London’s Connaught Village has launched its first Christmas Design Collective on 22 November, a one-of-a-kind pop-up gift edit curated exclusively for discerning Christmas shoppers searching for something exquisite and unique from small independent brands.
Connaught Village promises to give back with the switch on of the Give a Little Love Tree which displays a brand-new outdoor neon LED lighting showcasing ‘love in every language’. The radiant display created a magical atmosphere, leaving a lasting impression of joy and togetherness for all visitors enjoying the festive magic. The lights will now be on every day from 4pm.
The opening evening saw the lights switch on for the first time, by a delightful school choir performance, bringing together the village’s community of boutique stores, cafes, restaurants and eateries that promise to highlight the best of Connaught Village. Vibrant mural paintings and elegantly decorated Christmas trees not only grace storefronts but also extend their festive charm into beautiful interiors, courtesy of the Christmas Design Collective pop-up consisting of independent interiors focused brands.
As the festivities are unfolding, LA MARITXU, an award-winning Basque Cheesecake Bakery is offering 50% off all stock until Saturday 25th November. Whilst St John’s community church is spreading festive cheer as they host a Christmas raffle to raise funds that will support the community and the church’s initiatives during the holiday season.
A stone’s throw away from Marble Arch & Oxford Street, Connaught Village is a beautiful, charming village located in the heart of the West End that houses some of the most exceptional and independent design-led boutiques, art galleries, and unique home furnishings. This season, the Village will open the Christmas Design Collective for the very first time, showcasing a selection of the most loved independent brands and their distinctive products in an atmospheric and festive setting.
The Christmas Design Collective invites Londoners from across the city to celebrate the gift of giving with some of the most coveted design-led brands taking part in the pop-up shopping experience including Hum London, Colours of Arley, Domenica Marland, TIDINGS, Faeger, Kokoro and Max Made Me. With ample offerings from each brand, expect to see an array of gift ideas from TIDING’s elegant and spirited silk scarves, Colours of Arley’s bespoke striped cushions, luxury greeting cards from Max Made Me, and an eclectic range of artworks from Domenica Marland.
Curated by Illustrator and designer Max Made Me, the pop-up will be set across two floors and beautifully finished to highlight the luxurious feel of the unit, with an array of gorgeous colours to give visitors the ultimate shopping experience this Christmas.
Brands taking part in the Christmas Design Collective include:
Hum London, founded by sisters Hermione and Ellie, Hum London is an interior brand creating hand-painted, limited-edition lampshades. They have two core collections all hand-crafted in the UK, with quality at the heart of everything they do.
Colours of Arley, is known for bespoke striped fabrics and statement pieces. The brand extends an invitation to homemakers, to buy beautiful bespoke fabrics and homeware.
Domenica Marland, established in 2018 – Domenica created an online art dealing site that aims to sell affordable and decorative works of art. Through sourcing pieces that are unique and representing young and contemporary artists, she has established a programme that is all-accessible and engaging.
Tidings, was inspired by a long walk along the beach on the east coast of Ireland, Tidings Creative Director Niamh Gillespie came across an old message in a bottle. A dispatch sent from another place, another time, brought in by the tide. Niamh was moved to create her own messages. To tell stories with silk and print. Bringing statements of positivity, of dreamy optimism, all delivered through luxurious and spirited collections.
Max Made Me, is brought to you by Carol Maxwell – a female founded and led future heritage brand, well known for its Personalised Letter Print range for children, luxury greeting cards and beautiful hand painted print collections for inspiring interiors.
Faeger, a London and Cotswolds-based interior design studio creating un-forced and personable spaces with a unique identity, defining the beauty between the space, objects within it and the being. Faeger focuses on bringing authenticity and charm to a project through thoughtful space planning, carefully curated lighting designs, and a calming selection of colour.
Kokoro, meaning “heart, mind and spirit,” luxury fashion label, Kokoro London is a ready-to-wear fusion of fashion and culture. With luxury fabrics, traditional printing techniques, and collaborating with acclaimed global artists, Kokoro London combines expert craftsmanship with wearable pieces that are truly individual.
The Christmas Design Collective will run for four weeks from Wednesday 22 November until 19 December. More information can be found online at www.connaught-village.co.uk/ or follow @connaughtvillage on Instagram.
