Alicia Adams Alpaca: luxuriously soft winter warmers

An accessories designer who raises alpacas on her New York state farm to spin her luxurious offerings

Long considered the “gold of the Andes”, alpaca wool is softer than cashmere and offers the added benefits of being hypoallergenic, temperature regulating (due to microscopic air pockets) and lightweight to boot. Highly sought after, it can often be difficult to find accessories woven from the luxurious material because of a dwindling alpaca population. But designer Alicia Adams raises alpacas on her farm in rural New York – which makes her boutique, Alicia Adams Alpaca, something of a discovery.

Image: Tom Moore

Scarves, rugs and other warm pieces are showcased to beautiful effect on her accessories site. Decorative throws are a particular strength, with offerings including tassel-edged designs ($425) in colours such as ivory, cognac and seafoam, and fur-backed ($1,845, first picture), which have a chic chalet aesthetic. Graphical, multiband blankets ($467) and border bedspreads ($875) and pillows (from $175, second picture) with beige and slate-grey trims are also alluring.

Image: Tom Moore

Image: Tom Moore

Capes, scarves and other personal accessories run the gamut from minimalist (a double-sided cape in vicuña, $595) to mink-trimmed (wraps, $745, in natural hues, fourth picture). Vests, ponchos, stoles and an array of scarves (from $168, third picture) come in various widths and lengths, including petite and unisex – all in colours from charcoal and curry to hot pink. Knit ties ($98), extra-long gloves ($122) and Tudor hand warmers (aka fingerless gloves; $174) and an assortment of hats including a ribbed cap with a pom-pom ($130) all promise to keep the chill at bay in style.

Such luxuries make this e-boutique a winter winner – it’s almost worth getting excited about the cold weather.

The handmade artistry of Igneous Skis

Sleek bespoke kit from Igneous Skis

Having lived and skied in myriad cold spots, from Jackson Hole, Wyoming, to Chamonix in France, and with an engineering background, Mike Parris knows a thing or two about navigating pistes with precision and aplomb. And the master ski and snowboard craftsman’s handmade artistry has garnered him a global following.

Image: © Jack Brauer (MountainPhotography.com)

From his co-op studio in West Jackson, Parris takes delight in working with a clientele that comes from as far away as Japan, New Zealand and Norway to commission one of the 80 pairs of skis and 40 boards he crafts each year for between $1,600 and $3,500. “I begin the design process with an interview,” says Parris. “I learn about where a person rides, their preferred terrain and snow conditions, as well as their overall athletic ability, and then I tailor the shape of the board around those factors.” After the shape has been designed, then the length, width, side-cut, taper and camber profile are all taken into consideration in order to enhance performance.

The process of building a custom board generally takes four to six weeks, as each one is comprised of at least 16 layers of hardwood – typically white ash, Douglas fir and maple – that must be built up with fibreglass for torsional rigidity, then laminated and cut and shaped by hand. Bookmatched hardwood top sheets are added to enhance sensitivity, though plastic varieties can be selected to absorb vibration and ensure a smoother ride. Custom inlays, from scenic peaks to a rider’s monogram, are an option, as are intricate, handpainted graphics for a final flourish.

“We design for specific terrain and conditions, so whether you’re skiing powder in the Tetons, or prefer off-piste in the Alps, we cater to riders who want more than the mass-produced options that are currently on the market,” says Parris. “Some people are looking to us for innovation, to come up with fresh designs to progress the sport. Others just want to re-create a ride that they know and love. The beauty of a custom shape is that it will never  ‘discontinued’ and you can have your favourite remade as often as you like.” With winter right around the corner, it’s time to get ready to shred…

Stationery master

Papers, pens and prints on the Amalfi Coast

I am not generally one to seek a concierge’s opinion when it comes to shopping, but I made an exception on a recent trip to the Amalfi Coast because the hotel I stayed at – the Hotel Caruso in Ravello – was the height of elegance and tasteful style, and I just knew their picks would be spot-on. Such was the case with La Scuderia del Duca, a tiny gem of a stationers located in the shadow of Amalfi’s spectacular Duomo. It could be easily missed, but those who find it will discover a cache of handmade writing papers, ink pens, seals and wax seals, as well as maps and prints, art tomes and exquisite 19th-century antiques.

A narrow, unassuming storefront gives way to a light, bright space. Part workshop, part gallery, it is lovingly curated by Andrea De Luca and Giovanna Fusco, who have amassed a fascinating breadth of offerings from a mix of periods and styles, including Grand Tour watercolours juxtaposed with boxed sets of modern notecards bearing the subtle watermarks of local paper mills (€50.50 for 50 cards).

Ever a fool for stationery – especially the beautifully made Italian variety – I stocked up on everything from painters’ packs of pH-neutral, acid-free, ivory paper with frayed edges (€14 for 10 sheets) to sets of Quadrato and Lily of the Valley lace-patterned notecards (€17.50). I also discovered mini folded cards (€7.50) featuring floral motifs created by laser fretwork, which I fancied as place cards, as well as a colourful array of glass pens (€12 each) and inks in shades of gold, turquoise and a brilliant bordeaux (€6.50 each) – all bottled with cork lids and sealed with wax.

For those not worried about travelling light, there are calfskin-leather photo albums (from €76) with thick, ivory pages and acid-free tissue papers, as well as hand-sewn notebooks (from €51) for sketching (in my case, the picturesque coastline). A medieval-inspired range of notebooks (€122) featuring soft covers, as well as more traditional marbled-paper and leather versions (from €42), round out the journal offerings, while books decorated with fish, galleons, mermaids or vibrant sea coral (from €8.50) make for a more unusual choice of seaside souvenirs.

But what truly wows is La Scuderia del Duca’s Plexiglas floor (first picture) – a contemporary touch that allows a view of the endless stacks of multicoloured paper below – and floods the space with light. It is just one more unexpected touch in a shop that seamlessly melds old-world techniques and materials with a design sensibility that is thoroughly of the moment.

Revamped Land Rover Defenders

The classic all-terrain vehicles are customised with state-of-the-art technology and sumptuous interiors

When it comes to all-terrain vehicles, the sturdy yet stylish Land Rover Defender takes some beating. And while they are fairly commonplace in the UK, these vehicles – especially vintage versions – are more difficult to come by in the US because they simply haven’t been manufactured for that market. Luckily, a classic car (one that is 25 years or older) can be imported into the US, and this is where the just-launched West Coast Defender comes in.

Founded by car enthusiast Matthew Perlman, West Coast Defender scours both Europe and the US for classic 90 and 110 editions of these beloved cars and then sets about testing, replacing parts, and refinishing both their interiors and exteriors. Each of West Coast Defender’s vehicles is subjected to a rigorous 230-point safety and reliability inspection in the UK, where the technical staff is based, and each is guaranteed to be in top condition upon entrance to the US market.

Working closely with each client, a team of specialists ensures that everything from customised paint colours and carpets to exquisite leather interiors meets exacting client specifications. State-of-the-art sound systems, fog lights, grills, the latest navigational equipment and Bluetooth are all possible. West Coast Defender strives to “reimagine the original vehicle with modern amenities, while staying true to the Defender’s classic heritage”, explains Perlman.

With prices ranging from $95,000 for the classic two-door 90 Defender to $110,000 for the nine-seater 110, further customisations are priced on application and generally take between two and four weeks to complete. With a stellar safety track record over the vehicle’s 65-year history, the Defender is a machine that is clearly built to stand the test of time. The addition of West Coast Defender’s bespoke services ensures that they will endure Stateside as well – and super stylishly, no less.

High-quality, high-perormance sea kayaks

Hand-crafted, sublimely elegant boats that are as glorious to place on a pedestal as to paddle

“There is a particular quality about a finely crafted wooden kayak; its motion through the water seems somehow smoother than other kayaks, and the sweep of the sheer and smooth arc of the deck draws the hand as well as the eye,” says designer Nick Schade of Guillemot Kayaks.

Based in Groton, Connecticut, he has been crafting high-quality, high-performance sea kayaks for nearly two decades, and his loyal following stretches from the rocky coast of Maine to the sands of Bondi Beach and the crystal-clear waters off Dubai.

Commissions for Schade’s custom kayaks take between three to six months – depending on the complexity of the project and the waiting list – and he enjoys working collaboratively with clients on the specifics of design. After taking into consideration how and where the boat will be used, Schade then sets about crafting a kayak by hand-fitting hundreds of pieces of wood (although he can work in Kevlar, carbon fibre or plastic if required). His Standard model kayaks (from $15,000) are strip-built, often made of red cedar or marine plywood, and feature surface-mounted deck hardware. Each exquisitely laminated vessel includes subtle accent stripes and is designed to provide responsive motion whether in high seas or calm inlets.

For all-around performance, the Guillemot ($15,000-$30,000) with its shallow V bottom and hard chine is the ultimate choice. Schade offers this kayak – complete with rich mahogany finishes, recessed wooden hardware and custom upholstery – in a range of sizes. Bespoke graphics are his specialty and he meticulously matches wood strips and incorporates inlaid marquetry.

Other customisable boats include the Night Heron (first and second picture, $15,000) – a hybrid stitch-and-glue construction with an elegant exterior – and the Io ($3,900), a good choice as a child’s first kayak. Rugged Coot dinghies ($10,000-$16,850), canoes ($10,000) and sculptural Petrels ($18,150-$28,850) for sheltered waters round out the offerings. Paddles are also made to order (from $500) to ensure proper weight and fit.

Despite subtle cosmetic differences, all of Schade’s kayaks are designed to be quick and efficient, to track straight, to turn easily and to stand the test of time. So sleek and chic are these boats, however, that many opt to simply display them as works of art in their great rooms – the Night Heron kayak is in the permanent collection of New York’s Museum of Modern Art.

A yurt fit for a luxe traveller

Inspiring handmade dwellings perfect for elegant adventures

With the festive season fast approaching, the race is on to find that unique gift – the thing that your special someone would never buy for him or herself. While the tents, tipis (second picture) and yurts (first picture) handcrafted by the Colorado Yurt Company, a family-run collective based in the Rocky Mountains, might not fit neatly under the Christmas tree, they are most definitely original, thoughtful and, best of all, can be customised, purchased online and delivered internationally.

The beautiful images on its website set the scene by conjuring all sorts of Ernest Hemingway-meets-Out of Africa scenarios that inspire intrepid trips into the wild. From cozy yurts in snowy settings to tents pitched – complete with luxe interiors – amid the desert dunes, these shelters are the epitome of rustic elegance.

The company has been making sturdy, sustainable and incredibly stylish fabric structures for over 36 years and when it comes to dwellings that manage to be both appealingly simple and incredibly luxurious, it’s got it covered – literally. The bespoke ordering process is simple: start by browsing through the tipi section of the site, where you’ll find a mix of traditional and modern choices – with a multitude of paint and pattern options from lizards to flowers – in sizes ranging from a standard 12ft version ($632) to more spacious 28ft-plus options ($3,727). With added liners and floor-coverings, they’ll work year-round in a variety of climates. A quick call to confirm and a beautiful canvas-bagged package can be yours in as little as four weeks.

The two Cimarron wall-tent choices – the hunting and fishing-friendly Outfitter and the elegant Platform – both offer the chance to commune with nature at $10 per square foot. Of the two durable finishes, the water-resistant, poly-cotton Turfstar comes in a rather chic off-white shade, while the Sunforger, made of a water-repellant, UV-resistant fabric, is great for the weather’s harsher vagaries. Prices vary from $1,000 to $4,300 plus, and can be customised with a combination of details including stovepipe, extra windows and mosquito netting.

But the pièce de resistance at Colorado Yurts are, unsurprisingly, the yurts themselves ($5,300-$18,000), which are based on traditional Mongolian designs and feature lattices and wooden rafters, each with circular rooms available in five diameters (from 16ft to 30ft). With over 30 colours to choose from (they will happily send fabric samples), as well as insulation packages, state-of the-art kitchens, baths and even spas, the personal design possibilities are virtually endless.

One thing you can guarantee ­– it’s not a present you’ll double up on, that’s for sure. Especially if you’re really buying one for yourself.

An angling specialist that sure is fly

A site for fishing paraphernalia that casts the net wide

The e-shop of über-chic, jaw-droppingly extensive Fifth Avenue store Urban Angler is a happy haven for fishing enthusiasts round the globe who are casting about for top-of-the-range kit. It is divided into 12 well-edited categories, which means that you can search with ease through the perfect selection of every essential (and some non-essential, just very fabulous) item, from Sage rods (from $295) of varying lengths and weights, to Simms Headwater Tackle Bags ($139.95) for far-flung expeditions. As an added bonus, it ships anywhere in the world.

Colourful graphics and detailed product descriptions make shopping a genuine pleasure – for the complete novice and the expert alike. If you begin in “Rods and Reels”, you’ll find items from US makers including RL Winston (from $545) and G Loomis (from $350) – with their graphite rods, and Redington Redas – whose pursuit outfit models ($179.95) are well-suited for both fresh and saltwater fishing. Choose from approximately five state-of-the-art reels by Ross or Nautilus, or opt for one of Tibor’s new Signature Series models (first picture, $775-$865) – in black or gold finishes, complete with a personalised name plate – that make on-the-fly spool-swapping a breeze. A selection of lines and leaders complete the offering – 3M’s textured Mastery Series (from $44.95) is a perennial angler favourite as it requires less casting effort and is extremely durable.

Accessories run the gamut from Abel Plier Sets (from $175) to beautiful, teak-handled Brodin Cutthroat Ghost Nets ($125) that are ideal for stream fishing. Polarised Smith Guides Choice specs ($119) by Action Optics in copper, amber or brown offer maximum coverage and comfort. The “Clothing” and “Wading” areas are particularly strong, and you’ll want to head straight for the Simms G4 Pro Stockingfoot ($579), with five layers of ultra-light fabric, as the Urban Angler has deemed these “simply the best waders ever made”.

Assorted flies, Fish Pond Road Trip Fly Tying Kit Bags (second picture, $89.95) and a fantastic pair of water-repellent Leica Ultravid Binoculars (third picture, from $699) make for unusual gifts, while the “Luggage” section features more than 30 bags, duffels and cases to get all of this great gear to the water’s edge.

Whether you – or your significant other – fishes for trout, bone fish, permit, tarpon or massive marlin, Urban Angler is the place to stock up on the latest beautifully designed, well-made products that really deliver.

Take this bait – you’ll be hooked.

Bespoke bed linen to send the chic to sleep

Finest Egyptian cotton, woven in Italy, embroidered in England

Nothing says you’re a thoughtful (and deeply aesthetic) host quite like bespoke bed sheets. From their high thread counts to their exquisite, one-off finishes, they are an investment in sound sleep and general well-being that has nothing to do with outward show: they’re for you, and those you invite into your home. The elegant linens designed by Sandrine Champalimaud, however, are subtle works of art that are so beautiful as to warrant much wider display.

The Belgian-born designer’s bespoke business grew out of her interior design work, where, Champalimaud explains, “it was always difficult to find luxurious linens for exacting clients. Everything out there was either too plain or too traditional, and I wanted to offer something more contemporary.” Inspired by her travels – including the scenery and motifs she observed in Bhutan – Champalimaud has created a range of linens that can be entirely personalised through a client’s choice of colour and embroidery, as well as by unique dimensions.

The commissioning process is simple. Champalimaud readily travels to do in-home consultations, or can just as easily work with a client via email, to conceive a set of linens that complements any given space. Calling in some of her pre-existing patterns – such as the Ibo and Paro designs, which involve intricate, geometric detailing – she customises them using hues of pale grey, taupe, rich burgundy and bright orange (to name but a few of the options).

For those seeking a bolder graphic, the Amalgame and Polymath designs afford a wider, statement swathe of colour. Her Parure and Chyulu (pictured) designs also include linear, almost architectural patterns, but the common thread throughout, if you’ll forgive the pun, is the utterly tasteful subtlety of the accents.

All of Champalimaud’s Egyptian cotton-sateen sheets (hers are 300 thread count, because, she points out, “more than that and it’s actually hard to spot the difference”) are woven in Italy and then embroidered in England, which enhances their artisanal pedigree. Shams (£70-£115), flat and fitted sheets (£300-£400), king and super-king duvets (£595-£630) can all be ordered individually or in sets (from £1,300) and are available in about eight weeks.

Champalimaud has designed bespoke sheets for patrons from around the globe, as well as for fine hotels, including The Dorchester and the recently refurbished Hotel Bel Air in Los Angeles. They’re sure to be the most beautiful style statement you won’t be showing off to everyone…