CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE 2016
’TIS THE SEASON FOR… last-minute shopping, panic purchases and buyer’s remorse. But take heart, because The Royal Exchange is on a mission to change all that. Welcome to our 2016 gift guide, designed to make Christmas shopping quick, easy and 100 per cent stress-free. Here, you’ll find a selection of perfect presents and indulgent treats from our luxury boutiques, including Jo Malone London, Smythson and Montblanc, to name but a few. What’s more, they’re all handily housed under one historic roof in the very heart of the City, meaning you can have your Christmas shopping all wrapped up in a lunch hour (or two). Wishing you happy shopping, and a very merry Christmas! ON THE COVER Speedmaster ’57 Co-Axial Chronograph, £6,910, OMEGA; The Tragedy of Lord George eau de parfum (75ml), £178, PENHALIGON’S; silk scarf, £280, HERMES; Burlington wash bag, £395, SMYTHSON
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SNAP HAPPY
LEICA AKADEMIE TUTOR AND FREELANCE PHOTOGRAPHER ROBIN SINHA OFFERS ADVICE ON BUYING GADGET GIFTS TO INSPIRE Leica has some new launches coming soon that I think will make great Christmas presents. First up is the Sofort, Leica’s first-ever instant camera – they’re such fun to use. We’ve also updated the D-Lux, our most popular compact camera. The D-Lux 109 is amazing for pointand-shoot, but the manual settings are there if you want to develop your skills. We’ve even put together a special D-Lux Christmas bundle. 04
Leica is also bringing out a new T system just before Christmas. It’s ideal for a keen amateur who may not be fussed about technicality but wants to improve picture quality. There aren’t many cameras like it on the market – it’s all touchscreen, which taps into the iPhone generation, but the actual quality of the image it takes is on another level. From £229; Leica Camera Ltd, 18 The Royal Exchange
WAX LYRICAL
JO MALONE LONDON PICKS THE PERFECT FESTIVE SCENT
Inspired by the moment of walking downstairs early on Christmas morning, Pine & Eucalyptus is a scent that instantly captures the essence of the season. Containing herbaceous pine and calming eucalyptus, this festive collection will transform your home, and our candles and sets make perfect gifts. To get your home ready for the festive season, why not spritz Pine & Eucalyptus Room Spray on your fabrics, furnishings and even your Christmas tree? Lighting a Pine & Eucalyptus Luxury Candle in your living or reception areas will create an extra-welcoming environment. This candle is the perfect centrepiece for Christmas entertaining and will last throughout the season. From £42; Jo Malone London, 24 The Royal Exchange
MAKE HIS DAY
IT’S THOSE EXTRA-SPOILING LUXURIES THAT MAKE CHRISTMAS SPECIAL, FROM EXQUISITE LEATHERWEAR TO THE FINEST ARM (AND WRIST) CANDY. JUST WHAT HE’S ALWAYS WANTED
CLOCKWISE FROM FAR LEFT: Mirfield trainers, £250, CHURCH’S; glasses, £295, or £495 bespoke, TD TOM DAVIES; leather briefcase with brass lock, £389, SAGE BROWN; Rolex Datejust 41 watch, £8,450, WATCHES OF SWITZERLAND; sterling-silver fountain pen, £1,225, MONTBLANC
SMALL WONDERS NEED A PRESSIE THAT’S MODEST IN BUDGET BUT BIG ON CACHET? BEHOLD THE POCKET-SIZED GEMS THAT WILL ENSURE YOUR PLACE ON NEXT YEAR’S CHRISTMAS-CARD LIST
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This deliciously rich signature blend in a reusable tin is ideal for those who take their coffee seriously. Grind House Espresso Blend, £11
Cool, smart and versatile, a white button-up always hits the mark. Orlebar Brown Classic Fit Oxford shirt, £145
GRIND
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Look pretty in pink with this elegant, handmade leather make-up bag. Aspinal of London Essential Cosmetic Case in Smooth Dusky Pink, £75
Trust the British chocolatier to produce the chicest of festive sweet treats. Paul A. Young Dark Chocolate Reindeer Tile, £6.50
ASPINAL OF LONDON
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ORLEBAR BROWN
PAUL A. YOUNG
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Stand out from the crowd with these clever movement-inspired cufflinks. Tateossian Rose Gold Colour Plated Cufflinks, £140
Delightfully dainty, this cup and saucer is crafted from English fine bone china. Halcyon Days Gordon Castle Antler Trellis Ivory Teacup & Saucer, £45
The quintessentially British perfumer has come up trumps with this unisex duo. Juniper Sling EDT, £100ml, with Bath & Shower Gel, 300ml, £118
TATEOSSIAN
HALCYON DAYS
PENHALIGON’S
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A classic leather cardholder is a gift that never goes out of fashion. Smythson Burlington Flat Cardholder in Heritage Green, £115
Fresh and minty with a citrus twist – introducing L’Occitane’s modern set. L’Occitane L’homme Cologne Cedrat Voyage Collection, £20
Ring the changes with a contemporary spin on the classic charm bracelet. Links of London Amulet Sterling Silver Charm Cuff, £150
SMYTHSON
L’OCCITANE
LINKS OF LONDON
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NORTHERN LIGHTS GEORG JENSEN ON GETTING YOUR HOME READY FOR CHRISTMAS, SCANDINAVIAN STYLE To create a Nordic winter wonderland in your home, look no further than the December Tales collection by Copenhagen graphic designers All the Way to Paris. Their winter animals, seasonal icons and patterns are laser cut into steel ornaments, which are perfect for hanging around your home. Candlelight is the essence of a Scandinavian Christmas. Georg Jensen’s simple yet stylish Advent 10
crown candleholders make stunning table centrepieces, either on their own or entwined with Christmas greenery. Another festive table decoration is our pillar candles, which are decorated with whimsical landscapes for a magical touch. Finally, no tree is complete without a star at the top. Our design is a modern twist on a traditional icon. From £11; Georg Jensen, 8a The Courtyard, The Royal Exchange
SHINE BRIGHT
MELVYN KIRTLEY, CHIEF GEMOLOGIST AND VICE PRESIDENT OF HIGH JEWELLERY FOR TIFFANY & CO., ON PICKING QUALITY DIAMONDS To anyone looking to purchase a diamond, I would stress how important it is that they do so from a reputable brand such as Tiffany & Co., which is known for offering the finest and rarest quality stones. There are numerous elements that create the overall beauty of a diamond, with cut being the most important – it’s all about the precise positioning, shape and angle of a diamond’s facets. Carat weight,
colour and clarity also work together to create an overall sparkle that will show beauty and determine value. The whiter and more transparent the diamond, the greater its rarity and value. At Tiffany & Co., we accept only diamonds that meet our strict standards, including diamonds that don’t exhibit any inference of colour when viewed face-up. Tiffany & Co., 9–11 The Courtyard, The Royal Exchange
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FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Almond Shower Oil, £18, 250ml, L’OCCITANE; oxblood patent shoes, £109, PRETTY BALLERINAS; black diamond and yellow sapphire bee necklace, £2,200, THEO FENNELL; Olivia bag, £275, LULU GUINNESS
THE LADY LOVES
“HOW DID YOU KNOW? IT’S JUST PERFECT!” ULTIMATE BROWNIE POINTS WILL BE YOURS – GET THEE TO THE ROYAL EXCHANGE
PAUSE, REFRESH
TAKE TIME OUT FROM CHRISTMAS SHOPPING AT THE ROYAL EXCHANGE – THERE’S A WEALTH OF DIVERSE BARS AND RESTAURANTS TO DISCOVER
LET’S DO BRUNCH… Whether you fancy a classic eggs Benedict or something a bit more special, The Grand Café has something for everyone and is located in the very heart of The Royal Exchange – making it the perfect spot to kick-start your day.
AFTERNOON TEA… If you’re feeling the inevitable mid-afternoon slump, pick yourself up with a spot of tea and cake at The Gallery. Situated on the mezzanine floor overlooking the bustling central courtyard, The Gallery serves delicious modern European fare all day.
A DECADENT DINNER… Christmas may be a time for giving, but that doesn’t mean you can’t treat yourself from time to time. With excellent à la carte and set menus featuring Mediterranean-inspired dishes – as well as a world-class wine list – dinner at Sauterelle is just the ticket.
AND FINALLY… Espresso bar by day, cocktail bar by night, Grind is the ultimate post-shopping-spree retreat. Unwind with a well-deserved nightcap or recharge your batteries with a signature espresso martini – all Grind coffee is toasted and roasted right here in London.
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AGENT PROVOCATEUR ASPINAL OF LONDON BOODLES
BREMONT
CASTLE FINE ART CHURCH’S
CROCKETT & JONES GEORG JENSEN
HALCYON DAYS HERMÈS
JO MALONE LONDON LEICA CAMERA LTD LINKS OF LONDON L’OCCITANE
LULU GUINNESS MONTBLANC OMEGA
ORLEBAR BROWN
PAUL A. YOUNG FINE CHOCOLATES PAUL SMITH
PENHALIGON’S
PRETTY BALLERINAS
ROYAL EXCHANGE GRIND
ROYAL EXCHANGE JEWELLERS SAGE BROWN
SEARLE & CO. JEWELLERS SMYTHSON
TATEOSSIAN
TD TOM DAVIES THEO FENNELL TIFFANY & CO.
WATCHES OF SWITZERLAND WATCHFINDER & CO.
DINING FROM D&D LONDON AND IMPERIAL CITY
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