11 hand-picked Christmas gift ideas
Still looking for that perfect something? I've got you covered.
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The Istanbulist doesn’t officially launch until January 2023, I know, but in the spirit of Christmas I’ve curated my ultimate wishlist with a Turkish twist. You’ll find the brands, collaborations and products that I’ve fallen in love with this year which I think you will too. Happily, all items are available to purchase online or on Instagram. Let me know which ones take your fancy by leaving a comment below. And please do share the link to any Turkish brands you think I should know about for next time. Happy gifting!
Studio Sahil
Unique Decanter, £1,100
Make your evening tipple a whole lot chicer with one of these glass decanters from Studio Sahil, a London-based design studio founded by Turkish creative Rezzan Hasoğlu. Each piece is handmade from organic materials using sustainable techniques by Hasoğlu and a team of local artisans. Just love.
Melis Goral
Deep Sea Malachite Earrings, £5,200
If you want to stand out from the crowd this Christmas, look no further than this statement pair of diamond and malachite earrings by the Istanbul-based designer Melis Goral. A third generation jeweller, Goral draws inspiration from a variety of influences, ranging from art and architecture to Turkish culture and her globetrotting travels. It’s no surprise then that her dazzling designs are as bold as they are alluring. Pair these glittering gems with an LBD for an effortless festive nod.
Les-Ottomans
Iznik Porcelain Plates, £210
Founded by Italian designer Bertrando Di Renzo, Les-Ottomans offers a delightful collection of homeware pieces, from cushions to candlesticks, that draw on Turkey’s ancient history and rich visual culture. I’m just a little obsessed with this set of four patterned porcelain plates inspired by the traditional decorated ceramics of Anatolia.
Istanbul ‘74
Belkis Balpinar Artist Throw #1, €382
The Turkish artist and artkilim pioneer Belkis Balpinar has been creating textile artworks for the last 25 years. She is perhaps best known outside of Turkey for her distinctive woven wall hangings, featuring vibrant colours and geometric shapes and patterns. Happily for us mere mortals, Balpinar has teamed up with Istanbul ‘74 on a limited-edition series of cosy winter throws featuring her signature spirals. Hurrah.
Fabula & Tales
Guernica Slip-Ons, Enquire via Instagram
If you haven’t yet heard of Fabula & Tales, google now. Their swoonworthy selection of slippers and slip-ons are all made from sustainable vintage textiles and finished by hand. The creative brains behind the brand? Zeynep and Öykü, a mother-and-daughter duo who are keen to preserve and champion Turkey’s rich cultural heritage and artisanal techniques.
But their shoes are anything but old-fashioned. They ooze sophistication and contemporary cool and are perfect for that classy, yet understated vibe. I’m particularly taken by the Guernica slip-ons (pictured below) but the gold embroidered Marie-Antoinettes are sure to turn heads at any festive shindig.
Pinoli
Rosamel, Price on Request via Instagram
Whether you’re team cosmo or team margarita, Pinoli’s handblown cocktail glasses make the perfect gift for a friend (or yourself) this festive season. These one-of-a-kind creations come in a range of zingy colours that will instantly get you in the party mood. I love the rosy pink hues of the Rosamel (below) and the blue and orange combo of the Clementine.
The Turquoise Coast is as beautiful as everyone says it is. It’s true that the countryside is not quite as charming as that in Tuscany or Provence, but the clear, shimmering waters more than make up for it. Am I right?
Of all the coastal spots I’ve explored in Turkey this year, Datca is my standout highlight. The 50-mile-long peninsula sits at the meeting point of the Mediterranean and Aegean seas, and boasts one of the most unspoilt landscapes I’ve ever encountered. Think deserted beaches, endless olive groves and rocky outcrops that plunge straight into the sea.
That said, I also loved Bodrum’s Macakizi hotel, a chic home-from-home with a focus on top-notch food, delicious cocktails, and a bohemian brand of Turkish hedonism. Flip through the pages of this gorgeous tome by Oliver Pilcher and you’ll be transported in mind, body and spirit.
Lug Von Siga
Phoebe Dress, €780
Lug Von Siga has established a reputation as one of the hottest fashion brands in Istanbul. Founded by Gul Agis in 2010, it features timeless designs that blend artistic tradition with laid-back contemporary elegance. The result is a collection of delightfully feminine forms that make you feel your very best. I’ve been eyeing up this navy dress with gold embroidered flowers since the Resort 2023 lookbook dropped.
Wohha
Set of three ceramic cups, 720 Turkish lira
You can’t move for tea and coffee shops in Istanbul. It’s without a doubt one of my favourite things about the city. I’m a big, frothy coffee kind of gal but I’d drink espressos every day of the week if it was out of one of these chic ceramic cups from Wohha, a pottery studio and cafe in buzzing Arnavutköy.
I’m a big fan of Kutnia’s range of womenswear and homeware made from kutnu, the traditional silk and cotton hand woven fabric favoured by the Ottoman court. Their sustainable designs are characterised by bold, brilliant colours and are coveted by locals and tourists alike. I have a thing for silk scarves — and Kutnia’s Zeugma range is ticking all the right boxes.
Bohemia
Nordic Dot Hammam Towel, Indigo, £42
No trip to Istanbul is complete without an indulgent, bubbly soak in one of the city’s traditional Turkish baths. Replicate the experience at home with this hammam towel produced by a family of weavers in Turkey from locally harvested cotton. It’s lightweight, highly absorbent and quick-drying, so would work equally well as a travel tablecloth, throw, picnic banket or beach coverup.
