Words by Ashleigh Gribbon
Searching high and low for the perfect present? We’ve got you covered. Our network of more than 800 boutiques and over 500 brands — from global powerhouses to exciting rising designers — brings together the greatest edit of luxury gifts for every style and taste. From ultra-rare investment bags — cue Hermès’ iconic Birkin and Kelly designs — that the in-the-know fashion lover will cherish, to cult-status sneakers and logo accessories from the likes of Saint Laurent and Off-White, you’ll find something for everyone on your list. Discover our one-of-a-kind curation of 2022’s most unforgettable gifts as our fashion market editor, Iman Alem, shares her expert take on the hottest styles to give — and receive — this holiday season.
Cult styles for the sneakerhead
Once the sole preserve of dressed-down streetwear, now a bona fide fashion fixture in even the most luxury collections, souped-up sneakers are a great gifting option. For the sneaker connoisseur, a pair of Air Jordan 1s is a guaranteed win: the Air Jordan 1 Mid SE in ‘Dutch Green’ is a highlight from Stadium Goods’ extensive offering. ‘Specializing in sourcing the rarest and most exclusive sneakers, Stadium Goods’ gift-worthy highlights include this tonal green release,’ says FARFETCH’s Iman Alem.
For logo lovers, Off-White’s Out of Office design continues to reign supreme. ‘Having already reached cult status since its debut release a few seasons ago, the Out of Office is a key callout in the extensive series of cult styles from the late, great Virgil Abloh,’ says Alem. ‘Choose from several fresh new colorways, from subdued pastel tones to welcome doses of feel-good, high-impact hues.’
Shopping for a minimalist? Maison Margiela’s 1970s-influenced Replica sneaker, inspired by Austrian sports shoes from the era, is the one for them. Accented with the label’s signature stitch detailing to the back, it’s an artful design with perennial style roots.
Iconic bags for the fashion enthusiast
Whether they’re a die-hard Hermès fan or a Prada devotee, a mini bag collector or a tote hoarder, FARFETCH’s unparalleled collection of designer bags comprises the styles to buy now and wear forever. ‘‘Forbes’ declared bags to be a better investment than art. Some styles from the likes of Hermès have experienced a valuation spike of an average of 83% in the last 10 years,’ Alem explains, making the French powerhouse’s Birkin and Kelly designs, created in a wide range of colorways, the fail-safe choices when it comes to gifting.
In terms of new-season styles, key designs come courtesy of some of fashion’s biggest names. ‘Debuted in the spring/summer 2021 collection, Prada’s Cleo has already reached icon status,’ says Alem. One of the first accessories to come out of Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons’ design partnership, its elegant yet unmistakable shape, available in a range of sizes and colorways, is perennial. ‘Miu Miu’s Miu Wander is another one of fall’s most noteworthy new additions. Reimagining the brand’s signature matelassé leather through a new lens, it’s playful yet sophisticated, with the option of bright hues alongside more classic browns and blacks proposing a new staple for every kind of closet.’
Must-haves for the conscious shopper
If you have a responsibly minded style aficionado on your list, look to feel-good fashion from brands who are minimizing their impact on the planet. Likely to feature among their wishlisted designers are Ganni, Stella McCartney, Nanushka and Marine Serre. ‘Contemporary brand Nanushka has been a social media favorite since its inception thanks to a strong faux-leather offering in its ready-to-wear and accessories collections,’ explains Alem. ‘Its conscious leather is buttery soft and, by touch, you can't even tell the difference from real leather — case in point, this season’s puffer jackets in fun pastel colorways.’ If they’re a knitwear fanatic, consider Ganni’s heady pieces. This season, the label serves up colorful mood-boosting stripes, available in both a cardigan and sweater vest to suit different style aesthetics.
Watches and jewelry for the accessory fan
From the cult-worthy classics on the watch enthusiast’s wishlist to personalized jewelry that speaks to their unique style, there’s a piece every connoisseur will love in our curation. In the watch space, the 18-karat rose gold-framed iteration of Chopard’s Happy Sport design is a highlight. ‘Celebrating the maison’s creativity and joyful spirit, the Happy Sport watch sees Chopard’s iconic Dancing Diamonds set into elegant timepieces that work from day to evening, smart to casual,’ notes Alem.
In jewelry, look to versatile finishing-touch pieces for every occasion. ‘Renowned for collections that are wearable for both day-to-day elegance and red-carpet glam, Anita Ko’s baguette diamond-encrusted Palm Leaf ring — a key piece when it comes to foolproof gifting — draws inspiration from the trees that line Ko’s California hometown coastline.’ For a necklace that will fill them with joy when unboxed, a modern David Yurman design is a great place to start. As a sculptor, David Yurman would make intricate small-scale works with bronze rods; these pieces developed into wearable creations throughout the 1970s. Today, the brand’s signature ‘cable’ detailing and joyful pops of color are central to its modern vision.
Artful interiors for the homebody
More time spent indoors during lockdowns has honed our focus on beautiful interiors — from soft furnishings and scented candles that promote relaxation in the living room and bedroom, to sculptural vases and designer decor that elevate our WFH areas. This year’s highlights come courtesy of Versace, Gucci and porcelain specialists Ginori 1735.
‘Both a work of art and mood-setting essential, Gucci’s Inventum scented candle from Alessandro Michele’s new 'Souvenir from Rome' homeware collection borrows motifs from the house’s ready-to-wear offering,’ says Alem. ‘Blended with essential oils, it infuses a space with delicate notes of Taif’s ancient Damask rose, setting a relaxed and intimate ambience that’s perfect for unwinding.’ Tableware enthusiasts will love Gino 1735’s artisanal designs which are expertly cast, fired and hand-painted by master craftspeople using centuries-old techniques — the Oriente Italiano vase is a talking-point piece that will be a welcome additional to any space.
Finishing touches for the logo lover
Purses, bags, belts and designer jewelry — this season’s most-loved logocentric accessories come courtesy of Saint Laurent, Gucci, Valentino Garavani and more. Whether you’re looking to tick off the dream find for the streetwear lover or a design purist with a penchant for the classics, there’s an accessory to please every taste. ‘From monogram-accented wallets and cardholders, to the iconic YSL heels and perennial Loulou bag, Saint Laurent is a go-to for unmistakable accessories for the discerning dresser,’ says Alem, ‘while glamour icons may prefer Valentino Garavani’s pearl-drop ‘V’ logo earrings.’ For followers of the season’s hottest trends, Prada’s hot-pink faux-fur bag — which tunes into our current obsession with Y2K fashion — is a fun, self-expressive gift option.