Photography Johanna Ruebel, Model Rosalie@IZAIO Management
Words Dorte Lange via LISSOME
Christmas is coming closer and so is the end of 2016. I enjoy this time of the year as a moment of introspection, of stillness, of looking back to and reflecting upon the months that have passed. It is a good opportunity for closure as well as for sketching out new directions and dreams.
At its best, Christmas time is all lights, open fires, the scent of mulled cider, homemade cookies, window displays at Liberty's, country walks, gift wrapping and letter writing. It is the promise of being kind, caring and inclusive.
With this Christmas gift guide, it is not my intent to lure you into joining the omnipresent shopping frenzy that also rules this season. I would rather like to encourage you to invest only in clothes and objects that you truly fall in love with, that light up your day (or years to come) and that you look forward to cherishing and having around you. As to follow the wise words of William Morris: "Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful." I have browsed the collections of many of my favourite mindful brands and the following selection of high-quality pieces and responsible craftsmanship is what I deem worthy of delight and possibly magic.
Part 1: For Her
1. Lauren Manoogian, Crown Beanie:Shop the Beanie
Fair + Ethical | Artisanal | Eco-friendly Production
A knit beanie in White with rolled edge, 93% Alpaca, 7% polyamide. Lauren Manoogian specialises in consciously-sourced materials and collaborating with Peruvian artisans to produce unique and distinctive pieces.
2. Lou Dungate, The Esmond Geometric Cable Cashmere Blanket Scarf:Shop the Scarf
Fair + Ethical | Local Production
Generous blanket style scarf created in a geometric cable stitch from 100% pure luxury cashmere sourced from inner Mongolia, spun by a family-run mill in Italy and then knitted for Lou Dungate at the first knit factory workshop to operate in the city of London for almost 80 years. Measures: 100cm x 155cm.
3. Organic by John Patrick, Crop V-Neck Sweater in Camel:Shop the Sweater
Fair + Ethical | Sustainable Materials
Cropped long sleeve, v-neck, rib knit pullover in camel cotton and cashmere blend. Ribbed neckline, cuffs and hem. Boxy fit. Pull on. 85% organic cotton, 15% cashmere.
4. Petrucha, Lou Wax Zip-up Leather Boots in Black: Shop the Boots
Fair + Ethical | Local Production | Sustainable Materials | Eco-friendly Production
Pure calf leather in a worn waxed finish, vegetable-tanned, two-part construction, round toe silhouette, raw-edged detailing, concealed central zip fastening, stacked leather heel and sole, made in Spain.
5. Jesse Kamm, Sailor Pants:Shop the Pants
Fair + Ethical | Local Production
High rise sailor pant cut in 100% American cotton canvas with slightly crinkled texture. Sits at high waist, with cropped and wide leg. Button fly closure. Front on-seam horizontal pockets at hips, belt loops.
6. Vitruvi, Sleep Body Oil:Shop the Oil
Fair + Ethical | All 100% Natural
Vitruvi's sleep aromatherapy oil combines the powerful calming effects of botanicals that have been used for centuries to promote rest. Lavender, Ylang Ylang and frankincense are blended to calm the body while staying grounded and promoting positive dreaming.
7. Fonnesbech, Avigna Coat in Dark Navy:Shop the Coat
Fair + Ethical | Local Production
100% Merino Wool. Straight and classic silhouette, hidden buttoning at front and pockets at side. The waist belt features golden D-rings for an elegant look.
8. Wool and the Gang, DIY Soul Power Pants Kit:Shop the Kit
Fair + Ethical | Sustainable Materials
Knitting Kit with pattern and wool: 7 x 50g balls of WATG's Feeling Good Yarn (Baby Alpaca 70% / Merino 7% and Nylon 23%), 1 Soul Power Pants pattern, 1 sewing needle.
Value Checklist via LISSOME