The artful package
If you want yours to be the best looking present under the tree, look to Turnbell & Asser. This year, the heritage brand has launched a new Instagram tutorial celebrating the Japanese art of Furoshiki, teaching those with nimble fingers how to use their silk pocket squares to envelop gifts instead of regular xmas paper. This means the lucky recipient gets a luxurious two-for-one deal: a sustainable ‘wrapping’ to keep forever as well as a main surprise. You can’t go wrong with this extra-large silk scarf with blue snowscape motif, printed in England too.
Box Fresh Classics
Stockholm-based shoe brand, CQP, bring a soft, laconic aesthetic to the world of sneakers: all designs follow the ‘less is more’ rulebook using exquisite materials, shaped for maximum comfort thanks to layers of cushioning and proper arch support. The soles are cast from top-performing rubber made by Margom, a small family-owned supplier based in Italy and each pair is lined with smooth calf leather – what’s more, CQP collections are 80% finished by hand. The Otium model in Seagull white is an absolute classic. £349 c-qp.com
Musical Chair
Award-winning British product designer Lee Broom is famous for sculptural lighting and furniture; with his minimalist touch he plays with volume, light and material contrasts to create things of curvilinear beauty. Broom’s new chrome Maestro chair – his first chair design in a decade – is informed by a love of mid-century design and classical music. The lines swoop around the seat with a veritable sense of rhythm. £875 leebroom.com
Bouncing off the walls
This colourful ping pong table doubles as a work of Pop Art: its legs and net neatly fold into the back of the table so it can be hung up like a painting. This particular model is part of a limited series made in collaboration with Mr Porter and there are four different patterns to chose from, with only 10 tables made of each design. The husband and wife duo behind this clever home accessory have called themselves the Art of Ping Pong for obvious reasons and have previously partnered with some impressive names in the art world including Camille Walala, Jake & Dinos Chapman and Mr Bingo. You never know, this bat and ball game could be worth a fortune in the future. £1,100
Heaven scent
Acqua Di Parma is always a safe option for aesthetes: synonymous with elegance and emblematic of Italian savoir-vivre, the marque has never lost its touch as a maker of rich and enlivening scents that exude the romance of the Mediterranean. Holiday sets are a specialty and this year the Chinese artist Oamul has lent his hand to the iconic yellow packaging – the twinkly design is best seen on this amazing advent calender, bound to make someone happy for a ful 25 days. Look out too for the special edition of the Cologna Roma. Part of a series of 300 pieces, each bottle is handpainted by Tuscan artisans and engraved with the bottle number and the word Roma, to commemorate the Eternal city. Advent calender, £400. Limited edition scent, £
Shifting a gear
Connolly never puts a foot wrong when it comes to comes to striking a balance between clean luxury and innovative functionality. This toolkit designed in collaboration with Sebastian Conran is a case in point. Made by hand in beautiful tanned leather, the kit includes all those breakdown essentials – though you may want to invest in some Wet Wipes too. Never before has a monkey wrench looked so stylish. Also available in a maxi size. £1655 www.connollyengland.com
Marni Vase
About the Author
