Christmas Gift Guide: Small Independent Brands

A Christmas Gift Guide dedicated to small independent brands, local designers and independent makers that deserve more attention. Over the years, I’ve discovered so many interesting brands at design fairs and creative events, many of which rarely featured in magazines, or the usual shopping guides. So, I’ve put together a personal selection of brands I personally discovered, met and come to appreciate.

Small, independent brands worth discovering, especially if you value quality, good design and a more considered approach to shopping.

Alisia Enco – Stories, Symbols & Wearable Art

Founded in 2014, ALISIA ENCO is an independent creative fashion and lifestyle brand built around a beautiful world of symbols, stories and artistic expression. What started with a collection of distinctive women’s shirts has gradually grown into a world of wearable art, silk scarves, clothing and unique accessories. Alisia Enco creations are inspired by real people, memories, traditions, cultural symbols and stories that deserve to be brought to life.
The designer, Alice Botnarenco believes that what we wear can express who we are. Every design has a meaning, every detail has a purpose, and every piece carries a little story.

For the Christmas Gift Guide I personally choose:

• The Handmade Brooch – a playful yet distinctive accessory that adds character to a jacket, shirt, scarf or bag.
• Infinity Column Silk Tie – a contemporary take on the classic tie that artfully combines silk with Swarovski crystals in a design inspired by the Infinity Column.
• Muses Silk Scarf – inspired by the women who encourage us to dream, create and embrace our individuality, the Muses silk scarf celebrates femininity in all its forms.

ALISIA ENCO also has a boutique inside Mandarin Oriental Prague, in the beautiful Malá Strana district, where the designer welcomes visitors looking for something original, meaningful and different.

Discover Alisia Enco unique creations.

Onika Knitwear – Handmade Knitwear

For someone who appreciates high quality knitwear crafted from natural fibres, Onika Knitwear is a lovely discovery. The independent knitwear label specialises in handmade pieces crafted from natural fibres, including ICEA-certified Grade A cashmere and RMS-certified mohair. Each piece is designed to be treasured for years and passed on.

For the Christmas Gift Guide I personally choose a selection of cashmere gift sets presented in elegant gift boxes, making them particularly lovely for someone who values exceptional natural fibres and appreciates a little everyday luxury.

• The Mongolian Cashmere Gift Set – featuring a triangle scarf and a matching headband, this gift set is crafted from 100% Mongolian cashmere. Both pieces are wonderfully versatile, easy to style and designed to become everyday favourites throughout the colder months.
• The Handmade Beanie – Holiday Edition – handmade beanies have a charm and personality of their own. No two pieces are exactly alike, and each carries something of the maker’s hand and creative vision. They become part of the wearer’s personal style, making them more than just a winter accessory. Each beanie from Onika Knitwear’s Holiday Edition comes presented in a gift box – a thoughtful gift to wear and enjoy season after season.

Discover Onika Knitwear Gift Sets.

Vitri by Maria Teodorescu – painting on Murano glass

Vitri is a studio founded by Maria Teodorescu, in Cluj Napoca, that creates Murano glass pieces inspired by old stories and forgotten traditions brought into the present. It all started many years ago with the Transylvanian craft of reversed glass painting and it has developed into a wider portfolio of unique glass pieces.
One of the most important part of the artist’s craft is its sustainable approach, giving every piece of glass a new purpose through creative melting and transformation.

For the Christmas Gift Guide I personally choose:

• “Tree of Life” Murano Glass Coasters – A beautiful set of two coasters made from hand-painted Murano glass, carefully fused at high temperatures to create a distinctive decorative piece.
• Murano Glass Pendant – A beautiful piece of wearable art, handcrafted from Murano glass – a thoughtful Christmas gift for someone who appreciates distinctive details and timeless craftsmanship.

Discover Vitri by Marina Teodorescu unique creations.