Beautiful design often comes in the simplest of forms. Thus, ARCHITECT has put together a list of geometry-inspired gifts that exude a quiet elegance, with some offering unexpected functionality.
Paula Vermeil Earrings, Mara Paris (€488; approximately $578)
These handmade earrings look as if they have been cleanly shaven off a slab of metal. The nickel-free pair is made of gold-plated sterling silver with a high polished finish, and is also available in a sterling silver option. Each earring measures 1.4" long and 0.9" in diameter. mara.paris
Blockitecture Parkland, Areaware ($25)
This architectural block set for kids (and fun-loving adults) was designed by Brooklyn-based designer James Paulius for Areaware, as part of a continuation of his Blockitecture Series, which was first conceived for Metaproject, a Rochester Institute of Technology industry projects class. Parkland expands Areaware's collection of building sets, which include Habitat, Deco, and Garden City and can be mixed and matched for larger creations. This landscape-inspired kit is made of painted medium-density fiberboard and wood, and includes 21 park pieces, one pond piece, and two river pieces. areaware.com
Cantili Tape Dispenser, Beyond Object ( £77; approximately $103)
Desktop sculpture and tape dispenser all-in-one, Cantili comprises two concave circles attached to an angled cantilever at its center. The carefully balanced piece includes one roll of 3M Scotch Magic Tape and is steady enough for use with one hand. Cantili is available in matte black (shown), silver, copper, and gold. beyond-object.com
Diagrid Circle, Cffs ($175)
These intricate cufflinks are 3D-printed by Cffs, a design practice founded by Michael Schur, AIA, of Gensler. Each piece is digitally designed and subsequently printed in wax, which is used to create a mold. The cufflinks are then cast in sterling silver or brass, and plated in gold or rhodium. Diagrid Circle comes in sterling silver, 18-karat plated gold, 14-karat plated gold, 14-karat plated rose gold, and plated rhodium. Since the cufflinks are made-to-order, the manufacturer advises consumers to expect a 2.5 week leeway for production and shipping. cfflnks.com
M.R.K.T. x Staple Pigeon Briefcase, M.R.K.T. ($99)
A collaboration between designer Jeff Staple and the accessories label of architect Tom Pen, AIA, this multi-pocketed briefcase offers an on-the-go workstation for travelers. The bag is made of M.R.K.T.'s Smrt Felt, a dense, industrial felt that is resistant to water and mildew; Supr Felt, a surface-seared version of the former material; and Mcro Suede, a microfiber alternative to animal suede. The 17"-wide by 12.6"-tall briefcase features external zip pockets on its front and back, removable laptop sleeves, and a valet tray, as well as an optional cross-body strap. Snap button closures secure the front flap of the case, which is embellished with a laser-etched topographical print. mrktstore.com
Geometrical Bamboo Coasters, Light and Paper ($35)
Conceived by Toronto-based designer Ali Harrison, this set of four coasters would make a striking housewarming gift. Each coaster is initially developed as a hand-cut paper creation that is then scanned and laser-cut in bamboo. The pieces each measure 3.5" in diameter and 0.25" thick. lightandpapershop.com
Lid Scallop Top Container, Tom Dixon ($105)
This bold container is part of British designer Tom Dixon's new Lid collection featuring six tabletop accessories made of glass, marble, cast iron, and copper. The 6.7"-wide by 1.17"-tall scallop top container contrasts a translucent blue glass top with a white marble base. The sculptural vessel is suitable for storing trinkets, jewelry, or stationery items. tomdixon.net
Illusions Tableware Dinner Plates, Zaha Hadid Design, MoMA Design Store ($150)
A MoMA Design Store exclusive, this two-plate set uses radiating lines to create a dramatically skewed 3D perspective that appears to send the food served on their surface to its downfall. The bone china plates measure 10" in diameter and are dishwasher safe. store.moma.org
Grind, Alessi ($125)
English architect and artist William Alsop and Italian designer Federico Grazzini have imbued the salt and pepper grinder through undulating sharp angles wrapped around a bullet-shaped form. Flipping the norm, the grinder sits atop the shakers to reduce messes after use. Grind has a die-cast aluminum body and food-grade polypropylene reservoir. It measures 5.5" tall by 2.9" in diameter. The piece is available in matte black and glossy aluminum finishes. alessi.com
Want more holiday gifting ideas? Check out our 2017 Architect's Wishlist, as well as our 2016 and 2015 gift guides.
