Holiday Gift Guide 2015: Sharon Gauci’s Colorful Picks
From the subtle to the sublime, gifts that brighten every occasion
Who better than a color expert with great style to share some favorite colorful gifts? Our friend Sharon Gauci leads the global color and trim design team at GM and travels the world with her eyes on trend and hues. A recent conversation with her led to talk of colorful gifts, and we thought they were worth sharing. For those who see things in hues and shades, our Colorful Gift Guide offers tantalizing options from rose gold to periwinkle.
“Woods and Rivers #1” Painting
Oakland-based artist Heather Day translates her experiences—often with nature—into expressive layers of paint. She uses color “like punctuation,” helping viewers to read (and read into) her work. This selection—called “Woods and Rivers #1”($175)—is acrylic soft-pastel on paper and measures 30 inches by 22 inches.
Contrast Dog Collar
Your dog will strut down the street with pride in this lovely collar ($75), made in collaboration by Bruce Weber and Shinola. Available in small, medium, large and extra large, the collar’s interior is made from high-quality vegetable-tanned bridle leather and a Horween leather exterior. Our pick is the tan and periwinkle colorway, but it’s also available in black and emerald or brown and orange.
Invisible Creature Stack and Scare
Uncle Goose lets imaginations soar with colorful blocks of monster parts ($50) and patterns. Made from sustainable Michigan-grown basswood, the blocks feature non-toxic ink and are made in the USA.
Florence Broadhurst: Her Secret + Extraordinary Lives
Famous for her colorful geometric and nature-inspired wallpaper designs, Australian designer and entrepreneur Florence Broadhurst was a fascinating individual. This book ($39) by Helen O’Neill explores Broadhurst’s body of work, as well as her personal life and tragic unsolved murder.
Onyx Pearl Perfume
This unisex fragrance ($117) by Swedish perfumers Agonist is strong, confident and unique—and the simple black and white graphics with the pop of red in the bottom of the bottle make an equally impactful statement. Blending heliotrope, Australian sandalwood and more, it’s an engaging scent.
Traam Vase
Belgian-born, Czech Republic-based designer Anna Torfs consistently make stunning glassware pieces that will be the envy of anybody who catches a glimpse. The Traam Vase ($2500) is a certain favorite—it’s bold and dynamic, and changes along with the lighting in a room. Since Torfs makes all items by hand, your vase will be unlike any other in the world.
The Pen
Made in England, this sleek pen ($430) is for those who like to take phone messages and make doodles in serious style. Machined from a solid piece of lead-free brass and hand-plated in rose gold, it’s a truly sophisticated gift for luxury enthusiasts of all genders.
Katavolo, Littell and Kelley Lounge Chairs
Usually seen in black or brown, these sensuous lounge chairs ($8800) designed by Katavolos, Littell and Kelley are sought-after classics from the 1950s. They’re built from chrome, steel and leather and were originally designed for Laverne International in 1952. This pair has remained in excellent condition and its bright pink color is simply stunning.
Images courtesy of respective brands
