Christmas gifts for design lovers

[SINGAPORE] ‘Tis the season for giving, but the headache always lies in what to give, especially when the recipient is someone with a taste for aesthetic things.

Who better to ask for advice than those in the creative industry? Here, we reach out to an architect, designer, photographer and art consultant for ideas.

Robert Cheng 

The architect and founder of Brewin Design Office is one to watch. His past works include the design of the Museum Library at National Gallery and the interiors of Capella’s upcoming hotel in Kyoto. Understated luxury, material dexterity and bespoke craft are his calling cards. 

Rigards eyeglasses

“I’ve been following the brand for its very cool, underground collection of eyeglasses that are partially handmade and partially machined,” shares Cheng of eyewear label Rigards. “They have an apocalyptical aesthetic.”

Made with nature-derived materials such as horn, copper, 18-karat gold, stainless steel and wood, the designs are inspired by everything from science fiction to Asian folk art.

Available from Jamco Optical and Darwave from S$1050.   

Hermes Kaorumi plates 

Cheng finds the prints from these plates from Hermes “fun, creative, partly Japanese and embodying an ‘analogue-style’ aesthetic”.

The imagery, featuring fruits – both whole and sliced – are created using hand-laid chromolithography printing. Ryo Takomasa designed the Kaorumi (”fruit” in Japanese) collection that includes 15 pieces and five sets.

From S$340. 

SEE ALSO

Going local – hotels ramp up efforts to curate community experiences

Patina Osaka x Verdy collection 

This limited-edition set of merchandise juxtaposes street artist Verdy’s iconic designs with Patina Osaka’s sophisticated style. For Cheng, this collection is a testament to the hospitality brand’s daring and unusual choices.

The collection is currently available only at Patina Osaka’s retail shop, so the pieces will be special gifts indeed. Prices are 2,200 yen (S$18.20) for a sticker set, 8,300 yen for a T-shirt and 35,000 yen for a jacket.    

Talenia Gajardo 

Trained as an architect, Talenia Gajardo pivoted to becoming the founder of art consultancy and website, The Artling.

From highlighting progressive artists on the website to selecting art for the spaces of clients such as Mondrian Singapore, Capella Taipei and High House, Gajardo has the knack of giving expression to any corner, atrium and shophouse party wall. 

Viya Saffron Candelabra Tall

Gajardo describes Delhi-based designer Vikram Goyal’s Saffron Candelabra for Viya interesting “because it blends traditional Indian brass craftsmanship with a modern, sculptural design language, making it both functional and collectible”.

“Its handcrafted details give it a strong, artistic nature that elevates it beyond a typical decor object,” she adds.

Available at The Artling for US$3,460.

Hemmerle earrings 

Hemmerle is one of Gajardo’s favourite jewellery brands. “It is extraordinary for its museum-level craftsmanship and bold use of unconventional materials like copper, iron, and aluminium with precious gems,” says the savvy entrepreneur with a fondness for architectural jewellery.

“Their pieces are one-of-a-kind, sculptural and striking – always on my wish list!” Pictured are earrings with diamonds, iron and white gold.

Available from Revival Jewels and hemmerle.com; price upon request.

Sabine Marcelis Pivot Lights

New Zealand-born, Netherlands-based artist and designer Sabine Marcelis makes magic with colour and clear shapes.

Says Gajardo: “I’m a big fan of Sabine’s work and love how her lighting pieces are so sculptural and geometrical. By using translucent resin or glass to diffuse colour, the candy-coloured pieces of the Pivot Lights emit a warm glow and are a great addition to a variety of spaces.” 

Available from sabinemarcelis.com; price upon request. 

Khoo Guo Jie

The Singaporean photographer has captured beautiful images for Design Hotels, the Embassy of Switzerland, MillerKnoll, Vogue, Project3 and Facebook. “Photography is how I make sense of the world. It’s all about turning perspective into cinematic images,” he says. 

Studio Juju Galvanised Lamp

Designed by Singaporean design couple Priscilla Lui and Timo Wong, who run the award-winning design company Studio Juju, the Galvanised Lamp was a project from 2022 with one of Singapore’s last tinsmiths.

“I like it because of the mould marks left behind,” says Khoo. “I’ve always enjoyed little hints of how objects are put together instead of being hidden.”

Available for order from studio-juju.com for S$475. 

Mentsen oak soap dish

Mentsen’s soap dishes are made from Douglas fir and stained oak offcuts. The shape of each dish is simple, but it does the job of minimising contact between the soap and the dish’s surface, allowing the soap to dry between uses.

“The construct itself solves the function of a soap dish,” says Khoo on the object that elevates a utilitarian object.

Available for order via e-mail for £24 (S$41).

Leong Hon Kit

The architecturally trained designer is the co-founder of Wynk Collaborative. The firm has created interiors for many Singapore establishments, such as coffee brand Alchemist, Benjamin Barker, Ginlee Studio and Standing Sushi Bar. His punchy, contemporary work is matched with a notable sartorial style.  

Aa Furniture Sola Cubes

The Sola Cubes from Aa Furniture preserve natural elements or minerals in clear resin volumes. They are crafted by Usage No Nedoko in Kyoto, and embody traditional Japanese values of respecting nature and appreciating simplicity.

“It turns a raw geological artefact into a contemplative, sculptural form,” says Leong, who is particularly enamoured with the pyrite version that crystallises into unpredictable shapes.

Available via pre-order from S$57.

Nathan Home Design T and U Lamp 

Leong was drawn to Nathan Home Design’s new lamp collection at the recent Boutiques Singapore. They focus on pure geometry, with names such as T Lamp and U Lamp directly reflecting their forms.

Says Singaporean designer Nathan Yong: “This stoic, architectural form holds its ground with calm clarity, yet remains deeply expressive in the way it catches light and reflects space.”

Available via pre-order from S$490 to S$790.