2006 Holiday Gift Guide :: Fashionisto
If you can’t be bothered to go shopping for holiday gifts because you’re too busy with your own engagements, shopping for yourself, primping, and basically just consumed with your own fabulousness, more likely than not, you’re a Fashionisto. Unfortunately for you my little uber-gay friend, that probably means you’ve got a whole ’crew’ of Fashionistos swarming around you who’ll be expecting something fantastic from you for the holidays (lest they think you’ve gone très trashée and lost your touch...). And you don’t want them buzzing behind your back about that the entire month of January, do you?
Don’t worry sweetie, the EDGE Style Team has made it uber-easy to find the perfect gift for the man who’s more concerned about looking good than, oh, just about anything else. Pick anything on our list and you’re not only guaranteed to make someone happy, but also get extra bonus points for your fabulous taste in gifts.
After all, isn’t that what the season is all about?
Morgan Grays
We’re going to start things off with our favorite bag designers of the year, Morgan Grays. Yes, you read it right; even Style Editor Jason Salzenstein- with a closet full of dozens of high-end designer bags- has fallen for these masculine, hand-crafted, gorgeous, stunning pieces of art that pass as very practical bags, wallets and accessories.
The boy/boy team (if you get our drift) behind the product is totally focused on the perfect combination of classic elegance, modern touches, high-end style and the best materials you can find. The result? Some f*#king incredible accessories that we can’t live without. In the last month Jason’s taken the Overnighter across the US and South America and we could hardly pry it out of his hands to write about it.
"I love the fabulous details- the large zipper pulls, the reinforced handles and seams, the metal feet, and especially the interior. It’s fully lined in super-soft suede and has a zippered inside pocket that’s big enough to actually use. I love it!"
The Overnighter is a replica of the US Olympic bags used in the ’30s, it’s big enough to carry a weekend’s worth of clothing, but it’s not so big that it’s overbearing and ostentatious. We can’t get enough and once you experience Morgan Grays, you won’t be able to either.
To view the line, go to www.MorganGrays.com Morgan grays is available at Christopher Fisher and Springers, both in East Hampton, and online at www.On-the-Fly.com
Aviva Labs: For a Safe, Luxurious Tan
By now we’re all familiar with the dangers of tanning, be it under the sun or in a bed. Unfortunately, we’re also familiar with the fact that tan skin just looks better, and face it; we all like to look better.
Another thing that most of us are familiar with is the fake, orange, splotchy, streaky look of most self-tanners. Let’s face it: at-home self-tanners haven’t exactly performed at a level we’re comfortable with. That is, until now.
We have to admit that we were a bit skeptical (ok, a LOT skeptical) when we heard about the Sunless Tanning Essentials from Aviva Labs. Fortunately we put our fear behind us and gave them a try. Lucky for us too, because the results are nothing short of fabulous.
Not only did the Sunless Tanning Gel (oil and alcohol free, so it’s fine for all skin types) bring out a nice, deep, natural looking tan, the accompanying products impressed as well. The Exfolient contains crushed pecan shells to help slough dead cells, preparing the skin for the self-tanner. The Sunless Tanning Gel itself goes on easily and continues to develop for eight hours. To extend your tan, the Skin Glow contains a lower level self-tanner and also moisturizes. Used alone, it will give you a lighter, gradual tan- without anyone noticing.
Frankly, we’ll gladly give up the tanning bed for Aviva Labs’ self-tanning products. They’re so natural looking and impressive, not even your S.O. has to know...
Available in salons and day spas and online at www.AvivaLabs.com
Illicit
Dominated by a lush Citrus Bergamot top note, with a Tea, Ivy and Ginger accent to reign it in, ILLICIT by Billy Jealousy is our newest favorite fragrance. A perfect nighttime scent, it’s fresh, flirty, and a bit scandalous- just the way we like it. And like the rest of Billy’s products, the packaging is simple and appealing, so it looks good on your bathroom counter or dresser.
Available at www.BillyJealousy.com for $65 (100ml).
MINI_motion
Drawing inspiration from the MINI Cooper’s fun, functional design and the lifestyle of its drivers, the new line of designer apparel from MINI_motion is a blend of urban chic and rugged versatility using high-tech fabrics, patented manufacturing technology and modern style. The result? Simply fabulous.
The Unisex Wax Jacket ($298) has a soft cotton inside and coated polyurethane outside- a special coating that gives it "memory," holding creases and immediately giving it a lived-in appearance. The Hypa T ($90-170) combines specially treated high-density polyethylene fibers (i.e. Tyvek) with an advanced patented fabric that’s neither knit nor woven, but rather "exploded" into creation. Yes, it sounds crazy, but trust us- it’s brilliant.
Our favorite however, is the Climate Control Jacket (about $235). Made of the special exploded polyethylene micro fibers, its unconventional structure allows it to breath and wick moisture, all while keeping its shape and looking fabulous. One little detail we find especially appealing- there’s a small hole in the chest through which you can pass your headphone cord to your iPod in the inside pocket- brilliant!
For more info and to purchase, www.minimotionusa.com or www.miniusa.com
Perfect Hair: LS&B
The first thing that struck us about Lock Stock & Barrel grooming products was the photo of the big wrinkly bulldog on the brochures. What kept our attention however was the simple philosophy behind the products. Rather than focus their time on glamorous packaging and big marketing campaigns, LS&B would rather spend it on creating a solid base of quality products that perform like they’re supposed to. We can definitely support that.
The simple, classic packaging gives way to elegantly classic products in a line that’s not overly complicated- in fact, there are only nine products total- two hair washes, a conditioner, hair thickening spray and five styling products. No matter what your hair type or style, you (or your gift recipient) will be happy with the results that LS&B brings, and you’ll be just as thrilled with the prices.
LS&B products are available at barbershops and salons nationwide and online at www.groomingmenusa.com
Perfect Skin: Elemis
Elemis has been known for years in the U.K. as the skincare brand for those in the know. Finally available in the states- and now with a dedicated men’s line, we’ve quickly fallen for the sleek packaging, great range of products, and frankly, the fabulous results we’ve seen.
To make it easy for giving, Elemis has created some gift sets for the holidays. For men, we’re drawn towards the Purely for Men set, with all the basics for healthy, beautiful skin. The kit contains a full-size Deep Cleanse Facial Wash and Skin Soothe Shave Gel, and deluxe travel sizes of the Energizing Skin Scrub, S.O.S. Survival Cream, and Post Shave Recovery Mask, all for just $100. What’s best, it comes in a nice little dopp kit that’s perfect for travel.
For details, www.Elemis.com Available online at www.TimetoSpa.com
Morgan Grays (once more for good measure...)
At Jason’s insistence (in all truth, to shut him up), we’re going to feature one more item from the fabulous design team behind Morgan Grays, if only to get the damn wallet back from our beloved Style Editor...
If you thought that wallets with chains went the way of the bat-caver (Goth, shadow walker, etc.) or the skater, think again. Morgan Grays has done it in high style with their masculine touch; hand crafted in high quality leather, and perfectly fitted zipper and- in this case- chain.
Available in nine shades and styles, we’d have trouble picking our favorite, so we won’t. We’ll let you decide. $288 at www.on-the-fly.com
HOMMAGE: Shaving Done Right
First of all, HOMMAGE is based in Paris, so you know it’s going to be fabulous. Their luxury shaving tools represent the highest level of sophisticated grooming and are not just razors, but art for your bathroom.
Taking their inspiration from famous- and fabulous- cities, whether you choose the Monaco, the Chicago, the Stockholm or the Shanghai Groom Center ($375-450), you know you’re getting something that’s been designed by a master (Wolfgang Joensson) to last a lifetime of shaves.
Of course if you’re in the mood to spoil your special someone, you could always go-for-broke and get him the platinum-plated Monte-Carlo Limited Edition. You’ve probably never paid $6,500 for a razor, but then again, how many razors are covered in platinum and come in a high gloss, handcrafted gift box that doubles as a fully functional humidor?
That’s what we thought.
www.hommage.com
Keep your eye on EDGE for more Gift Guides and holiday help!
Jason Salzenstein is a writer and editor; design, image, and marketing consultant; and professional shopper. His work has appeared in numerous national and international publications and he has clients around the world. For more information :: www.JasonSalzenstein.com
