Clothbound Gift Guide
Eclectic objects for art & design lovers
Welcome to the first Clothbound Gift Guide! I had a lot of fun putting this together. Hopefully it helps you discover some unusual items and unique brands.
Happy holidays!
B.A.S.E.C. is a conceptual project by my husband, artist Tavares Strachan. The letters stand for the Bahamas Aerospace and Sea Exploration Center. This limited edition apparel collection reflects his obsession with human exploration, and activates connections between art, science and history.
As someone who is fortunate to have tested many prototypes, I can say that the quality is solid and the designs make a statement.
Intergalactic Immigration Black Hat - $55
Comme des Garçons x B.A.S.E.C. - There is Light Somewhere Galaxy T-Shirt - $85
Matthew Henson Hoodie - $450
Please Don't Come to Mars! Bandana - $125
I met Pax Philomena founder, Jean Marie Clarke, early in my textile career, and have always admired her poise and style. From the start, I was a fan of her collection of printed caftans (which can double as dresses and beach cover-ups) and her pajamas (I own two pairs!). The cotton fabric gets better over time, and the light-weight material makes her pieces great for travel.
Sheba Coral Embroidered Metallic Blouse - $95
Catherine Long Sleeve Cotton Pajamas - $175
Sedona Short Kaftan - $195
I discovered Zuri a few years ago on a walk down Bleecker Street. Drawn in by the colors and patterns in the shop window, I ended up leaving with not one, but two of their classic dresses. The silhouette is easy and flattering, and their handcrafted textiles exude personality. The fabrics are globally sourced, and production is based in Kenya, where the founders spent several years.
Zuri featured me in their newsletter earlier this year, which meant I got to spend an afternoon traipsing around Madison Square Park in beautiful clothes!
Kikoi cotton scarf - $24
Hand carved nesting plates - $64
Sunflowers dress - $160
I designed the Leaping Cheetah print a few years ago for heritage textile brand, Scalamandré. While I’ve moved onto a new chapter in my career, I’m thrilled to see the design leaps on!
Leaping Cheetah Umbrella - $115
Leaping Cheetah Removable Wallpaper - $49 per roll
Leaping Cheetah Socks - $18 per pair
Leaping Cheetah Pillow - $239
Suchitra Mattai / Myth from Matter catalogue - $27.95
My sister, Suchitra Mattai, is an multidisciplinary contemporary artist with an extraordinary show up at the National Museum for Women in the Arts called “Myth from Matter.” If you can’t get to DC before the exhibition closes on January 12th, check out the catalogue.
The Mother Artist: Portraits of Ambition, Limitation, and Creativity by Catherine Ricketts - $28.99
I heard the writer, Catherine Ricketts, on the Artist/Mother Podcast, and am intrigued to read her new book.
Worn: A People’s History of Clothing by Sofi Thanhauser - $18
A New Yorker best book of the year, the book offers a global history explored through the stories of five fibers: Linen, Silk, Synthetics, Cotton and Wool. (Perhaps I’ll write a book review for a future newsletter!)
India in Fashion: The Impact of Indian Dress and Textiles on the Fashionable Imagination - $65
This book sits on my desk out work and I pull it out whenever I need a little visual pick-me-up.
Tavares Strachan / There Is Light Somewhere catalogue - $45
Earlier this year, Tavares had a monumental exhibition entitled, “There is Light Somewhere” at the Hayward Gallery in London. “The exhibition highlights Strachan’s innovative approach to celebrating unsung explorers and cultural pioneers, whose stories have often been overlooked due to bias. In shining a light on these hidden histories, the artist highlights our shared yearning for belonging and recognition.”
The title refers to a James Baldwin quote, ‘It is necessary, while in darkness, to know that there is a light somewhere’. The corresponding monograph showcases the breadth of the exhibition, which includes painting, sculpture, and immersive installations, including a ship floating on the London skyline.
A Dark, A Light, A Bright: The Designs of Dorothy Liebes - $50
Last year, the Cooper Hewitt museum curated a retrospective of the work of Dorothy Liebes, a textile designer who was once considered “the greatest modern weaver and the mother of the twentieth-century palette.” The book encapsulates Liebes’s dynamic career, and contextualizes her impact on 20th century design.
Over the summer, I was thinking about how I missed being on stage, and having a direct connection with an audience. One thing led to another, and from August to November, I found myself in readings and storytelling events all over the city. It’s been an amazing run, and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to share my work in this way.
I’m including this in my gift guide because tickets to a live show could be a fabulous present! Storytelling events are a wonderful way to support artists, and as engaging as movies, plays, or comedy shows. These are not sloppy open mics, but curated evenings full of pathos, humor and connection.
Check out the links below for upcoming shows, and gift a memorable experience!
Happy shopping! As always, thank you for reading!