It’s that time of the year when festive cheer loosens purse strings. Of course, there are plenty of experiences to indulge in — like checking into Coco Privé, the Maldivian private island with its own wine cellar and in-house marine biologist for snorkelling expeditions (approx ₹31,48,000 a night, yourplace@cocoprive.com) or going on a tasting tour of LVMH’s prestige cuvées, from Veuve Clicquot to Dom Pérignon (approx ₹5,66,635 on clos19.com). But if you’d rather splurge on things that could become part of your (or your loved one’s) signature style — from an Off-White x Rimowa suitcase to a colourful patan patola sari — here’s our pick.
Balenciaga Talon Slash Pumps
These shoes are part lustrous satin, part exotic sea creature and fully fabulous. A nod to Balenciaga’s sculptural design heritage, the pumps feature a classic pointed toe, the Spanish fashion house’s signature slanted heel, and gorgeous silver sequin and bead appliqué. They come in three colours (hot pink, sapphire blue and black), and will ensure that you are the statement-maker at every party in the New Year. Approximately ₹99,650, on matchesfashion.com
Huda Beauty Power Bullet
Add to all the year-end sparkle with this trifecta of cool. Huda Kattan, the international beauty sensation, just launched her own line of lipsticks. Called the ‘Power Bullet’, the limited-edition has a glittery, metallic finish and boasts an extra long-lasting formulation that is creamy, highly pigmented and non-drying, because, as Kattan states on her website, “nothing kills your vibe like having to reapply in the middle of a party”. In three dramatic shades — NYE (red), Cake Day (magenta) and After Party (purple) — these make the perfect gift for the beauty junkie in your life. ₹1,500, on sephora.com
Off-White x Rimowa Suitcase
Virgil Abloh is easily the most talked about designer of 2018. So when he collaborates with premier German luggage brand, Rimowa, on a limited-edition line of suitcases, you have to get your hands on it. The suitcases bring together two iconic styles — the ridges of Rimowa’s classic aluminium cases and Off-White’s striking police-line inspired yellow stripes. Made of black polycarbonate, the ‘Personal Belongings’ suitcase is the result of a study of the emotional connection that people have with their belongings when they travel. Approximately ₹1,40,000, on rimowa.com
Forevermark Rac & Stac rings
Rings are having a major moment and Forevermark’s new Rac & Stac is the chicest way to buy into the trend. A playful mix of pieces that are Indian — with enamel and elephants — yet with a distinct global expression, these are inspired by women on the go. Federica Imperiali, head of new product development at Forevermark, places maximum emphasis on their versatility: “The collection can be styled in a variety of ways and can be worn for different occasions from day to night making it the perfect accessory.” Comprising skinny bands, colourful enamel (in 11 shades), and rose, white and yellow gold, you can choose between a single pavé or five pavé rings. From ₹1.5 lakh, on forevermark.com
Gucci Urtica Ferox Candle
The Gucci Inventum XL Urtica Ferox candle comes in a bright pink (and blue) Richard Genori porcelain jar. Handmade in Florence, the bold motifs and typography (spelling out ‘tree nettle’ in Latin) is a nod to the Pitti Palace in Italy, where Gucci had their Cruise 2018 fashion show. The candle’s lid, in line with designer Alessandro Michele’s flamboyant aesthetic, features a porcelain snake. Interestingly enough, the candle’s decadent exterior actually houses a rather delicate scent: Inventum is an intricate blend of pink rose and Taif Damask rose, and is perfect for some quiet romance. Approximately ₹76,700, on gucci.com
WeaveInIndia
Patola was once exclusive to Gujarat royalty and aristocracy. The weaving technique, which makes the fabric entirely reversible, is incredibly complex and continues to be a closely guarded secret among the handful of families that make them. This makes them elusive to source and time-consuming to create — a patola sari can take up to six months to make! However, if you’re not one for waiting, you can pick one up from WeaveInIndia’s new ‘Paheli’ collection, which seeks to revive traditional weaves and sources directly from weavers. From ₹1,55,000 to ₹1,95,000, on weaveinindia.com
Aëdle VK-X Valkyrie
There are headphones and then there is the VK-X Valkyrie. Its exteriors marry cool aluminium with supple, luxurious lambskin leather, and its interiors — more specifically, its two high performance custom transducers — are made out of titanium and neodymium for a sound performance unlike anything you’ve heard before. Assembled by hand in southern France, these have won numerous design awards (including the Red Dot Design award). The headphones come with numerous detachable cables: one with a mic for your phone, one for the air plane and a generic 6.5mm adapter. Forget Parisienne style; what you need in your life is Parisienne sound. Approximately ₹30,100, on aedle.net
Razia Kunj
The Mumbai-based jewellery designer’s latest collection takes inspiration from ‘Moksha’ or the liberation of the soul. Kunj says her muse for the collection was the sadhus (Hindu ascetics) who subsist on charity after renouncing the world. Her Ganga necklace — composed of cotton cord, vermilion and golden beads, recycled teak wood and a gold-plated metal Shiv Linga — is perhaps the perfect representation of all that has inspired her. “Every minute detail has been taken care of, be it the cords or the colours used to bring a sense of vermilion, sandalwood paste and sacred ash,” she says. “Through the weaving in of these spiritual elements, every piece is transformed into a meditation in itself, for I’m a devotee, but of art and beauty.” ₹4,300, on raziakunj.com
Leica Sofort Instant Camera
Instant cameras make parties better. But Leica’s Sofort Instant Camera takes it to the next level. Compact and lightweight, it retains the gorgeous retro design that the brand is famous for. The camera is jam-packed with impressive features that elude run-of-the-mill versions, including special modes for parties, shooting sports events, close ups and selfies. The Sofort comes in four bright colours (mint, orange, white and black) and is the perfect companion for capturing memories this holiday season. ₹25,000, on amazon.in
Vacheron Constantin’s Phoenix
The new Vacheron Constantin Les Cabinotiers Grand Complication Phoenix is a mouthful, and rightfully so. It is the brand’s most complicated timepiece yet, with Vacheron’s Caliber 2755 movement, which has a minute repeater, a tourbillon, a perpetual calendar and a number of astronomical indicators like the Equation of Time, a sky chart, the age and phase of the moon, and even the seasons. The watch comes in a richly-engraved case, in a Phoenix design with intricate detailing that rivals the complexity of the movement, and a crocodile leather strap. So if you’re looking to treat yourself, this is the way to do it. To be launched at the SIHH 2019.
The ‘Observer’
Sculptor Aman Khanna’s Claymen celebrates a style that lives at peace with its own imperfections. His ‘dysfunctional’ collection consists of small humanoid sculptures that are derived from observing the common man and his dilemmas. The Observer, a 12-inch tall two-piece sculpture made of unglazed stoneware clay, was created to “take it all in and yet, not judge”. Khanna’s porcelain people do not depend on intricate details to provide depth and make the perfect gift for your minimalist friends. ₹14,160, on claymen.in
Aaquib Wani
When the self taught musician-turned-designer saw some denim jackets lying around at home, he decided to turn them into pieces of art, thus giving birth to his unique line of customised jackets. Wani, who is passionate about reviving traditional and lesser-known Indian art forms like Gond and Pichwai, works with a team of artisans and embroiderers from various regions to create these one-of-a-kind pieces.. His recent collaborative showcase with Levi’s is proof of his fresh perspective. From ₹39,000 onwards, contact@aaquibwani.com
Smeg x Dolce & Gabbana
Even as you slice into plum cakes and Christmas puddings, prepare for spring — and light lemon sponges and strawberry shortcakes — with the delightfully colourful Smeg and Dolce & Gabbana stand mixer. From their ‘Sicily is my Love’ collection, the appliance sports the “golden yellow of lemons, the fiery red of cherries, the intense cerulean of the Sicilian sky, and the green of the prickly pear”. Approximately ₹1,05,500, on shop.mohd.it
The Boucheron
What’s better than spending New Year’s in Paris? A shopping spree at Boucheron — a high-end jewellery brand housed in an 18th century mansion in Place Vendôme, Paris’ luxury address — which has been newly-restored in the most opulent manner. Its high ceilings, private customer areas and secret doors speak of an era gone by. The mansion even has VIP suites for guests (presumably tired from shopping for one-of-a-kind pieces of jewellery that start at $50,000) that are operated by the Paris Ritz and boast views of the Eiffel Tower from the bathtub!
