The art of gifting - for some incredibly daunting, and for others the perfect excuse to get even more into the holiday mood. This festive season, we’re bringing you HelloFashion, Tatler and Forbes fashion editors’ top holiday tips to give you all the gifting inspiration and to spark the holiday fun to come.
Curious to know what’s on the wishlists of the ever-so-chic and master gifters Rosana Lai, Angela Lei and Natalie Salmon?
Rosana Lai: Former fashion director of Tatler Asia
What is your favorite place to spend the holiday season?
We usually spend Christmas in my husband's family countryside home an hour from Paris, which they've owned for the last 20 years. The house was an abbey in the 16th century and retains the same stones and roofs! This year will be particularly emotional as my in-laws are moving to Normandy so it'll be our last Christmas in this gorgeous house. After that we usually go skiing with my family—this New Year's it'll be in Vail, Colorado as my mom's in the US.
Are you more of a hostess or a guest?
So far I'm mostly a guest, but I do love creating a sprawling tablescape so hopefully as my family grows I'll be able to host more one day.
What is your main advice when searching for the perfect gift?
My rule of thumb is: Find something that you're an expert at, that the receiver enjoys.
Are you more of a mulled-wine girl or a hot chocolate girl?
Definitely hot chocolate! I don't drink alcohol whatsoever and have a huge sweet tooth.
What are your top 5 Cult Mia pieces on your wishlist this holiday season?
Gosh so hard to choose just 5 but here goes:
- Looking for some bridalwear for events around my wedding this June so this is high on the list.
- I find most feathered loungewear not formal enough for events so this one is perfect.
- Love a textured bag any day.
- I find this ice blue an elegant twist to a sexy dress.
- Been looking for some glassware to go with our green china set, and these would be perfect.
Angela Lei: Fashion & Beauty Contributor at Forbes
What is your favorite place to spend the holiday season?
I have so many favorites! Miami used to be my destination of choice for Christmas/New Year, but during the pandemic I have rediscovered my love for Marbella - the weather is always sunny and calm with temperature hovering around 20c, and The Marbella Club is so festive and beautiful during the holiday season. I also love spending time in the Swiss alps - nothing beats feeling like you are living in a snow globe.
Are you more of a hostess or a guest? Definitely more of a hostess. I love a party, especially making sure my loved ones are looked after whilst having a great time.
What is your main advice when searching for the perfect gift?
Remember the most special gift doesn't have to be the most expensive. Thoughtful gifts - those that bring back great memories or make the receiver laugh - are often the most cherished.
Are you more of a mulled-wine girl or a hot chocolate girl?
Mulled wine all day long.
What are your top 5 Cult Mia pieces on your wishlist this holiday season?
Where do I start?! Cult Mia has the best-curated collection of designers that you often won't see anywhere else, and I want absolutely everything. It's difficult to only pick 5 but here they are!
- Opera gloves are a favorite for 2022 and will continue to be for 2023. Add some instant glamour and drama with these Nué Studio ones.
- The Bodee black mini dress with attached tights and built-in shapewear. It's subtle, sexy, flattering, and can be styled in a million different ways to suit different occasions. For the holiday season, throw on a pair of stilettos and balance off the sharpness with an oversized, structured blazer - wear it off one shoulder for added va va vroom.
- Add a pop of color this festive season with this bold coat by Lalo. The cocoon shape of the sleeves, the oversized fit, the flowing feathers, and the most vibrant Christmas green - this coat is what you need to stand out at any party.
- This Nué Studio dress is a classic and I'll be eternally obsessed about it. Figure hugging and flattering, the dress is more comfortable to wear than you'd imagine.
- This season, replace your black boots with these cowboy ones by Gvasalia - stylishly made in the best leather, they go perfectly with absolutely everything (think dresses, jeans, shorts, you name it) and are also super comfortable to take that Christmas morning walk in.
Natalie Salmon: HELLO! Fashion’s Digital Editor
What is your favorite place to spend the holiday season?
Anywhere my sister is... But if I could choose I'd say Brazil where my mum's family is. It's nice and warm there this time of year so it's the best time to go. I run to buy fresh 'Pao de Queijo' (Brazilian cheese bread) the second I land at the airport.
Are you more of a hostess or a guest?
I'd like to think I'm a good hostess, but I'm always too busy to organize anything properly so I think I'm more of a guest.
What is your main advice when searching for the perfect gift?
Use Collagerie or The Go To! They are my new favorite websites for finding inspiring pieces and special unique presents. Also keeping a list on my phone throughout the year always helps me remember what people might want or need.
Are you more of a mulled-wine girl or a hot chocolate girl?
I'm an eggnog girl. Sorry not sorry.
What are your top 5 Cult Mia pieces on your wishlist this holiday season?
