GIVE GOOD GIFT: 2023

It’s that time of the year again. Below is our 2023 holiday gift guide – these are the (unsponsored) things we genuinely love and we are happy to share them with you.

Mad et Len objects

Mad et Len is one of our all time favorite fragrance companies, not only for their brilliant scents, but for their iron cladding that turns candles into miniature Richard Serra sculptures. For years, though, and less famously, they have also been making objects out of the same iron. But these were not widely available until now, when the company finally put them on their website.

Mad et Len

Ofumum Eau de Reves perfume

Speaking of Mad et Len, one of its co-founders, Alex Piffaut, has launched a new fragrance brand, Ofumum. Whereas Mad et Len is darkness, Ofumum is light – its bone color ceramic applicator is a key element of the entire package. Which does not mean that the fragrance itself takes a back seat – Eau de Reves is one of the most sublime scents we have experienced this year.

Ofumum Eau de Reves

A Clockwork Orange by Folio Society

Arguably, there is such a thing as the StyleZeitgeist aesthetic universe – we like things tinged with darkness and edge and a healthy dose of counterculture. Is there a StyleZeitgeist book, then? Perhaps, the Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess, is it. Chances are you already have some dog-eared paperback version of it on your shelves. But we think for a classic like that you deserve a lush, beautifully illustrated hardcover edition, like the one from Folio Society.

Folio Society

Aesop Gift Kits

Including Aesop season gift kits has become a venerable tradition that we are not about to put an end to. This is a once a year opportunity to treat yourself to the brand’s sumptuous offerings in a pretty package (and at a slight discount!)

Aesop

Plastikman Sheet One: 30th Anniversary Edition

Richie Hawtin is not only a pioneer of minimal techno, but also a friend of the magazine. How could we not recommend the 30th anniversary edition of his genre-defining debut, Sheet One, and from Mute records nonetheless?! The release is slated for December 15th, just in time for the holidays, but you can preorder now. Isn’t there a mildly perverse pleasure in listening to techno on vinyl? We think there is.

Plastikman Sheet One

FPM Milano Luggage Spinner 53

One of the questions that preoccupies us – and you (we know because it’s a constant topic of conversation) – is where to go a step up from mass luxury. It’s become one of StyleZeitgeist’s leitmotifs. You’ve got questions? We’ve got answers. As far as luggage goes, if you are sick of the R-word, try FPM Milano. We can vouch that these suitcases are utterly brilliant. If you are feeling precious about the pretty aluminum ruined by careless baggage handlers, we recommend starting with their classic carryon, Bank.

FPM Milano Luggage

Truefitt & Hill Shaving Set

While we are known for championing the avant-garde here at StyleZeitgeist, we also love a good classic, because why fix what’s not broken? Truefitt & Hill is the oldest surviving barbershop in England, and knows a thing or two about catering to gentlemen. Conveniently, it also has a US branch, so you don’t have to order from the UK. Accept no hipster substitute.

Truefitt & Hill

Nightfall Raven Vibrator

The cult Belgian brand A.F. Vandevorst may have closed, but An Vandevorst and Filip Arickx, the couple behind it, have not been idle. A.F.V has always had a nice dose of kink to it, which extended to their lingerie brand, Nightfall. Filip Arickx’s new venture, of luxe sex toys, borrows the name. Of Nightfall’s new offerings we are obviously partial to black. We will skip the usual lame marketing talk about spicing up your holidays and being naughty for Xmas – we invite you to use your imagination.

Nightfall

William Klein:Yes

Each year we get to go over a myriad of photography books. There are so many, it’s hard to pick a favorite. This year the one that has stood out to us has been Yes, a new volume by the photographer William Klein. If you are building your photo books collection or know someone who is, William Klein is essential and this book that accompanied an excellent exhibit at ICP in New York will make for a nice cornerstone. An American-born French photographer, Klein, who passed away last year, is that rare specimen who began as a documentary photographer before successfully transitioning to fashion, and bringing his documenting eye and style with him.

William Klein

StyleZeitgeist Academy Course

We are not known for plugging our own offerings, but really, our first academy course on the history of contemporary fashion has been a hit. And it’s been an amazing experience for us to share our knowledge in an academic setting. The spring semester registration will open soon, and we promise you that it will make a great gift for any fashion enthusiast.

StyleZeitgeist Academy