Gift Guide for Her
The twinkling streetlights are on, the window displays are spectacular, the shops are aglow with chic shimmering decorations… it can only be Christmas on Bond Street! To get you into the festive spirit, we've curated a list of gifts for her – specially selected from some of our favourite boutiques – that promise to spark joy and make everyone else green with envy. There’s something for everyone here, from the outdoor enthusiast to the art lover. Happy Christmas browsing. By Alexandra Zagalsky
1. The Fashionista
Every day can be roller-disco day thanks to these groovy, snow-white Chanel skates. Crafted from butter-soft leather, they’re a key piece from the Parisian house’s 2023/24 Cruise collection, which blends Art Deco glamour and 1980s pop decadence, resulting in a wardrobe full of joie de vivre. Slide them on and spin around town, channelling Olivia Newton-John in Xanadu as you go. If you’d rather sit it out, they make rather fabulous bookends.
Leather roller skates, POA; Chanel, 158-159 New Bond Street, W1S 2UB
2. The Art Aficionado
Shaped like a crumpled piece of paper, this Georg Jensen trinket tray was originally conceived in 1988 by renowned Danish furniture and product designer Verner Panton. Its sculptural surface, at once fluid and robust, strikes the perfect balance between organic and industrial forms. Originally cast in silver, the piece has just been reissued in stainless steel, as well as a range of coloured glass, including this striking ultramarine version, all celebrating the artist’s belief that ‘colours have meaning and function’.
Verner Panton’s glass tray for Georg Jensen, £179; Georg Jensen, 164 New Bond Street, W1S 2UH
3. The Luxury Connoisseur
Published by Rizzoli and compiled by preeminent art director Fabien Baron, this new coffee table book explores the lustrous creations of Francesca Amfitheatrof, Louis Vuitton’s visionary artistic director of watches and high jewellery, who uses fairytale narratives to dream up high-carat wonders. Presented like a luxury journal with drawings, collages and personal snapshots of Amfitheatrof’s Connecticut atelier, the edition also features large-scale photographs that show the brilliance of the stones and craftsmanship of the designer’s silhouettes, from the sheen of precious metals to the fiery prismatic light of centrepiece diamonds. The glamour is palpable, even in the prose: the introduction was penned by Cate Blanchett, Amfitheatrof’s friend and muse.
Francesca Amfitheatrof’s ‘Fantastical Jewels’ for Louis Vuitton, £90; Louis Vuitton, 17-20 New Bond Street, W1S 2RB
4. The Outdoorsy Type
Montblanc’s reputation for creating sleek, streamlined objects is well established, as evidenced by the Swiss brand’s forever-elegant writing and timepiece collections. Bag design is undertaken with the same quiet and prudent approach to luxury, maintaining harmony between creativity and restraint. This cross-body bag, crafted from silver coloured fabric, is purpose-built for outdoor adventures, with its strong, sturdy construction softened by a tactile geometric pattern inspired by a Bauhaus aesthetic. Compact yet big enough to carry all your daily essentials, it has a secure and sporty clasp in the form of Montblanc’s signature M LOCK 4810 buckle, which is easy to open and also closes with a very satisfying click.
Extreme 3.0 cross-body bag, £930; Montblanc, 119 New Bond Street, W1S 1EP
5. The Weekend Traveller
Always at the forefront of sustainable fashion for the discerning shopper, Stella McCartney’s rich and hydrating vegan beauty range is now leading the way in the world of cosmetics. This limited-edition weekend set includes travel-size versions of her bestselling Reset Cleanser, Alter-Care Serum and Restore Cream, all 99 per cent formulated from natural-origin ingredients. The recycled plastic bottles are refillable, so you can pack them again and again. Each bundle comes with a Willy Wonka-esque touch: a golden ticket that could win you one of six Stella beauty prizes.
Exclusive Travel Essentials Set, £140; Stella McCartney, 23 Old Bond Street, London W1S 4PZ
6. The Homebody
The Christmastini is a real drink, conjured up for the festive season by The Connaught’s master mixologist, Agostino Perrone. To make it, you’ll need gin, chardonnay, Galliano liqueur and homemade cocoa husk sherbet, a chocolatey orange syrup that may require a little more time and effort than your usual infusion. The good news is that even a classic gin or vodka mix promises to look ultra-glam in these martini glasses, which have long elegant stems and cups engraved with a delicate wave design inspired by the hotel’s award-winning bar, home to a world-famous martini trolley. To complete the look, all you need is a selection of superb snacks.
Set of six glasses, £325; The Connaught, 16 Carlos Place, London W1K 2AL
7. The Foodie
Sketch is as famous for its boudoir-style tea room as it is for its opulent decor and innovative three-Michelin-starred restaurant. Now you can enjoy a little slice of its avant-garde allure at home, thanks to this pretty tray of arty delicacies. Presented in a pink jewellery case, the tea set includes perfectly cut finger sandwiches, bijoux cakes, a scone with clotted cream, luxury preserves and sachets of speciality Oolong tea. Vegetarian and pescatarian versions are available, and a miniature bottle of champagne can be included for a touch of afternoon decadence.
AutumnMMmm... takeaway afternoon tea, £55; Sketch, 9 Conduit Street, W1S 2XG
8. The Wellness Enthusiast
Wellness starts at home, and nothing says ‘relax and repair’ like a luxury pair of slippers. This regal design by Miu Miu is inspired by a classic Venetian style, with a long, elegant front and a slightly square toe. Crafted from the softest, dreamiest velour with hand-embroidered gold insignia, the “souliers” are perfect for slipping on after a long run or a punishing session of Pilates. Thanks to their rubber soles, they can also be worn out. In the brand’s latest campaign, they are paired with long grey socks and a mini skirt for a perfectly nonchalant party look.
Velvet slippers, £745; Miu Miu, 150 New Bond Street, W1S 2TU
9. The Watch Lover
In 1931, Jaeger-LeCoultre launched its famous Reverso timepiece with a swivelling case, conceived for polo-playing British Army officers in India who wished to protect their watch glass from the impact of stray mallet swings and balls. Since then, there have been many iterations of this Art Deco icon, although all have remained loyal to the original design. The mechanical Reverso One, here in forest green, has an elongated face inspired by the marque’s first ladies’ style, also introduced in the 1930s. Look carefully and you’ll see an extra special detail: a row of grain-set diamonds defining the gadroons at the upper and lower edges of the case.
Reverso One, £7,350; Jaeger-LeCoultre, 13 Old Bond Street, W1S 4SX
10. The Woman Who Has Everything
Celine has created the ultimate carry-on for pet lovers. There is a “dog” version for canine owners, but if you are a fan of felines, this bag says it loud and clear in giant type. Crafted from signature Triomphe monogram canvas with leather trimmings, the bag is big enough for an overnight stay and features a removable cross-body strap with shoulder padding for extra comfort. If your kitty is particularly pampered, use the bag to carry treats and squeaky whatnots on pet-friendly staycations.
Travel 50 bag, £1,550; Celine, 40 Bond Street, London W1S 2RX
Alexandra Zagalsky writes about fashion, art and travel for The Daily Telegraph, The Week and Introspective Magazine