tastemaker
Tastemaker: Tom Aikens
Highly-acclaimed Michelin-starred chef and restaurateur Tom Aikens is known for his creative interpretation of French cuisine and using the finest seasonal ingredients from the British Isles. At 26, he became the youngest British chef ever awarded two Michelin stars. He chooses his favorite gifts, and tells us what he does with turkey leftovers.
tastemaker
Tastemaker: Hugo Guinness
Hugo Guinness is a London-born, New York-based artist known for his whimsical prints, depicting subjects that are often overlooked, surprising, and humorous. His works have appeared in numerous publications including The New Yorker, New York Times, and American Vogue. He tells GIFTLAB.COM about his holiday must-haves and who he finds hardest to shop for.
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Gold Solaris Belt Eden Diodati
Introducing Eden Diodati
Founded by Jennifer Ewah, Eden Diodati take an ethical approach to design. One of the Ethical Fashion Forum’s 500 Fellows around the globe, the jewelry brand donate 10% of dividends to Médecins sans Frontières, an independent humanitarian medical aid organisation. Ewah takes inspiration from an artistic heritage that has bound global cultures together for centuries, and each stunning piece is beautifully handcrafted, inlaid with individual mother of pearl mosaic pieces, or finished with gold leaf.
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Gifts for the Scorpio Man
Intense Scorpio men (like Chris Noth, who played Mr. Big on SATC), are associated with the color red, dark affairs, appreciate uncovering a good mystery and enjoy a manly drink.
Double Disc Cufflinks VILLA £1,225.00
Viden “Double Old Fashioned” Smoke Tumblers ARTEL £390.00
Hugh Hefner’s Playboy, 6 Volumes TASCHEN
Galileo’s Telescope PALOMAR TELESCOPES £150.00
Saint-Malo Red/Ecru Espadrilles ESCADRILLES £59.00
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Chocolate S’mores Martini
2 oz Vodka
2 oz White Chocolate Liqueur
Garnish: Chocolate Syrup, Marshmallow Creme, Crushed Graham Crackers
Method:
Drizzle chocolate syrup in martini glass. Shake vodka and liqueur over ice and pour into glass. Rub marshmallow creme around the rim of the martini glass and coat with crushed graham crackers. Place marshmallow on skewer and place in cocktail.
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GIFT PROBLEMS: THE NEW RELATIONSHIP
It’s a tricky one, when you’ve just started dating someone, and his or her birthday is coming up. Don’t give something that’s symbolic of a more serious relationship – romantic items like jewelry and cufflinks are out of the question. Do give something functional that reflects their interests. Expensive gifts also scream “too much, too soon”, so to help, we’ve picked 4 great new-relationship gifts under £50. Image: ELLE Ukraine September 2012
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Gifts for the Scorpio Woman
Cascading Crystal Ribbon Twin Panther Necklace MAWI £675.00
Bronze and Navy Striped Acrylic Edie Clutch EDIE PARKER £989.00
Oasis Coral Cushion Cover ALLEGRA HICKS £180.00
Tube Cushion RACHNA £387.00
Muse Noir Candle JONATHAN ADLER £68.00
Purple Quartz Ring by CORALIA LEETS £245.00
Paella Cookbook PHAIDON PRESS £24.95
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True opulence by Bea Valdes
Bea Valdes’ Iliad II. A dramatic necklace inspired by lovers, and according to the designer, “the epic journey home”.
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Introducing Simon Ings
Designer Simon Ings grew up on a hill farm in Dorset, and a childhood spent among animals and the countryside inspire his designs, evident in his use of symbols and soft vintage leather.
The ram (on cufflinks, pictured) is a recurring motif, symbolic of wisdom, strength and passion, and the sign of Aries.
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Autumn Has Arrived
We’ve felt that crisp nip of autumn in the air, the year’s most indulgent season. See our Pinterest board, Autumn Amazing for luxe autumnal luxury gifts and products, plus très cozy inspirational images.
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David Bebber
Born in Germany and raised in the UK, award winning photographer David Bebber started his career aged 19 with South West News in Bristol. Since 2006 he has been with The Times, which has taken him on shoots in far flung destinations around the world. Failsafe gift? “When it comes to giving gifts I often play to my strengths - my wedding present is invariably a set of photographs from the big day”.
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SOMETHINGS Magazine
SOMETHINGS is a magazine that provides intimate insight into the work of today’s most innovative and creative minds, through visual documentation, extraordinary photographic material and in-depth interviews. Chapter 005 deals with matters of contemporary portraiture and features a look at the inspiration behind Rick Owens’ unreleased perfume. The best part: copies of chapter 005 come wrapped in scented Rick Owens cashmere.
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Deep-Dish Pumpkin Meringue Pie
Pumpkin, ubiquitous with autumn, is best when topped with creamy meringue. See Martha’s recipe here.
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Christopher Kane for Atelier Swarovski
Christopher Kane was one of the first designers to collaborate with Swarovski and his punchy pieces are coveted by fashion editors the world over. His striking Bolster collection of necklaces and bracelets are certified It accessories, and make a great gift for the fashionista.
Shop now: bit.ly/QFOzJW
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London Cocktail Week
London Cocktail Week (8th-14th October) is fast approaching, with a variety of events and masterclasses around town. Follow the organisers on Twitter @LDNCocktailWeek
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GIFTS FOR LIBRA MEN
Charming Libra men, like signmate Ryan Reynolds, appreciate beauty and romance unlike any other sign of the zodiac, and are fond of the arts and tradition.
Trash Bag TRAVELTEQ £459.00
Needlepoint Backgammon Set JONATHAN ADLER £295.00
Galaxy Stone Cufflinks DUNHILL £225.00
LomoKino Movie Camera LOMOGRAPHY £65.00
Classic: Cannes Beige Espadrilles ESCADRILLE £59.00
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GIFTS FOR THE LIBRA WOMAN
Brigitte Bardot by Cattani Photo 12/09/1966 SONIC EDITIONS £109.00
Opal Bib Necklace by Jenny Manik Mercian ATELIER SWAROVSKI £425.00
Silver Middle Age Frame BUCCELLATI £695.00
Crystal Heart Key Ring JUDITH LEIBER £235.00
Vogue Weddings: Brides, Dresses, Designers POWERHOUSE BOOKS £60.00
Bacio Scented Candle FORNASETTI £99.00
Jet Hematite Box Clutch MARCHESA £2,550.00
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Front row worthy gifts
Got to get a gift for someone who’s front row fabulous? You can’t go wrong with our stylish gift edit: Gray and Gold Studded Necklace by Katerina Psoma; Marilyn Monroe by Taschen; 1980s Chanel Bow Ear Clips by Atelier Mayer; Vogue Living: Houses, Gardens, People by Powerhouse Books; Green Stingray iPhone Case by Namu McQueen Print by EmmaKisstina Illustration; Regrets His / Her Behaviour Cards by Mrs. John L. Strong; Ginger Mini Bag White by Barbara Boner
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Kilian Hennessy
Heir to the Hennessy cognac house and grandson of the founder of LVMH, Kilian Hennessy launched his perfume line, By Kilian, in 2007. Shortly after making his mark on the world of fragrance, he was encouraged by magazine editors to launch his exquisite collection of clutches inspired by perfume boxes. A native Parisian, we asked him what he loved about Paris ahead of Paris Fashion Week: “I like to walk to the Place des États Unis, not far from where I live, and visit the Musée Bacarat at number 11, the old private mansion of Marie-Laure de Noailles.” Shop his gift edit below.
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Fig Season
Tis the season of the fig and we’re celebrating with this simple recipe from our favorite Berlin foodies Nicky & Max. Toast the bread and rub it with garlic, fry the figs off in butter/olive oil, honey and seasoning. Melt the ricotta cheese on the toast before serving up with the figs and rocket. Don’t forget to add rosemary, it helps the dish sit perfectly between sweet and savoury. Yum!
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Hidden House by Teatum + Teatum
Hidden House is an architectural gem. The 2600 sq ft house was featured on Grand Designs, and was open to the public last weekend. Located in Kensington, London. See Teatum + Teatum for more details.
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Love
In cinemas now is Love from director and writer Will Eubank. The film tells the story of astronaut Captain Lee Miller (played by Gunner Wright) who loses radio signal aboard the International Space Station. Totally isolated, Miller becomes increasingly lonely and desperate as life support systems dwindle, until he makes an astonishing discovery aboard the ship. A must-see, if just for the stunning visuals, this action-packed film explores the fundamental human need for connection and the limitless power of hope.
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Zaha Hadid
Architect Zaha Hadid has forged a radical new approach to architecture. Her geometrically complex buildings have earned her wide acclaim and she is one of the youngest ever winners of the prestigious Pritzker Prize, and the first (and only) woman ever to receive the honor (architecture’s equivalent of the Nobel Prize). She was awarded the first London Design Medal in 2007 and her Aquatics Centre was a centrepiece of the 2012 London Olympics park. The perfect present idea for any design aficionado, shop our Zaha Hadid gift edit below.
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Behind the brand: JEM (Jewellery Ethically Minded)
JEM is the first jeweller of its kind – offering sustainable luxury. JEM’s gold comes from certified artisanal mines in Colombia, Peru and Ecuador, creating jewellery in total transparency. JEM’s main workshop is in the Vosges area of France, and many of its designs play with the ratio of solid and void space. We love their minimalist, timeless aesthetic.
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4 gifts for the perfect vacation
Boys! Planning a surprise romantic late summer vacation? Spoil your travel companion with our trip-ready gift edit.
Jaguar Wreath Twilly Silk Scarf, Emma J Shipley
M/S Mega Canvas Tote Bag, Mismo
Orange Ostrich Card Holder, Ethan K
Coral Daban Bracelet, Mahlia Collection
