"What do you want?" A question that ranks right after "And what are you doing for New Year's Eve?" in the popularity scale. To answer this, it helps to think about what makes a package under the Christmas tree a highlight: a gift should come from the heart, match the lifestyle of the recipient, be decorative and useful. Also happy to be handmade, from authentic brands that have long been leaders in their industry and continue to set trends. With reliable quality, passion and design esprit. Quite a long checklist, isn't it?
T o make it a little easier for you, dear Allude fans, in these hectic days, Andrea Karg and her team have compiled the top 10 of their personal wish lists for espresso and Florentines. From beauty secrets to interior objects to tool cases for aesthetes. And of course there are also cuddly gifts from Allude. Be inspired by our Christmas Wishlist 2015 :
Cashmere by Andrea Karg
What is cashmere, where does the precious material come from, how is it processed and what is the fascinating history of its use? As the first comprehensive work on these and many other topics, including the unique success story of Allude and its founder Andrea Karg, "Cashmere" (published by Callwey) knows the answers. Perfect for cozy reading and browsing by the fireplace.
Active Botanical Serum by Vintner's Daughter
Wintry temperatures, heating air, shopping stress: our skin has to endure a lot, especially during these months. This serum from the American cult brand is there to help, with more plant extracts than can be listed here. Anti-inflammatory phytonutrients, firming phytoceramides, rich fatty acids and highly concentrated antioxidants are just a few of the cosmetic tools packed into the pretty bottle.
Palm earrings by Inderjeet Sandhu
We love the subtle yet expressive pieces from London-based designer Inderjeet Sandhu, who only graduated from the Royal College of Art in 2013. This piece from the "Martinique" line is modeled on a palm frond and was also seen as a styling accessory on the Allude catwalk in Paris. Christmas under the palm trees, that sounds really great, doesn't it?
Global Service from the Nymphenburg Porcelain Manufactory
Porzellanmanufaktur Nymphenburg is one of those brands that we talked about at the beginning of this wish list: rooted in a 260-year tradition and yet always up to date. Evidence of this is the “Global Service” series, from which these plates with fragments of the world map are taken. We immediately had to think of the extremely stylish Spielberg film "Catch me if you can". And Leonardo DiCaprio is sure to be an exciting table neighbor...
Cashmere throw from Allude Home
With one (or more) snuggly soft Allude cashmere blankets from our Home Collection, reading and listening to fairy tales becomes even more enjoyable. Add a few cushions and the “Story HQ” at home is complete. Here are two more Christmas book recommendations: "Letters from Father Christmas" by JRR Tolkien (yes, the one from "Lord of the Rings") and "A Christmas Memoir" by Truman Capote.
Saab Roadster by Playsam
"Little gentleman, start your engines" is the motto of this design bobby car from the Swedish specialists for stylish toys. The roadster is based on the legendary Saab prototype 92001 of the "Sixten Sason's" and is made of wood, metal and ABS plastic. The glossy lacquered body makes the rolling highlight (without motor) an eye-catcher, even away from the children's room.
Brew Stove Espresso & Tea Cups by Tom Dixon
For award-winning product designer Tom Dixon, the ritual of making coffee seems almost sacred. At least that's what his extremely attractive caffettiera made of polished copper-coated steel suggests. The matching espresso cups made of the same material turn the morning or after-dinner coffee (or tea) into a trip back to the Art Déco period.
Tool case from Wohngeist
If DIY becomes a feast for the eyes, then this noble tool box made of sustainable solid wood could be "to blame". Its handle is made of leather, the 24 tools in its very tidy interior are of high quality and are held in place by magnets. A personal engraving distinguishes the do-it-yourself king or the do-it-yourself queen. Let's work!
Allude muffs and gauntlets
Lantern walks, a stroll through the Christmas market or pure nature in frosty temperatures - this warming muff and also available cuffs (for arms or calves) in matching colors make such excursions a real pleasure. A real winter hit - and bestseller! – is also our cashmere hot-water bottle. Just an idea...
Thonet design sledge
This speedy vehicle called "S 333" is at best remotely reminiscent of the shape of its famous "brother", the world-famous coffee house chair, also from Thonet. The design by Holger Lange, who designed the tubular steel sled in 2006, is as elegant as it is functional and reduced to a minimum. Precise directional stability, optimal gliding behavior and easy steerability also ensure that the "S 333" can do more than just look good.
Merry Christmas from the whole Allude team!
Photos: Allude; PR
