Photo by Colin Dancel
In this time of joyous giving, Vogue Philippines gathers various industry creatives for their personal gifting recommendations. PHx Fashion Group president Esme Palaganas shares who and what makes the cut for her 2023 holiday list.
Friend groups are filled with a delightful mix of personalities, from adventure-seekers to hopeless romantics and everything in between. The holiday season marks a chance to celebrate their unique individuality through carefully thought out gifts that speak true to who they are.
For the on-the-go friend
A pair of pearl earrings never fails. This asymmetrical Bini Earrings from Pranca is the perfect pair for a busy friend who doesn’t have time to change from a work look to the next after hours of creative pursuit. Love that the bar and stud is detachable for a more classic look (though these are irregular Keshi pearls, no basics here). Chic boss woman in the day, speakeasy drinks girl at night—probably spotted at that newest listening bar or izakaya in town.
Available online at the Pranca website.
For the globe-trotting friend
There is something with gift box sets that hit you differently; it might just be the box, it might just be the cute travel size. Personally love the subtle freshness of the citrusy and woody notes of the Resurrection Aromatique hand balm. So for your friend to remember you by, give this care kit as a perfect refresher between layovers from Bangkok, Tokyo, or New York.
Available online at the Aesop Philippines website, and Aesop signature stores at Greenbelt, Rockwell, and SM Aura.
For the local loving friend
Idyllic Summers Top & AIRE Co-ords
It has been so fun to see Steffi Cua of Idyllic Summers play with form, textiles and colors. The Marita silhouette in this new Flora Pina version is my favorite one so far—layer it up with a fun color slip dress underneath for a chilly night or a cover up at the beach, there are just so many possibilities. And with that comes AIRE’s blue co-ord—give anyone a good neutral blue (and sustainable to boot) look any day and you’re giving the gift of a smart wardrobe.
The Idyllic Summers top is available online at the Idyllic Summers website. Meanwhile, the AIRE co-ords are available online at the AIRE website.
For the love-stricken, hopeless romantic friend
Conversations on Love by Natasha Lunn
My friend and I grabbed our own copies of this book from Waterstones Covent Garden, walked to Foyles’ cafe (yes, another bookstore) and silently read side by side, and mouthed ‘omg’ at every turn of the page. Ever since, we’ve converted more than a dozen people to get a copy and to pass on the love message of Ms. Lunn. This book feels like a Richard Curtis film—charming and endearing. If your friend is going through a new whirlwind romance, a rough breakup, or a 10-year anniversary, this is a perfect gift to love life a little more.
Available online at the Fully Booked website.
For the friend who needs just a little push
Joyce Mäkitalo Stacked Bangles
I’ve been going through the different collections of Joyce Mäkitalo for research and I’m falling in love with the stackable bangles she has across all, may I say, eras. Maybe your friend is in need of an identity rehaul (trust me I just turned 30, been there), Joyce’s pieces are a little extra something to spice or inspire a different kind of dressing up. Her silvers and neutral pieces in her MOD collection is step 1, then move to the crazy colors of her INTERSTELLAR collections once you’re ready for bigger changes in a particularly classic jewelry routine.
Available at the J MÄKITALO showroom. Contact +639979133823 and +63288892425 for international shipping.
- From Food To Fashion, Editor Bea Valdes Curates A Gift Guide For Passionate People
- From Jewelry To Cosmetics, Beauty Editor Joyce Oreña Handpicks The Perfect Gifts For Your Loved Ones
- The Thoughtful Holiday Gift Guide: A Book for Every Citizen of the Internet by Digital Editor Andrea Ang
- Add A Touch Of Greenery To The Holidays With Art Director Jann Pascua’s Nature-Inspired Gift Ideas
