Hasta La Ideas

Lacking the interim, orangey-brown holiday of Thanksgiving, the British make a mad, mid-autumnal dash for the red, green, and sparkly celebrations of December. This year, Marks & Spencer is getting seriously whimsical with a Christmas-themed kickoff of what will be an ongoing collaboration with Dutch designer Marcel Wanders. The freshly launched Marcel Wanders for M&S collection is a playful line of approximately 150 gift items that range from harlequin-patterned “jester” socks and chicken-and-egg cufflinks to bold wrapping paper and a teddy bear nightlight with an illuminating nose. Those who missed out on Wanders’ collaboration with MAC can stock up on cosmetics, while bakers will delight in the “cake and confectionary” range. Design fans who steered clear of Target’s garish Missoni range will find much to like here, including sleek smartphone and tablet cases, smashingly understated storage jars, cheeky candelbras, and even a bowler hat. Online shoppers are already snapping up the fuzzy felt boots, charm jewelry, and exuberantly patterned pillows. Wanders himself is particularly excited about the progressive plaid he designed for the range. “It’s a pattern especially for Christmas, a tartan with three directions,” he says of the zippy print. “It’s a way to make sure that you understand that every millimeter, for us, counts.”

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