Spontaneous Spree: Charleston

Spontaneous Spree: Charleston

8 stops in 8 hours while in Charleston
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Spontaneous Spree: Charleston

By Wallpaper* Magazine - 6 min read

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In Charleston, South Carolina, we discovered The Lindy Renaissance Charleston Hotel nestled among the Historic District’s charming clapperboard streets. Close to great shopping and Low Country crafts, the hotel puts the Holy City's colorful and gleefully indulgent lifestyle right at your doorstep. 

So, what did the R FINDS buying team discover to tempt you? Epitomising southern charm, bow ties are a BIG thing in Charleston. It’s a city that likes to go out and dress up – think blazers and neckties, dresses and heels – which means that a visit to Brackish, the specialist bow-tie maker interweaving its knots with locally sourced feathers, is a must. After that, chocolate from Christophe Artisan Chocolatier, a bourbon, and a lie down on a big and fluffy Sewing Down South cushion make a perfect day. 

  1. No. 05 Italianate Candle 1

    Charleston Candle Co.

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    Handmade, Low Country-fragranced, soy candles are crafted and sold in an 1849 building that was once Charleston’s first ever African-American bank (you can still see the vault door and teller window at the back of the shop). A Holy City Haunts Candle was inspired by local haunted tales; from ghosts of pirates to Revolutionary and Civil War soldiers, to those kept in the Provost Dungeon and Old City Jail. This lovely store also stocks Charleston-inspired fabrics by local maker Emily Daws.

  2. Holy City Hello Dark Chocolate & Pineapple Bar 2

    Christophe Artisan Chocolatier

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    A third-generation French chocolatier, Christophe Paume grew up in his father's pâtisserie in Toulouse, creating the highest quality chocolates. Moving first to Paris to create one-of-a-kind dark truffles and white milk chocolate ganache, then to Montreal for a job at Pâtisserie de Gascogne, Paume achieved his Brevet de Maitrise (Master in Pastry) before settling in Charleston and setting up shop with his American wife.

  3. Brackish Edisto Feather Bow Tie 3

    Brackish

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    Bow ties are a big deal in Charleston! Locals wear them on both formal and casual occasions, with suits and denims. Brackish was founded back in 2007 when newlywed Ben Ross crafted a turkey-feather bow tie and gifted it to his groomsman, Jeff Plotner. They’re now business partners, and their company makes spectacular, bespoke bow ties with colourfully inlaid, locally sourced feathers.

  4. 4

    Sewing Down South

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    Curated by former local reality TV star and keen stitcher Craig Conover, this cushion store is now a Charleston institution. (You’ll know it by the queues down the street). Renaissance man Conover says that sewing has long been a point of inspiration in his life, ‘an outlet for creativity, a method to decompress, and a way for me to stay true to myself. Us sewers deserve a kick-ass sewing brand that represents our lifestyle.’ The store also sells kitchen stuff.

  5. Woodbine Tote Bag 5

    J. STARK

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    J. Stark is a wife-and-husband-led team creating backpacks, totes, wallets, duffels, crossbody bags, and more, from a Charleston atelier at the back of its King Street store. The bags are clean, sturdy, utilitarian and stylish. We like the ruggedly capacious canvas totes and holdalls in bright, happy colours.

  6. Lowcountry Herb Olive Oil 6

    Lowcountry Olive Oil

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    A farmers’ market-based business, Lowcountry Olive Oil carries more than 60 olive oils and vinegars – over 50 per cent of its olive oils and balsamic vinegars are blended or infused in Charleston and exclusive to the store. Feel free to sample Strawberry Champagne or Bourbon Balsamic Vinegars.

  7. Beaded Maharani Bag 7

    Ibu Movement

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    This is a store and a coalition; elegant, bold and powerful, handmade luxury designs are made in collaboration with a global network of artisan partners. Working with 100 talents in 40 countries, Ibu Movement celebrates the imagination and skill of women and puts money in their hands.

  8. Original Gullah Wrapped Bread Basket 8

    Gullah Sweetgrass Baskets

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    The art of sweetgrass basket-weaving has been passed down from generation to generation, mother to daughter, through the Gullah community in Charleston. Descended from West African slaves in the 18th and 19th centuries, the Gullah people originally designed the baskets for rice production, but sweetgrass weaving has evolved into a decorative art and a significant part of local craft culture.

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