If 2018 saw the world wake up to sustainability, then gift giving this Christmas is all about conscious consumption and buying prezzies that create lasting impressions.
For the LUXE Christmas gift guide 2018, Mira Comara Alexander handpicks a selection of gorgeous luxury items by time-honoured brands that have a backstory – add bonus points with beautiful packaging, a thoughtful hand-written note, and monogramming. Now, with only 11 days left before Santa comes a callin’, it’s time to ready, steady, shop!
For the Top Dog
Nothing says deal-maker like a bespoke monogrammed Turnbull & Asser shirt. The Prince of Wales may have granted the shirtmaker their first royal warrant in 1980, but by then the brand’s rich history as a gentleman clothier was legendary, having outfitted everyone from Churchill to Picasso to Bond since 1885. No design request is too grandiose and the expert tailors are accustomed to tweaking collars, cuffs and even ensuring one sleeve is slightly looser for a more comfortable fit. Further afield seek out Ascot Chang in Hong Kong and P.Johnson in Australia.
For the Jetsetter
If stylish luggage that takes you seamlessly from jet to yacht is a necessity, then look no further than Paravel, the vintage-inspired, Italian-manufactured, canvas luggage company. Utilising heritage fabrics more accustomed to the salty high seas, the cotton canvas is waterproof, durable, and most of all, light to carry. All pieces are beautifully hand-constructed in Tuscany. Perfect for a weekend getaway is The Stowaway, a vintage-inspired suitcase with leather trims that can be neatly folded into a flat pack. All pieces can be monogrammed and hand painted with appliqué designs, ensuring visibility on the luggage carousel.
For the Animal Lover
Forgo a framed animal selfie in favour of a hand-painted portrait. Brooklyn based, Mr Boddington’s Studio does just that. Named after founder Rebecca Schmidt Rubensaal’s imaginary friend, Mr Boddington will hand paint a silhouette portrait of your furry friend, real or imagined. The studio also provides wonderful array of bespoke stationery.
For your Paramour
London based Jessica McCormack has quietly established herself as the go-to for exquisite jewels. Most of the pieces are bespoke, so it’s worth spending an afternoon at her Georgian townhouse in Mayfair to creating a truely unique memento. Expect a strong Art Deco feel fused with a contemporary edge. The Ball n’ Chain diamond necklace is a particular favourite.
For The Serial Entertainer
Matching tableware might seem the ultimate sign of adulthood, and the centrepiece of traditional wedding registries, but ‘good china’ should not be reserved for special occasions. Entertaining should be fun, and rambunctious, and our tableware should match that. For an injection of colour and visual decadence seek out Ceramiche Fasano. Established in 1968 in the Puglian hilltops by Nicola Fasano, this family-run business consists of 18 generations of ceramicists. Grandfather of design Terrence Conran was an early admirer and pieces are stocked by The Conran Shop, or locally in Sydney by Simon Johnson.
Shopping for stocking fillers? Last minute doesn’t have to mean lacklustre… treat the globestrutter in your life to a LUXE Complete Collection Gift Card.
