THE LOCAL ARTISAN GUIDE'S HOLIDAY GIFTS FOR HER

December 6, 2024

There are just too many holiday gifts out there to just do one blog so we here at The Local Artisan Guide decided to do weekly gift guides leading up to Christmas and this week’s gift suggestions are all for HER.

We picked from multiple categories and price ranges and chose gifts that are all artisanal and help contribute to shopping local. Artisanal gifts guarantee a thoughtful and unique gift that will have her feeling appreciated and adored. So click onto the captions for the links as all the suggestions are also available on their online shops.

GUZEMA - “LIGHT MY FIRE” BOLD EXTINGUISHER PENDANT

GUZEMA, “LIGHT MY FIRE” BOLD FIRE EXTINGUISHER PENDANT, WHITE GOLD, $4,750

It’s quite a grand start and our most expensive in this gift guide but we fell in love with Guzema and the unique jewelry pieces they create. Guzema was founded in 2016 in Ukraine by Valeriya Guzema. Guzema started out her business by melting the gold teeth her grandfather bequeathed her. From there her business has grown and has represented Ukrainian culture and arts. We adore the “Light My Fire” fire extinguisher pendant which comes in both white and yellow 18k gold (chain length is 68 cm). It’s definitely a conversation starter and a piece that will eventually become a family heirloom.

SABAH - CIN CIN SABAH LOAFER

Sabah, which means “morning” in Turkish was founded in 2013 by an American expat who missed the leather slippers he wore while working in Istanbul. By collaborating with Turkish artisans who have been creating the leather slippers since the late 1800’s. Years later Sabah’s come in all colors and are made for men, women and children. We love the gold “Cin Cin” as it can go from day to evening all the whilst leaving your feet stylish AND comfortable. The shoes are entirely handmade in Turkey and are sturdy yet flexible hand-stitched sole construction with a soft leather lining (no socks, no problem!). Water buffalo leather insole & midsole, forms to feet with replaceable rubber outsole to ensure longevity. The shoes are also lightweight, packable and perfect for travel. So why not give her the gift of a stylish, fun shoe AND comfort. It’s one of the easiest ways to keep a smile on a woman, comfortable feet.

FRASSAI - TEISENDDU EAU DE PARFUM

Frassai is a fragrance brand founded by Argentinian Natalia Outeda who uses the fragrance as an olfactory journal of her adventures and travels. We picked Teissenddu Eau de Parfum as we feel it’s the perfect perfume for the holidays with notes of: Bitter orange, Rum, Juniper, Nutmeg, Mimosa, Dark sugar crystals, Leather. We love the story of this particular fragrance:

May 1865. 153 Welsh emigrants set sail on an old converted tea clipper, the Mimosa, bound for the rugged wilds of Patagonia. With dreams of establishing a new settlement, they arrived in Porth Madryn after a voyage of 7,000 miles. Generations later, their journey still bears an indelible imprint on the region that became their new home. Inspired by the Welsh settlers’ torta negra (black cake), TEISENDDU is a fragrant celebration of Welsh tradition fused with the arid landscape of Patagonia. Warm spices, bitter orange and juniper greet the senses like a cozy Welsh tearoom. A delicious heart of dried fruit and nuts is macerated in rum and enveloped by honeyed mimosa, while an intriguing blend of leather and dark sugar crystals completes the recipe, lingering like warm memories shared over a cup of black tea. An unforgettable scent.

MARIA DE LA ORDEN - NAT JERSEY

We discovered this brand from Madrid a few years ago and just love the fun the designer has with color, patterns and embellishments. As an owner of their cashmere I highly recommend this emerald green sweater that is perfect for holiday parties. It is the antithesis of the ugly Christmas sweater, it’s the soft and luxurious green holiday sweater. Nat Jersey is an oversized high neck jumper in cashmere with side slits. Composed of 100% pure Mongolian cashmere, this luxurious jumper is as thick as soft thanks to its 4-ply knitting.

STEFKA - STEFKA SLOUCHY TOTE

Stefka is a NYC women owned handbag brand creating handbags in NYC since 2009. A family business stationed in Breezy Point (Queens) the bags are unique, stylish and functional. Info for the bag is as follows:

The Stefka Tote was designed in 2015. My strap detail was an original feature of the bag that carried through over the years. I always wanted to find a better leather for the design to make it more cozy and comfortable to carry. The relaxed silhouette offers a casual chic look, while the sturdy straps ensure easy carrying. Whether you’re heading to the office, a coffee shop, or a weekend getaway, this tote effortlessly combines practicality with a laid-back aesthetic. The first run of this bag will be using a natural unfinished vegetable tanned leather. It is absolutely buttery soft and also a very light bag. So it doesn’t come with a lot of weight to it. Will come with imperfections and become more beautiful over time. Suede option comes with leather straps. Choose the color bag and straps. If you want it all monochrome just choose the same 2 colors. Made to order in NYC, please allow 2-3 weeks for delivery. 14”w x 11”h x 6”d D d rings to attach crossbodyInner pocket. Hook closure.

elan florist - small holiday reds

A wonderful and magical gift to give throughout the holiday season is a beautiful bouquet of flowers. Your local florist should be able to arrange a holiday bouquet to your budget. We have here Tribeca florist, Elan who creates spectacular arrangements, especially during the holidays. In Elan’s Small Holiday Reds the arrangement is made in a 6" pedestal vase, and features black magic roses and spray roses, aubergine scabiosa, and ranunculus with touches of green cedar. This gift makes for a festive centerpiece on any holiday dining table or coffee table.

LADERACH - FRISCHSCHOGGI CHRISTMAS STICKS

One of the best ways during the holiday to impress her is through her sweet tooth. With that we recommend Laderach, a Swiss chocolate brand founded in the 1960’s and is well known for their chocolate specialties. Elias Läderach, their Master Chocolatier is the only Swiss chocolatier to have earned the title “World Chocolate Master.” Experience his award-winning creations and specialities like FrischSchoggi Sticks Christmas. This selection of fresh chocolate from Läderach chocolatier suisse combines their most popular FrischSchoggi varieties in an attractive, transparent packaging. The perfect way to sweeten the holidays.

QUEER CANDLE CO. - PEPPERMINT & EUCALYPTUS SOY CANDLE

A candle is a sweet and affordable way to show her you are thinking of her during the holidays. For this holiday the Peppermint & Eucalyptus Soy Candle from the Queer Candle Co. smells like the holidays and the fresh winter outdoors. One other important benefit from buying a candle from the Queer Candle Co. is how they give back to the QTBIPOC community:

As a trans and queer owned business, it's important to us that our profits promote visibility and amplify the voices of members of our community - specifically the voices of QTBIPOC folks. We contribute 10% of our profits to the Sylvia Rivera Law Project, an NYC based grassroots organization working to "guarantee that all people are free to self-determine gender identity and expression, regardless of income or race, and without facing harassment, discrimination or violence.

CHIMI - 08 SUNGLASSES

If you are planning a trip with your special someone this holiday season to warmer climates, may I recommend a good gift to start the holiday is a set of glamorous sunglasses from Chimi. Chimi is a Swedish contemporary brand founded in Stockholm in 2016 by friends Charlie Lindström and Daniel Djurdjevic, whose ambition was to create a brand that uses only the best materials with a touch of mathematical principles. 08 Sunglasses is a very chic pair of sunglasses with a green acrylic frame for the holidays! 08 is a bold D-shaped frame balancing melodramatic volumes with a linear look. Designed with large UV-protective CR39 lenses and finished with silver-tone rivet hinges. Handcrafted in premium Acetate Renew™, composed of 42% bio based and 28% certified recycled plastic with a customized CHIMI metal core.

STRAND BOOK STORE - NEW YORK: THOUGH A FASHION EYE: SPECIAL EDITION BY MEGAN HESS

From one guide to another, we love New York: Through a Fashion Eye: Special Edition by illustrator Megan Bess as she shares her favorite places to play, sleep, eat and of course shop in the Big Apple. Let Megan Hess take you on a fashion-lover's adventure through the city that never sleeps - from breakfast at Tiffany's to people watching in Central Park. It’s the perfect gift for a New Yorker or a wannabe New Yorker who will cherish this cheat sheet on the best of New York. It’s an affordable and memorable gift they will be sure to cherish.

All our recommended gifts are produced by small, local brands who strive to give back and produce products as ethically as possible. May these gift recommendations inspire you and the local, small brands around you. You are guaranteed thoughtful and unique gifts that will be remembered and appreciated during the holidays.

By Natalie Rivera

BLACK OWNED BUSINESSES OF NYC 2024

February 22, 2024

February is Black History Month however at The Local Artisan Guide we feel when you pick the best artisanal objects whether it be fashion, decor, food or accessories, you find the makers are all inclusive and represented whether it be female, persons of color or sexual identity. So black owned businesses have always been represented on this site. That said Black makers still need support and to be highlighted so we will make sure minority and female owned businesses will have a spotlight on them especially when they are being celebrated nation wide.

The Local Artisan Guide chose five Black Owned businesses in New York City that are local, artisanal and represent fashion, decor, food and accessories. Black owned businesses are nothing new in New York City. For over a century Harlem which is located in the northern region of Manhattan has see black owned businesses flourish and thrive for decades. Iconic stores, clubs and restaurants are still around and have spread to all areas of the city. Please view our selections below and click onto the captions to view their sites and information.

HARLEM CANDLE CO.

Harlem Candle Co. was established in 2014 by lifestyle expert Teri Johnson as an homage to the spirit of Harlem, fragrance and jazz. Harlem Candle Co. offers more than candles, as they have developed perfume, home fragrances, gifts and journals. The products are named after famed Harlem residents and iconic spots in the neighborhood. One of our favorite candles is named after famed Harlem poet Langston Hughes. The candle’s fragrance and notes are inspired by elements of the poet’s life. Their description of the scent is “The worn vintage leather of his favorite armchair, aromatic tobacco laced with a hint of clove and vanilla from the pipes of the neighborhood men, and the smell of ambery incense that recalls his many visits to churches in Mexico.” The candle is packaged in a beautiful cobalt blue and is 11 oz with a burn time of 80 hours.

CLOUDY DONUTS

Banana Fosters Donut Flavor, three for $18

The neighborhood of Nolita, NYC is all atwitter as black owned vegan small batch donut brand Cloudy Donut has opened up a shop on the quiet block of Mott Street. We passed it on our Nolita Walk for our YouTube channel and had to go back to visit. Founded by Zewiditu Ruffin and Derrick Faulcon in 2020, Cloudy Donuts also has a store in Baltimore, MD and Brooklyn Heights (first black owned business in Brooklyn Heights!!). Although the donuts are a little bit more pricier than other donuts, there is a reason why; the flavors are EXTENSIVE! There are donut flavors here you would never think are possible. We had such a hard time picking a flavor because we wanted to try them all! So we will just have to keep on going back to try their whole selection. The Banana Fosters flavor was out of this world and a great way to have the hard to make dessert. Welcome to Nolita!!

BIER WAX

Bier Bar Craft Beer Bar, 556 Vanderbilt Ave, Prospect Heights, Brooklyn, NYC

Established in 2017 by Chris Maestro, BierWax is a black owned craft beer bar. With over 5,000 vinyl records and a finely curated tap-list, they provide the ideal venue for music and beer aficionados. As they say on their site, “BierWax is malted grains, water, yeast, and hops mixed with a pinch of 45s, a cup of boom-bap, and a heaping tablespoon of funk.” We tried their “German Chocolate Cake Stout” which we didn’t even think could be a flavor but now is a reason to travel to Prospect Heights. BierWax’s selection and music make for an experience not just a night out at a bar.

YU INTERIORS

Yu Interiors is a black owned home decor store founded in 1999 by Ludlow Beckett who tired of his life in the finance world figured he could open up a store in the burgeoning area of Fort Greene, a neighborhood that at the time were growing in black owned businesses. Instead of going to Manhattan to find home decor, Beckett decided he could offer his neighbors a highly selection of curated home decor. From candles to furniture, Yu Interiors has become a go to destination for home decor in Brooklyn.

BYAS & LEON

Byas & Leon are a black owned sustainable fashion brand. Their mission is to “specializes in ethically sourced apparel—including curated vintage, fair-trade brands and handmade wares from independent craftspeople. It also serves as an incubator of various community-driven initiatives and an Afro diaspora-centric cultural hub, providing space for artists, creatives and entrepreneurs to exchange ideas and host programming.” From candles to accessories to apparel for men and women, we love the unisex BLCU Sweater. This sweater in homage to the spirit of learning that's very much an integral part of their communal fabric, as well as to the Black collegiate institutions that are very much integral to Black History. Byas & Leon even has a mobile airstream that goes around neighborhoods introducing the brand to a greater audience.

These brands are just a few of many black owned businesses in New York City, much less the United States. We support not only that they are black owned businesses but that they also share our ethos for local, encourage others to shop small, are artisanal, sustainable, ethical and rely on a passion for craft.

By Natalie Rivera

VALENTINES DAY GIFTS INSPIRED BY NY NOW WHOLESALE WINTER MARKET

February 7, 2024

This year for our Valentines Day blog we were inspired for Valentine Day gift recommendations from NY NOW, the wholesale market from Bullentin, a wholesale market that focuses on discovering up and coming brands with extraordinary products. The brands are small, local, independent and teeming with unique creators.

We picked ten products in different categories for men, women, children and your favorite pet in all price ranges. We hope you will be inspired by these up and coming brands that we are sure will provide Valentines Day gifts that are distinctive, quirky and lovely. Please click onto the images to be directed to the product online store.

COCO CHOCOLATIER

COCO, Red Orange Truffles Heart Tin 100G, $23.92

Chocolates are always the way to your love’s ones heart on Valentines Day. Make your gift more original with chocolate from chocolatier Coco. Coco is based in Edinburgh however they begin the making of their chocolate at origin before passionately transforming it in Edinburgh, Scotland. As a result, more wealth remains within developing economies. This beautiful heart shaped box of chocolate features modern artwork on the box by artist Stephen König. The chocolate from Colombia inside is described as “Indulgent truffles filled with an orange delicate filling and covered in fine single origin milk and white chocolate. A decadent treat, perfect for special occasions.”

GOLD+WATER CO.

GOLD+WATER CO. is a bath and body and home brand founded in 2019 in Philadelphia, PA by Chartel. The brand produce handcrafted soap, bath items, and home decor in small batches. They also support local anti-abuse organizations and those addressing mental health and hygiene needs in their community. GOLD+WATER CO. offers a 5 SOAP BUNDLE + SAVE. in their various 15 scents. Some of our favorites are ARDENT, SMOULDER, BARE and BARE.

MOSHIQA

Many of us want to show all the people we love in our lives how much they mean to us on Valentines Day, however sometimes its the animals in our lives that give us the most love and support so for our pets we have these beautiful cat and dog Mosh Mosh bowls by Moshiqa. Moshiqa is a high-end lifestyle brand for pets and pet lovers; offering a unique selection of luxurious fashion wear, leather goods and accessories, established in Los Angeles by self-made woman entrepreneur Meryem Birsoz and her heroine life partner Moshi, the Shih Tzu, in 2017. The Mosh Mosh Bowls are best for both food & water. They are hand-crafted from the finest ceramics featuring gold accent patterns of kitties & puppies. Your fur babies will feel the love and food will taste better as well as make your home look quite lovely.

NO SIGN

A thoughtful gift that can be unisex is this stunning red wallet (they will always think of you when they pull it out) by NO SIGN. The brand is a leather goods brand that uses natural leather from Wagyu beef from Miyazaki Prefecture. Using rare and valuable leather materials, the product is handmade by skilled Japanese craftsmen. From the raw material to the tanning process, the entire manufacturing process is produced in Japan. It is a brand that is particular about ALL MADE IN JAPAN. Based on free ideas based on the theme of "people"NO SIGN will blend into everyday life, proposing genderless leather goods that will make you feel at ease and attached to it every time you touch the leather. The wallet is described as, “A zip card case made of Miyazaki leather with a simple design. A slim card case that eliminates waste and is perfect for the cashless era. The zipper pocket has two partitions, allowing you to organize folded bills and coins. The outside pocket of the case can hold 4 cards, and the other side has a receipt storage space. The practical design stores only what you need, making it perfect for a minimalist lifestyle. The dimensions are 8cm / 14.5cm / 1cm.

GROUNDED CERAMICS

Jewelry is always a beautiful and traditional way to show someone you love them on Valentines Day. That said, it doesn’t mean the jewelry needs to be traditional. We love these heart shape ceramic earrings by Grounded Ceramics as a gift. Grounded Ceramics has potters who thoughtfully create delicate porcelain jewelry and functional ceramics in her Oak Park, Illinois studio. She carefully crafts small batches of unique, one of a kind pieces using porcelain or stoneware clay. The earrings, “love is complicated splattered heart stud earrings” are splattered olive and peach underglaze on porcelain hearts. clear glossy glaze with a surgical steel, hypoallergenic post.

EMMOTIV

Perfume is always a thoughtful Valentines Day gift as scent evokes memory and how lovely to remember the ones we love. The scent brand EMMOTIV has a scent perfect for Valentines Day called “Love Euphoric” which is a captivating cocktail of aphrodisiac florals – ylang-ylang, jasmine and rose absolutes – infused with lush notes of coconut, cashmeran and white amber. EMMOTIV is developed by some of the world's most talented luxury perfumers. Their fragrances fuse the mood-enhancing benefits discovered through aromachology and aromatherapy with the sophisticated and artfully layered composition of perfume. The result is an intimately delightful olfactive experience that proves the power of fragrance comes to life when we wear it for ourselves, not others. It is a brand that should be on your radar.

WATER BRUJA

An affordable gift for Valentines Day is a romantic candle. This candle recommendation however is more for you for self-love as the candle is created by Water Bruja (bruja is witch in Spanish) Water Bruja, founded by Melody. Water Bruja is a New York brand offering reiki-infused, vegan-friendly aromatherapy products for bath, body, and beauty. The brand focuses on relaxation, stress relief, and positive intention setting. Each product is thoughtfully crafted with gifting in mind, ideal for personal indulgence or thoughtful gifts. Water Bruja stands out for its commitment to ethical and sustainable practices, blending physical wellness with spiritual enrichment. The brand's dedication to quality and care, particularly in its handcrafted soy candles, reflects its core values of holistic well-being and environmental responsibility. This eclectic candle is a stunningly beautiful love spell to attract someone to love in your life. Its called the “Come to Me” candle, its 8 oz, made from soy and smells like citrus and berries with a musk base. Remember self love is the most important love!

VOBELLE

It may seem like most of these recommendations are for women however this is certainly a gift for men (or any gender) that they will love and cherish. This hand knit red scarf in 100% merino wool, nice and cozy. It is light weight and non itchy so it won’t feel too bulky. Handmade in the USA. Dimensions: approx 7″ X 74″. The brand Vobelle is a small, female-owned and operated brand dedicated to creating exquisite knitted accessories. Every piece is designed and handmade in their studio in Killingly, CT, ensuring attention to detail and a personal touch. The merino wool is sourced from the USA not abroad to make the brand more sustainable.

BALIZEN HOME

BALIZEN, Balinese Umbrella | Prada Indigo, $380.

An unorthodox gift for yourself and your home and family is this beautiful outdoor Balinese umbrella by BaliZen. Anyone can have an outdoor umbrella but no one in your neighborhood will have this beautiful umbrella with golden heart shaped ornaments, brass bells and traditional tassels in their signature prada print in indigo blue. A perfect Valentines Day gift to enjoy everyday. Balizen Home for over two decades has been at the forefront of both the Fair Trade and sustainability movement. They create a unique line of ethical products for your home, garden and wardrobe. Their designs are inspired by nature and the Zen traditions of craftsmanship, simplicity, harmony and the use of natural and eco-friendly materials.

TEAM SUPER CREW

Last but certainly not least is a gift for the children in your life for Valentines Day and we love this book set from Team Super Crew that helps your child grow their emotional IQ. The Team Super Crew box set helps kids recognize big feelings and learn the tools to regulate their emotions in a positive way. Different from other books on the market, this series is rooted in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a social-emotional therapy that focuses on the ways that our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are interconnected. Our thoughts create our feelings! When we develop the tools to change our negative thoughts, we learn how to regulate our emotions in a positive way. Helping your child grow and connect in healthy ways to those around them is the best Valentines Day gift you can give them that will last the rest of their lives.

We hope you enjoyed the selections from NY Now. These are brands that are local and markets like NY Now help shine a spotlight on local brands that you may not know about to create greater audiences and help their businesses. Plus you and your loved ones benefit with unique and thoughtful gifts for Valentines Day.

By Natalie Rivera

LAST MINUTE ECO FRIENDLY AND SUSTAINABLE HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS - BAGS FOR EVERYONE!

December 23, 2023

If you are still looking for last minute holiday gift ideas may we recommend BAGS! Handbags, camera bags, cosmetic bags, garment bags, cell phone bags, totes, cross body bags, all types of bags! We have chosen from small independent artisanal and heritage brands that make some of our favorite bags for everyone. Best of all is that the brands below are eco friendly, sustainable who believe in giving back to society and the earth. Please click onto the captions for more info.

STRATHBERRY, THE STRATHBERRY NANO TOTE

Strathberry is an English heritage brand designs elegant handbags made from the finest materials with creative hardware. We recommend the Strathberry Nano Mini Tote that can also work as a crossbody with a long chain. It comes in a array of colors but we chose this pretty Bandana style pattern that will stand out for the right reasons in any crowd.

KEMPTON & CO. , METALLIC CAMO LARGE CANVAS CROSSBODY

Kempton & Co. is a handbag and accessory brand founded by Fiona Kempton, an English designer who is based in New York City. As a designer and world traveler, Kempton started designing handbags that are not only convenient and stylish but held all your devices safely. We love Kempton & Co.’s signature camo and multi stripe large canvas crossbody. It will fit your devices and belongings with plenty of space yet still look fashionable and not clunky.

PATENT OF HEART, GRACE PHONE BAG

Patent of Heart is a handbags and small leather goods accessories brand founded by Elif Akaydin, a New York based designer of Turkish decent who creates chic handbag and accessories made by artisans, mostly women artisan from around the world. Patent of Heart works to keep centuries old skills passed down generation by generation in their product all the while giving back their proceeds to help girls achieve their educational goals. It’s a win/win holiday gift to give! We love the Grace Phone Bag as it has enough room to just carry your bare essentials (cell phone, credit cards, etc.) in a small cross body. It also comes in beautiful bold colors that stand out as a lovely accessory.

POLENE, Numéro Dix

Polène is a relatively new handbag brand, founded in Paris in 2016 by three siblings who had a vision of creating elegant handbags in a multitude of silhouettes, many in petite sizes. Using the best leathers from Italian and Spanish tanneries, all production is entrusted to the craftsmen of Ubrique, a Spanish town specialized in luxury leather goods. One of our favorite bags is “Numéro Dix”. With its rounded shape, foam padding, and hand-stitching, the “Numéro Dix” is a nod to the equestrian codes of saddlery. Its half-moon design highlights juxtaposing curves. It’s a handbag sure to be cherished and treasured for its workmanship and beauty.

MOI&ASS, BUBBLE BAG

One of our favorite new handbag brands is MOI&ASS, a Madrid based brand created by Moira Laporta, and Alessandra de Osma. MOI&ASS focus on delivering long lasting investment pieces, briging minimalism with functionality. Inspired by exceptional materials, the brand is marked by traditional craftsmanship, and its timeless designs made from sustainable leather. We love the signature Bubble Bag. Made of timeless calfskin leather with a cotton canvas interior, tastefully enhanced by its handcrafted handles and leather loops. Its flexible side panels feature leather cords that can be tightened or loosened to customize the bag's shape. Boasting multiple uses, this compact bag can be carried as a shoulder bag, crossbody, or top handle.

CLARE V, MAMAN JE T'AIME

Another brand created from feeling an absence of stylish bags for your computer and devices, French journalist turned handbag designer Clare V. decided to create a handbag brand that makes stylish handbags for your devices but with the stylish French twist. We love the quirkiness of the brand plus their fun sense of humor and color. One of our favorite bags is the MAMAN JE T'AIME, translation: I love you Mom, this is a canvas bag made in collaboration Every Mother Counts. 30% of the purchase price will be donated to Every Mother Counts so you get a fun beautiful canvas tote and give back to a worthy cause.

AMPERSAND AS APOSTROPHE, MICRO-TOTE / NEON PINK PYTHON

AMPERSAND AS APOSTROPHE was founded by Detroit native and now New York City-based designer, Jessica Park, a former architect whose preferred method of solving design challenges is to refine what's there instead of focusing on what's not. One of their best sellers which we recommend is their Micro Tote. The style is the mini key for a hands-free, sophisticated fun bag with pops of color to jump start your wardrobe yet it fits your keys, wallet, cell, etc. It’s fashionable yet fully functional.

BAGGU, CAMERA CROSSBODY

BAGGU is an eco-friendly bag and accessory brand known for colorful patterns, brings their playful energy onto their social media channels. This fun yet affordable brand has a fun unisex camera bag that we just love (although it can be more than a camera bag). It comes in a multitude of colors and a silhouette that is sporty and made from a slightly structured recycled heavyweight nylon, recycled ripstop nylon lining with an adjustable strap. Also machine washable so great for kids too!

BAG-ALL, MEN'S SUIT GARMENT BAG WITH POCKET, CREAM

*MEN'S SUIT GARMENT BAG WITH POCKET, CREAM, $45*

Bag-all is a New York City based brand founded by Swedish stylist Jennifer Wesslau who embarked on a mission to make a positive impact on the environment. Fueled by an unwavering passion for design, sustainability, and entrepreneurship, she aimed to raise awareness about the vital concept of reuse, marrying enduring quality with timeless aesthetics. A perfect gift for the man in your life is the Men's Suits garment bag! Protect your suit from dust or other closet debris with their cotton Garment bag which will keep your suit clean while letting it breathe, which is good for both cotton and wool fabrics. This travel organizing bag has two handles, one at the top and one at the bottom, which makes it easy to carry. The bag is closed with a durable metal zipper and comes with a zipper pocket in the back to store ties, accessories, and other items. It has a fun, sleek print, making it both stylish and functional. The perfect gift any groom or man for any occasion. You can also personalize your garment bag by adding a monogram of your name or initials! They will LOVE this gift!

PARAVEL, CABANA SEE-ALL SET

Paravel is one of our most recent favorite travel brand we have come upon for its beautiful, colorful and elegant designs. However you could have knocked us over with a feather when we learned how sustainable and eco friendly the brand is. They use post-consumer plastic water bottles by recycling them into longer-lasting products–like their Negative Nylon® and Ecocraft Canvas® styles. An excellent and creative way to reduce plastic pollution. Paravel uses upcycled and recycled materials in 100% of their products. Not many brands can say that. WE picked from their collection of travel bags the Cabana See-All Set. Their signature-striped Cabana Vanity Case Set is spacious enough to pack all your toiletries, lightweight enough to never weigh you down, and strong enough to take on any in-transit messes (it can easily be wiped down). Stow it in your carry-on, set it out in your hotel room, or use it as your vanity case right at home. Individually sized to hold it all and see it all. It comes with a mini version to make traveling even easier or for shorter trips. We love the transparent aspect of the design so you can actually see what you have and don’t have in your set (Yikes! Where is the deodorant??). We expect to hear more from this brand in the future and know when you give it as a gift (even to yourself) the bearer of the gift will be just as impressed with the sustainability of the brand as we are.

So that is our holiday gift suggestions for bags. We have bags for all and behind every brand here is supporting local, small independent brands that use artisan skills and eco friendly practices that give back to the earth.

Happy Holidays!

By Natalie Rivera

LAST MINUTE ARTISANAL VALENTINES DAY GIFTS THAT ARE SURE TO PLEASE!

February 10, 2023

February is one of those months that come and go in a New York minute. Before you know it, you blink and its over. Valentines Day is in the middle of February and it’s easy to remember last minute to make that dinner reservation and find a thoughtful gift that will let your loved one know you know what makes them feel like they are important in your life. We even have a gift for that person in your life that you are over with and needed a subtle and stylish way to say “Please Don’t Be My Valentine”.

Here at The Local Artisan Guide we have a Valentines Day Gift Guide that ranges from the very affordable to a little outlandish. However all the gifts are quite unique and truly artisanal. Just click on the link for more info.

Teddy Bear Duo. 2 of the cutest teddy bear madeleines covered with 2 chocolates, 2 different flavors

Components : Milk chocolate madeleine with chocolate-hazelnut spread, Dulcey chocolate madeleine with maple

Allergy : Dairy, Gluten, Nut (Hazelnut), Egg

VIVAS: A REFLECTION ON THE FEMALE BODY:
The project started as a way to desexualise the view on the female body and understand we are beautiful in all our different shapes, sizes and colors. My way of doing this is through my ceramic pieces! It all started about 2 years ago when I made a pot and then added boobs, and I loved it so much that I never stopped! At first, I tried to replicate exactly what I had made, but I couldn’t. I quickly realised that no piece would ever look like the other and hence the essence of the project, each piece is unique and unrepeatable. My name is Carla, I am a ceramist and an architect. I hand-make each of the pieces with my team at Vivas Ceramica in my studio in Buenos Aires. Each collection seeks to empower women through a carefully thought out theme.

Artist Michael Mendoza will personally make for you a witty, funny and beautiful Valentines Day Card for your loved one. You can reach him at point_pen_cards on Instagram or at El Mercado in Jackson Heights, Queens, NY. A very affordable way to show someone you care.

Leura Minimalist Unisex Vegan Leather Coin Pocket Wallet at Wolf Badger $53

LA ENVIRO is a vegan wallet, watch and accessories label, based in Perth Australia. They envision a world that is animal cruelty-free, whilst creating stunning and lasting designs using sustainable materials, such as recycled plastic bottles and premium vegan leathers. They endeavor to maintain the balance in nature as they create fashion with minimal damage and depletion to nature in the process.

Val Stern Jewelry at Atelier D’Emotion, Price Upon Request

Award winning jewelry maker Val Stern is showing his new collection at Atelier D’Emotion starting February 11th, 2023. Val has trained with third generation Faberge artisans and his jewelry is not only elaborate but very technical just like Faberge eggs are technical with hidden compartments and the ability to move and transform. Come to this amazing boutique or go to their website to check out Val’s amazing collection of one of a kind pieces. If you want to stun someone for Valentines Day, this is the gift for them.

Scent notes of Cardamom, Mimosa, Vanilla Milk and Sandalwood, this unisex fragrance is featured by Phlur’s whose philosophy is to use both natural and synthetic ingredients.

Phlur loves botanical ingredients for the character they lend to our fragrances, however natural doesn’t always equal safer. In some cases, synthetic ingredients can be less allergenic than certain natural ingredients.

Harvesting natural ingredients for fine fragrance can require tons of botanicals for a very small amount of material. Many natural ingredients are at risk of becoming over harvested and endangered. Phlur partner with the world’s leading fragrance suppliers to ensure we are utilizing sustainable natural materials and we are being respectful of the environment.

A gift from Miss Havisham’s Curiosities is a spectacular way to show someone you care…or you don’t. There is a collection of biting phases on beautiful china with a daring message once you are done with your tea or coffee.

See, getting thoughtful Valentines Day gifts doesn’t have to be a chore. Dinner, flowers and a box of chocolate can be quite pedestrian. Shop local artisan and its a win/win situation. And if you don’t have a Valentines then give a gift to the love of your life…YOURSELF!!

Happy Valentines Day!

BRANDS TO BE THANKFUL FOR GIVING BACK

November 23, 2022

With the holiday season now officially upon us The Local Artisan Guide would like to highlight some brands that share the same ideals and mission of working with artisans in a sustainable manner and giving back to make the world a better place.

These days you can help make the world a better place by learning to be a conscious shopper. Investigating a brand’s ethos and what they stand for is a win/win situation. To know the product you are investing your money is made in an eco friendly manner that helps local community around the world is the shopping ripple that we as a society need to be apart of. We are highlighting for this Thanksgiving five brands that have this mindset. Click onto the caption in the image for more information.

The first brand we would like to highlight is Akola, a globally inspired jewelry brand creating beautiful designs to lift up and champion women around the world. Akola means “she works” in a local Ugandan dialect. Akola provides life-changing job opportunities through vertically integrated manufacturing employing women in Uganda to make each Akola piece.

AKOLA - Zuri Set of Bangle Bracelets, $195

A piece we love is the Zuri Set of Bangle Bracelets. For an affordable $195 you get the option of two different color sets of bangles to chose from (blonde and black). The blonde set featured here includes; one luxury designer Austrian Crystal encrusted bangle, two 10k gold tone bangles and three horn bangles carved by hand in their Ugandan horn studio. All bangles are handcrafted in Ugandan, 2.5” inner diameter and you can wear all together or mix and match.

Are you are looking for a gift for the special man in your life whether it be your boyfriend, brother, dad or good male friend? Are you looking a spectacular gift that also gives back to the world? May we recommend the Alpaca Scarf from Global Goods Partners. This knit Nayra Alpaca Scarf is woven from the softest baby alpaca from Peru and is not only cozy warm but super lightweight. The dimensions are 72”L x 16”W and come from the artisans of Royal Knit, a group of artisans based in Peru who work in their small workshop weaving alpaca and other natural fibers into accessories. This program helps specially women who are victims of domestic abuse in effort to promote cultural identity and generate incomes for themselves and their children. They have grown now to over 400 weavers and knitters with over 40 workshops located in Cusco, Puno, Huancavelica and Lima, Peru.

GLOBAL PARTNERS - Nayra Alpaca Scarf, $78

A great affordable stocking stuffer we have for the holidays comes from Patent of Heart with their new selection of novelty leather luggage tags at just $29 each (Dimensions: L: 4.25” x W: 3”). Each luggage tag come in a variety of different colors with five funny sayings we most certainly find ourselves saying when we travel with luggage. They are:

Thank God You Found Me comes in black, yellow red, blue and orange.
They All Look The Same Don’t They? Comes in black, yellow, red, blue and orange.
Woo Hoo I’m Over Here! Comes in black, yellow, red, blue and orange.
Nope Not Yours comes in blue, yellow, orange and red.
Nope Yours Is The Other Black Bag comes in black, yellow, red, blue and orange.

PATENT OF HEART - Novelty Luggage Tags, $29 each

Patent of Heart was built on the belief and mission of giving back. Their brand was born out of creating a beautiful product working with artisans, mostly female, whilst preserving their traditions and skills, upcycling raw materials and having a portion of our profits go to help educate girls in Turkey.

When it comes to home decor, World Market, is a San Francisco brand that has been selling artisanal home decor from around the world since the 70’s. They focus on products that are sustainable and helps artisans keep their local artisan skills alive. We are featuring exclusively from World Market the “All Across Africa Dark Blue Woven Disc Wall Decor”. Handcrafted of raffia and banana fibers, this beautiful disc is made in Uganda and is ready to hang in your home or office. Available in additional designs, the disc is 20” in diameter x 2.5” depth. The artisans creating this piece are artisanal women weavers from Uganda and includes a tag from the weaver describing what creating this piece of art means to her. In collaboration with “All Across Africa”, these artisans are empowered to pay school fees, gain access to safe housing, food and healthcare and save for her future and family.

WORLD MARKET - All Across Africa Dark Blue Woven Disc Wall Decor, $79.99

Our final recommendation of gifts that give back to the world is the “Mini Candle Trio Gift Box” from the Wurrumay Collective for $49.95. The Wurrumay Collective is a small handmade business created by Natasha Kaiser, a proud Aboriginal woman from the Gomeroa Tribe in NSW, Australia. These three 60 gram mini candles come in Australian Bush, Australian Sandalwood and Kakadu Plum. Inspired by her homelands and Australia’s natural resources, Wurrumay Collective helps the Gomeroa Tribe and provides work from this Australian luxury fragrance brand. The candles make for unique unisex gift items and is a great way to help a small artisan brand and its community from around the world.

THE WURRUMAY COLLECTIVE - Mini Candle Trio Gift Box, $49.95

We hope we inspired you to gift giving that ripples in positive ways from brands that make it part of their mission to give consciously back to communities and people around the world. The stories of these brands and how they came about to make a difference in the world using artisans makes any product whether for yourself or to your loved ones worth having. Going against algorithms for shopping and focusing on small, local brands that give back is the perfect way to acquire good shopping karma for the holidays.

Happy Thanksgiving from The Local Artisan Guide!

THE LOCAL ARTISAN GUIDE 2022 FATHER'S DAY GIFT GUIDE

June 13, 2022

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

Mister Marvelous Eau de Parfum, by Byredo, 100ml/3.4 oz. $276

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

THE LOCAL ARTISAN GUIDE INTERVIEWS ELIF AKAYDIN, FOUNDER OF PATENT OF HEART

May 27, 2022

Check out our YouTube channel, The Local Artisan Guide Diaries as we interview Elif Akaydin, founder of handbag and small accessories brand Patent of Heart. She discusses how she was inspired to create her brand, her design aesthetic, her passion for sustainable design, using artisans to create her products and giving back to society by helping girls and women’s education.

Click here to watch our interview with Elif Akaydin from Patent of Heart.

THE LOCAL ARTISAN GUIDE'S TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE - DAY FIVE: FOOTWEAR

December 12, 2021

On day five of our Twelve Days of Christmas Holiday Gift Guide we put a spotlight on five artisanal footwear brands that follow traditional craftsmanship for creating high quality footwear, yet incorporate contemporary aesthetics for a winning combination that make for exceptional gift giving. These brands are produced in England, Spain and the US and share a passion for creating sustainable practices all the while delivering a stylish product.

J. FITZPATRICK “SNOQUALMIE - RUGGED BROWN COMMANDO”, $545

J. Fitzpatrick has a unique business model that is a little what you would call “old school” as their shoes are made-to-order (MTO). MTO program is the perfect option for those who wish to customize their shoes. MTO allows you to personally select the elements that make up a shoe, including the material, color, last shape, and sole choice. Your pricing varies with the selection of materials and styles. A nonrefundable 50% deposit must be made to commence production on a MTO order, with the outstanding balance being required before final delivery. Alternatively, paying the entire price up front will apply an automatic 10% discount off the total amount (base price + MTO surcharge).This program is available for all J. FitzPatrick models ever produced, and is not limited to those currently available in our boutique. MTO is not available for the JF Line.The shoe we picked, the Rugged Brown is an oil-tanned pull-up leather that will scuff and age beautifully over time. And it takes a killer shine too! But more importantly, is very durable and hard-wearing with their sleek Commando sole. What an amazing gift to give! A bespoke shoe experience that will be treasured always. $$$

ARIANA BOHLING “CLEM CLOG BOOTIE CHOCOLATE” $358

Ariana Bohling is a collection of distinctive and directional footwear for the modern nomad. Ethically sourced and produced by master Peruvian craftspeople, Ariana has gained notoriety for her luxury Alpaca Fur Slippers. Her Clem clog bootie is made of super soft suede, hits just above the ankle and has a slouchy pull on style. It is lined in 100% leather, sits upon a genuine wood clog bottom, and has a rubber outsole. The boot features a memory foam footbed and 3" heel with 1" platform. Fits true to size. Ethically handmade in Brazil. $$-$$$

ALOHAS “SWAY BLACK BALLET SLIPPERS” $151

Alohas is a sustainable footwear brand that operates on a business model of “on demand shopping” which basically boils down to Alohas accepts pre orders so they know exactly how many units to order so there is not left over stock or production there fore avoiding waste. Our choice is their ballet flats, “Sway” featuring a stylish square toe. Flexible sole designed to offer greater comfort and a front string-bow for a special touch of ladies who lunch. All of their shoes are crafted out of Leather Working Group Certified Leather. This means, sustainable leathers, low impact dying thus less pollution. Made in Spain. $$

FAIRFAX & FAVOR “THE HEELED AMIRA, TAN SUEDE LADIES OVER THE KNEE HEELED BOOT”, $576

Fairfax & Favor, founded by brothers Marcus and Felix is an English brand, handmade in Spain that celebrates footwear that celebrates both city and country life. The Heeled Amira is a boot that oozes elegance and sophistication. Sitting beautifully over the knee, the Heeled Amira stands out from the crowd with a graceful 7cm block heel; the boot also features an elasticated spine for superior fit and a full-length zip to ensure a smooth, secure closure, tastefully finished with an interchangeable tassel. A stunning occasion boot, guaranteed to turn heads. $$-$$$

LEFFOT, US RUBBER, “MILITARY LOW TOP- NAVY FELT SNEAKERS” $110

Leffot was founded in May 2008 in Manhattan’s West Village. Their goal is to be at the forefront — offering classic styles that represent quality, comfort, and value. Besides offering custom made shoes, Leffot also offers a selection of curated footwear and that includes our choice, the classic Military Foot Top made by US Rubber. Founded in 1892, US Rubber Company produced high-quality sneakers for many companies, including Keds and the US military, until 1917. 2019 saw the relaunch of the iconic brand with the reissue of the classic military sneaker. Made in one of the oldest rubber factories in Europe, the sneakers feature a vulcanised sole, which makes them extremely durable and flexible. Features for this sneaker include: navy Portugese wool felt, metal eyelets, Vulcanized sole and includes two sets of laces, one navy and one black. It’s an affordable way to gift the man in your life a pair of classic footwear from a heritage brand. $$-$$$

What makes these five footwear brands so great for gift giving is that all brands offer an artisanal experience and a story along with sustainable and slow fashion ideals. The footwear choices we made for our gift guide are gifts anyone would be proud to wear and cherish.

By Natalie Rivera

THE LOCAL ARTISAN GUIDE'S TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE - DAY FOUR: FASHION APPAREL

December 11, 2021

On the fourth day of our Holiday Gift Guide, we are highlighting five fashion apparel and accessories brands that are innovative, unique and devastatingly stylish. They might be small brands however they attract fashionistas in the know who want to walk in a room knowing they will not only look fabulous but don’t have to worry about their outfits being replicated.

The designers we are featuring have an aesthetic that involves love of textures, colors, techniques and value sustainability. We picked a few of our favorite pieces from each collection which was not easy, so we encourage you to look further on their sites (yes you can order from their online shop too) and to witness the variety of holiday gift options they provide, especially at all different price points.

MARY JAEGER, “CASHMERE SHAWL: SQUARE ILLUSIONS TAUPE+BLUE PLAID”, $650

Mary Jaeger fine accessories collection is inspirited by both eastern traditions and contemporary western design. inspired by my passions for color, texture and pattern she uses shaped resist dyeing techniques synthesized with voluminous silhouettes and a love of hand-crafted construction and couture details. Beginning with woven and knit natural fibers such as cotton, linen, silk, wool, alpaca and cashmere, she proceeds to selectively dye and shrink portions of the fabric or garment multiple times. Her fine cashmere shawls use sustainably sourced cashmere yarns hand-woven in a family-owned atelier in Katmandu and are individually designed and dyed in Jaeger’s atelier. The intersecting lines of this shawl are inspired by a classic watch plaid. This shawl is season-less – the perfect wrap for chilly summer evenings and air conditioned rooms. Any woman would treasure Mary Jaeger’s collection as a holiday gift. $$-$$$

100% fine cashmere

hand-woven
individually hand dyed using shaped-resist techniques
natural+blue+taupe
hand-wash or dry clean
soft fringed edges on all sides
one-of-a-kind
86" x 36"

MARIA DE LA ORDEN, “NIZA PANTS”, FUSHIA, 140 EUROS

Maria de la Orden is a relatively new fashion brand founded in Madrid by Maria de la Orden and Laura de la Révélière. The brand has taken off in its popularity by offering a colorful and eclectic collection that is disarming feminine and flirty. The Riza pants featured are offered in bright jewel tone colors with contrasting piping and is indicative of the brand’s love of playing with color and pattern with feminine silhouettes that are fun yet sophisticated pieces of clothing. The Niza pants are made in a Fushia corduroy fabric. They have a straight cut and a high-waist with a nacre button fastening. The two white patch front pockets and side linewill provide a retro touch to your look! Mix and match with our shirts and sweaters to play with the pockets for an eye-catching total look! 100% Cotton. Made in Europe. $$-$$$

VOZ, “CHE CROP TOP IN BABY ALPACA”, $550

Voz, which means “voice” in Spanish is a Benefit Corporation ethical fashion company whose mission is to protect the livelihoods, well-being, and cultural values of rural indigenous women globally. They pay living wages for every textile and sewn garment, and use sustainable fibers and processes. VOZ was founded in 2012 by Jasmine Etoile Aarons, and today provides over 100 jobs throughout their supply chain. The Che Crop Top featured is made of soft and luxurious Baby Alpaca and features the Che symbol, signifying human unity. $$-$$$

100% Baby Alpaca hand-loomed in Chile by Mapuche weavers
One Size Fits All

ARCHERIE, “WILHEMINA”, $312

Founded by Jillian Kaufman Grano and Fulani Steven Hart, Archerie seeks to play with patterns and silhouettes that are modern yet invite color and sophistication that works well from the job place to evening wear. Its made for the woman who would like to stand out in the room, but for all the right reason. Wilhelmina is our version of what a shirt dress should be. Full button front. Off center waist tie. Just enough stitched down pleats and shirring at the waist and on the sleeve to give it just enough femininity. 100% poly crepe. Rust Geo.

KAI D. UTILITY, MORAY “MONGOLIAN CASHMERE SWEATER- GRAPHITE”, $285

Kai D. Utility offers a highly curated selection of men’s clothing and our pick is one that is a customer favorite and a perfect gift for the man in your life, cashmere! The brand is Moray and the cashmere hair is from Outer Mongolia. These are often lone herdsmen who live out in the gers (yurts in English) in the steppes of the Gobi desert, lush and green in the summer and frozen all winter. Moray ensures the herdsmen are paid fairly and the herds can be fed during the winter with hay and corn and are not too large (which leads to malnutrition and starvation of the weaker goats). The yarn is spun with more twists than the industry standard (due to the long Mongolian fibers) our cashmere pills less. To prevent pilling machine wash. Use a wool cycle and non-biological detergent. (Biological detergents contain enzymes which can damage hair. Cashmere is actually a hair not a wool. Hand washing is also an option with very lightweight items however be careful not to kneed the garment like dough, just stir in the warm water and let it soak. Made in 100% highest quality Mongolian cashmere. Mock neck style. Slim fit. Suggest to go one size up. Made in Mongolia. $$-$$$

May these choices not only be helpful in your gift giving but new sources of fashion for you to delve into and support as local, small businesses with high quality products, unique design, sustainable slow fashion and artisanal skills they hope to pass on to the next generation.

By Natalie Rivera

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

June 14, 2021

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).

Thoughtful and Unique Mother's Day Gifts for Mom

May 6, 2021

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.

**Patent of Heart, Blue Eye white handbag, The history of the ‘Evil Eye’ dates back to Ancient Greece, where it was believed to be a protective symbol. $224. Available online.**

**Global Table, Mini Porcelain vase set of three, Matte pink with shiny glaze interior. Pale and pretty high quality porcelain. $66. Available online or at Global Table, Soho, NYC.**

John Robshaw, Vayan Robe, Wonderfully woven in India and free of harmful chemicals, lightweight cotton, $125. Available online. — **John Robshaw, Vayan Robe**, **Wonderfully woven in India and free of harmful chemicals, lightweight cotton, $125.** **Available online.**

**Rothy’s Black Cap Toe Flat Shoes, Knit from Rothy’s signature thread (spun from plastic water bottles), available online and Rothy’s, West Village, NYC, $125.**

Fueguia 1833 Patagonia, La Bonita, $320, 100ML, African and South American roots intangle in this exotic mix of scents and flavours; maracuja and spices, evoking the rhythm and cadence of a Latin woman. Available online and at Fueguia 1833 Patagonia, Soho, NYC.

Fedko Bouquet Cocktail Ring, $9,500, One of a kind movement cocktail ring created by master jeweler Evgeny Fedko. 18k Yellow Gold, Yellow Sapphires & Rubies Pave, Citrines & Amethysts. Size 7. All other sizes must be custom made. Available online or at The Atelier D’Emotion. Soho, NYC.

**Custom greeting cards by Pointy Pen Cards, DM Pointy_Pen_cards on Instagram by Michael Mendoza**

**Custom floral bouquets designed by Doan Ly, price upon request**

**Sunia K, Sabrah-Powerful, precious & pure prickly pear seed oil, $197 available online**

**Cuyana, Lightweight cashmere scarf, $190, available online and at Guyana, Nolita, NYC**

**Lord Jones Raspberry Elderflower CBD Gumdrops, $50 available online or at The Alchemist Kitchen**

Naghedi, St. Barths Mini Tote, handwoven neoprene, $210 available online — **Naghedi, St. Barths Mini Tote, handwoven neoprene, $210** **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.

By Natalie Rivera

Celebrating Women Artisans Handbag and Accessory Designers for International Women's Month

March 15, 2021

Twelve Women Handbag and Accessory Artisans to know about during Women’s International Month.

Celebrating Women Artisan Jewelry Designers for International Women's Month

March 8, 2021

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

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

Polly Wales

Madeira Skull Ring, $15,400Encrusted skull with purple, blue, and black sapphires and brown diamonds on a large face skull.Kindly Note: Each piece is unique, one-of-a-kind and unpredictable -- the product of a specialized manufacturing process that … — Madeira Skull Ring, $15,400
Encrusted skull with purple, blue, and black sapphires and brown diamonds on a large face skull.
Kindly Note: Each piece is unique, one-of-a-kind and unpredictable -- the product of a specialized manufacturing process that we've developed over many years. It is the heart and soul of the Cast-Not-Set process and the Polly Wales style. Stone colors may vary slightly. Metal: 18K Yellow Gold, Stones: Sapphires & Diamonds.

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

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

Anna Sheffield

HAZELINE SOLITAIRE RING14k Gold & Blackened Rutilated Quartz, $2,8508mm blackened rutilated quartz center with 0.03ctw small black diamond accents set in 14k recycled yellow, rose, or white gold.Please note that gemstones are natural materi… — HAZELINE SOLITAIRE RING
14k Gold & Blackened Rutilated Quartz, $2,850
8mm blackened rutilated quartz center with 0.03ctw small black diamond accents set in 14k recycled yellow, rose, or white gold.
Please note that gemstones are natural materials and therefore each stone is unique. The Hazeline is a cornerstone of the Anna Sheffield ceremonial jewelry collection. A classic style with a delicate silhouette, this timeless design is based on a ring belonging to Anna’s grandmother. Envisioned here in a solitaire style with the same detailed basket and slender shank, the Hazeline is the perfect ‘heirloom-to-be.

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

Claudia Desideri - Desideri Designs

Crown Hook Earrings $175Inspired by Classical jewelry  Crown hook earrings are a true beauty. All Swarovski crystal beads are individually hand-stitched. Try pairing  with our crown studs for an edgier look . Material Finishing. Emerald gr… — Crown Hook Earrings $175
Inspired by Classical jewelry Crown hook earrings are a true beauty. All Swarovski crystal beads are individually hand-stitched. Try pairing with our crown studs for an edgier look . Material Finishing. Emerald green and Metallic rose gold Swarovski crystals beads. 14K gold filled , 4 cm long.

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

Judith Haas

Persian Necklace, $275.00Fine Silver (.99)  partially oxidized, with 24k gold leaf pendant. 15 inch fine gold filled chain with 2.5 inch extension chain ( 17.5 inch total) Ask for costume made length. Pendant is 2x1 1/4 inch. One of a kind — Persian Necklace, $*275.00*
Fine Silver (.99) partially oxidized, with 24k gold leaf pendant. 15 inch fine gold filled chain with 2.5 inch extension chain ( 17.5 inch total) Ask for costume made length. Pendant is 2x1 1/4 inch. One of a kind

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

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

Yanina Faour - Oleana Jewelry

Citric Sun Mandala Pendant $218.80In sterling silver, with yellow gold plating, enamel and crystals. Representing the union between the sacred and the earthly world, mandalas are deeply meditative symbols that harmonize chakras and have a positive e… — Citric Sun Mandala Pendant $218.80
In sterling silver, with yellow gold plating, enamel and crystals. Representing the union between the sacred and the earthly world, mandalas are deeply meditative symbols that harmonize chakras and have a positive effect on those who wear them.
Oleana jewelry is handcrafted in Buenos Aires and designed by Yanina Faour, fourth generation of jewelers, inspired in the architecture and fine arts that identify the magic of her hometown, Buenos Aires.

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

Marielise Lachapelle

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

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

Jane D’Arensbourg

BLACK BUBBLE NECKLACE $1,500Jet black glass bubble, sculptural bib necklace. This is a big show stopping unique statement necklace. One of a kind. Chain length 24” x 3/8”. Sculptural bubble bib size 7”x6”. Sterling silver clasp. — BLACK BUBBLE NECKLACE $1,500
Jet black glass bubble, sculptural bib necklace. This is a big show stopping unique statement necklace. One of a kind. Chain length 24” x 3/8”. Sculptural bubble bib size 7”x6”. Sterling silver clasp.

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

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

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

Ilenia Corti Vernissage

Blue Imperial Moth Necklace $1,920Sleek, sculptural and dynamic, this deftly crafted necklace has a bold, modern aesthetic that will complement a modern and casual outfit. Handcrafted of 925 silver, it has a distinctive princess neckline composed en… — Blue Imperial Moth Necklace $1,920
Sleek, sculptural and dynamic, this deftly crafted necklace has a bold, modern aesthetic that will complement a modern and casual outfit. Handcrafted of 925 silver, it has a distinctive princess neckline composed entirely of realistic imperial moth charms of varying dimensions. The moth's slender wings are finished with a midnight-blue enamel, creating a smooth, elegant texture that resembles that of stones. This exceptional necklace will elevate the style and allure of any ensemble and modern jewelry collection. Lobster claw clasp. Available also in brass upon request.

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

Sewit Sium

ETERNITY SNAKE CUFF $150The snake is symbol of transformation and renewal, as it has the ability to shed its own skin when it outgrows it. For thousands of years, the snake has been utilized as a symbol of transformation and renewal, as it has the a… — ETERNITY SNAKE CUFF $150
The snake is symbol of transformation and renewal, as it has the ability to shed its own skin when it outgrows it. For thousands of years, the snake has been utilized as a symbol of transformation and renewal, as it has the ability to shed its own skin when it outgrows it. 18K gold plated brass. Snake is 3/16" (4mm) wide. Cuff is adjustable. Availability: Handmade to order in New York.

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

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

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

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

Mia Hebib - Oblik Atelier

OBLIK ATELIER MOBIUS EARRINGS $200Mobius Earrings, brass plated in 14k gold — OBLIK ATELIER MOBIUS EARRINGS $200
Mobius Earrings, brass plated in 14k gold

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Natalie Rivera

Valentines Day 2021 Gift Guide →

February 10, 2021

Local artisanal Valentines Day gifts for 2021.

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

November 27, 2020

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

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

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

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

ONLINE BRANDS

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.

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

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

Miriam Organic Bluebell Soap, 6.95 English Pounds

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

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

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

Twine Light Indigo Kitchen Gift Set, $75

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

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

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

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

BRICK & MORTAR

New York

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)

Kala Ukadelic Flamingo Soprano Ukulele, $35.59

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

Frankincense & Myrrh Bath Bomb, 3.50 English pounds

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

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

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

Woody Black Optical Eyeglasses, 145 Euro

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

Christmas Coffret from Paris, 156 Euros.

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

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

By Natalie Rivera

Sustainable Holiday Cashmere Sweater Giving!

December 12, 2019

With Christmas around the corner The Local Artisan Guide is excited to bring some awareness to fashion brands that offer exquisite sweaters made in a sustainable manner. Some of these brands are well known, some less known but all offer quality, stylish knitwear created with eco-friendly, Fair Trade and sustainability in mind. If you are making an effort to be a conscious shopper the following brands are sure to check all your holiday gift giving needs.

Eileen Fisher

Eileen Fisher is a brand that has been around for a while and has been in the forefront of creating a mass sustainable brand utilizing recycled cashmere made with yarn respun from fine Italian fabrics. The yarn meets the Global Recycle Standard and is truly sustainable.

NAADAM

NAADAM goes straight to the source of the best cashmere, Mongolia’s Gobi Desert, and works directly with herders and their goats to bring you high quality, sustainable and unbelievably soft knitwear at the world’s fairest prices.

Everlane

Everlane offers minimal, stylish sweaters made from recycled cashmere (which they call ReCashmere) and recycled polyester (ReNew Fleece). All at an affordable price point.

Lingua Franca

Lingua Franca is a new brand that offers a line of sustainably-sourced, fair trade luxury cashmere sweaters, all hand-stitched by women in NYC.

Reformation

Reformation is an eco fashion label with knitwear made from earth-friendly materials like recycled cashmere and alpaca wool.

Cashmere need not be such an out of reach gift again at the price points the above brands offer especially when the brands are sustainable and eco-friendly. Don’t forget to get some cashmere for yourself while you are at it!

By Natalie Rivera

Sustainable Father's Day Gifts in all Price Points

June 13, 2018

For Father's Day The Local Artisan Guide is here to help you shop more sustainably for Father's Day gifts. Whether you are shopping for an older father/father figure or a new dad, The Local Artisan Guide has gathered some impressive sustainable AND stylish gifts to give to your father in all prices points from high end to extremely affordable.

NOAH WAXMAN

Noah Waxman began his first collection with a few styles built by hand in America. Now the Handmade in USA collection celebrates the best in American boot-making. The USA boots blend a rugged Americana vibe with modern lines and unexpected colors and textures. The leathers represent some of the best in America, from locally sourced skins like Chromexcel and Shell Cordovan from Chicago's Horween tannery to American Bison. All USA boots are Goodyear welted for exceptional performance in all weather and years and years of life. This is the classic American work boot, taken to new heights. The Hudson is a cap-toe lace-up boot that will last ages. Chicago-tanned Horween leather with a distinctive butt seam on the toe makes the Hudson boot stand out from the crowd. $595

ECOALF

Ecoalf is a retail brand that uses recycled and ecofriendly resources for their products. Their Briefcase isn an ultra-light bag perfect for your gym days, weekend trips or your day-to-day routine, thanks to its wide capacity. Equipped with hand and shoulder handle for maximum adaptability. It is made of 70% polyester and 30% recycled PES from plastic bottles. $168

WeWood

Helios is the new minimalist WeWOOD model with steel case and Flex-wood strap: The most recent eco-friendly WeWOOD solution has been created for those who understand the importance of substituting leather with alternative and more ethical materials without compromising luxury and beauty. Canvas and wood thin layers are combined with the finest horizontal laser engraving to reach the best flexibility. Made in Italy. $119.95

ALLBIRDS

Allbirds, the eco-friendly shoe brand has created a lounger with soft comfort in a smart silhouette that makes every experience a little more leisurely and a lot more cozy. The upper and the insole are made from superfine New Zealand Merino wool, the bottom is a lightweight dense foam that make this a perfect indoor and outdoor shoe. The wool makes is so comfortable you will not need socks and it helps minimize odor. $95

EVERLANE

Everlane, one of the most sustainable and transparent retail companies around has a great father's day gift for you, a softer cotton shirt. This cotton poplin shirt is lightweight and smooth, but gets a special garment-dyed treatment for a more lived-in feel and coloration. Great for when crisp and formal just isn’t what you want. Free shipping with first order! $48

Patagonia, The Small Text Logo LoPro Trucker Hat, $29

PATAGONIA

The Small Text Logo LoPro Trucker Hat features a traditional, structured front ball-cap fit in a trucker setup: organic cotton bill and crown; polyester mesh back for increased ventilation. The six-panel design with front stitching, lower front-crown profile and pliable, precurved bill provide all-day comfort. Snaps in back make sure you’re well-adjusted. Patagonia is the leader in eco-friendly and sustainable retail fashion. $29

MUJI

The name "MUJI" is derived from the Japanese phrase "Mujirushi Ryohin," meaning "No Brand Goods." The resulting products are streamlined, environmentally friendly and beautiful in their simplicity. Over the last 20 years, MUJI has developed a worldwide following with a guiding philosophy that emphasizes innovative and simple materials, processes and packaging. Work manufactured by the company is featured in MoMA's collection. The MUJI Notebook Set includes five ruled notebooks, each with a different colored spine. 30 sheets per notebook. $3.50

So there you have seven great sustainable Father's Day selections in all categories and price points. Whether you are teaching your father about sustainability or he's all on board and happy that you are thinking the same way, sustainable gifts are not only thoughtful, responsible and eco-friendly, they are likely to last much longer and mean more to him with time.

Don't forget, shopping around your neighborhood for local artisans is also a great way to get conscious gifts for your father.

In the end a good father will love to have quality time spent with their children. If you can't be there with him this Father's Day and perhaps your dad is not ready for sustainable gifts, a donation in a charity he is passionate about is also a great gift. If your dad was an awful dad, may I recommend sending him a donation in his name to YOUR favorite charity. WIN/WIN!

As for me I will be giving my dad Yankee paraphernalia as any time I try to give him a thoughtful gift it goes right into the magical armoire where I never see his precious items again. Maybe one day the Yankees will be a sustainable sports brand on their own? One can only dream...

Happy Father's Day

By Natalie Rivera

Ethical Shopping for Black Friday

November 24, 2017

It's here, Black Friday. That day of the year that jump starts holiday shopping with cut throat sales on brands across the board.

Whether you plan to shop at a Brick and Mortar shop or go online, The Local Artisan Guide has made some suggestions to highlight some of the many brands that now focus on ethical and sustainable products that you should know about.

BRACKISH BOW TIES is a Bow Tie brand made in Charleston, SC. No dyes are used, giving each tie a unique coloring. The feathers are all-natural and sustainably sourced. Each tie arrives in a hand-branded, pine gift box. including a list of the feathers used and instructions on how to care for your tie. www.brackishbowties.com

ROTHY'S is a San Francisco brand that created a women’s flat with low-waste, low-impact materials, hand-assembled for high quality and durability. The flats fit true-to-size and have a removable insole and 3D knit upper for seamless comfort. Machine-washable in cold, gentle cycle; air dry only. When you finally are ready to replace them simply send them to their Rothy’s recycling facility and help close the loop in making our planet a better place. www.rothys.com

ANITA DONGRE GRASSROOT is a sustainable luxury brand born to revive, sustain and empower India's crafts and artisans. The brand translates village art into design for the globetrotting woman, and showcase the handcrafted traditions of India in contemporary tales. Grassroot works with rural artisans to create local employment opportunities, empowering every village to become a self-sustaining unit. www.anitadongregrassroot.com

PATENT OF THE HEART is a handbag and small leather goods brand made in Turkey. Designer Elif Akaydin has artisans create her sophisticated collection made with the finest European leathers and materials. Patent of Heart assures you every bag purchased is not only made with high-quality craftsmanship, but with a strong sense of functionality and style. A portion of profits helps contribute to worthy cause especially helpings young girls attain an education. www.patentoftheheart.com

JOE GROOMING was established in 2002 with a goal to create a natural and organic line of hair products formulated to meet their core objective. By lowering surfactant levels in their shampoos, adding soothing, moisturizing extracts to both cleansing… — **JOE GROOMING** was established in 2002 with a goal to create a natural and organic line of hair products formulated to meet their core objective. By lowering surfactant levels in their shampoos, adding soothing, moisturizing extracts to both cleansing and styling products, and fragrancing with essential oils rather than synthetic fragrances, they have taken the first steps toward achieving this goal. Extra benefit is for every order of a Joe Grooming product, they donate a bar of Joe Grooming soap to a resident of homeless shelters across the USA. www.joegrooming.biz

EDUN is a sustainable high end fashion apparel and accessories brand that makes all its products in Africa from artisans using fair trade methods and guidelines. www.edun.com

APOLIS is a fashion lifestyle brand founded on the simple idea that people can live better lives when they are given equal access to the global marketplace. Apolis is a socially motivated lifestyle brand that empowers communities worldwide. www.apolisglobal.com

Black Friday doesn't have to be a consumer nightmare, it can be a practice in conscious shopping. Don't forget to check out your local brick and mortar shops for Black Friday and Small Business Saturday, you'll be amazed at the wonderful Black Friday sales and products you will find.

By Natalie Rivera

Sustainable Fashion Brands to Watch

June 8, 2017

With Trump announcing to the world that he is pulling the United States out of the Paris Climate Agreement, an immediate reaction reverberated around the globe of disbelief and incredulity that the United States who has for decades been on the forefront of innovation, science and industry has abandoned its leadership role due to the politics of a man trolling the planet.

Some people just want to set the world on fire (with polluted coal).

Luckily the vast majority of countries (and to the contrary the United States) are not dying dinosaurs and have a desire to be on the path to sustainability knowing that it is the future. Cities, governments, corporations, farmers, communities and small businesses have been finding ways to make our future more sustainable and eco-friendly and will continue to do so regardless of Trump’s proclamations.

There are some large retailers known for their eco-friendly stance such as Patagonia, Burton’s and Eileen Fisher. Adidas and Stella McCartney just announced they were debuting collections made from recyclable plastics from the ocean, however there are many smaller and lesser known brands built on their dedication to sustainable fashion. Being aware and shopping these brands will help the planet so The Local Artisan Guide is highlighting four brands in the fashion world that go above and beyond for sustainability and accountability while also creating a stylish, well made product.

Rothy’s

Rothy’s is a footwear brand that creates stylish, sustainable flats for women out of recyclable water bottles. Rothy’s has figured out how recycled plastic water bottles can be transformed into a comfortable knitted shoe that fits like a glove and is soft like a sock. Founded by Stephen Hawthornewaite and Roth Martin (two industry outsiders) and based in San Francisco, their goals was to "Create an alternative, versatile shoe: one with the ease of a sneaker but with the polish of a feminine flat. And do it with low-waste, low-impact materials, hand-assembled for high quality and durability.”

Rothy’s shoes are almost like glorified socks as you can wear them, walk in them, spend all day in them then throw your Rothy's in the wash (cold water, gentle cycle, gentle detergent), and let them air dry. They come in an array of colors, patterns and toe shapes (only flats though) and share such qualities as: recyclable, an earth friendly carbon free rubber soul, recycled water bottle construction, washable quick dry technology, flexible sole and upper, blister-free seamless knit, lightweight all day wearability, moisture wicking all weather comfort, reusable packaging plus when you feel they are at the end of their wear you can send them back to Rothy’s to be recycled at their recycling facility.

Rothy’s basically seek to make a comfortable product with the least amount of carbon footprint possible yet still be fashionable and stylish with the feel of luxury.

Matt & Nat

The name of this vegan brand from Montreal may sound like two friends named Matthew and Natalie (or Nathaniel) getting together and deciding to start a sustainable footwear and handbag brand (that’s what I thought). However Matt & Nat stands for MAT(T)erial and NATure meaning to explore the synergy between the two, the reflection of one on the other.

Established in 1995, Matt and Nat was created with the idea from the start to not use leather or any other animal-based materials or products in their designs. With every passing year they have continued to explore new innovative ways to remain sustainable and eco-friendly. This includes experimenting with different recycled materials such as recycled nylons, cardboard, rubber and cork. Since 2007, they have been committed to using linings only made out of 100% recycled plastic bottles. Matt & Nat have also recently introduced recycled bicycle tires to their collections.

Matt & Nat have also adopted a very eco-friendly production and work environment. Their factories operates by the SA8000 standard and their goals are to make this standard a bigger part of their production going forward. The factories are socially compliant and the brand makes an effort to keep to PU (polyurethane) instead of PVC as PVC is much more harmful to the environment. Not only are Matt & Nat's customers getting the cutting edge of ethical and eco-friendly fashion. Their materials are consistently improved and updated with composites that are less harmful for flora and fauna.

At the office in Montreal, Canada they have made it a ‘cruelty free’ zone with monthly staff celebrations of vegetarian potlucks and vegan cupcakes. They encourage community volunteering for their employees and would like you to upcycle any Matt & Nat product when possible.

However the most impressive feat that Matt & Nat offer is their design aesthetic which will have you not missing leather goods at all. The brand offers handbags, footwear, wallets, small vegan goods and men’s bags. They manage to cover all the latest styles, trends, colors all while putting out their own unique form.

ECOALF

ECOALF is an outerwear lifestyle brand for men and women founded by Javier Goyeneche in 2012 after years of frustration with witnessing the excessive use of the planet’s natural resources and the amount of waste produced by industries around the world.

Absolved to create a fashion brand that is truly sustainable ECOALF states “Our goal is to create the first generation of recycled products with the same quality, design and technical properties as the best non-recycled products. That way we show there is no need to use our world’s natural resources in a careless way”.

ECOALF uses a few key materials while producing their products: recycled water bottles are crushed into plastic flakes which then are processed and spun into a rough polyester and then fashioned into a yarn for the fabrics, straps, laces, etc. ECOALF has used up to 70 million recycled water bottles in their production thus far.

Recycled cottons and recycled wools save water as 1kg of convention cotton needs 2500 liters of water. ECOALF uses the recycled cottons and wools in their outerwear, accessories and knits.

ECOALF also uses recycled fishing nets which are transformed into a fiber used for the swimwear. Used tires are compressed into a material for flip flops, and used coffee grinds are spun into a thread that produces a water repellant fabric used for jackets.

Their store is not only designed to maintain sustainable eco-friendly standards but stands as a place for the community to meet for conferences, exhibitions, screenings, etc. all within ECOALF philosophy.

ECOALF also has started a foundation, The ECOALF Foundation is a non-profit organization whose primary goal is to promote the selective recovery, recycling and revaluing of waste in order to prevent its adverse impact on the environment. This is achieved through the development and application of new scientific and technological advancements – especially with regard to plastic waste products that are found in the marine environment.

For all that ECOALF strives to provide as a sustainable fashion brand, they know if you design outerwear, apparel, bags, shoes, swimwear and flip-flops that its all a waste of time and materials if you produce a product no one finds stylish enough to wear. ECOALF proves you do not have to have a hippie sensibility for sustainable fashion as they create cutting edge fashion with an aesthetic that leans to minimal chic and fashion forward. The brand is growing and starting to do projects outside of Madrid however their online store means ECOALF is available worldwide for those looking to expand their sustainable fashion closet.

BOTTLETOP

The Bottletop Fashion Company is a handbag and accessories brand that sprung from the Bottletop Foundation which was founded by Cameron Saul and his father Roger (Founder of British luxury fashion brand Mulberry) through a design collaboration with Mulberry. From the foundation came a handbag made from recycled bottle tops in Africa that was lined with Mulberry leather in Europe. The bag created a lot of buzz and generated local employment and raising funds for grass roots education projects in Africa.

This bag was followed by another bag designed by Bottletop’s Co-Director Oliver Wayman who discovered the "Bellani", a stunning silver chain mail bag with a distinctly 1970’s feel in Brazil. With the lightweight material, the bag consisted of upcycled aluminium ring pulls held together by crotchet. The bag is made by artisans in Brazil and has lead to the Bottletop Fashion Company being established in 2012 to create a brand that funds the operation of the Bottletop Foundation, which uses contemporary art and music to raise funds and awareness for education projects that tackle delicate teenage health issues such as HIV/AIDS, drug abuse and teenage pregnancy. The Bottletop Foundation supports young people in Malawi, Mozambique, Rwanda, Brazil and the UK.

Bottletop's "Bellani Mini" made from upcycled Aluminum ring pulls.

As a foundation they frequently collaborate with other well known brands such as Narcisco Rodriguez and Idris Khan. The design and quality by Bottletop are a work of art for the craftsman and consumer alike. Their philosophy is “Blending design with technique across cultures, Bottletop creates collections that celebrate true craftsmanship. A timeless ‘created by hand’ aesthetic. The creation of Bottletop products not only enhance the techniques of some of the most highly skilled artisans from around the world but our training programs enable others to join them, supporting themselves and their families in the process”.

One of Bottletop's many artisan workers.

The brand offers handbags, travel bags, backpacks, clutches, accessories, etc. The aesthetic looks and feels luxurious and contemporary even with the aluminum rings pulls. When you chose a Bottletop bag you are not only purchasing a piece of artisan craftsmanship, you are helping the environment by choosing recyclable materials and contributing to a foundation that helps disadvantaged youths with their community and health.

These are four good brands to start your sustainable fashion closet. Larger brands are starting to take notice of the big, innovative ideas these smaller brands are contributing to the world and proving sustainable fashion is not only a real possibility but a stylish option that benefits all.

By Natalie Rivera