One of these days we'll drop POTM on time; we're blaming it on February's lack of days this time. But even though Feb's the shortest month, it was still stuffed with some seriously sweet releases. So sweet in fact, that we couldn't pick just one product as our No.1 POTM...
Blasting its way to the joint top spot is Helldivers 2. The chaotic co-op shooter throws you into the boots of elite soldiers defending democracy across the galaxy. There's just something about assembling your four-man squad, strategising, and unleashing powerful weapons and orbital drops against alien hordes that spikes our dopamine systems. It might already be our Game of the Year. Good god, it’s fun.
Sharing our POTM podium is Tony Rivers & James Burnett's MAGNETIC. This book isn't just about fashion; it's a cultural exploration of the early days ('86-'93) when Massimo Osti's visionary labels – C.P. Company, Stone Island, and Boneville – took the UK by storm. It's a treasure trove teeming with exclusive first-hand accounts and unseen photos. If you're a fan of Massimo's work, you need this anthology in your collection.
Now, let's move on to our February footwear picks, a selection that will transport you everywhere from tropical paradises to classic film sets.
We could all do with a sun-soaked trip to a tropical Shangri-la, but there's a fat chance of that happening anytime soon. For now, we'll have to step into the adidas Originals' Bali, click our heels three times, and hope the beautiful blue '70s trainer will transport us to the idyllic Indonesian isle.
Sticking with reissues, our favourite Mancunian label is throwing it back a few years and reviving one of its all-time great colourways. The stealthy "Black/Gum" combo first popped up on the CLINTS Inc. TRL Footprints in 2020. Now it's back on the 2.0s – brilliant news for those who weren't locked in four years ago.
If you draw your fashion sense from films like The Firm, you'll be happy to know 80s Casual Classics have dropped an exclusive Diadora Titan in a tasty "Sky/Yellow/Navy" palette. Slip on your Sergio Tacchini jacket and you're good to go. They're proper, proper '80s.
Moving from movie references to footwear staples, UNDEFEATED and Nike's Air Terra Humara pipped into our 2023 POTY at the last second. The Humara has always been one of our favourite silhouettes, so we're very pleased the Californian brand dressed the Nike classic in a beautiful "Cargo Khaki" colourway. Ballistic Cordura at the base, synthetic overlays, and panels of hair suede – what's not to love?
Beijing-based SoulGoods teamed up with Jordan to dress Michael Jordan's rookie sneaker, the Air Ship, in a textured blend of smooth brown and hair grey suede, accented with co-branding throughout. A top effort all round.
The Bodega x Saucony Grid Shadow 2 "Jaunt Woven" is an earthy-toned sneaker built for comfort. Its recycled midsole and outsole provide a steady foundation, while the upper combines stonewashed canvas, hemp, and cotton for a natural aesthetic.
One final footwear-related pick made the cut this month: Nike TN designer Sean Mcdowell chatting to Foot Locker and spilling the beans on all things Tuned Air. You can catch a snippet of it here.
Only one apparel piece made it into this POTM edition, the Stüssy x Metalheadz 30th Anniversary jacket. If you're unfamiliar with Metalheadz, the renowned record label is the brainchild of Kemistry & Storm and Goldie and boasts a rich history featuring countless drum and bass pioneers. They celebrated 30 years of greatness with a limited-edition collection – including this varsity jacket – stamped with the iconic Metalheadz logo designed by Darren Bartlett and refined by Goldie. It's an absolute stunner, but if you thought the $550 retail was eye-watering enough, you're best not looking at resale sites.
Is it really POTM if we don't include an incredibly expensive model? Of course not. This time, we picked Wētā Workshop's 1/844 Grey Havens Environment. This captivating collectable celebrated 20 years of The Return of the King by capturing a Tolkien paradise in miniature form. Every detail, from the meticulously recreated architecture to the pain-staking hand-painted finish, stirs a sense of serenity. We need this peaceful patch of Middle-earth on our shelf.
We'll finish off POTM with television; February's slate almost gave us square eyes. With Clarkson, May, and Hammond's shenanigans in The Grand Tour: Sand Job, Master Chief's return to the small screen in Halo season 2, and Jack Reacher busting skulls in the second season of Reacher, we've barely been away from our Fire Sticks.
Transport yourself back to our REPORTS hub for even more servings of knowledge.