What do you give the person who has everything? For women, it is easy — there are accessories, shoes, handbags, jewellery and more. But men need not get the short shrift, says Tarang Arora, gemologist and creator at Amrapali Jewels. “There are so many cool ways to amp up their personal style by gifting exquisite jewellery — think enamel cufflinks, bracelets, brooches,” he says, adding, “Incidentally, though gold-plated is festive, the silver look is in this season.”
When it comes to designer clothes, a gift voucher could seem quite impersonal. Designer David Abraham, of Abraham & Thakore, agrees that it can be tricky on the sizing front. “Which is why jackets and coats are easier, as they have a fairly free fit, and saris make a wonderful gift without the hassle of getting it exchanged,” he says. As Diwali nears, here are a few options to make sure your gift is one-of-a-kind. Or, at the very least, au courant.
Compiled by Susanna Myrtle Lazarus
Amrapali Jewels - Necklace: Many believe that wearing an emerald provides will power, mental clarity and eases stress. It is also associated with bringing love and fidelity, wisdom, patience, peace and abundance. The cushion-cut emerald at the centrepiece of this necklace, which also includes uncut diamonds, should cover all of these, and more. Starting from ₹30 lakh on amrapalijewels.com.
Jo Malone - Honeysuckle & Davana: The South Indian aromatic, davana, is loved by perfumers for the fact that when it is applied to the skin, it smells different from person to person. With these top notes paired with honeysuckle heart notes that are reminiscent of evening walks in the Cotswolds, the overall effect is woody and citrusy, with a base note of verdant moss. At approximately ₹10,000 for 100 ml, at the Jo Malone boutique in Mumbai. ) 022 62375537
Smythson - Soho Fashion Diary: The perfect gift for you or your fashion-forward friend as they flit from one fashion week to the next. This gold silk-lined number from the English brand’s Mara Collection features its signature embossed crocodile print calf leather, with gilt-edged, pale blue featherweight paper and a grosgrain bookmark. Running from November 19, 2018 to January 26, 2020, it also includes Smythson’s picks of where to eat, drink, shop and pamper, for the four fashion capitals — Milan, London, New York and Paris. At approximately ₹20,400 on smythson.com.
VBJ - Silver Jewellery Box: If you have gifted enough jewellery to your significant other over the years, this time around, give them something special to store it all in. This solid silver jewel box by Chennai-based Vummidi Bangaru Jewellers is engraved with flowers and curlicues, and includes three separate boxes and a handheld mirror. This is one piece that could go on to become a family heirloom. At approximately ₹72,000, at the Chennai showroom. ) 49033300
Tumi - 19 Degree Aluminum: The lights, colour and chaos of the Indian festive season are reflected on the exterior of this limited-edition piece from the US-based luggage brand. The international carry-on size is great for the frequent traveller, as it is lightweight and roomy enough to pack for short trips. Jazz it up with their accompanying vintage-inspired travel stickers. At ₹89,900 at TUMI stores across India.
Aspinal of London - Mini Trunk Clutch with Tudor Embroidery: Embroidery brand Hand & Lock reimagined Aspinal of London’s iconic Mini Trunk Clutch by combining Italian calf leather with vintage Tudor silk embroidery that is pretty close to our traditional motifs. Incorporating several embroidery techniques in a range of colours, it creates a striking 3D effect. The structured boxed design also features elegant brass corners. At ₹2.10 lakh on aspinaloflondon.com.
Abraham & Thakore - Cocktails & Samosas: The designer duo’s debut collection for Lakmé Fashion Week earlier this year features cocktail dressing with a desi twist, Benaras with subtle geometric textures in two shades of gold, hand embroidered tussar, and reverse hand-cut patterns in silk. The gold silk brocade baku wrap dress is sold out on the website, but can be custom-made at ₹34,900. Or opt for their separates — we recommend the gold floral brocade wrap top (₹15,000) paired with matching pants (₹23,500) for an off-the-ramp look. On abrahamandthakore.com.
Bose - Noise masking sleep buds: Do not let the sound of fireworks keep you up at night — or any time of the day — during this long weekend. These may look like earphones, but are uniquely designed for sleep. According to the website, “They don’t stream music or have acoustic noise cancellation. Instead, they use pre-loaded, soothing masking sounds to cover up unwanted nighttime noises so you can get to sleep and stay asleep.” The wireless earbuds come with a charging case and can be used with the accompanying app to customise settings like volume, duration and alarms. Now, if only they would make one for animals as well. At ₹22,900 at Bose stores and on boseindia.com.
Champs Fleur - Preserved flowers: Say it with roses, just not the ones that fade in a couple of days. This Hyderabad-based company uses a four-step preservation technique to keep flowers looking as fresh as the day they were picked. If their special Diwali hamper with an infinity rose, baby’s breath and hydrangeas along with a silver diya, box of sweets, Kashmiri saffron tea and incense sticks (₹4,999) will not do, pick the Lumiere box, with 49 fuchsia infinity roses. At ₹12,999. Order through WhatsApp. ) 9100062811
Crosley - USB Executive Turntable: This one is for music lovers who prefer vinyl, but are equally happy to stream from iTunes. The portable turntable — which plays 7”, 10” and 12” records — comes with dynamic full-range speakers with built-in pitch control, and Bluetooth connectivity. There is even an optional auto-off feature, three-speed settings and a headphone port for personal listening. At approximately ₹7,500 on crosleyradio.com.
Gucci - Flashtrek Leather Sneakers: Although these women’s shoes have been inspired by hiking, you are not going to want to wear them in the great outdoors. The oversized design comes with a mix of metallic leather, mesh and reflective fabric that will keep the spotlight on your comfortable yet fashionable footwear. The Gucci patch with the graphic font of SEGA is a subtle throwback for ‘90s gamers. At approximately ₹73,000 on gucci.com.
Halpern - Flared sequinned trousers: Dramatic disco flares and unapologetically bright sequins — this is for the person who revels in being the life and heart of the party. These trousers by designer Michael Halpern dismisses “business in the front, party in the back”, and makes it an all-round fiesta, with two-tone legs of contrasting paillettes (brush your hand over them to flip the colours back and forth). At ₹1.57 lakh on selfridges.com
Louis Vuitton - Playing cards and pouch Arsène: This elegant monogrammed pouch with a pack of playing cards is great for a friendly game of teen patti on the go. Or bring them out when the stakes are high to distract the competition. It features bright red leather and a contrasting lining for a striking look. If you are hosting a large group, break out the pack of three decks, with a classic vintage look. At approximately ₹36,000 for the Arsène set and ₹10,000 for the cards on louisvuitton.com and LV stores in Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru.
