The holidays are here! Many people ask me what to give for the holidays that would still be sustainable and eco friendly. Here’s my list of favorites this year:
For the Fashionista: Viktor & Rolf Haute Couture Collection 2017
The definition of a couture piece is hand-made to order by talented and well-paid artisans, making these fabulous garments more sustainable to start with. But Viktor&Rolf took to it the next level in their last two collections, using all fabrics that were upcycled in their continuing quest for “conscious design”. These one of a kind pieces use vintage dresses from all decades as the base, with flourishes, gold stitching and collages used to accentuate flaws, not hid them.
For the Chef: Chef Knife by Chelsea Miller
Hand forged by Brooklyn blacksmith Chelsea Miller, these exquisite knives are the perfect gift for anyone would loves to cook or entertain. The metal is carbonized steel that has been repurposed from a Vermont Farrier’s horseshoe rasp. The wooden handles come in apple wood, maple or walnut all sourced from trees on Chelsea’s family farm. A useful tool in the kitchen that is truly a work of art.
For Luxurious Lady: Cashmere Tights by Swedish Stockings
As you all know I love the soft feel of cashmere and really, who doesn’t? It’s timeless, warm and gets you through those cold winter nights. But the hosiery business creates a lot of waste, as most stockings are made of nylon which is not biodegradable. Enter Swedish Stockings. This company is making stockings out of natural fibers and is collecting old worn out tights to be upcycled into fiber glass tankers. Plus, did I say they are made with cashmere?!?
For the Wine Lover: Benziger 2013 Tribute Estate Blend, 1.5L
Awarded 90 points by Robert Parker, this rich and smooth blend is a perfect full-bodied California red. Estate grown by three generations of the Benziger family, this wine is not only sustainable and organic, its biodynamic which is a farming technique that views the whole vineyard as one organism. Instead of fertilizer and chemicals, they use compost, natural predator-prey relationships and cover crops (those are crops grown for the protection and enrichment of the soil). Benziger strives to create wonderful “wines with character and conscience”.
Stocking Stuffer: Hanky Panky Conscious, Organic Cotton Panties
I have been a fan of this brand for a while and was elated when they introduced organic cotton into their signature styles because who wants pesticides next to their most intimate parts? Cute, well-fitting, and made in the USA, these undies are the perfect gift for any lady. Plus, the natural organic cotton grown without harsh chemicals will make your bum happy! A perfect stocking stuffer.
Happy Holidays to all.
Xo
Ashlan
