Holiday Gift Guides 2018: COOL HUNTING Team Picks
Our editorial staff selects their dream gifts, from art to underwear and bikes to booze
As a staff that spends considerable time immersed in product design and performance, we have the unique position of context across industries. In our research, testing and exploration, we ourselves fall in love with certain items, artists and designers. The following 12 selections land on our wish lists—and we believe the fervor we feel for each and every item below will be understood by others. Not everything is out of reach—though, some of the below represent our utmost desires and the price tag reflects that. There’s apparel and accessories, kitchenware and alcohol, and a handful of the unexpected. If there’s nothing that catches your eye, consider visiting our entire BUY section.
Roughout Leather SHA-KA Jacket 
Made in Japan from a buttery, premium-quality roughout leather, Kapital’s SHA-KA jacket is a tie-close noragi-style garment with character and durability. The satin interior is adorned with a richly colored indigo tapestry that contrasts the camel-colored leather. Cut in a traditional style, but with inventive twists, this piece is bound to become an heirloom.
Black Tea Bowl 
Ippodo’s handmade tea bowl, with a delicately shaped serving spout, is the perfect depth for whisking matcha. Crafted from coarse clay, it features an unfinished bottom to prevent slippage and to allow the pourer to get a solid grip. Made in the Mino-yaki style, in Japan’s Gifu Prefecture, there’s no better, or more functional, accessory for making and serving your fresh teas.
The Bamford GMT 
Masterful watchmakers (and watch-modifiers), Bamford London have just announced their first-ever timepiece to feature a Swiss-made self-winding movement. Beyond housing the Sellita SW330-1 movement, the five-model Bamford GMT collection (one of which is limited edition) features 40mm stainless steel cases and impeccable design. Our personal favorite is the blue and white on a bracelet for its nostalgic heritage nods. Delivery is expected in March 2019.
Tanga Briefs 
From the Tom of Finland store comes a collaboration between CDLP and Tom of Finland. Made from a super-soft blend of 95% lyocell (eco-friendly wood pulp) and 5% elastane, these briefs are available in four sizes. The blend is proven to be softer than silk and the shape is extra-comfortable for all shapes and sizes.
It’s Hard To Believe In Magic When You’re Stuck In Traffic On The 405″
Most of Luke Pelletier‘s pieces from his 2018 show American Fizzle (at LA’s New Image Art) have long sold out, but this treasure remains available for now. “It’s Hard To Believe In Magic When You’re Stuck In Traffic On The 405” includes many of Pelletier’s familiar motifs (from tropical fruits to jungle cats and more) and its busy vignette, full of textures, colors and patterns, is a feast.
OY/YO Necklace 
Based on the OY/YO series of artworks by celebrated artist Deborah Kass, this 18k-plated necklace is luxurious but playful. Combining riffs on Ed Ruscha’s text-based works, Robert Indiana’s “LOVE” pieces, classic nameplate necklaces, and her own identity as a Jewish and a “total, absolute, 100 percent provincial New Yorker,” the piece is a glorious play on language. Reading the Yiddish exclamation “OY” or “YO,” depending on the wearer’s mood.
33-Year-Old Small Batch Single Malt Scotch 
One of the heart notes in Dewars Blended Scotch Whisky, Craigellachie provides that well known tipple with some Speyside single malt sweetness. On its own, the whisky shines beyond expectation—and its 33-year-old iteration is one that should make collectors swoon. It’s limited to 1,700 bottles around the world though, so very few will get to try this superb spirit with notes of apples, vanilla and nutmeg.
Tank Américaine Watch 
An elongated variation on the classic Tank, Cartier’s Tank Américaine automatic watch has a slightly curved case and sits comfortably on the wrist. Its cohesive design—from the silvered dial within the steel case to the navy blue alligator skin strap neatly referencing the blue spinel crown and blued-steel hands—reflects the brands elegance. This geometric timepiece draws from Cartier’s extensive history but emphasizes the brand’s trailblazing into the future of watchmaking.
Le Montréal Français
Le Montréal Français is inspired by the classic French porteur, but with contemporary features including eight-speed gearing, a Shimano chain and a Brooks leather saddle. Versatile, sturdy and ideal for city commutes, this bike combines function with timeless design.
Three-Piece Cast Iron Set
Nothing beats cooking with cast iron. Replacing every piece of cookware in your kitchen with the good stuff–a la ironware–should be everyone’s goal. It’s easy to use, retains (and distributes) heat well and can go from the stove to the oven without a pan switch. Plus, you can make pretty much anything in there: cookies, steaks and even bread. This three piece set from Smithey Ironware–with 8, 10 and 12 diameter skillets–is the best out there.
Worry Beads 
With the look of a ceremonial relic, these worry beads—also known as kombolói—from Fredericks and Mae are a modern take on those of Greek and Cypriot culture. The wooden beads are made to fiddle with as a means of passing time. Available in three sizes and many colorways, when not in use, they also make a great decorative piece thanks to a pleasant horse hair tassel.
Eau Triple Kiso Yuzu 
Free of alcohol and ethanol (like most perfumes), Buly 1803’s Eau Triple Kiso Yuzu is a delicate water-based fragrance that is lively but not overpowering. With notes of yuzu, lemon, mint and Japanese laurel, it’s a citrusy scent with further layers of complexity. The bottle itself, with an ornate shape and old-world top, is as elegant as the scent it houses.
Images courtesy of respective brands
