For the boys
So you’re dating a hipster. Or someone in dire need of a lifestyle makeover. Or you’re looking to give a guy buddy something that says, “I didn’t just pick this up at a bazaar. I put serious thought into the quality, style and provenance of this product as well as its functionality in your life,” emphasis on the “fun” in functionality. Here’s a selection of treats I wouldn’t mind getting…even as a girl.
Blazer quest
So this Christmas season hasn’t been particularly chilly, but a swank jacket always pulls a look together for appearances at holiday parties. Leather or faux leather jackets are making a comeback, while modern blazers remain a fail-safe option for elegantly louche dressing. Herringbone blazer and multi-leather jacket, both from Zara.
Brogue gallery
Touting itself as a premium brand based on the freedoms of mobile societies (Gesellschaft), Vael shoes are ideal for the post-skater shoe fetishist who might actually have a proper job, typically in the creative industries. With hints of brownshoe sensibilities grounded with hardcore Vibram soles, these kicks are conceptual, fresh and quite unlike any other shoe in the market here. Vael shoes are available at Blackbook Design, The Collective at Malugay Street in Makati.
Box match
Because even though you hate Star Wars and refuse to dress up as Princess Leia, you understand that he absolutely needs to have the DVD box set — non-pirated, of course — of his favorite film series.
I wood
Hacoa makes 1GB USB drives out of finely crafted polished wood, adding a blanket of old-school warmth to your cold techno gear. iPhone 4 lovers who dig nature will also rejoice at Ewood’s wooden covers, which are made out of textured wood and extremely lightweight. Both available at Blackbook Design.
The reason for the season
Get him closer to God with this ghostly printed graphic tee of a Sacred Heart Jesus. Available at Blackbook Design.
Incense and sensibility
Japanese fragrance-maker Kuumba does away with nose-choking patchouli scents and offers fun, contemporary incense with names like Baby Mama, Paris Hilton and Pimpin’ Ain’t Easy. Because that’s what you want your apartment to smell like. Available at Blackbook Design.
Vinyl destination
Geeks and graphic enthusiasts of all kinds love collecting stuff like vinyl toys, which are not meant to be played with but used to decorate desks at design studios and ad agencies. Available at SecretFresh, Ronac Art Center, Ortigas Avenue, Greenhills.
Concerted effort
The best gifts are often experiences, and screaming your lungs out at sweaty rock shows are always memorable. Score tickets to upcoming gigs like the Deftones, who are playing the World Trade Center on Feb. 12, 2011. For more info go to www.splintr.com.
Black ops
I’ll be honest, I have the “hers” version of this watch and it’s made me get into watch-wearing all over again. A Swiss-made performance watch, and ruggedly minimal sexy black styling makes it completely wearable on mountain tops, diving trips and every urban scene in between. Luminox Colormark Blackout watches are available at the Luminox store in The Podium.
