What Australia's most stylish have on their Christmas list

By
Elizabeth Clarke
December 19, 2017
Elyse Knowles Photo: Supplied

Looking for a little Christmas shopping inspiration? Stylish Aussie creatives and personalities give us a sneak peek at what’s on their lists.

Elyse Knowles, model and winner of The Block 2017

Photo: Supplied.

“We just sold our home fully-finished so we have nothing to sit on! It would be lovely to unwrap a new leather couch on Christmas morning. My previous couch was tan, so maybe grey this time. A big modular or two three-seater lounges would work well. There is nothing better than the fresh smell of raw leather at home, plus it would be something delightful to fall down on after Christmas lunch!”

Richard Unsworth, designer, Garden Life


Photo: Nick Watt.

“A Bellevue floor lamp from Great Dane is elegant and a timeless classic. It would fit in perfectly with our mix of old and new furniture, and any extra light helps my tired eyes! It would probably go up to our Pittwater house, and sit in the northern sunroom, next to a vintage wingback chair where I sit and read on the holidays. For my loved ones, I always head to Chee Soon & Fitzgerald for vintage ceramics, placemats and tea towels.”

Deb Sams and Lou Ryan, fashion designers, bassike


Photo: Hugh Stewart.

“Top of the list is a sculpture from our friend Carol Crawford. We love the simplistic beauty in her work and the process she goes through to choose the right stone. It would look perfect beside the fireplace. For our friends, we’ll be giving our bassike x bemboka wool dot throw blanket.”

Sibella Court, stylist, The Society Inc


Photo: Chris Court.

“I am dying for a hand-forged spatula from Phillips Forged. I love cooking and enjoy having handmade tools that are functional and beautiful. It would hang proudly in my new kitchen on my chandelier rack. My shopping list for friends and family is long, but here is a quick edit – hand carved and initialled spoons by Peter Von Trott, an anchor bottle opener and the YETI Tundra cooler in desert tan.”

Gillian Khaw, interior designer, HANDELSMANN + KHAW

Tania Handelsmann & Gillian Khaw.

Gillian Khaw (right). Photo: Cybele Malinowskijpg

“I’ll be giving a lucky somebody a Ken Done artwork. I recently received one for my birthday, and the exuberant colours, reference to Sydney summers, as well as the pure nostalgia that is Ken Done just makes me smile. On my list, are J-Jute baskets. You can never have too many storage containers, and the fringing on these is playful and vaguely tribal.”

Amy Clarke, artist


Photo: Supplied.

“I would love anything made by the talented Tracey Deep. She shares my love of nature and I have always been drawn to her work for its earthiness and use of repetition. As an artist, I am always on the lookout for homewares that have an edge or uniqueness about them; I am not a brand shopper. We have a large Queenslander so it would be great to have something that could handle the elements and survive on the big wall we have on our deck.”

Susie Stenmark, designer, Stenmark Jewellery

Sun Herald Hero Fashion - Susie Stenmark. Friday 3rd May 2013. Photograph by James Brickwood. SHD S 130503

Photo: James Brickwood

“I would love a Svenskttenn lamp designed in 1934 by Josef Frank. It’s from Sweden and super-heavy so is only shipped to continental Europe. A girl can dream though. It’s divine!”

James Pratt, actor and auctioneer


Photo: Supplied.

“A mini-movie projector I can use for both indoor and outdoor summer movie nights, like the Nebula Mars Portable Cinema. I love summer holidays and movies, so being able to swap between watching indoor or out, while catching the coastal breeze from Bondi Beach at night sounds good.”

Roxy Jacenko, Sweaty Betty PR and author


Photo: Andrew Murray.

“I would like to give someone an Hermès Ex-Libris hand-carved twilly box. It’s a great addition to any bedside table for placing jewellery in overnight. I would adore a stunning Neue Blvd’s Kivita Platter to go with my coasters. It’s versatile and stylish, and perfect for entertaining to use as either a cheese board or sushi platter.”

Kilian Hennessy, founder of eco-luxe parfum house, By Kilian


Photo: Supplied.

“An Apple HomePod. It would become my personal assistant! I can ask him how the weather looks, what’s on my agenda for the day, and what to wear.”

Joy Morris, Design Director, Pallas Couture


Photo: Supplied.

“I would love an Hermes blanket for my lounge room. It’s an investment piece that stands the test of time. I’m obsessed with soft pink Pillivuyt cookware, so will be giving that to my daughter. I also adore giving coffee table books like ones from Chanel. They’re truly luxe and special.”

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