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Logan's Style Watch
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CHRISTMAS PRESENTS TO DREAM OF
by Logan Bentley Lessona
ROME, December 10, 2000 -For many people around the world Christmas is a time for family, for celebrating, for introspection, for joy, and for giving. Before launching into a description of gifts that dreams are made of, may I humbly remind readers that sometimes the most satisfaction comes from doing something for someone less well-off than we are. If your budget doesn't allow it, a gift of time is always much appreciated.
That said, I looked at various magazines and made a list of dream presents. Prada makes a crocodile handbag with a wide strap which as almost as big as a shopping bag, as well as Tardini who also makes matching accessories. And then there's the divine alligator shopping bag designed for Farrah Fawcett by Lana Marks. Prices? Don't ask!
A down quilt or even a couple of blankets probably keep you just as warm but it would be super-swell to have the luxurious bedspread made of cashmere and sheared mink by Malo'. About $8,000 in Italy. To protect those sleepy eyes you might want to try a pashmina cushion filled with dried lavender that can be ordered from England at www.rkalliston.com.
Under the category of completely-useless-but-fun-to have we must include the Gucci booties for the newborn complete with a bridle bit for about $ 75 and the teddy bear covered in their signature wool plaid from Burberry. Gucci's mini-collection of 15 items for infants and toddlers also includes a white mink coat, a black leather motorcycle jacket, slippers, and a mink-lined cap for grannies who can't resist.
Dior designer John Galliano asked Victoire de Castellane, the former muse of Karl Lagerfeld, to design the new fine jewelry collection. Among the lavish baubles is a huge square amethyst ring set in a swirly baroque setting of diamonds and rubies. But would anybody really spend $4,900 to wear earrings from Cartier with their signature C's in gold and diamonds?
How about running shoes completely covered with Swarovski rhinestones from Cesare Paciotti 4US ($ 820), or a red bikini made of stretch cashmere by Active Cashmere Gold ($ 193)?
The elegant man doesn't wear jewelry except for his wedding ring, a wristwatch, cufflinks, and studs for the shirt worn with white tie and tails. Tom Ford of Gucci designed a jewelry collection which includes a pair of minimalist gold cufflnks (about $ 790 in Italy). Bulgari's are shaped like lozenges and cost $682. A man would also appreciate Tod's weekend bag which has plastic spheres on the bottom just like their shoes, from $570 in three sizes.
Moschino's evening pants in acetate are completely covered with multi-colored sequins ($ 314), or you could opt for his gold leather jeans at a mere $705. Must-haves are wrap around frameless pastel-colored sunglasses from Dior ($155)or Gucci with tiny little GG's in strass ($178).
Costing much less are perfumed and decorated candles from Etro (about $40), a cushion made of red velvet rose petals from Anteprima, a shop in Milan (about $25), a red organdy tablecloth with gold embroidery and tassels from Coin (department store chain in Italy, about $41), a model of a silver Porsche from Burago for $14.
For children Benetton has a hooded quilted parka in gold for $36 with a matching bear knapsack for $15, baby fake cheetah desert boots for $ 36, ski pants lined in cotton for $18, Mary Janes in grey satin covered with tiny pearls with Velcro for closing the straps ($22), Primigi's Mary Janes are in silver leather with running shoe-type silver rubber soles ($36), Flik Flak 's wristwatch with clouds and angels on the strap and quadrant costs$21, available at Swatch stores.
My other wish for Christmas is to be able to swim with Dolphins but that's going to take a bit of arranging. Meanwhile I'll relax with a Zen desktop garden complete with sand, rocks, and hoe. If you wonder why there are no "technology" items on my list, I work with it every day and need a rest. 'Nuff said.
P.S. Prices may differ in other countries.
© 2000 Logan Bentley Lessona
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Fashion and Design from Italy has been on the web since February 1995. It was the first ever web about fashion. We're working on a new section about Italian Design - industrial design that includes furniture, ceramics, bathrooms, home and office accessories, automobiles and other articles that have won prizes throughout the world and are exhibited in museums such as the Museum of Modern Art in New York.
