Nicky Haslam's November list of all things naff is issued on a tea towel - or "drying-up cloth", as he calls it - which commands the uncommon price of £40 (NZ$83).
While rude, arbitrary and an almighty cheek, given that styling oneself a "designer" might be considered common and a "celebrity designer" positively vulgar, the Haslam towel has become an institution by inspiring many enthusiastic commoners to mentally marshal their own hot/not lists.
For the susceptible, the list is useful for Christmas budgeting, including, as it does, sundry costly items they can now cross off: cockapoos, craft gin, French ski trips.
For the snobberyresistant, it's a bit of fun to see how many sins they've committed according to the common-o-meter.
This story is from the December 02-08, 2023 edition of New Zealand Listener.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the December 02-08, 2023 edition of New Zealand Listener.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
First-world problem
Harrowing tales of migrants attempting to enter the US highlight the political failure to fully tackle the problem.
Applying intelligence to AI
I call it the 'Terminator Effect', based on the premise that thinking machines took over the world.
Nazism rears its head
Smirky Höcke, with his penchant for waving with a suspiciously straight elbow and an open palm, won't get to be boss of either state.
Staying ahead of the game
Will the brave new world of bipartisanship that seems to be on offer with an Infrastructure Commission come to fruition?
Grasping the nettle
Broccoli is horrible. It smells, when being cooked, like cat pee.
Hangry? Eat breakfast
People who don't break their fast first thing in the morning report the least life satisfaction.
Chemical reaction
Nitrates in processed meats are well known to cause harm, but consumed from plant sources, their effect is quite different.
Me and my guitar
Australian guitarist Karin Schaupp sticks to the familiar for her Dunedin concerts.
Time is on my side
Age does not weary some of our much-loved musicians but what keeps them on the road?
The kids are not alright
Nuanced account details how China's blessed generation has been replaced by one consumed by fear and hopelessness.