In partnership with R-Finds.com
Last year, Wallpaper* went on a global gift-shopping spree for the R FINDS store. Working as browsers and buyers on behalf of Renaissance Hotels’ new digital marketplace, we were on the hunt for stuff that we hadn’t seen before and couldn’t get at home: local crafts, quality mementoes, garments, accessories and edible delights, made by people for their regular, neighbourhood customers… and now the rest of the world.
Embracing the art of discovery, our selection was guided by R FINDS’ desire to recognise and empower creative economies and elevate the stories of small businesses around the globe; to connect travellers with the vibrant spirit of local communities in the wider world, one gift at a time.
Our travels took us to Paris and New York, Chicago, Honolulu and beyond. Clued up on advice from Renaissance Hotels front-of-house Navigators in each city, we maxed out our cards and filled our totes – with vintage vinyl records, wooden toys, posters, bow ties, wristwatches and head gear. Now we’re going back for more.
Poster from Chicago Vintage Posters in Chicago
Chicago is a city of iconic imagery, dynamic graphic design and dazzling artworks. Take some of it home with you and put it on your wall. Chicago Vintage Posters is an amazing gallery store selling original US and European poster artworks from the 20th century.
‘Plombieres Le Bains poster’, $500, from chicagovintageposters.com
Bow tie from Brackish in Charleston
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 newly wed Ben Ross crafted a turkey feather bow tie and gifted it to his groomsman, Jeff Plotner. They are now business partners, and their company makes spectacular, bespoke bows with colourfully inlaid, locally sourced feathers.
‘Wallace’ bow tie, $225, from brackish.com
Guava chocolate from Manoa Chocolate in Honolulu
Want to share a taste of tropical paradise? Guava, introduced to Hawaii a couple of centuries ago, is now prolific across the islands. Its flavour – something of a sweet-tart cross between pear and strawberry – infuses everything from juice to desserts and jam. Try Manoa Chocolate’s Kuawa x Guava bars for a fruity, chocolatey hit of Hawaii.
‘Kuawa x Guava Chocolate Bar’, $10, from manoachocolate.com
Book from CAC Design Store in Chicago
Wallpaper editors loved this shop full of art books, home decor, Chicago-themed gifts and apparel, with many items featuring the architecture and design of Frank Lloyd Wright. Could it be any more “Chicago”?
‘Highrise: Art Deco book’, $99.95, from shop.architecture.org
Tote from J Stark in Charleston
J Stark is a wife-and-husband-led team creating backpacks, totes, wallets, duffles, crossbody bags, and more, from a Charleston atelier at the back of the King Street store. The bags are clean, sturdy, utilitarian and stylish. We like the ruggedly capacious canvas totes and holdalls in bright, happy colours.
‘Woodbine tote bag’, $100, from starkmade.com
Vase from Moustache in Paris
Founded by design duo Stéphane Arriubergé and Massimiliano Lorio, the Moustache store is like stepping into that crazy/modern house from Jacques Tati’s film Mon Oncle. Moustache conveys humour and lightness with playful and offbeat creations conceived by famous international designers and produced in Europe.
‘Luchadora Vase’ $140, from bonjouraldo.fr
Wide-brim hat from Flamekeepers Hat Club in Harlem
This Harlem milliner’s mission is to pass the torch of ‘good taste’ from one generation to the next. The lovely store trades not just on fine hats and headgear, but also on the intangible qualities of warmth and grace, friendliness and confidence. You’ll definitely feel more confident and graceful in a FlameKeepers Hellfighter wide-brim.
‘Hellfighter’ fedora, $225, from flamekeepershatclub.com
Watch from Oak & Oscar in Chicago
Founded by ex-accountant Chase Fancher, Oak & Oscar is a globally revered Chicago-based, premium watch-maker and design studio with an office and visitor-friendly atelier two miles northwest of Wrigley Field. A cult marque, Oak & Oscar has collaborated with Wilson Sporting Goods and the US Olympic men’s curling team, blending a passion for timepieces with Fancher’s expertise in branding and storytelling.
‘The Atwood, in Panda White with stainless steel bracelet’, $2,650, from oakandoscar.com
