It’s that time of year again. Spring is in the air, flowers are blooming, daylight savings time and warmer weather are making us more social again and Mother’s Day is just around the corner. Yikes!
Don’t worry! We are here to offer a few spectacular suggestions for Mother’s Day that fulfill the qualifications of The Local Artisan Guide. Your mother will appreciate a gift that she knows was created with artisans using unique skills and ideas. What better way to show your mother you are really thinking of her and honoring her for Mother’s Day? We have ten suggestions that range in price points and categories, from beautiful objects, accessories, delicacies and one amazing experience. The links are available in the captions.
After doing some extensive travel the past year to multiple climates we started to appreciate the flexibility of lightweight knits such as alpaca to keep you warm and stylish when the temperature suddenly drops 20 degrees when the sun goes down. One of our favorite finds is this poncho from Yanawara, an ethical knitwear brand designed in New York and handcrafted by their artisan ateliers in El Alto, Bolivia. We love this poncho especially because it comes in a multitude of colors, is easy to fold and carry and can be worn in a variety of ways whilst looking quite luxurious. It is handwoven 100% from the finest alpaca. It is lightweight yet warm and it features a fluid design that moves gracefully with you. One size fits all and it can even be unisex. The alpaca wool is sustainably sourced from local communities in the Highlands of Bolivia through a process that involves a mutual breeding, this means with care and respect for the animals and the environment. Sisa means “woman who decides” in Aymara, a symbol of strength and self-determination and what better way describes the job of being a mom! Yanawara also carries a beautiful ethical home section.
Flamingo Estate is a luxury brand located in the hills of Los Angeles that specializes in creating products the slow way. That means growing and sourcing their materials, working with local farmers, harvesting their own goods and creating products using ancient practices with skilled artisans. We came upon Flamingo Estate at a friend’s home who was in love with their candles and we knew immediately Flamingo Estate was going to be in The Local Artisan Guide’s Mother’s Day Gift Guide. We picked Prinsesstårta, a scent inspired from the Principessa Cake from Sant Ambroeus (my not so guilty pleasure). It was a brilliant idea to create a scent from this famous cake that was much loved by Swedish princesses as when you slice it the aroma of lemons, almond marzipan and vanilla cream bring a smile to your face. This candle uses Heliotrope flowers to replicate the almond marzipan, along with a combination of cinnamon, lemon peel and musky Amber for the base. The Prinsesståra candle uses a vegetable wax and is hand poured in Los Angeles into beautiful recyclable glass containers. Even the packaging is made using materials from responsibly managed forests, including some recycled paper products. What sold us also was their statement that was perfect for Mother's Day, “Prinsesstårta Candle is a tribute to the mothers in our family: complex, strong, comforting, and sweet. And you can have as much as you want and you’ll never get fat.” A bonus is that Flamingo Estate donates a percentage of their profits to fund organizations in Los Angeles caring for animals and restoring their habitats, starting with The Lange Foundation and Farm Animal Refuge. A win/win!
The Local Artisan Guide was so happy when Enarai first reached out to us. The brand produces the product we travel the world to highlight. Enarai (the phonetic spelling of 'N.R.I.', a legal status which stands for Non-Resident Indian) was founded by Kanika Issar who is also the designer. She works with Indian artisans who have been skilled at the ancient craft of creating dokras. A dokra is an ancient Indian tribal metal craft that uses a lost-wax castingtechnique to create non-ferrous metal objects like brass and bronze. Enarai connects an ancient 4,500 year old tradition of craftsmanship to a modern and global audience. The dokra metal handles on the Enarai handbags are literally pieces of art. The dokras are objects that depict daily scenes from tribal culture such as dancers, musicians, ornaments, animals, birds and jewelry. We are featuring the Dari Noir bucket handbag which is made from soft vegetable tanned Indian cow leather that is made with a non-toxic, natural, slow and artisanal treatment process. The handbag comeswith an adjustable & detachable strap and is H:18cm, D:12cm. This style belongs to a one-time, limited-edition series and was created by Mr. Praphulo, a 6th generation tribal artisan. If you want to see how the dokra is made just click here. This is the perfect gift for the discerning mother who has a collector’s aesthetic and values history and artisanship. She will be the envy of all her friends and you will be promoted to favorite child.
Lana Dai is a ceramic artist who has evolved from a career as a Product Designer to the more visual and aesthetic art of porcelain. Her focus has been creating and replicating flower forms in which she creates in porcelain a variety of delicate flowers with their various petal shapes and sizes. Dai designs vases, dishes, objects and even ceramic lighting fixtures. We love the Porcelain Flower Bowls which we highlighted as a Mother’s Day Gift. Her collection includes a variety of flower types and colors. Dai can reproduce the porcelain bowls on her site or custom create what colors and forms you think your mother would love. For artwork purchases or commission inquiries, please email lanadai@gmail.com. Prices are available upon request. This is the gift that your mother will love as it is a piece of art made by a local artisan just for her.
ILENIA CORTI JEWELRY - MESSAGE HOLDER WITH HEDGEHOG
Ilenia Corti is an Italian jewelry designer who comes from a family of jewelry designers based in Valenza, Italy, a city known for gold. With her love of nature, Ilenia became inspired early on to create her own brand and work on creating magical landscapes with her jewelry designs which include nature, forest creatures and insects, all the while using different colored gems and enamel. The jewelry is rich in detail and depicts a microcosms of glimmering beauty. Her designs have attracted collaborations with luxury brands that included an 8-year partnership with Valentino Garavani, leading the men’s and women’s jewelry categories, a collaboration with Maison Margiela, a partnership with Virgil Abloh for Off-White, and many others. Our recommendation for a Mother’s Day gift is her “Message Holder with Hedgehog” This unique piece is a message holder pendant. Crafted in gold-plated silver, it features a refined cylindrical shape designed to hold small messages or cherished thoughts. The design is enhanced by a delicate hand-painted enamelled hedgehog, a symbol of protection and sweetness, like your mum (well most mums). The pendant comes with a brass chain. This handmade piece will show your mother you are thinking out of the box when thinking of her for Mother’s Day. You can even add a sweet message inside letting her know exactly what you think of her. Also for such an exquisite piece of jewelry it is quite an affordable gift.
Jacques Torres, fondly known as Mr. Chocolate, is a world renowned, award winning chocolatier and the first artisan chocolatier in New York City to start from cocoa beans and make his own chocolate. Jacques prides himself on specializing in fresh, handcrafted chocolates using premium ingredients free of preservatives and artificial flavors. The beautiful designs make for lovely and delicious gifts and for Mother’s Day we picked this “I LOVE MOM” 12 piece collection of bonbons to show mom how loved and appreciated she is. The selection includes their most popular selection of eight assorted signature bonbons and four creamy Belgian milk chocolate or 60% Belgian dark chocolate with a touch of white chocolate on top to create letter bonbons that are filled with a smooth soft center of either all milk or dark chocolate. This is the perfect gift for the foodie mom and even better is that it is quite affordable. It’s a way to show your mom she can have an artisanal gift even if you are on budget.
NEW YORK BOTANICAL GARDEN - MOTHER’S DAY BOUQUET WITH STORE BOUGHT BLOOMS CLASS
Sending or giving mom a bouquet of flowers is a time honored tradition however you may feel it is not a very original gift. But what if your mother received a spectacular bouquet of flowers and it was created by YOU? We found this class in creating Mother’s Day floral arrangement at the New York Botanical Garden however these are classes are usually available at any public botanical gardens or your local florist. What is unique for this class is that you'll learn how to compose your own unique bouquet using simple design principles and a lush variety of economical, store-bought blooms. Although the class is $155 ($139 for members of NYBG), you will learn a useful skill that will save you money in the future by creating bouquets for your mother, friends and even yourself. You can dazzle your mom and she doesn’t even have to know that you created a floral masterpiece from flowers you found at Trader Joes or your local deli. Your mom will not only appreciate this gift but be proud of your new found skills.
Let’s not be beauty gatekeepers! If your mom is like my mom, she loves keeping herself as youthful and healthy as possible. That includes a beauty routine and products that are way more effective than the beauty brands your mom grew up with (heck, what I grew with!). That brings us to cêpoLAB, a Korean beauty brand at the forefront of ethical, eco-friendly beauty. cêpoLAB is the world's only beauty brand for skin strength, featuring the patented ingredient CLEPS® as its core component. We highly recommend BIOGENIC ESSENCE 90%, as what living skin truly needs is not just simple ingredients, but the power to recover on its own. There are only five ingredients in Biogenic Essence 90% which minimizes the use of artificial colors or fragrances. Your mother will greatly appreciate a gift that helps her recover the essence of the youth of her skin.
ASSOULINE - “MOTHER AND CHILD” BY CLAIBORNE SWANSON FRANK
If your mother is an avid reader as my stepmother is, a book is always a gift that will be appreciated and loved. For Mother’s Day we recommend “Mother and Child” by Clairborne Swanson Frank, a coffee table book from the world renowned book publisher Assouline that combines the beauty of mother and child photography and thoughtful commentary on motherhood from iconic well known families. In her latest body of work the artist set out to explore what modern motherhood means in the 21st century as she delicately tasks each mother to look within themselves and express what being a mother truly means to them. “Mother and Child” embarks on this profound journey that reminds us all of the power of motherhood and the great gift of love. It is a gift that expresses to your mother how you are grateful and acknowledge the strong bond shared between the two of you. It’s one of those rare coffee table books that you actually want to pick up and read and she will cherish it.
This is an aspirational, Big Momma of our gift guide recommendations. Remember when your parents sent you to summer camp as a kid (if you were lucky enough). Now you can return the favor and send your mom to camp. Camp Château that is! Camp Château is a women only camp located in a French château where for a week you get to curate your own adventures and select activities, experiences, and connections that most interest you and bring you joy. It’s an all-inclusive sleep-away camp (you will be sharing your room just like in camp but way nicer) that provides inclusive spaces for women, where they can rest, rejuvenate, and have fun. There is an array of activities you get to chose from. Think yoga, flower arrangement, cooking classes, sightseeing, wellness, art, wine tasting, crafting and so much more. Or you can also relax and just be in an amazing setting. The camp has proved so successful the founders (all women) decided to add another château to the program. There aren’t that many spaces left for 2026 so book ASAP. If you are a daughter this can be a mother/daughter trip, or she can go with her friends or go alone and make new friends. Either way we guarantee your mother will be thrilled to go (I want to go!!). If you are loving this gift recommendation but either cannot afford it or your mother is not that mobile there is actually “Pocket Château”, which provides an online camp community for $22 a month. It can be accessed on the internet or mobile web. It includes weekly electives, live events, community chat, community posts and more. As amazing as gifts can be the memories of an experience at Camp Château will last a lifetime.
Motherhood is the hardest job on earth, don’t let anyone else tell you otherwise. So let your mother know before it’s too late how much she means to you and how much you love her with a gift that shows that you really thought of her.
Every year The Local Artisan Guide offers a Holiday Gift Guide and this year is no different. If you read our previous blog on Olfactory ideas for holiday gifts this blog is some of our most favorite gift ideas in multiple categories. As usual the gifts are from brands that are artisanal, small business and local (even if they are available around the world). If we can help guide you to more unique, artisanal gifts then we have done our job. We are featuring here gifts from American, Spain, Italy, Paris and Mexico because that is how we roll. Just click on the captions below for more info on the item.
Khushi Spa is a beauty brand that has focused since in inception as a brand that eschews chemicals and additives in their products and rely on natural ingredients used for centuries for the treatment and healing of your skin. We love their bestseller Healing Balm, which is described as “A simply divine balm made from a lanolin base with shea butter, sweet almond oil, calendula oil and essential oils of geranium and lavender. The Khushi Healing Balm is thick going on but has nice absorption if given a moment. Use on; dry hands and feet, dry patches of skin, chapped baby cheeks (on the face or the bum), or any part of the skin that needs a bit of extra attention.” The ingredients are lanolin, shea butter, sweet almond oil, calendula oil, beeswax, glycerin, rosemary oil extract, geranium essential oil, lavender essential oil and come in a 4 oz jar making for a much needed and affordable holiday gift.
Maria De La Orden, Tree Cashmere Sweater for Women
Maria De La Orden is a boutique brand based in Madrid that is a very whimsical, color and pattern oriented collection of clothes, shoes, accessories and now home decor. We love the quality of their Mongolian based cashmere, our favorite is Tree Cashmere Sweater in Green is fitted close to the body and has a turtleneck. Composed of 100% 2-ply ultra-soft cashmere, this luxurious green sweater has a stripe detail along the arms sleeves, in natural color.
Inphorm NYC is a luxury atleisure wear brand founded by designer Saad Hajidin who from the onset of his brand was focusing on creating fashionable activewear as eco friendly as possible and fair trade for his workers. Inphorm NYC has a reputation for activewear so fashionable that you don’t want to wear it just for sports. Inphorm NYC has lately added men’s and girls and boys activewear to their brand and we are spotlighting the Girls Strappy Tennis Flounce Dress which we feel young ladies will not only adore but likely will want to play tennis more! Sophisticated and playful is how we would describe this dress. We recommend pairing this with their classic compression short as an underpinning. Built in shelf bra eliminates see through on the upper body. The fabric is UV Protective with Moisture wicking and quick dry with Four-way stretch. Also Machine Washable.
Desideri Design is a jewelry brand created and designed by Roman Claudia Desideri (now based in NYC) who initially became known for her Swarovski Crystal designs and has now evolved into other media which included this beautiful solid silver ring inspired by her travels in Hawaii and the Kukui seeds she found on the beach. This incredible ring was created by nature and sculpted by the ocean. The organic solid ring has a nice weight bringing lux and uniqueness to this beautiful wearable art.
Mondelliani Eyewear is an independent Roman eyewear brand (their eyewear boutique also offers a highly curated selection of smaller independent brands) as well as accessories and art) that has out of the box designs for their eyewear and sunglasses. Their fun play with color is apparent with their Wissing Eyewear, a classic model but with unexpected colors, for a look that is always joyful and never predictable. The combination of colors was created ad hoc for Mondelliani, making the object one of a kind.
Baboushkini is born from this - a UK based shopping destination designed to inspire, bringing to life a curation of the nicest, most high-quality and elegant children’s clothes made by an array of carefully chosen independent brands from around the world, all of which are founded and run by women, all of whom champion the magic of artisanal, thoughtful, ethical design and production when it comes to babies and children. With that we love the Oso + Me brand and their baby sleep suit which is the Green Missy Baby 100% organic double cotton gauze, with velvet trim and runs true to size. Your adorable baby will look even more adorable if that was already possible.
John Robshaw is well known textile designer mostly known in home decor circles with a stunning collection of east/west patterns and color inspiration designs for his bed and tableware. Mostly handmade in India John Robshaw also has other categories in his design world which included accessories, furniture, stationary and apparel. We chose his Aaditya Robe which is unisex and like his other textiles is also hand blocked by meticulous artisans. Relax in style in this wonderful batik style robe. Incredibly soft and light, these cotton voile robes are perfect for any season. 100% Cotton voile and with pockets. Available in s/m and l/xl.
The Long Wharf Supply Co., is an eco friendly apparel brand that creates their clothing from recycled oyster shells, recycled water bottle and cotton. We highly recommend as a gift for the men in your life the Bellamy SeaWell™ Sweater. The first fisherman's sweaters made from a soft blend of recycled oyster shells, recycled water bottles, and cotton. Inspired by vintage style and classic comfort, these garments boast ribbed cuffs and collars to promote thermal regulation and lightweight layers for windy days among the great outdoors. This sweater is inspired by the Prince of Pirates, Samuel Bellamy sailed from Cape Cod to become one of the wealthiest pirates in the world. During his time, he was known as a "Robin Hood of the Seas" treating both his crew and prisoners well until he ran aground and perished off Wellfleet, Massachusetts in 1717. Donning his famous ensign, our Bellamy SeaWell™ Sweater provides the perfect versatile layer for year-round use.
Independent book store McNally Jackson has an amazing collection of books and to support independent book stores in an Amazon age helps make sure they survive. That said we want to recommend a classic book on style, Slim Aarons, “Style”, a book on glamorous fashions, personalities, and places captured by iconic photographer Slim Aarons in this collection from curator Shawn Waldron and author Kate Betts. McNally Jackson’s description on the book is as follows: “Slim Aarons, at least according to the man himself, did not photograph fashion: “I didn’t do fashion. I did the people in their clothes that became the fashion.” But despite what he claimed, Aarons’s work is indelibly tied to fashion. Aarons’s incredibly influential photographs of high society and socialites being unambiguously themselves are still a source of inspiration for modern day style icons. Slim Aarons: Style showcases the photographs that both recorded and influenced the luminaries of the fashion world. This volume features early black-and-white fashion photography, as well as portraits of the fashionable elite—like Jacqueline de Ribes, C.Z. Guest, Nan Kempner, and Marisa Berenson—and those that designed the clothes, such as Oscar de la Renta, Emilio Pucci, Mary McFadden, and Lilly Pulitzer. Featuring some never-before-seen images and detailed captions written by fashion historians, Slim Aarons: Style is a collection of the photographer’s most stylish work.”
AYU New York, Handmade Stuffed Toys from Oaxaca, Mexico
AYU New York is known for home decor from around the world and in the store we found these adorable and beautiful handmade stuffed toys from Oaxaca, Mexico. These are perfect gifts for a child that has parents that are style and eco friendly conscious as the child gets a fun and colorful toy to play with and the parents have a toy that actually adds to the style of their home decor. No plastic, messy and loud toys here. Made out of cotton, price upon request.
So there you go, ten gift ideas for the holidays that will satisfy everyone on your gift giving list. They are artisanal, eco friendly and help small local brands thrive. Plus your loved ones will appreciate how you went the extra mile to find a gift as unique as they are.
The Local Artisan Guide has come out with its annual Mother’s Day Gifts guide that will help you chose thoughtful, unique gifts that are made by artisans and small independent brands that care passionately about their work, their workers, their products and the earth. We have chosen an array of categories from fashion, accessories, perfumes, beauty, home decor, jewelry, flowers, footwear, sweets and more. If you want to show your mother that she is your hero and deserves a gift that shows how special she is to you, then this is the guide is for you. So click onto the caption and the link will bring you to the website. All recommendations are available online.
We know your mother will love anything you give her but she will definitely tell her friends you are her favorite if you chose any of the magnificent gifts recommended in our gift guide. However in the end, quality time and telling your mom you love her and she is the best mom in the world will always be on the top of her gift list.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Once on a date with a fairly new boyfriend a few years ago my new beau presented me with a beautifully wrapped package. As I tore into my unexpected gift I uncovered to my dismay a fancy bottle of perfume. I was quite frankly a little insulted. “Is he having a problem with the way I smell?” immediately went through my mind. He sensed my reaction and tried to put me at ease by saying he was gifting me the perfume because the scent I was wearing reminded him too much of an ex-girlfriend he would prefer to forget. He gave me a very expensive bottle of perfume that at the time I had never heard of, Annick Goutal’s Eau’d Hadrien (yes my new beau was loaded). I was ignorant at the time of the great gift he had given me, obviously he thought if he was going to ask me to change my scent it would be less offensive if the perfume was one of the world’s most expensive at the time. Since our sense of smell is the sense that brings a memory back the most vividly, I didn’t want him remembering his ex when we were together so I gave up my mixture of Issey Miyake’s L'eau d’Issey with a base of Fresh’s Milk Body Lotion (now discontinued) and started wearing the Eau’d Hadrien
I was not exactly thrilled about this because my signature scent of L’eau d’Issey and Fresh’s Milk Lotion was my calling card at the time, one that had strangers telling me how wonderful I smelled. The Eau’d Hadrien did not mix well with my skin chemistry, it smelled like bug spray when it hit my skin so after awhile I just went without scent. My new boyfriend turned out to be a playboy and we broke up so I gave the bottle of Eau’d Hadrien to a friend of mine and she smelled like a lovely citrus and orange grove the moment it hit her skin (which I believed is what you ideally smell like when you use Eau’d Hadrien).
Once you find a perfume, fragrance or cologne you love, you claim it as your own and state to the world, “this is my signature scent!”. Well that is fine but for the last few decades there is a great chance that many people around you are shopping around the same places to buy their scents (department stores, Sephora, airport duty free shops) so as you walk into a crowded room don’t be too surprised if your scent is not as original as you think it is.
That is why I recommend you start looking off the beaten path for a scent that is your’s truly and also offers an olfactory experience when seeking it out.
In the last few years there have been a few brands both old and new that have created a magical, lovely and at times a bespoke experience when seeking out your signature scent. Many of these brands have gone back in time to how fragrances were created hundreds of years ago and have followed the model of the apothecary. Some brands have gone into the future and have reinvented fragrances by creating them to recall olfactory experiences from around the world that are more unisex in nature.
Here are a few picks of artisanal brands and olfactory destinations located in New York City but available world wide that are making it easier to truly find a signature scent that you can feel quite confident no one else in the room is going to be wearing.
On the cusp of the Lower East Side and Chinatown, as you walk down gritty Orchard Street with its small contemporary art galleries and fashion forward independent brands there you will find Aedes Perfumery. The shop is petite, dark and romantic. You almost feel trepidatious by entering but once you do you enter you are immediately enveloped into Aedes’s world of highly curative perfumes from over 75 small independent brands all over the world. Their excellent staff is trained to educate their customer on different olfactive groups and let you explore their scents and what works for you. Aedes also has their own perfume, AEDES DE VENUSTAS. Housed in aubergine glass that is baroque yet futuristic, AEDED DE VENUSTAS offers nine very different scents and experiences, it is definitely a boutique you can lose a whole afternoon in. They also offer candles and home fragrances which make for unique gift giving.
In neighboring Nolita, the neighborhood has lately become a destination for artisanal perfume and fragrance brands lining the small streets along with other high-end independent boutiques. One of the latest brands to join this unique enclave is Claus Porto. Just entering the shop is an experience in itself with a 42 ft long archway made entirely from Portuguese cork, which visitors can step into and admire Claus Porto’s signature products. The brand is over 130 years old and stems from Portugal and built its name on hand-crafted, artisan fragrances which draw on ingredients from Portugal’s lush countryside. All the artwork is from their decades old archives and besides fragrances you can find soaps, candles, diffusers, bath and body and stationary, all which make for perfect gifts.
Its easy to step into Olfactory from the outside as the boutique is an explosion of all the colors of the rainbow. That is when the Olfactory adventure just begins. The friendly staff will guide you into their process for creating your very own perfume. First you will explore their core scents that are created using the finest and natural and sustainable ingredients. Second you will explore different variations of your core scent by adding accords that help enhance and customize the scent. Third you will chose the color of your of your bottle and help personalize it and like magic you have your very own custom scent! A plus is that the ingredients are vegan, organic, sustainable sourced, Phthalate And Paraben Free and the packaging is sourced locally. Scented candles, body lotions, body wash and gifts are also available so you can shop for yourself and your loved ones in a sustainable manner.
Is a perfume brand founded in New York City in 2006 and has a mission to customize your scent with a made-to-order bottle to ensure the freshest fragrance at the time of purchase. Created in collaboration with the world’s top perfumers and using only the highest-quality essential oils, Le Labo creates scents that are vegan and cruelty free. The brand’s fragrances, hand-dipped candles, and body products are designed to enrich the senses. Once you select your scent they will freshly blend your bottle and then personalize and engrave your bottle for you. There are also grooming, hair, body, home accessories and an eclectic set of oddities available at this rustic and earthy shop that helps ensure you are creating a unique experience for yourself.
When Christophe Cervasel and Sylvie Ganter first met, little did they know that their love for cologne and scents would spur a brand that is dedicated entirely to cologne. Hence Atelier Cologne was created so colognes could be worn as pure perfumes. With six olfactory groups they have created over 38 scents that range from flowery scents to nights full of the essence of tobacco. All made in France using ingredients native to France. Atelier Cologne products are with 0% paraben, paraffinum liquidum, GMO, animal derived ingredients, colorants, sulfates and made by artisans and craftsmen. Their charming boutique also offers candles, bath and both, travel sizes and gift sets.
Malin+Goetz is a skincare brand that operates like an apothecary using the simplest ingredients to provide a healthy product for your skin. They have a curated collection of fine fragrances, each inspired by a traditional perfumery ingredient with a modern interpretation and are perfect unisex scents. The shop shares its owners spare, less is more philosophy with clean minimal lines that is reflected in its packaging. The brand also offers besides skin and fragrances, candles, hair, body products, soap, beauty and gifts.
Deceim, the beauty brand that has been revolutionizing the beauty world has created a brand of unisex perfumes and fragrances called Avestan. And just like Deceim has brought new concepts to beauty, Avestan has brought new concepts to fragrances by focusing on experiences and scents that bring back memories from world travels. Wonder what an aromatic visualisation of firewood near a tent in Tanzania smells like? Or what the inside of a violin atelier smells like? The smell of copper in a Budapest architecture? Well with Avestan you will be privy to these unisex fragrances that work with the magic of olfactory memory. Currently they have over 15 scents that all included besides fragrances, candles, body and hair products.
Santa Maria Novella is a apothecary brand from Florence, Italy that can trace the beginnings of its formulation from 1221 with the official pharmacy opening in 1612. Thus the Officina Profumo - Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella (Perfume and Pharmaceutical Oficine of Holy Mary Novella) was born with an emblematic name that gave precedence to perfume or the ephemeral rather than the curative aspect of more spiritual inspiration, the medicinal or pharmaceutical. They catered to royalty, nobles and merchants worldwide and today Santa Maria Novella offers a multitude of aromatic waters, colognes, candles, home accessories for both men and women (even pets). Its a brand draped in history and with a staff that is more than happy to help explain the centuries old formulas that have been past down the ages.
MiN NY is a fragrance brand that operates on a conceptual philosophy of our definition of what constitutes a fragrance. Set in Soho’s Cast Iron District, MiN NY have created over 17 fragrance with such names and experiences as “Shaman” for mystical time travelers, “Moondust” because the moon it is said the moon smells of gunpowder after a desert rain. “Old School Bench” to bring back memories of pencil shavings and vintage desks. The brand also offers candles, haircare, gifts, eyewear and a highly curated selection of artisanal perfume brands from around the world.
Fueguia is an Argentinian sustainable perfume brand that uses only certain natural ingredients, being often very unique and used for the first time in perfumery. These ingredients being used in perfumery are also a great challenge due to the fact that climate change affects the availability, quality and prices of the different botanical species. Because of the scarcity of these ingredients, Fueguia 1833 produces only limited series of fragrances, using the finest natural ingredients available at the time of production. Each bottle shows the year and the lot number of the fragrance that is enclosed – a progressive number from 1 to 400 being engraved on a crystal bottle of each perfume. The boutiques are dark with well crafted vitrines highlighting the scents and adding to the luxurious and unique event of sampling the limited edition fragrances.
Marianella Soap Bar is the brainchild and passion project of mother and son team Marianella and David Foote who recreate the soaps and scents of Marianella’s nostalgic travels and her Venezuelan childhood spent making soaps and beauty products by hand in her grandmother’s kitchen. The fragrances and soaps makes the most luxurious one of a kind bath and body products with no Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, No Parabens, No Harsh Chemicals and No Animal Testing, all made in the U.S.A. Their beautiful, light, airy and cheerful shop features their custom fragrances, soaps, beauty, bath and body, home fragrances and gift sets (they just started a monthly subscription box).
The Scentarium is by appointment only and once there, its owner Sue Phillips will help you create a bespoke signature fragrance that captures the essence of you and gives you a custom perfume to wear and cherish. Whether its just you or a party of 50, Sue Phillips will educate you on perfumery and help you decide what is right for you by introducing you to groups of scents and then mixing and matching to get the unique scent that you desire. Sue also offers her own scents that she has created throughout the years.
Bond No. 9 New York is the first American parfumerie to be headed by a woman, Laurice Rahmé, who gives homage to New York City by giving every New York neighborhood a scent of its own. The brand is very civic minded, campaigning for and spreading peace internationally and raising funds for the cause via their universally loved “Scent of Peace”. The store itself is a Alice in Wonderland experience that will have you browsing through the city via your olfactory senses.
Founded by Kilian Hennessy, Kilian is a luxury perfume brand that seeks to create perfume the way it was made in the late 19th and the early 20th century, but adding a contemporary twist at the same time. Kilian’s concept of their “eco-luxe” philosophy that each bottle can be refilled and kept for a lifetime help put them on the map worldwide. There are over 35 scents in the collection, each telling a story with names like “Arabian Nights”, “Asian Tales”, and “In the Garden of Good & Evil”, every scent evokes ultimate sophistication and timeless luxury.
Think of Editions de Parfums Frédéric Malle as a publishing house for the industry’s very best Perfume Designers. As their editor, Frédéric Malle guides them individually through their creative process to ensure that they are always transcending their limits. Together they create works of art that will be the perfume classics of tomorrow. With a team of 13 perfume designers, the shop resembles an elegant home, a contemporary interpretation of a 1930s Parisian apartment with the clinical design of a fragrance laboratory. There are celebrated features including Frédéric Malle’s own signature smelling columns and refrigerated perfume cabinets. Besides helping educate the customer on olfactory elements, there are limited editions, candles, home scents, beauty and gifts.
Twisted Lily is a unique fragrance boutique and apothecary featuring hard to find niche, indie and natural fragrances from all over the world. This Brooklyn bright and cheery boutique curates fragrances that are created from just a few blocks away to the far side of the globe. Twisted Lily also features modern apothecary products such as skincare, grooming and beauty lines.
So there is a small sample of olfactory experiences in New York City. There are also a few honorable mentions such as Alchemlogie,Joya, Annick Goutal and more.
Besides finding your signature scent, all the brands mentioned are perfect destinations for thoughtful, unique, beautiful gift giving for the holidays.
I am now confident when I walk into a room that my scent is as personal and unique to me as my fingerprint. I will not reveal the brand or formulation I chose because this is truly “my signature scent”. My fragrance will forever bring up vivid memories of just..me.
The Local Artisan Guide has a few last minute ideas for those of you who have yet to get your mom a gift (or if you are a mom in the know you can direct your family to this link).
Is your mom savvy, thoughtful, unique, conscious, ecofriendly and loves artisan craftsmanship? Then this is the list for her.
RICA Bath and Beauty products are fresh-made to order in Brooklyn NY. Mixed “farm to vanity” style with organic and local grown ingredients (when possible) and sourced from the farms of Long Island’s North Fork. Made without synthetic preservatives, colorants, parabens, sulfates or petroleum, everything is USA made in a Gowanus, Brooklyn studio housing their production facility. RICA BODY
Foundrae is a jewelry brand which is more than jewelry: they are modern heirlooms, ones that allow the wearer to express something of herself to the world, and like all heirlooms, these pieces tell a story through customization. FOUNDRAE
Amour Vert is a eco-friendly, sustainable fashion brand that plants trees for every tee you buy (almost over 170,000 trees planted so far). AMOUR VERT
These colorful, flowery culottes are a great must have piece of clothing from the fashion brand Archerie. ARCHERIE
The Hat Shop collection features its own eponymous label as well as the work of up to 20 local milliners. Besides the beautiful artisanal handmade hats you can have a hat custom made for mom. THE HAT SHOP
Angela Roi is a vegan friendly fashion accessories brand that is not only stylish but donates proceeds to animal humane associations. ANGELA ROI
Indego Africa is a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering artisan women in Africa through employment opportunities and education. Plus you get beautiful home and fashion accessories which is always a great mother's day gift. INDEGO AFRICA
Brilliant Earth is the global leader in ethically sourced fine jewelry, offering beyond conflict-free diamonds, gemstones, and environmentally responsible gold and platinum. Here is a replica of Princess Diana's engagement ring but lab grown and affordable. BRILLIANT EARTH
Tom Dixon is a highly stylized London furniture and lighting brand with amazing gifts for Mother's Day like this air candle made in London. TOM DIXON
Whitby is a fashion handbag and accessories brand that gives 15% of its proceeds to non-profit organizations to help nonprofit partners to prevent the exploitation of girls through education. This "She Thrives" journal is the perfect gift for mom's, daughters, friends, etc. WHITBY
Malin+Goetz is a New York City based beauty and fragrance brand with award-winning formulations and iconic packaging, made locally. Their fragrances are guaranteed home runs for Mother's Day gifts (and if you order $100 or more you get a free geranium hand treatment gift, use code MOTHERSDAY). MALIN+GOETZ
What all these gift suggestions have in common is that they are of quality, unique, well thought out and give back to the community. Show your mother that you think the world of her this mother's day!
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.
