an event with ripped tights ever again.
Shop Here
6. Dior Small Bow Bag in Rose Songe Lambskin – £3250
Dior Bow Bag. I repeat: Dior Bow Bag. This is just everything, from the luxurious natural grain lambskin to the perfectly captured magnetic bow closure, how could you pass up Johnathan Anderson’s design made for every occasion ever? Dual wear, with both a chain for draping across the elegant outfit you paired with this bag, or holding this under your arm as a chic clutch-look that rocks the socks off of your friends who are stunned with your 2026 style rebrand.