the time for love is nigh and if you too are scrambling for last-minute gifts for lovers or friends, you’re not alone and you’ve come to the right place. though it may not be for everyone, as a self-confessed romantic, I appreciate valentine’s day as an opportunity to commemorate the special people in our lives and I always opt for independent brands and makers when doing so. there’s something poignant about a considered gift, from start to finish.
anissa kermiche’s eponymous line comprises both fine jewellery and ceramics and over the past few years she’s become renowned for her contemporary art. there are many reasons I recommend annisa kermiche's work. first and foremost I see her as a visionary as she melds self-love, attainable luxury and a sense of community. with wearable and displayable art, add a piece of magic to your person or personal space.
as a fashion editor, I come across brands daily which is saying something when one remains at the forefront of my mind. hannah farrugia sharples founded coutille in 2020, seeking to revolutionise the lingerie market and in 2022 she introduced the 24:7 slip dress into its arsenal. svelte, sexy and with a nod to vintage glamour, it’s a piece to make women feel like a million dollars, which I can wholeheartedly attest to. I’ll be wearing mine this valentine's day.
multrees notebook, strathberry
in 2023 quiet luxury dominated the fashion realm but my definition varies from the average. I best attribute it to brands like strathberry, who quietly produce leather goods on par with high-end designers five times its price point. sharing the same factories with some of the biggest names, with a dedicated close-knit team and crafting timeless iterations, it’s the brand everyone will be carrying in the crook of the arm this year. although best known for leather handbags, strathberry also creates leather-bound accessories — from passport holders and notebooks to gloves.
soy candle honey, gunia project
gunia project is a one-stop concept shop where you’ll discover a generous handful of ukrainian makers using long-standing techniques. from cut-glass pieces to hand-embroidered apparel in techniques synonymous with the culture, it’s a curation of ukrainian talent under one roof.
bed threads is an australian brand renowned for their rich-hued plush linens and soft furnishings, but did you know they also boast an impressive book collection? my pick of the bunch is the new title “the makers” – an extension of their journal, where they’re invited into the homes of 50 inspiring tastemakers – from pandora sykes to courtney adamo. by aesthetics, it’s a coffee side table but it truly is an inspiring piece to devour, night or day.
say I love you from head to toe with one of studio bust’s innovative pieces comprising modern 3d printing with an age-old hand-finishing technique. although the process is more extensive than a wrapped gift, it’s made all the more special. the process involves an hour-long appointment (complete with an alcoholic beverage) to complete said scan and choose a preferred finish, which will then be turned into a custom bust. it’s a concept that blows me away.
napkin set, eleanor isobelle art
eleanour isobelle’s teasing homewares have landed just in time for valentine’s day, so dining with your loved ones will make that bit more special.
avalon is a london-born editor and creative writer based in paris. since graduating with an english degree in 2013, she’s written for some of the uk’s most esteemed fashion and lifestyle publications, including who what wear, refinery29, eliza and stylist.
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