What: Natural goatskin luggage for men, so handsome you’ll be arranging a rendezvous with it under the mistletoe. Oh, and soft navy lining plus a padded iPad compartment means it’s beautiful on the inside too – dream!
Who: Those dapper tailoring boffins over at Smythson, of course.
Where: smythson.com
Why: Yes, it’s a one-purchase solution to travelling in ultimate style, but honestly, do you really need a reason? It’s gorgeous!
How much: US$2,190
If you look hard enough, do you see the Bahamas?
What: A head-tilt and squint-inducing, optical illusion-printed, canvas and leather iPad sleeve for the cyber stylista.
Who: Dandy after our own heart-y, It-designer Pierre Hardy.
Where: net-a-porter.com
Why: Who said being tech-savvy meant also being daggy? Thanks to Pierre, geek = chic!
How much: US$210
Come on baby, light my fire
What: Not just useful for ensuring the fire stays lit this Christmas, this solid brass match striker handmade in India also makes a stunning decor piece and ignites conversations as deftly as redheads.
Who: Estee’s (who else?) granddaughter Aerin Lauder, now famous in her own right as the stylish eye behind eponymous luxury lifestyle brand Aerin.
Where: aerin.com
Why: It’s chunky, it’s shiny and it screams luxury.
How Much: US$190
We never met a shearling sole we didn’t like
What: The ultimate in loungey footwear, these luxurious shearling slippers will have you reaching for the robe, quaffing port and puffing stogies like you’re Hef – just add bunnies!
Who: Mr. Americana, Ralph Lauren. He’s been at it since ’72, so you could say he knows a thing or two about seasonal style.
Why: All jokes aside, it’s getting darn cold. Your tootsies need a colourful, chic, chill-abating caress, just like the rest of you. Get on it.
Where: ralphlauren.com and in stores worldwide
How Much: US$175
One for the board game buffs
What: A collector’s edition, bespoke set of Loewe’s Domino Gold, with each of the 28 sycamore and metal pieces hand carved in Spain.
Who: Turns out Madrid’s legendary leather goods brand ain’t so bad with wood either. Their set of Dominoes (along with chess and checkers) is part of the board game component of Loewe’s exclusive ‘Made To Order’ series. Swank!
Where: loewe.com
Why: It’s a truly unique present to gift (or receive), especially for lovers of the game. You can finally throw out the crumbling cardboard box original – if you can bring yourself to break these precious pieces out of the luxe suede bag they come tucked in, that is!
How much: US$3,785
All I Want For Christmas – A Winter Getaway to Italy’s Lagacio Mountain Residence
BY The LUXE Editors
Chalet-chic in the Dolomites
What: A winter getaway to Northern Italy’s dazzling Dolomites, where a 4-night stay in one of Lagacio Mountain Residence’s 24 fully-stocked apartments also gets you a romantic ride in a horse-drawn sleigh, access to a wine tasting, and exclusive entry to the San Cassiano and San Martino museums.
Who: A ‘small town, big style’ mountain lodge with divine food, plentiful snow, and prime Alta Badia posi for ski bunnies.
How: Book online at lagacio.com (current package on offer through February)
Why: Hitting the slopes high in the Alps, heading straight for an apres-ski hot toddy or a relaxing spa sesh, having dinner at 2 Mich-starred St Hubertus nearby, then settling into your cosy cabin. Really, what’s not to like?!
How much: Megalodonte Suite €419 per person/night, Donella Suite €629 per person/night
Keep calm and carry on
What: Limited Edition 33″ Globe-Trotter Centenary Suitcase, built to withstand the trials of travel (or ‘the weight of a one-ton elephant’, scientifically speaking), and looking good while doing so.
By: British luggage-makers since 1897, and whose handcrafted bags have been carried by celebs and royalty alike.
Where: jcrew.com
Why: When jetting off for the holidays, we need a stylish (but strong and super lightweight, thanks to the use of Vulcan Fibre) suitcase to keep our bits, bobs, and LUXE Guides safe. And the bright colour means we won’t miss it at baggage claim either!
How much: US$1,750
Merry Christmas to your mug!
What: 16 potent anti-aging ingredients packed into one blingy bottle of Natura Bissé Diamond Life Infusion, delivering results via diamond nanoparticles (‘diamond dust’, if you will), and hailed as the new Creme de La Mer.
By: The Barcelona-based skincare brand known for its use of cutting-edge technology (and oh, also its flawless A-list clientele like Gwyneth Paltrow, Kate Moss, and Beyoncé)!
Why: Diamonds are a girl’s best friend, right? And what are best friends for if not attacking your mortal enemies (in this case, a face so wrinkled it looks as if you’ve swallowed a wasp)?
Where: Natura Bissé stores worldwide, or try the rejuvenating 60-minute Natura Bissé Diamond Life Infusion Facial, available at the Four Seasons Beverly Wilshire – duh, Hollywood.
How much: USD$590/25ml, or USD$295 facial at FS Beverly Wilshire
Made for the mantel
What: Forget wine or flowers, ask for (or gift your host) something gorgeous and original this holiday, like one (or all) of Asprey’s stunning seasonal crystal vases. Winter offers a stark vision of dramatic charcoal trees; Spring, blue ferns and fireflies; Summer a lush green picture of florals and bumblebees; and Autumn a warm blend of golden tones, acorns and falling leaves. Swoon!
Who: Only the finest luxury goods house in Britain, with each of these unique and handmade vases boasting the highest quality materials and impeccable craftsmanship.
Why: It’s perfect for the holiday dinner party, and for every season after that!
Where: asprey.com
How Much: US$4,000 each
An i-Phonograph – Edison would be pleased!
What: With all the atmos of the C.19th and the mod convenience of the C.21st, this gramophone holds your iPhone (or iPad) and gives you 4x the cruddy phone volume, with the bonus of being a fabulous, conversation-starting piece of decor.
By: American interiors stalwart Restoration Hardware, with each gramophone featuring a solid walnut dock and metal speaker horn.
Why: We love the way this marries the nostalgia of yesteryear with the sounds of here and now. Plus, it’s just perfect for putting on the classic Christmas tunes during the holidays, no?
Where: restorationhardware.com
How Much: US$249
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