THE LOCAL ARTISAN GUIDE'S TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE - DAY THREE- HANDBAGS & SMALL LEATHER GOODS

On the third day of our “Twelve Days of Christmas Holiday Gift Guide” we are featuring five handbag brands that range from heritage brands to relatively new independent brands. Their designs are unique and created by master artisans who have the knowledge of generations at their hands. Along with a consciousness of making a product that is as sustainable as possible, these brands work at using the materials wisely whilst creating fashion pieces that provide excellent gifts for the holidays.

MOI AND SASS “THE NUNA MINI TOTE”, 340 EUROS

Moi and Sass, is a handbag and leather goods brand founded by Latin Americans Moira Laporta and Alessandra de Osma, designed in Madrid and made in Spain. This relatively new brand has a minimalist aesthetic as it incorporates high quality leathers whilst utilizing the craftsmanship of Spanish leather artisans. The “Muna Mini Tote” is your everyday bag to carry all of your essentials in style. With a surprisingly spacious interior, this bag is crafted from Italian calf leather and features two handy external pockets to easily store your phone and small valuables. All Moi & Sass products are Made in Spain. $$$

PATENT OF HEART, “MINA WRISTLET” $75

Patent of Heart is a handbag brand founded by Turkish designer turned New Yorker Elif Ayakin. Patent of Heart creates handbags and small leather goods with inspiration from multiple cultures and are crafted by men and women artisans all over the world. We love this new style the “Mina Wristlet and Crossbody” which is small but holds the little important things. What is also great about giving the Mina as a gift is that Patent of Heart donated proceeds from their sales to help the education of young women around the world who don’t have much access to classrooms and learning. Win/Win! $$

KEMPTON AND CO. “HENLEY FOLD UP BAG - CAMO”, $275

Kempton and Co. is a handbag and lifestyle brand that was founded by English designer turned New Yorker, Fiona Kempton. Kempton’s equestrian and sailing background heavily influence her designs and creations seen mainly in her choice of materials and hardware yet are remarkably perfect for both country and city life. Kempton and Co.’s Henley Fold Up Bag, is our choice for the perfect holiday gift as they state: “The Henley Fold Up Bag combines our simple brass detail with a durable wax canvas. Trimmed with bridle leather straps, brass zipper and buckle, this is the perfect tote for transitioning from carrying it all to emptying out, and turn into a slim convenient package. Measurements: 14" H x 14" W x 9" ,Folded: 7" H x 10" W x 1."Handle Drop: 5"- 8 1/2" Adjustable.” $$-$$$

CONNOLLY, “TAN HEX MEDIUM WALLET”, 395 BRITISH STERLINGS

For those in the know, Connolly is an English heritage brand founded in 1878 by a small family of saddlers and shoe-smiths. As the car industry grew, Connolly became the go to leather upholsterer for the interior of world renowned automobiles such as Rolls Royce, Bentley, Jaquar and Aston Martin. It is still a family run business and has since grown to a respectful leather goods and lifestyle brand in their 142 year old history. Their small leather goods make for excellent holiday gifts for the men in your life as for those in the know, know how special it is to have a Connolly product. The Tan Hex Medium Leather Wallet reflects Connolly’s signature aesthetic, the hex ½ medium zip wallet has only the finest details. Vintage palladium hardware is made in Italy to the most exacting standards. Made of natural vegetable tanned leather the tan hex half medium wallet has white stitching and a two-sided zip that are carefully finished. Owning a Connolly product made be the closest you can get to being inside James Bond’s Aston Martin. $$$

JOYN BAGS LEATHER 3-IN-1 “WEEKENDER IN DARK BROWN LEATHER”, $250

Joyn Bags is an ethical, fair-trade handbag brand founded by husband and wife team Mel and Dave who moved to Rajpur, India and started working with female artisans who were victims of abuse and human trafficking so that they may have another chance on changing their lives by craftsmanship and making handmade leather goods. Our choice for the guide is this beautiful Mini-Weekender that was designed for those who happen to travel a lot. This Mini-Weekender is made with durable canvas material. It has two external pockets with snap buttons that fasten securely. It has one internal zipper pocket, a phone pocket and miscellaneous pocket. It has a removable leather pouch insert inside that functions as a divider and another compartment. It fastens securely with two hidden magnets at the base and two dog hooks on either side. When this leather insert is removed, it can be worn as a crossbody. So if you’re at your destination, and you want to ditch the heavy load and head to a party, your crossbody is right there, no extra carry-on needed. Full grain leather with Block Printed Canvas internally antique gold hardware. $$-$$$

As you see our choices ranged from large weekenders, to small wristlets, to small leather goods for both men and women in all price points. Each choice has an incredible story on how the brand originated and their unique design vision . These choices make for exceptional holiday gifts that will be sure to be treasured for a long time.

By Natalie Rivera

Celebrating Women Artisan Jewelry Designers for International Women's Month

With March nominated as the month to celebrate women and their achievements (yes I know shouldn’t it be half the year at least, women are Half the Sky) The Local Artisan Guide has decided every week this month to highlight some women artisans in different categories starting with jewelry designers from around the world that you might not know about but are worth knowing. 

We chose ten women jewelry designers who work in a range from a new twist on the traditional to contemporary to spiritual to cultural pride. There is a plethora of raw materials, stones, crystals, metals, price points and traditions explored by all these jewelers. The spectacular talent these female artisans have in their art form and imagination when it comes to jewelry is worth highlighting in a category where most of the product is worn by women.  More so as many of the jewelers below also explore ways to make their work sustainable, ethical and give back to their communities.

Polly Wales

Polly Wales

Madeira Skull Ring, $15,400

Encrusted skull with purple, blue, and black sapphires and brown diamonds on a large face skull.

Kindly Note: Each piece is unique, one-of-a-kind and unpredictable -- the product of a specialized manufacturing process that we've developed over many years. It is the heart and soul of the Cast-Not-Set process and the Polly Wales style. Stone colors may vary slightly. Metal: 18K Yellow Gold, Stones: Sapphires & Diamonds.

Polly Wales is the Creative Director and Founder of her eponymous brand of fine jewelry. Polly was born in London and gravitated towards the arts from a very young age. She studied sculpture in University and later taught art to juvenile offenders. However, she discovered her real passion when she began to design jewelry, making intimate wearable sculptures. She went back to school to study Jewelry Design at the Royal College of Art, where her naturally anarchic spirit combined with classical training to inspire the creation her signature “cast-not-set” process.

Casting gemstones directly into molten gold has enabled her to push the boundaries of traditional fine jewelry and produce unique collections year after year. In 2016, Polly moved the company from the rolling hills of the English countryside to the sunny grit of Downtown Los Angeles where the company is now based. She currently lives in a treasure trove of curiosities in the hills of East Los Angeles

Anna Sheffield

Anna Sheffield

HAZELINE SOLITAIRE RING

14k Gold & Blackened Rutilated Quartz, $2,850

8mm blackened rutilated quartz center with 0.03ctw small black diamond accents set in 14k recycled yellow, rose, or white gold.

Please note that gemstones are natural materials and therefore each stone is unique. The Hazeline is a cornerstone of the Anna Sheffield ceremonial jewelry collection. A classic style with a delicate silhouette, this timeless design is based on a ring belonging to Anna’s grandmother. Envisioned here in a solitaire style with the same detailed basket and slender shank, the Hazeline is the perfect ‘heirloom-to-be.

Anna Sheffield’s childhood in the Southwest has had an enduring influence on her work, setting the stage for a lifelong interest in natural beauty, spirituality, and all forms of art and design—from architecture to indigenous crafts. These diverse interests led her to pursue a degree in sculpture. After moving to New York City, Anna shifted her attention to jewelry, drawing upon her Fine Art fundamentals to create a singular style—elegant, irreverent, and truly original.

Claudia Desideri - Desideri Designs

Claudia Desideri

Crown Hook Earrings $175

Inspired by Classical jewelry  Crown hook earrings are a true beauty. All Swarovski crystal beads are individually hand-stitched. Try pairing  with our crown studs for an edgier look . Material Finishing. Emerald green and Metallic rose gold Swarovski crystals beads. 14K gold filled , 4 cm long.

Desideri design is NYC based jewelry brand founded by Roman born Claudia Desideri. Since her early age, she’s always been interested in Art and Drama and had an affinity for artistic design. After graduating at the Istituto Nazionale D'arte in Rome she moved to New York, where she attended the Lee Strasberg film and theatre institute. Her passionate creativity and love for Art and Nature finally converge in 2004, when she founded Desideri Design. Since then, she has been creating luxurious, classy but still wearable pieces of jewelry which combine both “hard” and “soft” elements, organic and futuristic materials, geometrical Minimalism and sparkling Baroque. Her collection of rings, necklaces and earrings are all unique pieces made using Swarovski crystals, natural stones and fresh water pearls.

Judith Haas

Judith Haas

Persian Necklace, $275.00

Fine Silver (.99)  partially oxidized, with 24k gold leaf pendant. 15 inch fine gold filled chain with 2.5 inch extension chain ( 17.5 inch total) Ask for costume made length. Pendant is 2x1 1/4 inch. One of a kind

Dutch artist Judith Haas creates jewelry and fine art using gold, silver, bronze and semi precious stones. Her work is characterized by finely crafted textures and unfinished surfaces in contrast with colorful patinas that reflect her passion for art and design history and the industrial environment surrounding her Williamsburg Brooklyn studio.

Ms. Haas received a Masters degree in Physiology from the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU). She has devoted herself to her art career since 2003 and has exhibited at galleries and boutiques widely including Harvey Nichols Hong Kong, Hankyu, Tokyo.

Yanina Faour - Oleana Jewelry

Yanina Faour

Citric Sun Mandala Pendant $218.80

In sterling silver, with yellow gold plating, enamel and crystals. Representing the union between the sacred and the earthly world, mandalas are deeply meditative symbols that harmonize chakras and have a positive effect on those who wear them.

Oleana jewelry is handcrafted in Buenos Aires and designed by Yanina Faour, fourth generation of jewelers, inspired in the architecture and fine arts that identify the magic of her hometown, Buenos Aires.

Yanina Faour launched her own brand, Oleana in 2003, combining the high quality craftsmanship of her ancestors with a fresh and modern aesthetic. What sets Oleana apart its is fine jewelry collections in silver and 18K gold, with influences ranging from architecture to spirituality, to be worn at different times of the day. Ind addition to being a young businesswoman and mother, Yanina is a mentor and has an affinity and interest in the development of the female entrepreneur at all levels. She herself is a fellow of the Vital Voices Organization and the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women In Business program.

Marielise Lachapelle

Marielise Lachapelle

Malachite Necklace. This necklace featuring a malachite stone, is quite versatile as those three genuine rose leaves coated in gold, are designed to slide through the center of the stone so you can adjust the length. The stone is approximately 2” long but the shape will vary slightly with each piece. Many other stones available. Price upon request.

New York based artist Marie-Lise Lachapelle grew up in the green suburbs of Montreal. Her love of nature, fashion, and the influence of her entrepreneurial parents have culminated into a successful career designing stunning jewelry. She creates custom high impact jewelry and a variety of collections using organic elements and shapes. Her unique combinations of flowers, precious metals, and stones, have garnered her international attention and is a favorite for editorials, celebrities and fans of her jewelry around the world

Jane D’Arensbourg

Jane D’Arensbourg

BLACK BUBBLE NECKLACE $1,500

Jet black glass bubble, sculptural bib necklace. This is a big show stopping unique statement necklace. One of a kind. Chain length 24” x 3/8”. Sculptural bubble bib size 7”x6”. Sterling silver clasp.

Brooklyn based designer Jane D'Arensbourg began working with glass early in her career as an artist and became greatly inspired by the unique properties of the medium, particularly as a vehicle to capture light, energy and fragility. .Jane D’Arensbourg launched her glass jewelry designs in 2002 in New York City. 

In her studio, D’Arensbourg's process starts with raw, durable, borosilicate glass rods that are transformed with a torch free form. Using heat and gravity to shape the glass, the designer handcrafts one-of-a-kind sculptural jewelry. With each piece, D'Arensbourg honors the fragility and inherent elegance of the material, creating timeless and unique jewelry. Borosilicate glass is one of the most shock resistant glass available which results in it being a surprisingly wearable material. Jane D’Arensbourg views her jewelry as functional art. A ring can function as a sculptural object sitting in your home waiting to be worn and experienced in another way. 

Jane D'Arensbourg has exhibited her artwork and jewelry in museums and galleries internationally. Her work can be found in esteemed stock lists from New York to Japan as well as in the permanent collection of The Museum of Art Design, New York.

Ilenia Corti Vernissage

Ilenia Corti

Blue Imperial Moth Necklace $1,920

Sleek, sculptural and dynamic, this deftly crafted necklace has a bold, modern aesthetic that will complement a modern and casual outfit. Handcrafted of 925 silver, it has a distinctive princess neckline composed entirely of realistic imperial moth charms of varying dimensions. The moth's slender wings are finished with a midnight-blue enamel, creating a smooth, elegant texture that resembles that of stones. This exceptional necklace will elevate the style and allure of any ensemble and modern jewelry collection. Lobster claw clasp. Available also in brass upon request.

Ilenia Corti grew up in a family of jewelers and worked as a fashion accessories designer for high luxury companies all over the world. She created Vernissage inspired by the world of nature, and the tension between the childlike awe we feel in front of its small and enchanting phenomena and the pragmatism of the adult world. The uniqueness and strong creative identity of her work has earned the enthusiastic response of authoritative magazines. Each piece is handmade by the expert craftsmen of the Santagostino company, leader in this field and owned by the Corti family.

Sewit Sium

Sewit Sium

ETERNITY SNAKE CUFF $150

The snake is symbol of transformation and renewal, as it has the ability to shed its own skin when it outgrows it. For thousands of years, the snake has been utilized as a symbol of transformation and renewal, as it has the ability to shed its own skin when it outgrows it. 18K gold plated brass. Snake is 3/16" (4mm) wide. Cuff is adjustable. Availability: Handmade to order in New York.

Jeweler and educator Sewit Sium has been crafting powerful jewelry imbued with living African history for over a decade. Prior to starting her company in 2015 of the same name, she taught Fashion Activism and Design in various NYC High schools. “I used jewelry - the oldest form of decorative arts as an educational tool, as primary document to teach predominantly Black students about their living African lineage, the world and their place in it. The goal is that they view their creations as well as their bodies as sites of knowledge transmission. I want them to internalize that their creations will outlast them, to see themselves as leaders and agents of change who can transform the world of image making authority.” 

Sewit’s mission and approach extends to her design practice that she hopes will be adopted by institutions such as the fashion industry, museums and design colleges alike. “it’s important for me to get as indigenous and specific as possible via symbols and motifs, I know the optimal power of jewelry is unlocked when attached to its origin story and makers - to bodies.”  Sewit's goal is to create initiatives that serve the reclamation and activation of indigenous objects. “Jewelry is a point of departure, but this is about people and ideas and those who lay claim should get to decide how their culture is accurately interpreted and shared.” Sewit is dedicated to decolonizing the way jewelry is engaged with, “together we can restore it to its rightful place - as documentation, a stunning object of desire and daring catalyst for change”. 

Sewit completed her MA at NYU Tisch, where her thesis was entitled Activation: Jewelry and the Body, Sites and Tools for Liberation. 

Sewit's jewelry has been featured in Elle, Vogue, Bazaar, Town & Country, Vanity Fair Magazines. She created various costume design pieces for HBO Insecure as well as feature films such as Coming 2 America. 

Mia Hebib - Oblik Atelier

OBLIK ATELIER MOBIUS EARRINGS $200

Mobius Earrings, brass plated in 14k gold

Mia Hebib started in jewelry at the School for Applied Arts and Design in Zagreb, Croatia. Upon resettling in the United States, she attended the Savannah College of Art and Design where she received a BFA in jewelry and metalsmithing. Besides running Oblik Atelier, Mia has been instrumental in re-launching Robert Lee Morris collection as well as launching multiple high- profile fashion brands like AllSaints and Coach wholesale line. Mia has also mentored at PRATT Institute, 92nd Street Y and SCAD.

Mia creates conversation pieces and her mission is to elevate jewelry from simply existing as an accessory to becoming a wearable sculpture, an objet d'art.

Mia's studio "Oblik" means "shape/form" in Croatian and the name is echoed in each created piece. Oblik Atelier is on a quest to define the most elegant and clean line and thrust that line through a three-dimensional metamorphosis.

Oblik Atelier jewelry marries traditional metalsmithing techniques to timeless designs via fold forming, fabricating and forging techniques. Each piece is hand bend to conform to the body. Surfaces are smooth, architectural, sculptural, sinuous, voluptuous and polished.  Jewelry is made in brass and finished with gold or rhodium plating.

All the above mentioned women jewelers come from around the world yet all find a way to uniquely express their vision of jewelry thus creating wearable art. Women creating for other women, a wearable badge of how a woman can express their aesthetic to the rest of the world through the media of metals and precious stones.

The Local Artisan Guide will feature a blog every week for the month of March on a different category celebrating women artisans and highlighting their contributions to the world.

By Natalie Rivera

The Local Artisan Guide Presents Black Friday Picks In a 2020 Covid World

In a Covid world The Local Artisan Guide has had to rethink some of our strategies and our mission in connecting local artisans with those who seek their products as many of these small brands have unfortunately either have closed for good, relocated or are now operating solely online. 

The last few months The Local Artisan Guide has been hitting the pavement to update our index of small brands and artisans that have managed to maintain their brick and mortar stores during these difficult times when lockdown has been the death knell for so many businesses both large and small around the world. We have researched and updated where many small brands have relocated and currently we are now focusing on brands that operate solely online. 

The Local Artisan Guide has from the beginning featured brick and mortar stores of small brands and artisans from around the world. It is a very niche aspiration fueled by an audience of philocalist around the world who love travel, beauty, art and fine craftsmanship. Our devotees currently cannot travel freely and explore the world as they were able to in the past, so for now The Local Artisan Guide is fast forwarding our plan to also feature brands that either operate solely online or open seasonal pop up stores/markets. In a Covid and even in a post Covid world having an online presence is now essential to keep small brands and artisans going and our recommendations below are going to represent both categories. 

The twenty one brands and artisans in this post are tried and true and include all price points. They are located in New York City, London, Scotland, Paris and Rome. In the turbulent year of 2020 our objective is to connect the artisan and the stagnant philocalist in a mutually satisfying enterprise whilst shopping in a safe and responsible manner. Please be aware some of the brick and mortar stores mentioned in this post may be temporary closed due to lockdown however their online sites are still operating.

ONLINE BRANDS

Laos Dome Earrings, $130

ARTICLE 22 offers these earrings are the definition of sustainable: environmentally, they are upcycled from shrapnel and debris, culturally, they are made by fair trade Laotian artisans who developed this craft technique in the 1970s, and socially, men and women work side byside at homemade earthen kilns in their gardens.

Frida Champagne Necklace, $165

DESIDERI DESIGNS is a jewelry brand created by Roman native turned New Yorker Claudia Desideri. Exquisitely handcrafted in her Manhattan studio each piece of jewelry is unique and one-of-a-kind. Only using high quality materials like the gorgeous and luxury Swarovski crystals and precious metals. Desideri Designs go beyond industry standard to offer silver, gold and crystals with daring designs that reflect a sense of beauty, and craftsmanship.

Deluxe Piper Brew Kit, $139

PIPER & LEAF TEA is a family run local tea company creating gourmet blends that are simply divine to sip iced on a steamy summer night, or hot on a long winter evening, and serving the joy, are their passions. Based in North Alabama, their teas are blended with as many local ingredients as possible, straight from the garden, farm, forest, and briar patch.

In My Heart Keyring, $25

PATENT OF HEART is a leatherwear brand created by Turkish designer Elif Akaydin. Patent of Heart works hard to create stylish sustainable leather goods that give back to woman causes. Our Heart shaped keychain goes with just about everything! Its great for your car, home keys, your purse or a great gift! The leather feels soft to touch yet sturdy in shape. It comes with a a small 14K gold plated heart charm attached to the key ring.

Sunshine Lightpack, $41

SOMEONE, SOMEWHERE is a brand that works with artisans in Mexico, mostly women. The Sunshine Lightpack is 40% lighter than the average bag, and can also be rolled to take up less space than a Chipotle burrito 🌯 This is all thanks to a traditional technique – perfected by the artisans of Oaxaca, Mexico – that threads material tighter than any industrial machine. Be nimble, be quick! This pack flies off the shelf.

Gold Antenna Ring, $480 Oxidized Sterling Silver with 6 14k recycled gold balls.

JUDITH HAAS is a Dutch jewelry designer and fine artist based in New York. Judith specializes in using gold, silver, bronze and semi precious stones. Her work is characterized by finely crafted textures and unfinished surfaces in contrast with colorful patinas that reflect her passion for art and design history and the industrial environment surrounding her Williamsburg Brooklyn studio.

Miriam Organic Bluebell Soap, 6.95 English Pounds

HIGHGROVE GARDENS. It was our binge watching of season 4 of “The Crown” that led us to this pick. Curious to see what Prince Charles grows in his organic gardens at his home in Highgrove, we discovered an array of specialized botanical products. Their soaps will Infuse your bathroom or cloakroom with the delicate fragrance of bluebells with this luxury triple-milled soap. Made from pure vegetable oil, it gives a wonderfully rich and moisturising lather to leave skin feeling beautifully clean, soft and lightly scented. Part of Highgrove’s Miriam range, the soap is wrapped in paper printed with our specially commissioned floral design. Created by London artist and former Liberty designer Sally Kelly, it is a wonderful interpretation of the myriad flowers and grasses that grow in Highgrove’s Wildflower Meadow. The range takes its name from Dame Miriam Rothschild, a passionate conservationist, who created the original seed mix that was planted in the meadow over 40 years ago.

Orange Flowers Blue Based - Silk Scarf - Large, 150 English Pounds.

BIANCA ELGAR is a British accessories and apparel designer whose designs are made from the finest materials, (mostly are also made in the Britain), they are manufactured by talented craftsmen and women to an impeccable standard. This scarf is a dramatic, oversized 130 cm square scarf.  A versatile style statement! Silkscreen print design, sunshine yellow and bold orange flowers against a tropical blue background contrast with black and white detail. Printed on pure, luxurious silk in rich pigment, it will imbue your look with a dash of art. 100% Silk Twill. Edges are finely pin hemmed.

Twine Light Indigo Kitchen Gift Set, $75

JOHN ROBSHAW TEXTILES is known for his East/West textile bedding designs however his brand also carries great accessories that are sustainable and that included the Recycle Robshaw Collection Limited edition products that are created from repurposed and excess fabric with the goal of reducing textile waste. Stay on the safe side and avoid getting any cranberry sauce on your new holiday threads. This kitchen set, which includes an oven mitt, potholder, and apron, will keep you stylish as you cook for people you may or may not be related to.

Mini Me Cape Shirt, $100 Euros

AFTER MARCH is a project for advocating awareness of unfair practices of the fashion industry. These unique, one-of-a-kind pieces are haute couture up cycled. Mini Me partner look! Made to order. 100% cotton. as ever, high-quality vintage shirts: why preclude the kids from having fun too?

Urban Monk Balm Candle - Cardamom and Star Anise, $28

URBAN MONK LINE line began as an all-purpose gentlemen's balm for hair, beards, hands, and body. Created by Leo Funderburk, it is 100% natural, using pure essential oils, and artisan-crafted in New York. Not only do they use the best ingredients, waste is minimized in the making process for a healthier environment. Urban Monk Balm has expanded their holistic and clean approach to other self-care products and home goods. Shop a full line of exquisitely scented candles, essential oils, perfumes and other products, and feel good about the sustainable way they approach business, the environment, community and personhood.

BRICK & MORTAR

New York

Old English Brandy Dopp Kit, $70.40

KEMPTON & CO. is a heritage brand founded by Fiona Kempton who was inspired by her equestrian and sailing background. She designs bags with gorgeous soft leathers and textiles, combining the utility of equestrian hardware. She prides herself in always maintaining an artistic approach to function; it is a philosophy that the company strives to maintain with every bag. The Old English Collection is made of oiled saddle leather and adorned with our signature handcrafted reclaimed bone & horn toggles.

Bucket Hat, Tagalong, $268

THE HAT SHOP. Watching “Emily in Paris” inspired this pick for a bucket hat done right. Founded by milliner Linda Pagan, The Hat Shop combines the wide selection found in department stores with the custom service of a millinery shop. The shop's collection features its own label as well as the work of up to 15 local milliners.

Botanical Madder Root Face Mask, $28

THE ALCHEMIST KITCHEN is dedicated to connecting you with the power of plants. They work with the finest herbalists who are producing high quality botanical medicines, herbal remedies, and whole plant beauty products. These organic and breathable cotton face masks are designed with two layers of cotton, and useful cotton ribbing for adjustable sizing. Each Mask is naturally dyed with Madder Root. This ancient and abundant perennial dye and its roots have been used for thousands of years to produce beautiful red hues. Each mask is hand-sewn. There are three colors and stock is very limited.

Percy Winter Boot, Vino, $318

ARIANA BOHLING is a Brooklyn based handmade shoe brand. Ariana began making shoes in her studio in Brooklyn beginning with delicately braided Italian leather sandals. Since then she and business partner Alyson Kurtz have expanded production to Peru and Asia in order to maintain quality handmade products produced by local artisans in small workshops. Ariana Bohling believes in fair trade practices that provide good working conditions & livable wages in order to promote sustainability of the artisans, their industry, and the art of handcrafting shoes. To ensure quality standards & working conditions Ariana and Alyson spend time in Peru and Asia to oversee the production and development process of the collection each season. All shoes are handcrafted from 100% leather and all components are sourced locally. All slippers use elements of Alpaca fiber or pelts which are sustainably sourced and cruelty-free. The Percy Winter Boot Smoothis a leather boot that hits just below the calf.  Super soft faux fur lining, inside zip.  3" heel with 1.5" Platform height.  Leather stack heel and treaded rubber platform for extra grip in winter weather.  Rubber Sole.  Fits true to size.

Agua de Gardenia - Skin & Textile, $100

FUEGUIA was founded in 2010 in Buenos Aires by Julian Bedel, Fueguia 1833 is a unique concept in the universe of the worldwide perfumery. The source of inspiration is Argentina, the land being an inexhaustible source of stimuli for creating new fragrances, and the brand being a personal tribute to the history, art, music, and nature that distinguish the vibrant culture of South America. Fueguia BioActive Molecules. Incorporates four types of disinfection into one product working synergically. Stabilized Chlorine dioxide (CIO2), a safe compound known for it's effectives in deactivating SARS-Coronavirus, Antrax, Influenza, Hepatitis B, etc. combined with 45 medicinal plants with a proven biocide effect, 70% organic ethanol and a surfactant (soap) that acts breaking the virus lipid bilayer. We will donate part of our monthly production to the Milano area hospitals. Available in 100ml in our Biophotonic glass bottles.

EUROPE

(Please check to see if store is not temporarily closed due to lockdown)

Kala Ukadelic Flamingo Soprano Ukulele, $35.59

DUKE OF UKE is one of the premier shops around the world dedicated solely to the ukulele. Kala Ukadelic Flamingo Soprano Ukulele is a compact, friendly ukulele made from painted laminated poplar wood, with a bright, cheery sound. Featuring a smooth feeling matte finish, the KalaUK-FLAMINGO has a pine neck with laurel fingerboard and comes with Aquila Super Nylgut Strings. Every Ukadelic ukulele comes with it's own convenient Kala logo drawstring bag. Located in London.

Frankincense & Myrrh Bath Bomb, 3.50 English pounds

ISLE OF MULL SOAP CO. is a family owned bath and body brand that specializes in featuring soaps made with ingredients local to the Hebrides. Besides soaps they also make candles and bath bombs. Can you get any more in the Christmas spirit with a Frankincense and Myrrh Bath Bomb? The shop is located on the Isle of Mull, in the inner Hebrides isle off Scotland.

Early 18th century Italian bed, 44,000 English Pounds.

JOHN FOWLER is a charming antique shop that also offers interior design services. It’s a dream item but we are featuring an early 18th century Italian bed tester covered in blue-braided yellow linen with agave finials, the replacement head curtains and base valance with original braid re-applied. New hand-made mattress and bed base.

Woody Black Optical Eyeglasses, 145 Euro

MONDELIANNI is an Italian independent eyewear brand with stores around Rome that also feature artisan brands made in Italy. The Woody eyewear is part of the The Rigadritto Collection which is characterized by classic shapes revisited in a minimal key and basic colors of white, gold and black. The essence of shapes and design pays homage to great icons of international cinema.

Christmas Coffret from Paris, 156 Euros.

MELODIES GRAPHIQUES is a store renowned for its fine paper and stationery boutiques, It is an especially charming spot to browse its exquisite range of paper, notebooks, greeting cards, bookmarks, sealing wax, ink and calligraphy pens. Owner-calligraphist Eric de Tugny is also an entomologist and sells his intricate insect illustrations in store. This store is located in Paris.

We are excited this very turbulent year to cite these brands for their mastery of craftsmanship, sustainability, what they contribute to the local economy and the stories of how they came to be. Now more than ever is the time to shop local and shop in a responsible manner for the holidays so that these brands may long flourish into the future.

By Natalie Rivera

Hudson Yards

Recently Hudson Yards, a complex that includes residences, offices, shops, restaurants and cultural institutions all encased among innovative architecture (innovative for NYC) has opened up to the general public.

The Local Artisan Guide feels its important for you to have information at your hand for shopping destinations whether its on a charming small dead end street or a multilevel complex. Hudson Yards is certainly the latter.

Located at West 34th Street and 11th Ave. (you can take the #7 train to Hudson Yards directly or a crosstown bus), Hudson Yards is where the MTA has housed subway cars for decades (still does). After exiting the highly stylized new subway station, you encounter a complex of new, cutting edge buildings that include residences, the Equinox Hotel, and a very upscale mall for New York City.

Hudson Yards include a complex of residences, office buildings, shops and The Equinox Hotel.

There is a structure outside the shops that looks like the skeletal system of a bug or artichoke called “The Vessel”. It is a piece that you can enter and explore from the inside (much like the Statue of Liberty). To enter you need to go onto Hudson Yards’s website www.hudsonyardsnewyork.com and reserve a time and day to enter the sculpture (its free). 

In the center of Hudson Yards you will encounter The Vessel, a sculpture you are allowed to enter and explore (tickets available for free online).

After exploring The Vessel you can head straight to the shops across the way. The main store here is department store Neiman Marcus. Neiman Marcus has never been situated in NYC (except for Neiman Marcus Last Call in Brooklyn) so in a city that has been losing iconic department stores for the last few years (Lord & Taylor, Henri Bendel’s etc.) it is nice to have one that has a long reputable establish itself here. Neiman Marcus presents itself in a minimal way, there is no or little clutter. They offer a strongly curated assortment of established and emerging designers in its store. 

Neiman Marcus is the dominant department store at Hudson Yards, located on the third floor.

A view of The Vessel and the trains lined up in at Hudson Yards from the interior.

What is interesting in the consortium of stores in the Hudson Yards is its range. Here you can find high end brands such as Christian Dior and Cartier’s, to mid range brands like Kate Spade and Tori Burch all the way to H&M and Zara. All presented much like the high end malls you see in Hong Kong, Singapore and Dubai. Downtown in the financial district you have a similar collection of stores in Battery Park City with high end brands, grand architecture, restaurants, hotels and residences all flowing into each other, yet at Hudson Yards there is a difference as the selection of stores at Hudson Yards has a curated feel to it. Besides the brands mentioned there are also more independent brands that you would find by strolling down the streets of Soho but you wouldn’t find their presence in American malls. These brands include Scanlan Theodore, M.Gemi and Hatch to name a few. 

Fendi is one the high end stores you will find at Hudson Yards amongst others.

Zara and H&M are some of the affordable stores you will find at Hudson Yards.

Scanlan Theodore is one of the many independent brands that have opened in Hudson Yards.

Also unlike the malls in Asia or in Battery Park City, Hudson Yards strives to have something for everybody as shopping and eating there runs the gamut of all price ranges. You can find both high end restaurants and more affordable eating, like Shake Shack at Hudson Yards. 

Hudson Yards offers besides shops, multiple places of all price points to dine. Shake Shack is amongst food choices at Hudson Yards.

Many of the shops have still yet to open at the Hudson yards. The experience of shopping at Hudson Yards is similar to the World Trade Center instead there the art structure is part of the interior shopping experience and in Hudson Yards its on the exterior of the building.  Hudson Yards incorporates art installations throughout the interior and exterior of the complex making for a cultural experience too.

Hudson Yards included art throughout the entire complex.

Hudson Yards is bound to be a popular place to visit in the future, especially if you live there or are staying in Midtown when visiting NYC. It is definitely worth a visit.

By Natalie Rivera

Notable Gift Shops in NYC

Where best to find holiday gifts, especially last minute gifts? A store dedicated to the art of gift giving! Not a brand with a gift section, not a department store with a gift table, we are talking stores that search the world over for gifts or create gifts locally. Here The Local Artisan Guide list ten notable gift shops in New York City that we have come upon while we scour the city for local, independent businesses. The gift shops listed below will guarantee unique, thoughtful, local, artisanal gifts. Best is that every shop mentioned has very affordable items for everyone on your holiday list.

TOP HAT GIFT SHOP - 245 Broome St., Lower East Side, NYC

Top Hat Gift Shop is the brainchild of Nina Allen which reflects her world travels and her love of modernist, eclectic gifts. You never really know what to expect here at Top Hat which features home goods, stationary, crafts and well…anything that strikes her fancy yet fits into the modern aesthetic of her shop.

CW PENCIL ENTERPRISE - 15 Orchard St., Lower East Side, NYC

Pencils for a gift! Definitely if they come from CW Pencil Enterprise. CW offers the Cadillac of pencils in every color and grade. Plus in this charming shop you will find pencil accessories, stationary and items you never knew existed but you must have and gift to your loved ones once seen.

YUNHONG CHOPSTICKS - 50 Mott Street, Chinatown, NYC

Yunhong Chopsticks offers just one thing in their shop, chopsticks. However they offer every variation and price point for their chopsticks. The chopsticks come in different materials, colors and set numbers. All beautifully packaged making for easy, unique gift giving.

JOHN DERIAN COMPANY, INC. - 6 East 2nd St., East Village, NYC

John Derian has been a destination for the art of decoupage since 1989. You can easily lose a whole afternoon in Derian’s shop browsing through his many designs (which are all done locally a few blocks away in his studio). Derian has added some additional categories through the years including tabletop, small goods, candles, textiles, stationary and more.

CHESS FORUM - 219 Thompson St., Greenwich Village, NYC

Looking for classic games like chess, backgammon, checkers, dominoes, Chinese chess and much more? Well at Chess Forum you find these items in all variations from casual gaming to over the top, high end sets. Charming part of Chess Forum is that they also have a chess parlor where you can come and for $5 play a game and increase your chess skills ($1 for seniors and kids play for free).

CONSIDEROSITY - 131 West 4th St., Greenwich Village, NYC

Considerosity is the perfect gift shop for one stop shopping as you can most likely find something for everyone on your holiday list. Considerosity carries a selection of candles, soaps, jewelry, bags, accessories and more. The collection is comprised of a number of artisanal designers primarily from the New York area and around the country.

THE MEADOW - 523 Hudson St., West Village, NYC

The Meadow was founded by Mark Bitterman in 2006 out of his love of travel, food and culture. He decided to open a shop to share his discoveries of craft made salts, gourmet chocolates, handmade cocktail bitters, accessories and gifts that every gourmand would love and treasure.

EARTH SPEAKS - 139 Atlantic Ave., Boerum Hill, Brooklyn, NYC

Earth Speaks is a boutique that offers an array of gifts such as terrariums and air plants, organic skin care products, terrarium jewelry, soap and candles-- all of which are made in-house at their shop in Brooklyn. Earth Speaks also offers locally made artisanal products such as paintings, pottery and jewelry.

SWALLOW - 361 Smith St., Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn, NYC.

Having a hard time finding the perfect gift for that person in your life who has immaculate taste, style and aesthetics? Well Swallow may be the shop for you to find a highly curated gift they are sure to love and not try to return or regift. This petite boutique is full of vases, ceramics, bowls, wall hangings, decorative objects, crystals, sea glass, organic home decor and more. The gifts are so beautiful you will most likely want to keep them for yourself.

UNION SQUARE HOLIDAY MARKET - Union Square, Chelsea, NYC

Up until December 24th, Union Square Holiday Market is a a must-visit destination for unique gifts created by local craftsmen and artists. With dozens upon dozens of stands. Union Square Market offers up every possible category of gifts from jewelry, to leather goods, stationary, crafts, accessories, home decor, artisanal foods, toys, holiday decor, drinks, snacks and more.

This is New York City so this list is just the tip of the iceberg for unique gift giving but its the local artisanal tip recommended by The Local Artisan Guide so you know its well worth the advice and will also benefit the small, local businesses.

Happy Gift Giving!

By Natalie Rivera

The Truth Behind Counterfeit Stock

The Local Artisan Guide is fortunate enough to be based in downtown Manhattan, in the neighborhood of Soho which has great energy, stores, restaurants and some of the best residences in New York City. Soho is also surrounded by hotels, where you see countless tourists everyday exploring all New York has to offer. Usually their country’s currency is good for shopping in the United States so they have researched ahead of time premier shopping destinations that will give them more bang for their buck (or Pound, Yen, Euro). Soho, Century 21, Nolita, Williamsburg are on their list for shopping and finding great bargains however unfortunately so is an area right next to Soho which is Chinatown. 

Chinatown is a great destination in New York City to go to for delicious, affordable food, groceries, cultural shock and wares from Asia. However Chinatown is a destination for many tourist for all the wrong reasons.

Bus loads of tourists make their way to Canal Street and Chinatown every day in New York City to look for inexpensive souvenirs of NYC which are aplenty but even more notorious in this part of town is that Chinatown, especially Canal Street is the mecca for counterfeit products.

Handbags, luggage, watches, fragrances, sunglasses etc. are all counterfeit. They are copies of the most well known international brands in the world; Prada, Gucci, Dior, Louis Vuitton, Rolex, Tumi, etc. Street hawkers will whisper to you as you go by to look at their wares, they will even invite you into backroom areas to see more high end product they swear are real. If you walk away they will start haggling with you to close the deal.

A view of the counterfeit shops that line Canal St. in Chinatown, NYC and their wares. Hopefully froggy is legitimate.

If you think for one second that the product is genuine or it doesn’t matter purchasing counterfeit products, let me remove all doubt and ignorance so you don’t even begin to justify that you are just getting a bargain or paying what you think is fair and the large multinational conglomerates will not miss a penny.

Counterfeit fragrances sold on Canal St., Chinatown, NYC.

The main bulk of the counterfeit products come from China. China is a master of illegally counterfeiting product. As most mass retailers have their products made in China, there is a culture of factories replicating and selling the products domestically and internationally at a dramatic cut cost in black markets across the world. Many so called reputable factories in China will produce legitimate products legally and near by have a sister factory producing the same stolen designs and intellectual property illegally. 

Counterfeit handbags and watches sold on Canal St., Chinatown, NYC.

As a former product development manager who had to travel frequently to Asia to review the product I was developing, I saw whole shopping plazas in China with stores that were all counterfeit. I even once found a store in China that had the name of the brand I was working for even though we did not have a brick and mortar store in the United States. As I looked into the windows of the closed shop, I saw a mixture of our handbag designs and their own designs but with our leathers and fabric patterns. The shop actually looked quite nice and luxurious. However it was all counterfeit. There was a fake Donna Karan shop, fake Calvin Klein, fake Pucci, etc., etc..

Here is what you are contributing to when you buy counterfeit items; besides depriving well known brands of your money for their products, when you buy counterfeit you are contributing to child slavery, dangerous work conditions, poor salaries with workers that have little or no rights plus a multitude of other labor violations. You see, when a factory is illegal there is no regulation of any kind. It is a sweat shop where the government or social compliance auditors cannot oversee to make sure there is a safe, humane labor practice occurring. 

Do not try to fool yourself for one minute that this is not the case no matter what the hawker will tell you. Unfair circumstances that we cannot imagine happening are occurring all over the world and when you buy counterfeit product you are not only contributing to it you are encouraging it.

Some of the counterfeit handbag brands sold on the street on Canal St., Chinatown, NYC.

All over the world there are areas like Canal St. that specialize in selling counterfeit items. Once while I was in Florence, Italy walking down one of the streets that legitimately sold the high end accessories brands of the world, I noticed right after the shops closed, immigrant hawkers came and laid out the same counterfeit bags that you saw in the store windows on the ground and for a fraction of their retail cost. It was very bold. Yet still counterfeit.

There are even seemingly nice, legitimate stores in Soho that have a mix of genuine vintage high end handbags and what they claim are an overstock of “it bags”. These bags are very easy to fool even a trained eye. They have quality raw materials, follow the designs of “it bags” and copy the packaging of the bags to the tee. They even have the cards with the certification copied down expertly. If you see a vintage Chanel that you are quite sure is legitimate, why wouldn’t you think the Celine bag that is just a few feet away, still in new condition not real? Be warned these bags are not $100, they are sold for over $1000 and more as they are claiming the product is new or overstock. Remember if its too good to be true, it usually is.

Police raids on vendors selling counterfeit product on Canal St., Chinatown, NYC.

There are frequent raids on Canal St., but the norm is to see sellers are out in the open hawking their wares which makes a tourist think that this is quite legal. However you as the shopper can also get in trouble for obtaining illegal counterfeit product so is it really worth it? Some countries in Europe will give you a ridiculously high fine if they catch you with counterfeit product when you come into customs. If you have any questions on whether a product is counterfeit or not, you can call customer service of the brand you are questioning or Google as there are many articles and sites that teach you how to determine if a product is legitimate or not and how to avoid counterfeits.

So whether its a keychain, handbag, watch or whatever you see hawked on Canal St., Chinatown, (or anywhere around the world that have similar markets) The Local Artisan Guide wants you to remember if you read this article you now know the truth and your decisions are now informed decisions. What kind of world that you would like to contribute to?

No excuses.

By Natalie Rivera

We Are Going Live...

But we still have quite a ways to go. 

Almost a year is upon us as we started social media for The Local Artisan Guide and we are now going live to show you some of the neighborhoods in New York City that we have been exploring and carefully curating for the discerning shopper. More neighborhoods will be added in the future and more stores, boutiques, artisans and smaller brands will be added on a daily basis. 

Plus besides Brick & Mortar shops will be soon be adding on a daily basis a "Local Artisan Brand" which are brands that operate with an online site or are wholesale. Future cities both domestic and overseas will be added and we are currently working on our app. The app will help you not only find the artisan of your choosing but will help you organize your speciality shopping finds, be apart of a rewards program, use your social media to highlight your finds and most of all shine a light on artisans, sustainability and giving back to the community. We are designing the app to be fun to use and share.

In the meantime please follow us on social media (links below), join our newsletter and any feedback, comments, questions inquiries will be greatly appreciated.

We will start having more blogs, interviews and video added to our site plus collaborations and promotional events.

We are very excited and we hope you are too. So if you don't want to walk in a room and find someone else dressed the same as yourself in head to toe Prada, are environmentally conscious of the impact "fast fashion" has in our world and love being an individual in your style both in fashion, beauty and home we are the site for you. 

Natalie Rivera

Founder, The Local Artisan Guide