As partners in life and work, Monique and I know that it’s important to celebrate the milestones. To stop and smell the roses along the way. Otherwise we’re in danger of rushing from project to project, from year to year, from decade to decade without appreciating the incredible journey along the way.
Valentine’s Day reminded us of the importance of celebrations, of the importance of milestones. So we started thinking about anniversaries, and how we could help celebrate them with some very, very beautiful things that could tell the story of a journey of design, love and a shared passion for beautiful things.
Celebrating the Years
A Zhuang Hong Yi Paper-scape
1st Anniversary: Paper
For the first anniversary, how about an incredible work of art, made from paper? This striking, colour-shifting piece from acclaimed Chinese artist Zhuang Hong Yi is made from folded origami rice paper. Every angle is different… much like a marriage!
Textile Art by Waller Hewett
2nd Anniversary: Cotton
The second anniversary gift is cotton. These stunning pieces from Ruth Waller and Lee Hewett are made from cotton bobbles mounted on sprung steel stalks. They’re also partners in life and work and their textile pieces exude happiness, joy and whimsy.
A Daybed of Leather
3rd Anniversary: Leather
Described in The New York Times as “solitary indulgence”, we think there might be room for two if you snuggle up very close on this stunning piece from New York atelier BassamFellows! The hand-sewn, achingly soft leather cushions are just right for the third anniversary.
Bedlinen from Bemboka
4th Anniversary: Linen
Made using Belgian linen yarns, this incredible bedding set from Bemboka exudes the classically understated and sophisticated sense of taste you want from bedding, letting the true texture and threads of the fabric deliver that desire to wrap yourself up in-between the sheets.
The DRDP bench by Ceccotti
5th Anniversary: Wood
Elegantly beautiful, with curves that take you on a journey across its devilishly unique form. This two-seater bench designed by Roberto Lazzeroni at Ceccotti Collezioni evokes an authentic sense of character and old-fashioned charm.
“I love this picture of Monique and I taken at our best friend’s wedding in Mallorca. Monique and I celebrate our 18th wedding anniversary this year – which, very unromantically, is appliances! We might skip this and go straight to jade for 19 years.”
Founder and Creative Director
Tin Vases from &Tradition
10th Anniversary: Tin
These tin vases from Danish makers &Tradition are a stunning little set of collectibles. Whether on their own or adorned with a few flower stems they always delight the eye due to the variation in the polished, burnished and oxidised metals.
A Vase from Moser
15th Anniversary: Crystal
A Moser crystal vase is forever. Especially one that’s called Diva. These stunning vases are handmade by elite artisans in a tradition going back 160 years. The intensity and mastery of their iconic hues of colour is a well-guarded secret – colours that you will fall in love with.
Base Tableware by Piet Boon
20th Anniversary: China
A truly beautiful piece of tableware is sometimes invisible, allowing the star of the show to take centre-stage. This collaboration in porcelain between Piet Boon and Serax oozes sublime, subtle elegance and the understated taste that’s the hallmark of this Dutch master.
Baobab: Pearl Candles
30th Anniversary: Pearl
For many centuries, white pearls have been seen as symbols of purity and love. Sprinkled with light pink and white fragments, the White Pearls scented candle is inspired by the perfection of the pearl, also known as “tears of the gods.”
Sip of Gold: Furstenberg
50th Anniversary: Gold
These champagne goblets are always a talking point. Staffan’s personal favourites; the inside of each wafer-thin porcelain cup is lined with the finest precious metal in 24 carat gold. Celebrate a momentous anniversary with champagne from golden cups… and savour each sip.
