PARIS — What will make the hottest stocking stuffers, design-wise, this year? From kitchen appliances to bookshelves and televisions that evoke yesteryear, here is a roundup of items that retailers say are selling best in Europe right before the holidays. Dollar prices are converted from the euro at current exchange.
Design hub: Aram, London
Object of desire: The Brionvega Algol TV. Originally designed in the Sixties by Marco Zanuso and Richard Sapper, this modern adaptation exits in orange, black and white.
Price: 470 pounds, or around $825.
Word has it: “The problem with electronic products is that, as technology is updated, there is an unstoppable impetus to update the design and make it new, new, new,” said Ruth Aram, creative and buying director. “What I love about this TV is that it still retains that fantastic, what is now retro, design — a design that screams cool Sixties glamour and sophistication. But inside is the most up-to-date, sophisticated technology. This TV really has it all. Glamour, great design and you can hook it up to your satellite, cable or DVD player.”
Design hub: The Frozen Fountain, Amsterdam
Object of desire: SelfShelf, designed by Nicole van Schouwenburg and Irene Klinkenberg, of Skylla. It’s a wooden bookshelf in the form of an actual book that fastens into the wall by its spine.
Price: 25 euros, or about $29.
Word has it: “The SelfShelf looks like a book, it fastens into the wall and people can stack real books on top,” said Dick Dankers, co-owner of the Frozen Fountain. “We hardly get enough in to the supply the shop. Everyone laughs and says they could have done it themselves, but it’s the idea that counts.”
Design hub: Illums Bolighus, Copenhagen
Object of desire: Stelton’s 4-Lights candleholder. It’s a stainless steel candlestick holder that surrounds a glass bowl and reflects light from the bowl’s contents.
Price: 94 euros, or around $116.
Word has it: “The candle holder appeals to creativity and can be decorated as you wish,” said Susanne Mastrup, marketing director for Illums Bolighus. “You can put sliced green limes and scented quinces in the bowl, or decorate it with holly or mistletoe and use it as a Christmas decoration.”
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Design hub: Sentou, Paris
Object of desire: Caraf by Claudio Colucci for Sentou Edition. It’s a transparent glass bottle with a wine glass inside.
Price: 55 euros, or about $65.
Word has it: “The Caraf is not only visually pleasant, but there is also a touch of humor,” said Pierre Romanet, owner of Sentou. “It’s a simple object with a very creative bent. It is also a signed piece, which customers often search for when offering design gifts for the holidays.”
Design hub: Ugly Home, Paris
Object of desire: Antlers, by Alex Taylor. It’s a metal coat rack in the shape of antlers in blue, red or white.
Price: 145 euros, or around $171.
Word has it: “The Antlers are both functional and creative; their shadow on the wall creates a double image,” said Stéphane Ghettem, owner of Ugly Home. “They are imposing and coincide with the organic design trend. Customers are naturally drawn to them.”