HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS - AN OLFACTORY TOUR OF LOWER MANHATTAN

Have you ever walked into a room and realized that someone else is wearing your fragrance? Or even worse, your loved one asks if you can change your fragrance because it reminds him of his last girlfriend (yes that happened to me). This no longer be the case. The fragrance industry has grown exponentially in the last 15 years with more independent artisan fragrances that are more experimental, unisex and connote an experience and memory instead of the usual notes we have been using for centuries. It’s an exciting time to wear a fragrance as unique as you.

That said we are giving you an olfactory tour of independent fragrance boutiques in Lower Manhattan (from 14th Street down) that cover an array of independent artisan fragrance brands that range from local to fragrances from around the world. We encourage not only visiting these fragrance boutiques if you are local to New York City but visiting them online and checking out their array of collections. Many of these boutiques also offer smaller testing and travel size collections plus fragrances for the home, beauty products and more which make for amazing holiday gifts! I highlighted my favorite scent from each shop (click onto the captions for the links to the brands) but I encourage you to investigate how much artisan fragrances have to offer. It would actually be an amazing way to spend the afternoon, hopping from perfume boutique to perfume boutique as many are keen to offer the customer a unique experience whether testing or creating your own scents. Plus the packaging alone in many of these boutiques are reason enough to go.

NOLITA

Nolita has become the place to go to in New York City for small independent brands especially artisan fragrance brands that are local and from around the world.

Olfactory - 281 Mott Street

Besides offering their own collection of fragrances, Olfactory is especially unique in that you can create your own fragrance and even have the bottle named after you or the person you would like to gift. Their scent-ologists will guide you through their scent customization experience. Leave with a personalized signature scent, bottled fresh on-site. While appointments are not required, they recommend them for groups and those coming from out of town. Each custom scent is $85. Talk about a unique gift!

Les Labo - 233 Elizabeth Street

Les Labo has their own artisan collection that they can personalized with charming perfume packaging (refillable) which makes for great holiday gifts. Les Labo also offers their own collection of fragrances for home fragrances, beauty and grooming options.

D.S & Durga - 255 Mulberry Street

Made in NYC, D.S. & Durga is a fragrance brand with the concept of creating and recreating memories of people, places and things. Their unisex fragrances and fragrance products are creating with unorthodox scents that make for excellent home fragrances too. My favorite was Steamed Rainbow which they describe as ROYGBIV reflections on soft weightless water steaming upwards forever fresh.

Osswald NYC - 242 Mulberry Street

Osswald NYC is a fragrance boutique curated by Tanja Dreiding Wallace who handpicked her favorite fragrances and fragrance products from around the world. Can’t make it to the Marais in Paris to pick a fragrance, don’t worry Osswald NYC may have what you are looking for. Our pick is “I am Coming Home” by FLORAIKU. They description of the scent is: “I am Coming Home” is a tea composition, with Ginger oil, Cardamom oil and White Tea extract, giving a fresh and aromatic start to this spicy fragrance with musky accents. Inspiration: The treasure boat gives the idea of a long and smooth travel that reaches its destination. The lights are like close friends, and the coast, a reassuring place. The sea is calm, nothing to fear, the arrival will be quiet and sweet, like the scent. Other notes: Bergamot, citrus, pink-pepper, jasmin tea accord, cedarwood, guaiacwood, amber notes.

Elorea - 41 Spring Street

Elorea is a Korea heritage fragrance brand. Elorea is a portmanteau of 'Elements' and 'Korea' inspired by Korea's rich history of fragrance and lifestyle. Their mission is to capture, preserve, and share the stories of their heritage. Our pick is Elorea’s “Be By My Side”, their description of the scent is it was created from the poetic Korean word hūnoni [흐노니], which means missing someone dearly. Warm and glowy, this scent is redolent of a passionate embrace. The bittersweetness of ginseng and rich floral notes of roses and forget-me-nots create a hauntingly sumptuous olfactive experience. It finishes with soft suede and vanilla for a silky, skin-like scent, heightening the sensuousness of this addictive scent.

Kismet Olfactive - 125 Elizabeth Street

Kismet Olfactive is a New York City-based independent fragrance studio founded by bohemian-perfumer Shabnam Tavakol. Recognizing her family’s escape from the Iranian Revolution, this fortuitous past, Kismet—from the Persian qismat, meaning “fate,” or, “what is meant to be”—translates the serendipitous moments that make up our lives into wearable scents. Inspired from scents around the world, we landed on “Wedding in Oaxaca” which is described as the story of two lovers bound together in a mystical Mexican city, surrounded by a parade of local music, dance, and friends in wild celebration. A playful fragrance, Wedding in Oaxaca fuses smooth lactonic notes of coconut milk and tuberose with fresh floral violet leaves and woody undertones of vetiver, musk, and sandalwood. May this scent always remind you of a memorable moment in time.

Malin + Goetz - 235 Elizabeth Street

MALIN+GOETZ was founded in the chelsea neighborhood of new york city in 2004 by founders matthew malin + andrew goetz who set out to uncomplicate skincare. The brand has grown to include multiple categories including fragrance. Our favorite fragrance we recommend is “Leather Eau de Perfume” which is perfect as a masculine not overpowering scent for men. It’s described as “nodding to the centuries old practice of fragrancing artisanal leather goods with custom perfumes, leather is a modern update that marries rawness and refinement. Immediately recognizable and universally appealing, leather is a texture and scent that inevitably evokes feelings of nostalgia. in our formula, muted florals mirror the elegance of smooth leather while rustic wood notes call to mind the softness of a well-worn vintage find. intimately shaping itself around the wearer like a second skin, leather is a fragrance that only gets better with time”.

Scent Bar - 244 Elizabeth Street

Adam Eastwood and Franco Wright, who began the first chapter of their perfume journey 15 years ago. In the years since Wright and Eastwood started Luckyscent their online perfume market and opened their first tiny Scent Bar storefront on Beverly Boulevard, West Hollywood they have become a go-to source for independent niche perfumes. In their Nolita boutique we picked ARC, Extrait by Mallo, a Spanish heritage brand. Arc represents a confluence of Eastern and Western natural perfumery. Perfumers Antonio Lasheras and Rajesh Balkrishnan combine rare to obtain natural absolutes and create a fantastical mythical flowering plant that is fully contained in the bottled juice only as a unique fougere. Calming and spiritual, ARC takes its wearers to distant mountainous places where wild herbs and flowers caress the lofty pines.

The Naxos Apothecary - 241 Elizabeth Street

The Naxos Apothecary is a Greek luxury natural fragrance and personal care brand that passes on and pushes forward the history, culture, heritage, and endemic flora of the Aegean Island of Naxos, a fertile land with lush vegetation, great biodiversity, and unique endemic species. Combined with scientific expertise in phytotherapy, this led to a sophisticated apothecary brand that proposes personalized herbal cosmetic remedies as well as soulful, storytelling fragrances and candles. We loved “Sangri”, which can be described as Oriental & Woody, medieval scents that form a hypnotizing aura. This fragrance stands for monuments of different eras, a blend of various historical influences.

Korres - 232 Elizabeth Street

Korres is a Greek beauty and fragrance brand established in 1996 using the wisdom of the traditional and sustainable natural remedies from their grandmothers and the organic farmers of Greece. A fragrance we think would be popular for all ages is “Saffron Spices”, an elevated skin freshener that lasts all day, is one of their finest apothecary fragrances. Perfect to wear on its own or layered with any of their other luxurious body care formula.

SOHO

Mizensir SoHo Boutique - 26 Prince Street

Mizensir was founded in 1999 by Alberto Morillas in Geneva, Switzerland. As a perfumer who has been behind many worldwide successes in modern perfumery, he and his wife decided to found a House dedicated to craftsmanship and know-how by offering scented candles and perfumes. Over the years and as a family, they developed a wide selection of scents and collaborated with some of the biggest names in fashion to offer them olfactory signatures. We fell in love with “Lovely Alba”, designed to capture the innocence of a child, this elegant scent offers a surprising amount of intensity. It opens with energizing bergamot, jasmine, and neroli then blends with refreshing orange blossom and powdery iris in the middle. A warm accord of resin and vanilla finishes the fragrance with a layer of sophistication.

Fueguia 1833 - 21 Crosby Street

Visiting a Fueguia 1833 boutique is truly an olfactory experience. Founded in 2010 in Buenos Aires by Julian Bedel, Fueguia 1833 is a unique concept in the universe of niche perfumery, synonymous with craftsmanship, innovation, exotism and sustainability. Fueguia 1833 is a tribute to the indigenous communities of South America, guardians of the aromatic and medicinal plants of their lands, and an ode to their preservation. The story of Fueguia Basket - a native girl from Tierra del Fuego kidnapped in the early 19th century by British commander Robert FitzRoy and disowned by her family upon her return home years later - inspired the brand name as a symbolic representation of Imperialism’s downside. We highly recommend “Beagle”, an amazing fragrance for men that is strong and hypnotic but not overbearing. The name of this scent comes from Fueguia Basket’s character also appears in ''Voyage of the Beagle'', the journal of a very young Charles Darwin who embarked on the same vessel during the expedition where he would write ''On the Origin of Species''. You will find Gunpowder and rum mellowed by the sweet masculine fragrance of mahogany and copper found on the HMS Beagle. 

Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella - 285 Lafayette Street

Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella is was founded in Florence in 1221 by Dominican Friars and continues to use formulas for scents, beauty and grooming products created hundreds of years ago. Its apothecary art legacy crosses eight centuries and is deeply intertwined with Florence history, personalities and social tissue, in a continuously-renewed alchemy of tales and wonders. A fragrance we love is “Gelsomino” which is floral/spicy/woodsy scent. The history behind this scent is brings the special tale of Cosimo III de’ Medici and his Stufa dei Mugherini into our everyday lives: bergamot, tangerine and pink pepper welcome us in the top notes. At the heart, the mystery unfolds with sambac jasmine absolute, geranium and ylang-ylang. Finally, the greenhouse opens entirely with cedar wood and musk.

Trudon SoHo - 146 Spring Street

Trudon is one of the oldest perfume brands in the world. Founded in 1643 in Paris by Claude Trudon, he became the owner of a store on rue Saint Honoré in Paris. There he sells spices and candles eventually becoming the official Royal perfumer to the kings. A popular scent is “Vixi” which is the perfect unisex scent that leaves a freshness that runs on the skin, leaving a desirable trace of amber and leather on the surface. 

Byredo - 62 Wooster Street

Byredo is a European luxury brand founded in Stockholm in 2006 by Ben Gorham, with an ambition to translate memories and emotions into products and experiences. Byredo is reinventing the world of luxury through a new approach, where creation is led by emotions, expressing a full and limitless brand universe. Byredo is a great brand for unisex fragrances that connote experiences and memories that make the fragrances an original and unique experience when trying on. I love the names of the perfumes which peak my curiosity and from that “Mojave Ghost” is one of my favorite scents. It’s described as suspended between dreams and reality, from gnomes and mythical creatures to anthropomorphic plants and animals, the fanciful imaginings bring an emotional connection to holiday traditions and folkloric enchantment.

Alchemist Kitchen - 119 Crosby Street

The Alchemist Kitchen is a destination for holistic healing and carefully curated products that also include beauty and fragrance. They carry the Heretic Parfum line, founded by perfumer Douglas Little, to disrupt the status quo by focusing on botanical ingredients that are inspired by Ayurvedic benefits derived from plants. Each fragrance is vegan, blended in organic non-GMO alcohol extraction, without synthetics, offering exceptional quality. A popular scent in the Heretic collection is “Smudge”. Celebrating the ancient practice of using ceremonial smoke to clear energy, this super-pure fragrance envelops you in an exquisite blend of juniper, labdanum, frankincense, and tonka bean.

Atelier D’Emotion - 137 Sullivan Street

Atelier D’Emotion is a unique boutique in Soho that curates many categories including the Olfactory Arts. One new independent perfume brand they carry is the Bubble Collection which is a selection of different perfumes inspired from different exotic places around the world. We absolutely loved “Marrakesh” which made me want to be the woman it stood up for. The scent can be described as “Take a stroll through the souk, filled with dazzling aromas of sunny citrus, scintillating spices, sumptuous florals and supple woods. In the shade of a flying carpet, you will find yourself entranced by the complex rhythmic patterns of hand-dyed wool, the elegant arabesques on silver platters and gilded tea glasses in rainbow hues. Tendrils of steam from your tea mingle with swirls of sweet tobacco”.

WEST VILLAGE

Kilian Paris - 804 Washington Street

Kilian Paris is an artisan perfume brand by Lilian Hennessy who is part of one of France’s most illustrious dynasties in fine liquors. Kilian Hennessy translates the sensibility and vision inherited from his ancestors into the realm of perfume. Kilian Hennessy has created his contemporary vision of French perfumery with a nod to artisans of the past. A true Master of Scent, working closely with renowned noses as he directs the creation of each fragrance. Known for his long-lasting accords that recall luxury French fragrances of former eras, Kilian Hennessy is uncompromising on the quality of ingredients, privileging the raw and rare and harkening to a rich legacy that stretches from centuries past. The resulting fragrances create a passionate dance between conventional and unorthodox. One of the most seductive scents is “Love, Don’t Be Shy”. It can be explained as First love’s innocence makes itself known with juicy honeysuckle and plush rose softly caressed by the sweetness of luscious marshmallow sugar accord, satisfying the craving pang of new love. A warm amber base lends a pulsing touch of sensuality, hinting the possibility of soon knowing another soul, inside and out.

Frederic Malle - 94 Greenwich Avenue

Born into the world of perfume, with more than thirty years’ experience, Frédéric Malle is the foremost expert in perfumery today. An unconventional and unclassifiable aesthete, he offers artists the opportunity to excel themselves, encourages them to develop their own idiom, and celebrates their creativity. And so, from each collaboration, a masterpiece is born—a perfume whose creator is proud enough to sign it with his own name, for the very first time. The brand collaborates with perfumers around the world and with that his collaboration with Maurice Roucel, one of our favorite scents was created, “Uncut Gems” which is made with a lot of “fresh naturals, and musk, it is not only magnetic but quite chic”.

Parfum de Marly - 805 Washington Street

Founded by Julien Sprecher Far from the etiquette of Versailles, the privileged guests of King Louis XV's "Perfumed Court" met at the "Marlys": sumptuous receptions under the banner of festivities, arts and of course perfume, which embalmed even fountains. Parfums de Marly brings the essence of the palace to life with a spirit of splendour and audacity that animates each of its creations. From the name of its fragrances to the glasswork of its bottles, a unique heritage shines through each perfume. We love the unisex fragrance “Herod” which is personified by its blend of diverse notes, exuding a smoky vanilla scent. This eau de parfum opens on spicy top notes of cinnamon and pepper to then show its powerful heart of tobacco leaf, incense, ciste and osmanthus. These peppery notes are further surrounded by vanilla pods, musk, patchouli and woody accord at the base. An elegant and discernible perfume, for both men and women, it is the epitome of old-world sophistication.

A Perfume Goldmine - 66 Greenwich Avenue

A Perfume Goldmine is home of “The Zoo” fragrances. The Zoo® NYC fragrances compose a menagerie of personalities like exciting creations in a zoo. They were launched in 2017 and are housed in four The Zoo® NYC habitats: Fresh, Sexy, Forbidden, and Raw. Each requires constant feeding with a large palette of ingredients sourced from around the world. They are composed by Christophe to deliver comfort, surprise, or intrigue. Each will shine some fun and ignite a dream with a twist: to be found in our vivid descriptions under each item. We are crazy for “Kiki’s Plant Sex” the new fragrance from contemporary artist Kiki Smith, designed in collaboration with the award-winning French fragrance designer, Christophe Laudamiel. Kiki is a study of balance and contrast and is unabashedly green and fresh while deeply and unexpectedly, lush, warm, and dynamic. The fragrance evokes Kiki’s most significant olfactory memories: musks, boxwood, patchouli and sandalwood next to fresh, ripe foliage, and fig leaf notes. The uniquely soothing, enveloping warmth and herbaceousness of blue chamomile and the bright and summery smell of narcisse create an incandescent, satisfying and fearless scent that is diffusive and illuminating.

Diana Broussard - 19C Christopher Street

Well known independent jewelry, accessories and footwear designer has created a fragrance for her brand made in France titled “DIANA BROUSSARD Eau de Parfum” By DETAILLE, Paris. At the beginning of the XXe century, the Maison de Parfum Detaille was founded by the Countess de Presle, one of the first women to buy a premier automobile. Her modernity, the risk taking nature of her spirit, and her great affinity for beautiful scents, are the traits that Diana Broussard wants to portray in her first signature scent.  The scent Is delicately woody. It's heart is built around saffron and Moroccan cedar. Faceted by an accord of oud, bergamot and cistus, and lying on a bed of tobacco, oud, cedar, and patchouli. A fragrance that is sophisticated, elegant, toujours chic, and a touch risky. 

NOHO

Bond No 9 - 9 Bond Street

Bond No 9 is the first New York parfumerie to be headed by a woman--our founder and CEO, Laurice Rahmé, who oversees every aspect of Bond No. 9--from creating the New York-centric concept behind our eau de parfum collection, to guiding the development of each fragrance and bottle design, to designing the interior of each Bond No. 9 boutique. There are so many scents we love here but we are happy to select our unicorn pick which is quite outrageous in price at $1,300 but a truly unique gift to others (or yourself), “New York Forever” Limited Edition Swarovski Disco Ball perfume. This sexy new anniversary tribute fragrance gets a fabulously festive limited-edition revamp reminiscent of a tinsel-strewn Studio 54. Bond No. 9 embellished the iconic Silhouette Bottle with a mix of bold tile-shaped Swarovski crystals that dance and shimmer like a disco ball on your vanity. In what Rahmé calls “a powerful fragrance for a powerful city.

LOWER EAST SIDE

Aedes Perfumery - 16A Orchard Street

Perfume boutique Aedes de Venustas , which translates to "temple of beauty" in Latin, opened in 1995. The idea behind AEDES is providing personalized service and exclusive scents that could not be found in department stores. The result: a seductive fragrance sanctuary with scented candles, potpourris, perfumes, soaps, skin care products all displayed on ornate etageres and damask-covered tables. Besides the Aedes de Venustas collection their fragrance library includes many prestigious brands of independent perfumes. It is hard to pick a favorite in this stunning perfume boutique but we chose “Grenadille D’Afrique” A tribute to ancient African Blackwood and its majestic home. From crackling sap to balmy resin. Smoky wood to sun-seared stone. Purple dusk to ink-black night. GRENADILLE D’AFRIQUE expresses not only its namesake tree, but also the primal landscape in which it grows.  

Fragrance is such an personal gift that shows you care and as we said now that perfume brands are creating experiences and scents that recollect memories of places and objects we think you will appreciate the journey of finding a scent for you or your loved ones.

By Natalie Rivera

Affordable Mother's Day Gifts for Mom

Can you believe it’s already May? That means Mother’s Day is just around the corner and The Local Artisan Guide once again saves the day by highlighting gifts for mom that are affordable, unique, thoughtful and artisanal. These gifts are made by small, local businesses and your mother will appreciate that you took the time to show her with these gifts how special she is to you. Click on the captions for the links for the items.

Just because mom wants to wear sensible shoes doesn’t mean they can’t be stylish AND comfortable. We love the CHIKO Kaeleigh Round Toe Block Heels Slingback Shoes. The Kaeleigh has a sensible heal and features a leather, suede upper, leather lining, rubber sole. Heel height is approx. 0.5″. We love the green suede and tan trim and know your mom would be delightly surprised by this gift.

Dana Blair is a jewelry designer who after 20 years and a bicoastal life has settled into New York City with her first brick and mortal jewelry boutique in Chelsea, New York (also available online). Dana specializes in beautiful, delicate jewelry that is affordable which lets you layer up with an array of semi-precious stones. Dana’s necklaces, rings, bracelets are great gifts for mom, we especially love her dream catcher’s necklaces which she is most known for and is now on her bracelets. Most of the pieces are under one hundred dollars.

A beautiful journal from your local book or gift store is a thoughtful gift for your mother that she will enjoy as chances are she is more a paper than tech kind of mom. Here at Good for the Study in Nolita, NYC we find a large selection of beautiful journals for mom’s thoughts and ideas.

If your mother loves to cook here is an original gift that she will love for her kitchen and its the Bitterman Salt Co. Pink Himalayan Salt Block & Cookbook (comes with its own saltblock). It’s the ultimate guide to cooking on salt and the awesome power of salt. This cookbook will teach mom to grill, bake and serve on the saltblock. She’ll be appreciative (and so will you) to learn the new skill of saltblock cooking.

One way to make mom feel special on Mother’s Day is to get her a customized gift and we love the Green Velvet Laptop Case with chain and charger pocket. It’s 15” across and comes with her name on it (order on the website to customize). It’s very affordable at just $60 and BAG ALL is a women own business that has focused on sustainability since its concept. Mom will appreciate that you are helping planet earth and giving her a customize gift for Mother’s Day.

One can’t go wrong with a artisanal scented candle for mom. We recently discovered the candles from The Commonfolk Collective that have special “Mum” candles (pictured are the Astrology Candles). This candle is a LIMITED EDITION with only 100 units available. They have tweaked their original Mum label with a NEW peachy coloured background featuring gold foil text to tie in together with our 'Love Ya Mum' Soul Candle + our second LIMITED EDITION candle, Dictionary Meaning Family.

And for our grand finale we have one of our most favored finds, “Marrakech” from The Bubble Collection. Artisanal perfumers Michael Perris and Gregory Cole have worked with world renowned brands before deciding to create their own memorable perfume collection and decided to name it The Bubble. We were immediately captivated by “Marrakesh”. A floral and spicy scent that is described as “Take a stroll through the souk, filled with dazzling aromas of sunny citrus, scintillating spices, sumptuous florals and supple woods. In the shade of a flying carpet, you find yourself entranced by the complex rhythmic patterns of hand-dyed wool, the elegant arabesques on silver platters, and gilded tea glasses in rainbow hues. Tendrils of steam from your tea mingle with swirls of sweet tobacco.” We guarantee any mom would fall in love with the fragrance, its the next best thing to going to Marrakesh.

These are our picks for Mother’s Day. They are affordable, thoughtful, artisanal and will show your mother that even though they are very affordable they are unique and special, just like she is.

By Natalie Rivera

THE LOCAL ARTISAN GUIDE 2022 FATHER'S DAY GIFT GUIDE

This year our annual Father’s Day Gift Guide is just as thoughtful, artisanal and sustainable as ever! We at The Local Artisan Guide take enormous pleasure in highlighting the small brands that create amazing and unique gifts for your one of a kind dad (or dad figure in your life). This year we have ten suggestions that cover all categories and price points. There is bound to be one that your dad will truly appreciate. Just click onto the captions which will provide you the links to go and show your father (or father-figure) how much you love and cherish him!

MISTER MARVELOUS EAU DE PARFUM, BYREDO

Your dad will love the limited edition fragrance, “Mister Marvelous” by Byredo. Mister Marvelous turns the classic men’s cologne on its head with a modern, citrus-led twist. Brimming with charisma and exuding the scent of a confident character, the sweet opening of mandarin leaves and neroli flower leads to a fresh heart of bamboo and green lavender. Like the ideal gentleman, full of gestures that delight, spicy notes of black amber and white cedarwood provide a final dash of intrigue. A fragrance that surprises and delights as it unfurls, much like the experience of knowing a Marvelous man.

MAP DESIGN BACKGAMMON SET - 18" with Screen Printed Points, CHESS FORUM

What better gift to dad than your company playing a competitive game of Backgammon? Chess Forum, a much beloved game store in Greenwich Village offers a map theme Backgammon board game that your father would be proud to own .The set is a generously sized 18 inch backgammon set with a vintage map design! This set, is adored for its map design case and the non-stitched, screen printed points that make it easy for pieces to glide over the board's surface. Tan Case Measures 18 inches. Case is Constructed of Vinyl - Wipes Clean with Ease. Includes Chips with diameter 1.243 in., Dice and Felt-lined Cups

MEN’S STRETCHABLE SILK PAJAMA SET, LILYSILK

What a way to add a touch of luxury to your dad’s life. These stretchable, breathable silk pajamas are warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Made to move with you, the Men's Striped Silk Stretch Pajama set has been created using an innovative technique that combines silk with spandex for a more comfortable fit. These pajamas are also super stylish, with a self-colored stripe running through the shirt and matching pants. Buy two pairs to wear with your significant other, who knew dressing up to stay in could feel so good. Also the silk used in Lilysilk is a more sustainable silk because the silk worms are fed with the more eco friendly Mulberry bush.

MEN’S NEGRONI SMOKING SLIPPER, SOLUDOS

It’s always five o’clock somewhere! Treat your dad to these ultra hip slippers with one of his favorite cocktails embroidered on the front toes. Soludos, a sustainable footwear brand with a marvelous sense of wit and humor make their slippers with organic cotton for the upper canvas and are working on creating a low carbon footprint for their brand. Besides comfort and style, your dad also gets to show off his part time hobby of mixologist through his footwear. Win/Win!

CORNELL WOOLRICH, “DEAD AT DAWN”, THE MYSTERIOUS BOOKSHOP

One great and affordable Father’s Day gift is the gift of reading and books. If your dad is a book worm and loves sitting down to a good read may we recommend The Mysterious Bookshop, a bookstore that specializes in mysteries. Our choice is Cornell Woolrich’s “Deadline at Dawn”. The synopsis of the books is as follows: When Quinn first meets Bricky, she’s working as a partner-for-hire at a dancehall and he’s struggling to shake the anxiety of his guilty conscience. Earlier that day, the young man took advantage of a found key and used it to rob a stranger’s home. Now, with the purloined money in his pocket, Quinn is unable to escape the memory of his wrongdoing―and not even a night spent dancing is enough to silence his nagging thoughts. 

When the dancehall closes, he and Bricky―linked, after many intimate hours, by a budding romance―return to the scene of the crime intending to restore the stolen fortune and begin a new life together, only to discover, upon arrival, that the owner of the property has been murdered. There’s evidence present that easily links Quinn to the crime, and he expects that, as soon as day breaks and the authorities learn of the gruesome scene, he will be arrested straight away. Which means that he and Bricky have only a few short hours to find the true killer and clear Quinn’s name for good.

Wow! I think even mom or you may borrow this book when dad is done!

POSTMAN ECLAIR BAG, NAVY, BLEU DE CHAUFFE AT KAI D UTILITY

A stylsih and utilitarian bag for dad is always a good choice of gift for Father’s Day and we love the Postman Eclair in navy (comes in other colors too). This classic French postman bag from Bleu de Chauffe is avaialble at sustainable design brand Kai D Utility and is 100% made of organic leather. Removable leather strap and comfortable leather shoulder pad lined with natural felt. Two side pockets and one pocket in the front. 11 and 13 " padded inside laptop pocket. The Inside cotton pocket is the support of the Bleu de Chauffe label, signed and dated by the artisan. Patina handmade. 100% made in France. Size: 15" x 11" x 3.93"

CLASSIC FEDORA, THE HAT SHOP NYC

A classic fedora is a piece of slow fashion your father is sure to not only appreciate and wear but hand down as a family heirloom. We are big fans of The Hat Shop NYC where they offer a classic fedora made from Panama straw and a variety of trims to choose from. Just give them your dad’s head measurements (how you choose to get those measurements without surprising him is your dilemma) and he will receive a bespoke fedora, perfect to protect him from summer rays in stylish form. Crown: 4” fedora. Brim: 2” brim.

JEFF KOONS X IKEPOD HORIZON “CANNONBALLS” MODEL HHTJK IN TITANIUM AT ROWING BLAZERS

This gift is a bit pricey and aspirational but if you have the dash, may we recommend a vintage, limited edition watch by renowned artist Jeff Koons? Available at Rowing Blazers, this collaboration between Ikepod and Koons was inspired by Koon’s 2006-2010 exhibition piece “Cannonballs”. The work takes inspiration from the Marvel comic character, The Hulk, in molecular form. Koons described his sculpture by stating: “This stack of cannonballs is actually The Hulk. If you would take the Hulk and break him down, in a molecular-like structure, this would be the proportions. Of his greens, his violet and his black. This piece is having a dialogue with minimalism and making a reference to Sol Le Witt.”

The watch’s introduction in 2009 served to make an impact on the lives of others with the proceeds directly going towards the Koons Family Institute to help missing and exploited children. This example is being offered in new and unworn condition, with the stickers on the front and back of the case remaining in place and untouched. It also includes the original leather case and outer cardboard box. The strap design was used by Apple on the Apple Watch. Curated by Wind Vintage.

BRAVE BROTHER - URBAN MONK BALM CANDLE

If your budget for Father’s Day is not an expensive vintage watch may we suggest a candle made in the Bronx by Urban Monk Balm Candle that is masculine yet not overpowering. The scent is “Brave Brother” and it has notes of Vetiver, patchouli, cedarwood, clara sage, bergamot, Egyptian amber, cardimon and star anise. Ingredients feature natural essential oils, organic soy wax, organic cotton wicks, designed for enhanced release of essential oil fragrances. Scent brings up our memories so have your father always remember you when he lights this calming candle.

SHAVING BRUSH WITH SILVER BADGER AND BRASS HANDLE, SANTA MARIA NOVELLA

Out of all our Father’s Day gift recommendations this may be the one he actually would use the most. If your dad shaves, have him do it in style with one of the oldest grooming brands around Costella 1828 from Genoa, Italy and available at Santa Maria Novella. Costella 1828 offers a shaving brush made from the finest materials. This shaving brush is pure silver badger-hair with a brass handle. Turned from untreated brass, then painted with nanotechnology products to protect from oxidation without modifying the natural finish. Your father will be sure to treasure this unique piece of grooming equipment for years to come.

Well those are our recommendations for an artisanal, unique and thoughtful Father’s Day. Being a father (or father figure) is an important task of love and labor and if done well should be recognized and rewarded. Your presence and time with your father would perhaps be what they want the most but these gifts we feel will be a close second.

Happy Father’s Day from The Local Artisan Guide!

By Natalie Rivera

VALENTINES DAY GIFT GUIDE FOR HIM

We did our choices for HER for Valentines Day, now we are going to do our blog for Valentines Day Gifts for HIM from The Local Artisan Guide. We have chosen five gift ideas that range in categories and price points yet are romantic, thoughtful, artisanal and unique. We know he will appreciate that you think he is original enough to shop artisanal.

Ellis Brooklyn, Super Amber Eau de Parfum

Ellis Brooklyn, Super Amber Eau de Parfum, $105

This Brooklyn based perfume brand has created an amazing scent that can definitely be unisex in nature. Super Amber can best be described as:

Ever imagined perfume as a texture? Meet SUPER AMBER, a cozy, super warm, addictive scent that envelops like a cashmere blanket on warm bare skin. SUPER AMBER is the beautiful marriage of cutting edge olfactive technology (made with minimal environmental and social impact) and clean perfumery (it’s free of fragrance allergens). Unlike traditional fragrances, SUPER AMBER is not structured with top, middle and base notes. Rather it blooms once it interacts with your skin's own unique chemistry. It's unlike any perfume you've smelled.

What we love about this locally made in the USA perfume brand is the amount of eco-friendly responsibility that goes in creating their scents. It scores a AAA rating (green, social impact, environmental impact) for the EcoScent Compass, it is PETA certified vegan and cruelty free, the scent uses up cycled Virginia Cedarwood with a biodegradable musk. The bottle is composed of glass and can be reused or recycled. Remove cap and any spray parts, including the dip tube. Rinse out glass portion and reuse or recycle. It has a Bakelite Compression Cap: This cap is biodegradable and contains no petrochemicals.

Ghylain Rouge Chocolate Heart Box

Ghylain Rouge Chocolate Heart Box, $37.75

Originally from Québec, Canada, Ghyslain Maurais found his culinary passion while working in the field to fund his architectural education. Soon after, he changed career paths and became a renowned French pastry chef specializing also in chocolate décor, candy making, blown/pulled sugar and bread making. He relocated to his wife’s hometown of Union City, Indiana to establish Ghyslain Chocolatier. We love his original Rouge milk chocolate heart box that includes six of Ghyslain’s Valentine hearts, presented in a window box with red satin bow and watercolor tag. The chocolate heart flavors include:

Mango Margarita, Coconut Rum, Peach Daquiri, Jivara, Chocolate Raspberry and French Vanilla.

They can be ordered on the website and delivered straight to your loved one’s door. Hearts within a big red chocolate heart is the gift that keeps on giving.

Macha, Men's Square Signet Ring Hallmarked

Macha, Men’s Square Signet Ring Hallmarked, $365

Brooklyn based jewelry designer Bernice Kelly's is originally from Northern Ireland which has had an enduring influence on her approach to jewelry design from Ireland’s rugged landscapes and the warmth and tenacity of its culture. She has designed a collection of jewelry for men called “The Men’s Room” where her signature Signet rings date letter collection utilizes a strong British tradition which requires precious metals to be officially stamped. A symbol represents the metal the piece is created in, and the date letter represents the year it was made, by law only available for that particular year, there being a 26 year wait before this letter can be marked again. Classic large square signet ring in sterling silver with British hallmarks. The Lion represents Sterling Silver. 'X' is the hallmark for 2022. Specifications for this signet ring are:

Sterling silver. Face of ring measures at 11mm x 13mm. Band is 5.5mm at back

Kempton and Co. Brass Stud Freddie Pouchette

Kempton and Co. Brass Stud Freddie Pouchette, $68

Kempton and Co., a handbag and leather goods brand founded by English designer Fiona Kempton who based her brand in Red Hook, Brooklyn offers plenty of Valentines Day gift options for him and that includes this Brass Stud Freddie Pouchette. In a buttery soft cowhide leather, the Freddie Pouchette can hold a passport, checkbook, or notepad holder offers an urban chic edge with a row of distressed brass studs down the center. Add a vintage pen for the ultimate gift. The pouchette includes:

Buttery soft cowhide leather exterior

  • Soft cotton twill interior

  • Solid brass clasp and studs that get better with age. We think the tarnish looks lovely. Prefer it shiny? No problem, it buffs up in seconds.

  • 5.5” x 7”

Santa Maria Novella, Shaving Foam

Santa Maria Novella, Shaving Foam $28

The Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella from Florence, Italy plants its roots back to 1221. Creating multiple products for men’s and women’s beauty and skincare for hundreds of years now, the Shaving Foam is a special way to contribute to your loved one’s skincare routine. This moisturizing shaving foam is enriched with plant oils, for all skin types and mildly scented with Tabacco Toscano cologne. He’ll be forever grateful you have unearthed this product for his manscaping ways.

Clicking onto the title links will bring you to the products website featured in this blog. We feel very strongly that your man will enjoy and appreciate the unique gifts you were able to procure for him this Valentine’s Day that are artisanal and as unique and wonderful as you think he is too.

By Natalie Rivera

VALENTINES DAY GIFT GUIDE FOR HER

The Local Artisan Guide usually posts one blog for Valentines Day however this year we will post four: one for her, one for him, one for Galentines Day and one solely for chocolates.

This year we picked five Valentines Day gifts for the woman in your life. We choose a range of ideas, categories and price points. All are unique, thoughtful, come from small artisanal businesses and will be greatly appreciated as well as romantic and that is in the end what you are going for.

Ilenia Corti Vernissage “My Heart is Yours” Red Necklace

Ilenia Corti Vernissage, “My Heart is Yours” Red Necklace, $805

Ilenia Corti Vernissage is an Italian jewelry designer whose aesthetic is definitely maximalist with intricate scenarios of nature, the insect world and for this piece, the human heart in all its anatomical glory. So when you say to your loved one, “You have my heart”, her “My Heart is Yours” red necklace literally takes the cake. Sold on the Artemest online store, the description for the piece reads:

A tribute to the heart, the mysterious source of deep feelings such as love and sadness, this fascinating necklace includes a thin, beaded chain and a marvelous silver pendant in the anatomical shape of a heart. Bright red enamel is used to emphasize the already vivid details, making this piece of jewelry a true work of art.

Handmade in Italy the dimensions are (in): W 1.18 x D 0.79 x H 0.39 and $805.

The Edinburgh Natural Skincare Co., 3 Luxury Hand Cream Bars Mixed Fragrance Pack

The Edinburgh Natural Skincare Co., 3 Luxury Hand Cream Bars Mixed Fragrance Pack, 25.99 English Pounds

Not a soap, not a lotion, The Edinburgh Natural Skincare Co. based in Edinburgh, Scotland offers a solid hand creme bar in three fragrances (The Queen Bee, Golden Rosewood, and Luxury No.1). All bars are made using the purest, most natural ingredients nature has to offer. Handmade in the garden of Scotland and never tested on animals, they’re all free from chemicals and impurities. The descriptions of each bar are:

The Queen Bee

The Queen Bee Solid Natural Hand Cream Bar is an indulgent formula that helps moisturise, protect, and soothe your hands. Forming a barrier against the wear and tear of the day, it gives you deeper hydration, longer-lasting softness and visibly clearer skin.

Golden Rosewood

Introducing the Golden Rosewood Solid Hand Cream Bar – rich in moisturising and hydrating essential oils, it’s infused with Coconut Oil for quick absorption and hydration. We’ve enriched the formula with a blend of the purest natural extracts to re-vitalise and nourish your skin.

Luxury No.1

Our Luxury No. 1 Solid Hand Cream Bar is like walking into a luxurious spa. Prolonging the voluptuous aura of Luxury No. 1, this perfumed Solid Hand Cream Bar intensifies the scents of essential oils with light citrus and spicy top notes of Lime and Clove, with warm subtle mid notes of Sweet Orange, Frankincense, and Myrrh and sensual base notes of French Provencal Lavender and Rose Geranium.

The cream bars have a non-sticky texture that melts into your skin, they are also sustainably sourced and packaged and are great for traveling as they are acceptable as on-flight luggage for on-the-go hand care. The Hand Cream Bar is 6.5cm in length, 4cm in width,  2cm in depth and 9.5cm in length, 6.0cm in width, 2.5cm in depth in the tin. Its an affordable and beautiful skincare product to gift for Valentines Day (for all sexes).

Tasty Slice, Handcrafted Chocolate Flowers Box, St. Valentines Day Collection

Tasty Slice, Handcrafted Chocolate Flowers Box, St. Valentines Day Collection, $50

The Local Artisan Guide found out about Tasty Slice and their magnificent chocolate flower arrangement from Atelier d’Emotion (one of our favorite boutiques for jewelry, art and design). Tasty Slice has created a beautiful box of chocolate flowers (that also includes stationary). The description for the chocolates are:

Discover the delicious flavors of Tasty Slice ruby and white chocolate flowers by awakening your taste buds with exotic flavor combinations. Each chocolate candy is made with the finest ingredients from around the world. 100 grams of chocolate.

It’s almost a two in one; chocolates AND flowers! Win/Win!

Heretic, Floragasm

Heretic, Floragasm, 50 ML, $165

Los Angeles based perfume brand Heretic has set themselves apart in the perfume industry by creating small batch fragrances by using organic non-GMO sugarcane alcohol so you can experience the Ayurvedic benefits of the powerful plant materials, plus Heretic uses all the parts of the plants to create even more unique scents that are vegan and cruelty free. Heretic also does not use the chemicals and additives used by standard perfumes to artificially extend wear. For their scent, “Floragasm” the description for the fragrance is:

Bright, seductive Jasmine flirts with Bergamot, a tingle of Pink Pepper, and a burst of Orange Blossom, in this 100% natural floral fragrance that stimulates creativity and passion. 

TOP: Bergamot, Bitter Orange, Coriander, Lemon, Pimento Berry, Pink Pepper 
HEART: Jasmine, Linden Blossom, Orange Blossom, Tuberose, Ylang-Ylang
BASE: Hibiscus Seed

Also available at 15 ML for $65.

Patent of Heart Alba Accordion Flip Crossbody/Clutch

Patent of Heart, Alba Accordion Flap Crossbody /Clutch, $189

Handbag and small leather goods brand Patent of Heart is ideal for a Valentines Day gift for her not only because she will be in possession of a beautiful handbag or small leather good (whose logo involves a heart) but because the designer and founder Elif Ayadin is passionate about creating sustainable fashion AND giving back to the world. In this case proceeds of her profits go to organizations that encourage education for girls worldwide that have obstacles in attaining an education. The leathers for Patent of Heart are sourced from dead stock and sustainable materials. Further details for this multi purpose clutch AND crossbody are:

Dimensions:

  • 8.5"Length x 7.5"Height x 2.5" Depth ( Open Depth: 6.5" )

  • 2 accordion compartments

  • 1 flat inside zipper pocket

  • removable chain strap

  • Fully - lined with leather

We hope you find the selection of Valentine Gift ideas for her helpful. Just click on the name brand of each image and the link will take you to the site and provide further information on the product.

We are dedicated to finding artisans who create small batch production of unique, thoughtful and romantic gifts in all price ranges that your loved one will be touched to receive as they will appreciate the originality of their gift.

Next up, Valentines Day Gifts for Him!

By Natalie Rivera

THE LOCAL ARTISAN GUIDE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE - DAY ONE: FRAGRANCES

The Local Artisan Guide has seen so many amazing artisans this pass year that one gift guide for the holidays is not enough so we will have “The Twelves Days of Christmas Holiday Gift Guide” with each day highlighting a different gift category. For the first day of our gift guide we will feature our picks for fragrances for both men and women. The following five choices can all be considered unisex fragrances as they inspire to capture a feeling and an experience instead of just floral and woody notes.

ANTOINETTE POISSON “TISON”

The third part of this trilogy of perfumes dedicated to Madame Antoinette Poisson, mistress of King Louis XV, focuses on the latter part of their relationship when she was more his confidant than an active mistress. "Tison", with its notes of smoky and woody notes, reminds the quietness and warmth of the fireplace, the incandescence of the embers in the crackling wood fire in the petit salon. The flame that has long animated the Marquise de Pompadour still burns.

D.S. & DURGA, “I DON’T KNOW WHAT”

D.S. & Durga have created a fragrance enhancer with transparent radiance that gives any perfume a certain, as the French say, “I don’t know what.” With top notes of bergamot essence, heart notes of iso e super, vetiver acetate and base notes of civettone, firsantal and ambrox super, this fragrance is definitely a ‘Je ne sais quoi’


BYREDO “MIXED EMOTIONS”

“Mixed Emotions”, an epicene scent designed to reflect the tumultuous nature of our times. Drawing on the Byredo philosophy of translating fragmented memories and abstract ideas into scent, “Mixed Emotions” presents an olfactive sketch of our current, collective state of mind. Comforting notes of maté and the sharp sweetness of cassis sit within a wooden framework; the reassuring scent of black tea disturbed by violet leaf synthetics.

ROOT AND RESIN “ASTROMA BY DESIGN”

Combining astrology with aromatherapy, this unique process will dive deep into your chart to craft your unique signature star scent. An Astroman by Design reading is your personalized aromatic blend to support your intention, goals and life purpose through your soul’s map and blueprint that is your natal birth chart and desired aromatic profile.

Drawing from the science of aromatherapy and the art of astrology, together we custom craft a synergy scent particular to your desire and actions. Using your soul’s astrological blueprint through your horoscope we are able to source valuable information to align particular plant aromas to support your core essence. Upon purchasing they will need your astrological information to get started. Visit their sister website and share your birth chart information so that they may begin the Astroma process.

HOUSE OF POTENTIA, “BLACK SMOKE EAU DE PARFUM” AVAILABLE AT ATELIER D EMOTION

House of Potentia created a perfume that brings to mind desire journeys through hope and doubt. The great “I am” emerges and takes its eternal stand. Rich Incense, Sandalwood offer solace through the haze.

All these incredible fragrances come from perfumers who are changing the face of the fragrance world by offering more of an experience that a certain scent that crosses over the line of gender for a unisex memory embodied by the art of olfactory. All these brands offer multiple scents that are worth exploring and expanding your aroma library.

By Natalie Rivera

Turn Daddy Into a Zaddy! Father's Day Gift Ideas

Father’s Day is just around the corner and The Local Artisan Guide has some suggestions for Father’s Day gifts to help turn your Daddy into a Zaddy (Urban Dictionary: A fine, handsome and sexy ass intelligent man that makes you smile, he looks good, smells good and is good).

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