The Humanity of Hermès by BY SULEMAN ANAYA for BOF How does a company that proudly eschews the usual means of generating desirability remain the most desirable luxury brand in the world? PARIS, France — A Greek shepherd’s staff hangs by the door in the office of Pierre-Alexis Dumas. The artistic director of Hermès enjoys showing it to visitors and explaining how it is hand-crafted to the perfect height, so the shepherd for whom it was made can use it to rest (or even sleep!) while standing, simply by propping its multi-purpose handle under an armpit. Dumas, who is half-Greek and knew the staff ’s maker, vividly explains how it was created from a single branch, patiently trimmed until it grew sufficiently tall and ... read more
Bon Marche “A colorful lifestyle”
Our Summer Seal of Approval goes out to BonMarcheonline.com We were lucky to be invited to Santa Fe, New Mexico and amid the incredible American Indian jewelry, Opera, food, hiking and the night sky - I stumbled into the Bon Marche. Now of course you're thinking the Bon Marche of Paris has an outpost in Santa Fe? Merci, non. However, the Bon Marche of Santa Fe has the next best thing, French Imports of sunbrella fabrics in bright stripes for upholstery, table runners, napkins, totes, umbrellas, and espadrilles. I went crazy buying up everything. I guarantee this store has something for you and everyone you know. Perfect gift giving. They have 2 locations Downtown and the Railyard (this is the one I stumbled into). Not ... read more
Good Karmal
Good Karmal has my Seal of Approval The idea that a luscious, mouth watering, piece of candy could not only take me to my nirvana place but also do some good in this world .... well let's just say I order them constantly for friends, business gifts, and they were favors at my wedding. (Guests were hoarding them and taking them off tables.) Trust me - you will not be disappointed and if you share you will have a friend for life. These are that good. Forget fortune cookies, these have inspirational quotes that will have you smiling like the Buddha on the label. Mahatma Gandhi said, “We must be the change we wish to see in the world.” Our mission is to sell the most delicious caramel with the hope that the positive ... read more
Deborah Ehrlich Crystal
Deborah Ehrlich Crystal Champagne Glasses Champagne, Yes Please Deborah Ehrlich is an artist in spirit and form and she has been designing simple glassware since 1999. She created these incredible hand-blown, hand ground,(cut and polished by master craftsmen in Sweden), crystal champagne glasses drawing inspiration from her drawings of nature. Paper thin, clear as water, and absolutely flawless. Simple in stature and beautiful to hold, you will want to use them for cocktails everyday. I fell in love with these the first time I saw them in the wonderful department store Takashimaya. Great gift giving - Housewarming, Thank You, Weddings, Birthdays. Collect a dozen and use them everyday. Art should be part of every aspect of your ... read more
Honey by Bee Raw – American Single Varietal
Bee Raw single varietal honey is as unique as its floral source - it can be compared to wine, tea, and coffee in its variety and complexity. Both distinction and quality are becoming a rarity in our culture and Bee Raw's goal is to make high quality, varietal honeys more readily available to food lovers everywhere. We love the varietal pack. This is gift giving at its finest. Bees are responsible for pollinating one in every three bites of food we consume. Sadly, because of pesticides, parasites and malnutrition, bees are dying off --- jeopardizing the production of food that sustains human life. So, plant flowers, cultivate pesticide free gardens, donate to Save The Bees Fund beeraw.com/donate. ... read more