Holiday Gift Guides 2017: Ultra High-End
Lavish presents to give, covet and daydream about
Everyone’s dreams of a luxuriant lifestyle take on different shapes, styles and colors—with worlds of different components at play. Sometimes it’s a yacht, other times it’s simply a day without email. Below we’ve outlined a handful of products that reflect the best of their class in many ways. There’s glamour, indulgence and delight. We’ve picked homewares and fashion pieces, spirits and accessories. Some are pretty out there, and that makes them distinct from other luxury items. Take a look at even more lavish products in our complete Ultra High-End Gift Guide, and for some more affordable presents why not peruse our full BUY section.
Metro Roségold Neomatik 39 Wristwatch
A minimal watch with exuberance, Nomos’ Metro Roségold Neomatik 39 ($9700) is a variation of one of their best-selling models. Here, the case has been composed of 18-karat gold. Inside, one finds the automatic NOMOS caliber DUW 3001 movement and the NOMOS Swing System. The slender piece embodies the brand’s precise design aesthetic and time-telling accuracy.
Segment 6 Dining Table
Assembled and finished in New York, Apparatus Studio’s Segment 6 dining table ($52000) pairs a translucent resin base with brass hardware. A colored lacquer table top (here in oxblood, but also available in black, cinnabar, green and ivory) more than punctuates the piece—it toys with the idea of density and form. The surfaces are all lustrous, making the made-to-order work something quite extraordinary.
Mina Espresso Machine
From espresso and coffee retailer Clive Coffee comes Dalla Corte’s Mina Espresso Machine ($10000)—a commercial set-up that straddles professional and personal functionality. This Bluetooth-equipped machine runs the gamut, from modern specialty espresso to pour-overs—and it can all be activated by app from the comfort of your bed. It’s the amount of control over extraction that will have most coffee enthusiasts excited. Further, the machine is made entirely of parts sourced within 30 miles of Milan.
Pannier Leather Bucket Bag
Made with buttery white calfskin leather with black contrast edges, Italian label Marni’s Pannier bucket bag ($2190) combines luxury with modernism. The bright red acrylic ring handle makes the otherwise understated piece, but the combination remains sophisticated and stylish. With a removable shoulder strap, snap closure and a super-useful leashed zip pouch, this is a timeless accessory.
Theia M Table Lamp
Named for the Greek goddess Theia (mother of the sun, moon and the dawn), the Theia M Table lamp ($1625) is subtle yet striking at the same time. Designed by Mathias Hahn in 2016, it has several faces, thanks to its central axis which can be swiveled to alter the mood and brightness. No matter the position, though, the lamp emits warm light that will create a rich atmosphere in any room. Crafted from lacquered iron, aluminum, spun metal and thermoformed methacrylate, it’s made in Spain by Marset.
Wild Journey Champagne Backpack
For a third year, prestige champagne house Krug has partnered with Italian luxury brand Berluti on a bag. This year, the Wild Journey champagne backpack ($6500) features Berluti’s signature Venezia leather on the outside, finished with a dark cherry patina. Inside, however, one finds thermofoil lining with a removable insulated insert. This creates the perfect nook to cart Krug champagne while maintaining an ideal temperature. Further, the set comes with a chrome stopper and two Krug Rosé glasses. It’s fancy but certainly efficient.
Trompe L’oeil Technical Wetsuit in Neoprene
With his characteristic surrealist touches to luxury, Thom Browne’s wetsuit ($4900) would be near comical if not for the fact that it’s a superb technical piece. There might not be a classier way to get wet—and stay warm while doing so. This neoprene item with a center back zipper was made in the USA.
50 Years Old Islay Single Malt Scotch (1966)
Only 74 bottles of this whisky ($30000) exist globally. Beyond its age and rarity (and exquisite bottling, done in a handmade crystal decanter with sterling silver adornments), the most impressive facet of this single malt Scotch happens to be its incredible flavor. Normally, at this age, the wood aging has taken over the flavor profile. Here, one is left with candied pineapple and it simply tastes great.
The Vanitas Clock
Beyond its uncommon shape (a signature of the Fiona Krüger brand), the Vanitas wall clock truly impresses with its vivid interior color profile. The result of a collaboration between namesake watchmaker Fiona Krüger and historic manufacturer L’Epée 1839, the Vanitas ($43700) is an engineering feat with a movement that matches the case (with an escapement appearing as the third eye). As time passes—with the piece offering more than 35 days running time before needing to be wound—the mouth changes and the lips part. This iteration (there’s also an all-black version) is limited to 50 pieces.
Kerchief Down Jacket
Made from vintage bandanas, visvim’s naturally dyed kerchief down jacket ($2400) is a stylish take on puffer outerwear. The patchwork-style outer is made from 100% cotton, while the lining is a breathable cotton/linen blend. Offering warmth is the genuine down and feather filling.
Royal Theatre Jacquard Smoking Jacket
Made in Italy, this blue medallion motif silk jacquard smoking jacket ($1592) epitomizes ritzy indulgence. From La Perla, it’s more than just a show piece, with full lining and deep pockets. It’s all brought together with a simple sash tie. The sapphire blue stands out, but delightfully so. Price is in Pounds.
Bespoke Backgammon Set
Designed exclusively for Moda Operandi, Alexandra Llewellyn’s luxe backgammon set ($6870) is made in England from fine woods, stones and metals. Its charming safari theme features giraffes and lush trees, and a customization option grants engraving or monogramming. Complete with mother of pearl checkers, this is no ordinary board game and can certainly elevate game nights.
Images courtesy of respective brands
