Notes on our most coveted art & design pieces and collaborations.
£10
It’s time to get festive – and this week we’re dreaming up the perfect artist-designed baubles to adorn our tree. How about owning a Grayson Perry at a very accessible price? We also think it adds a bit of fun and quirkiness to the tree, and as each Red Alan is handmade, they really do all have their own unique personality. All made with fair trade wool, and a mischievous smile.
£50
Rounding off our selection is this glass, handblown bauble by British designer Paul Smith, for something more bold and graphic to brighten up your living space. Each bauble is painted on the inside with the brand’s signature stripe, available in two designs, andis as delectable as a Christmas candy. Best hung with a glass of mulled wine.
What could be more chic than a Christmas bauble by Claridges? We defy you to find one that matches this hand-blown glass take on the Christmas classic, using the inside-out painting technique, where the artist begins from a central focal point and moves outwards in a fluid line. This bauble is a nod to Claridge’s own history – depicting the two ladies who feature on the doors to the Foyer & Reading Room.
£19.99
There’s never not a good time to revisit Julia Cameron’s classic, the bestselling The Artist’s Way. In the book, first published in 1995, the artist, educator, essayist, and poet leads you through a comprehensive twelve week, step by step programme to discover your creativity and banish obstacles – self-sabotage, jealously, guilt, addictions – and replace them with artistic confidence. Linking creativity to spirituality this revolutionary book has changed lives and continues to do so.
£350
Richard Rogers and Renzo Piano’s Parisian landmark is the inspiration for the New York-based designer Jonathan Adler’s candle holder, translating its inside out structure into a playful, colorful piece for gifting. The acrylic pipe, finished in polished nickel, in a cheeky nod to the building’s architecture. It’s designed to hold three tapered candles, and comes in an elegant gift box. A little piece of Paris for the home.
£695
Design duo Campbell-Rey has crafted this sumptuous and supremely soft handmade rug from New Zealand wool for their collection for Nordic Knots. The folding ribbon motif is a decorative nod to Nordic neoclassicism, and reimagines the ribbons and swag emblematic of 18th century Gustavian decor. The deep ruby red contrasts with auburn folds, giving a trompe l’oeil effect. The ultimate evocation of winter. Be quick – only a few are available in each size.
£15
In keeping with this week’s goddess theme, the ubiquitous tote gets a seriously chic upgrade at M&S courtesy of this collaboration with Bella Freud. Many of the pieces in the collection – which was inspired by M&S’s archives, and also features timeless separates and playful slogans – have already sold out, but you can still get your hand on this iconic Divine Feminine pure cotton canvas tote in black with white font – ideal for work or weekends. A steal at £15.
£195
“Goddesses were once central to the Irish mythic world and culture, but over time, emergent patriarchal forces conspired to obscure their presence”, says author Emma Dabiri, who has collaborated with Alex Monroe to create a very special jewellery collection, recognising and reclaiming Irish goddess figures. This sterling silver ring is a take on the traditional Claddagh ring, representing love, loyalty and friendship and takes cues from Celtic folklore tales. The inside of this ring is engraved with the Irish word for love – Grá. Perfection.
£186
It’s raining, it’s pouring – we are in the thick of Autumn now and we need to armour ourselves against the elements, and especially those irksome downfalls. Stay stylish and protect the blow dry with JW Anderson’s beautiful butterscotch brown calfskin leather baseball cap – an elevated take on the classic. It also comes in olive green if muted is more your thing, but we love the cosy shade of this, just like the leaves on the trees at this time of year. Pull on for protection from the weather or perhaps from unwanted passerbys.
£105
Keep all of your valuable possessions dry in this Rolltop Rucksack by Rains, an essential for the ever unpredictable British weather. Described as a “dependable city staple that’s perfect for commutes on bike or foot”, the Rolltop Rucksack comes in an array of colours, including this shiny pastel pink hue, Muse, ready to brighten up the gloomiest of days. Other features we love include the side access laptop pocket, the D-ring (great for cyclists) and the signature Rains’ PU fabric, that is strong, durable and tactile, too.
