Design & Culture by Ed

Many brands release their spring-summer 2021 collections right now, a month after the fashion month frenzy. For many, it’s the season of uncertainty. While the clothes will be produced, will anyone buy them? Will there be a reason to shop again? Will 2021 be saved by the vaccine or doomed by the total lockdown? This is a pack of questions that disturb everyone, from small labels to big players. And of course, the present times are also full of anxiety. On a video call with Vogue, Jean Touitou predicted that 2020 will “end up not as catastrophic as we thought at first” for brand A.P.C. Naturally, he had a theory as to why. “Is it because we do clothes,” he asked, “instead of just images of clothes?” Not waiting for an answer, he commented, “Reflection counts for more than substance” in this industry. These days, Touitou is coming around to the idea of content, “as long as it’s ‘very personal’ and ‘matter-of-fact.’” He said he’s considering a podcast series in which he and his three kids play a song and talk about its maker; episode one may feature “Arnold Layne,” a Syd Barrett tune off This Is Pink Floyd and the band’s very first single. “Playing music with our kids, nobody can do that but me,” Touitou reasoned. It’s thanks to Jean and Judith’s daughter Haydée that Tim Elkaim shot this season’s look book. She hired him for her magazine, The Skirt Chronicles, before he got this gig. “A virtuous circle,” Touitou called the familial give-and-take. What about the clothes? There’s lots to love, pretty much as usual with A.P.C. The oversized jeans with off-center button flies that first made an appearance last season returned here, and the same treatment was applied to a raw denim mini. All of the button-downs were buttoned up to the top and finished with a thick gold chain worn high under the collar. In one case, a chambray shirt was accessorized by three chains. Cool classics that have that Parisian soul – this just can’t go wrong.

Collage by Edward Kanarecki.

This year, I’ve decided to create dream gift guides that might make it easier for you to go (and filter) through the festive season. Get ready for a selection of beautiful items that will spark joy and last for years. The ones that will certainly please one’s senses and deliver heavenly feelings. Treat your loved ones and yourself! Here’s the curated edit of the most covetable delights, which are both cozy and chic!

Covered Up. What’s better than cashmere? To be honest… nothing compares. Cashmere In Love‘s balaclavas are crafted from a super soft glitter infused Mongolian wool cashmere blend, and combine elegance and retro spirit – with a hint of rebellion. Fold it into a beanie or pull it back to use as a neck warmer.

“Megeve” balaclava by Cashmere In Love

Precious & Timeless. Combine durable utility with ravishing exquisiteness.

Marine Serre chain-bag water bottle, Chloé “Franne” ribbed wool and leather boots, Simone Rocha flower drop crystal earrings & Miu Miu pink wool cardigan

Elevate Your Space! A perfect gift for a person that loves to update their surroundings. Or just give this present to your lounge-y living-room.

The Elder Statesman cashmere cushion

Glamorous Lounge-Wear. Especially, if its scented with pêche de vigne combined with Sicilian blood orange, davana oil with infused rum and cognac, Indonesian patchouli, sandalwood, labdanum and vanilla. Or simply: Tom Ford‘s magnificent Bitter Peach.

Tom Ford “Bitter Peach” fragrance, Victor Glemaud purple and red knitted tank top, Saint Laurent round earrings & Cashmere in Love knitted cashmere pants

Soft Minimalism. If you’re in search for a timeless, elegant gift, look no further – Lemaire is the perfect label. I mean, those boots! They are b-e-a-u-t-i-f-u-l!

Lemaire printed boots made in collaboration with Martin Ramirez & Lemaire silver long drop earrings

Comfort Zone. 2020 wasn’t easy, we all know that. Take some time for a rest. Comfort for your skin, for your feet, for your senses…

Lauren Manoogian hand-knit scarf, Louise Madzia “Body” plant pot, Chloé chain necklace, Augustinus Bader “The Face Oil” & Bottega Veneta quilted sneakers

Helmut Newton is always a good idea.

Helmut Newton “SUMO” 20th Anniversary Edition Book by Taschen & Wolford x Helmut Newton Edition t-shirt

Tactile Statement Pieces. Pick from Julia Heuer‘s fantastic pleats or Lauren Manoogian‘s fleecy alpaca slippers, and you’ve got the gift that keeps on giving each season, at any occasion.

Julia Heuer Multicolor cardigan, Julia Heuer trousers, Lauren Manoogian alpaca slippers & Bottega Veneta sculptural clutch bag

Knitwear. The softest and fleeciest of them all? A great knit is an unforgettable present, which will serve for years and years and years to come.

Brunello Cucinelli abstract knitted jumper, Lauren Manoogian beige cardigan, Lauren Manoogian alpaca dress & The Elder Statesman tie-dyed cashmere hoodie

Winter Classics.

Chloé argyle wool and cashmere-blend knit, Louise Madzia ceramic plate, Diptyque “Tubereuse” candle& Cashmere in Love hoodie

Nocturnal Chic. Eveningwear that will easily jump to bold, everyday wardrobe? Dries Van Noten never dissapoints, and his gorgeous autumn-winter 2020 is the definition of the word ‘festive’.

Dries Van Noten sequined chiffon shirt, Dries Van Noten feather trimmed sequin chiffon skirt & Dries Van Noten quilted velvet skirt

More festive gift guides are coming soon!