Christmas is fast approaching and, having spent many years working in Mayfair, I have been lucky enough to learn some of the shopping secrets it holds. I am proud of my concierge keys, but sometimes its the places you know that open the right doors! Knowing London’s secrets always proves for very happy family and friends when they receive my Christmas gifts. Today I’m sharing with The Insider my advice on the best bespoke gifts for Christmas 2010!
This Christmas, think bespoke and elegant luxury, check out my five recommendations. Click to find out why these essential Mayfair stores should be on your Christmas radar!
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Fortnum & Mason
Ozwald Boateng
Georgina Goodman
Asprey
Hamleys
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Flemings is such a big fan of Fortnum & Mason that we invited them to move into our foyer. Christmas at Flemings is not complete without a world famous Fortnum & Mason bespoke Christmas Hamper.We’re also looking forward to the arrival of our Fortnum and Mason Christmas tree next month!
The Christmas Hamper is the gift I give myself; Christmas day always features a Classic Christmas Hamper, replete with cognac butter and claret, Christmas cake and the obligatory bottle of champagne.
Everyone’s Christmas can be made special with a bit of Fortnum and Mason magic - too good to keep to yourself this year are their selections of cheese, biscuits and wines from around the world. Spending a few hours browsing the food hall redefines the average Christmas shopping experience – forget stressful last minute impulse purchases, and look forward to an afternoon of the best in gourmet luxury. This store never fails to get me in the mood for a fantastic festive season!
This year I was privileged enough to be invited to the closing London Fashion Week show for this iconic Savile Row tailor. Check out the show here and I think you’ll see why I think a Boateng gift is the epitome of Mayfair elegance.
Boateng’s tailored suits are the definition of bespoke luxury and the ultimate present for the discerning gentleman. Gifts that offer a unique experience are gaining popularity, and what better than to visit the pioneering Savile Row flagship store and headquarters- an experience worthy of Boateng’s long list of prestigeous clients - plus shop for a catwalk stopping suit.
As a stylish alternative, a suit from Boateng’s ready to wear collection is a great gift option.
A visit to Georgina Goodman’s Old Bond Street store is a step in the right direction for the perfect chic gift. Buying shoes for the woman in your life need no longer be a risky business. Even the most discerning of fashionistas will love the fusion of traditional elegance and urban edge offered by Goodman’s stunning designs. The Made in Mayfair collection is a must for any well-heeled lady about town, and what a homage to the neighbourhood we’re so enamoured with here at Flemings!
If choosing shoes to match your loved ones tastes proves too intimidating a task, take them on a trip to the stunning store to choose for themselves - it will only enhance the experience!
 
Another Flemings’ favourite, Asprey pride themselves on their exceptional bespoke service. We can’t think of anyone better to realise your vision for that truly personal and unique Christmas gift. For an absolutely once in a lifetime experience, your loved ones will even be able to work alongside the designers and craftsmen to realise what is undeniably a gift that lives up to even the most incredible of (day) dreams!
Aspery is synonymous with the ultimate in striking jewellery and silverware. When searching for a truly special gift, a trip to Aspery’s New Bond Street store will provide an array of options.Their Fine Books collection makes for a unique gift and of course, their sought after jewellery is going to make her beam on Christmas morning!
When younger guests are with us here at Flemings, I always recommend a visit to the veritable wonderland that is Hamleys. With this year seeing the world famous toy store opening its doors for a 250th Christmas, you can be sure they know better than Lapland what will be helping you reach fever-pitch excitement on Christmas Morning.
Last Christmas, Hamleys recommended traditional toys as Christmas gifts, Nigel Wheatley, Hamleys’ head of retail said, “parents are likely to go for old favourites and solid, reliable materials, such as wood”.
Favourites that will endure the whims of childhood dreams are still the gift to give for 2010. This beautifully handcrafted Rivelin Rocking Horse will ticks all the boxes, and will endure for generations.
