It’s also just more fun. There’s a particular thrill in discovering something you won’t find in the window of every chain store – a piece with real individuality that you’re unlikely to see again. And it’s that spark of serendipity that makes it all the more special – which is why we’re turning our attention to five homegrown makers whose work we think deserves a place under the tree this year.
Bard
You can be assured that anything you buy at Bard is rooted in Scottish craftsmanship. A shop and gallery based in Leith, Edinburgh, it is the very beautiful brainchild of married couple Hugo MacDonald and James Stevens, and, as they say, ‘We tell stories about ideas, people and objects that forge Scottish cultural identity, past, present and future. Our mission is twofold: we believe that living with craft can ground and elevate our daily experience, at home and in society; we also believe that Scottish craft and design is ripe for a global audience.’ Demonstrating this very handsomely indeed is Alastair Byars’ Silent Platter, from £120, a radically simple and wholly beautiful piece for every day.
Ludio
The question ‘who made your clothes?’ is one that, rightly, we must all ask ourselves when we make a purchase. In the case of Ludio, you can rest assured that it will be one amongst their south London-based collective of embroiderers and textile designers who create piece for your wardrobe, for your home – and then pieces that are, frankly, works of art. In the former camp, we absolutely love the aptly named Forever Jacket, £220, which is embellished with cross stitches of an array of Ludio’s signature little creatures. Who could resist such a raspberry beauty? Even better, all Ludio pieces are bespoke, so you can get in touch to create your dream wardrobe addition.
Sussex Lustreware
Lustreware has long been a treasure sought by those who love a good antique find. But for Gloria Baker, founder of Sussex Lustreware, that love ran so deep that she began to create her own contemporary take, made in Sussex and sold online and in the market town of Lewes. You can shop her collection (we especially love the Harlequinade collection) or commission your very own bespoke piece. But as it’s Christmas, if someone wrapped up a Robin And Nest Jug, £50, and popped it under the tree for us, we’d be so very delighted.
ELWIN
Sustainable women’s wear that’s made in England, utterly chic and will be worn for decades to come, you say? Yes please. Founded by St Martin’s grad Deanne in 2016, she learned the tools of her trade when still a child, having worn exclusively clothes knitted by her grandmother, who also happened to give her her very first sewing machine, thus setting the train in motion. She says, ‘Clothes for me have an emotional resonance. I have things I have owned for many years, decades even, and wear over and over. The develop a history. I like the way clothes tell stories of a life lived.’ We would very much like to live our lives in one of her Cashmere Classic Crewnecks, £350.
Soapsmith
We are long-time fans of Samantha Jameson, who turned her hobby into her livelihood in 2010 when she founded Soapsmith. Putting British artisanal craftsmanship back into the art of soap making, every single cold-pressed beauty is named after the London area that inspired it. We love the brand-new Dulwich, but frankly we’d be delighted to give or receive just about anything she makes.
