Want to know where to buy the best of the best? A new book has all the answers
‘TIS THE SEASON of conspicuous consumption, and it’s with this in mind that a new coffee-table book called 101 Things to Buy Before You Die has just been published. Co-authored by fashion and shopping experts Maggie Davis and Charlotte Williamson, the book is a guide to tracking down some of the most sought-after and luxurious items in the world.
And it’s not just the predictable items from the fail-safe stores, either. The authors have hunted down classic, stylish or cult items everywhere from market stalls in India to ultra-chic Right Bank boutiques in Paris, with pointers on everything from shoes and jewels to lighting and furniture.
As Davis and Williamson explain: “Today shoppers are savvier than ever before. What we really want is to be directed to the best. We want classics that won’t lose their value; investment pieces that stand the test of time.”
So how to decide what to include? “We’ve asked those in the know for their suggestions. Some are spectacular, and super-expensive; others surprisingly reasonable.”
What they do assert, however, is that travel is a great way to find the unusual, the special and the downright covetous. “Shopping remains one of the best ways to explore other cultures – after all, local life emerges in all its forms on market day.”
Here, voyager selects some of the most inspiring items to whet your appetite.
Go forth and shop! Robina Dam
101 Things to Buy Before You Die, published by New Holland (£16.99)
| Trench coats from Burberry Why? It’s the most traditional English raincoat imaginable. Army officers wore it as part of their uniform in the 1900s. Today, high officers in the supermodel world carry one casually over their arm through airport lounges. One of the first and among the best. Where? 21-23 New Bond Street, London W1; +44 (0)20 7839 5222 |
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| Cufflinks from Asprey Why?
These diamond and sapphire button pavé cufflinks – Asprey’s 167 design – may seem rock ‘n’ roll, but the house is known for offering the ultimate in understated English jewellery. Where? 167 New Bond Street, London W1; +44 |
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| Stilettos from Manolo Blahnik Why? Shoe designer Manolo Blahnik has made his designer heels a byword for luxury and desire. These are less shoes, more works of art. Where? 49-51 Old Church Street, London SW3; +44
(0)20 7352 8622 |
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| Classic cars from Aston MartinWhy? It’s every boy’s dream – owning “the James Bond car”, an Aston Martin DB5, of which only 886 were built. Where? www.astonmartin.com or www.collectorcartraderonline.com |
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| Teapots from Mariages Frères
Why? This trendy tea salon in the heart of Paris’ bohemian Marais district attracts everyone from actress Isabelle Adjani to Hugh Grant. They also have a shop with a vast array of teapots, some made of cast iron, others in porcelain. Look out for the Loukoum design (£81), which combines Oriental aesthetics with a Western finish and comes in a wide range of striking colours. Where? 30 Rue du Bourg-Tibourg, 75004 Paris, France; +33 1 42 72 28 11 |
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| Lip balm from Crème de la MerWhy? At £35, this is the Concorde of lip balms. Crème de la Mer’s leading skincare technology has been applied to this minty balm. Where? Brown Thomas, 88-95 Grafton Street, Dublin; +353 1608 5928 |
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| Smeg refrigeratorsWhy? Evoking the nostalgia of the American kitchen of the 1950s, the FAB28 refrigerator design is a classic. Just as well, given its price tag of £940. Where? www.smeguk.com |
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| Brogues from John Lobb Why? In 1866 English shoemaker John Lobb designed a pair of riding boots for the Prince of Wales and was given a royal warrant in return. The house continues to make classic leather brogues for the present Prince of Wales. Their bespoke brogues start from £2,000. Where? 9 St James’s Street, London SW1; +44 (0)207 930 3664; www.johnlobb.com for branches in the USA, France and Japan |
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| Fountain pen from Mont Blanc Why? The German company known for its innovative fountain pens and artistic nibs continues to be a byword for elegant pens which still need to be filled with ink. Where? www.montblanc.com |
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| Candles from Natural Magic Why? Not only do Natural Magic’s scented candles (from £32.50) smell divine, but they are made from vegetable wax so as to reduce the potentially harmful fumes caused by paraffin waxes. And their essential oils are 100% organic. Where? www.natural-magicuk.com |
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| Jewel-lery from Links of London Why? Charm bracelets and chunky silver necklaces have been given a new lease of life. From about £150, they offer a more affordable take on statement jewellery. Where? 16 Sloane Square, London SW1; +44 (0)20 7730 3133; www..linksoflondon.com |
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| Pyjamas from Brooks Brothers Why? The ultimate in preppy style, fashion journalist Elizabeth Salzman-Walker even wore these to the office when she worked at Vogue. The 100% cotton pyjamas start from £59. Where? Brooks Brothers, 132-134 Regent Street, London W1; +44(0)20 7238 0030 |
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| Gems from Popli Why? Popli in Mumbai has huge amounts of cheap rubies, sapphires, garnets and pearls, which can be bought loose or in strands. Where? Suleman Chambers, Battery Street, Apollo Bunder, Mumbai 400039 India; +91 22 2202 2321 |
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| Coffee maker by Gaggia Why? For the serious coffee-lover, the Gaggia Titanium espresso machine has the piston and lever system used by Italian coffee bars across Europe. Where?Department stores worldwide; www.gaggia.com |
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| Hermès ties Why? What Hermès silk scarves mean to women, their ties mean to men. Their classic ties, which start at £70, exude refinement, sophistication – and wealth. Where? www.hermes.com |
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