In partnership with R Finds
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, Chicago
Plombieres Les Bains Vintage Poster, $500, at r-finds.com
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.
Wallace feather bow tie, from Brackish, Charleston
Brackish ‘Wallace’ bow tie, $225, at r-finds.com
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 are now business partners, and their company makes spectacular, bespoke bows with colourfully inlaid, locally sourced feathers. The ‘Wallace’ bow tie is crafted with pheasant, quail and partridge feathers flanking the centre wrap.
Guava chocolate from Manoa Chocolate, Hawaii
Kuala X Guava chocolate bar, $10, at r-finds.com
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. The company produces its vegan-friendly chocolate using ethically sourced beans, on the island of Oahu.
Architecture book, from CAC Design Store, Chicago
Highrises: Art Deco book, $99.95, at r-finds.com
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?
Tote bag, from J Stark, Charleston
‘Woodbine’ tote bag, $100, at r-finds.com
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.
Vase from Moustache, Paris
‘Luchadora’ vase $140, at r-finds.com
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.
Watch, from Oak & Oscar, Chicago
The Atwood, with stainless steel bracelet, $2,650, at r-finds.com
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. It’s named in honour of the founder’s fondness for oak barrel-aged bourbon and his beloved dog, Oscar.
Wide-brim hat, from Flamekeepers Hat Club, Harlem
‘Hellfighter’ fedora, $225, at r-finds.com
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.
Continue shopping at r-finds.com