Light My Fire

What is that you hear? The noise of snow being gently trodden on. Why, it’s only Santa, bringing nine large gold parcels wrapped with the silkiest of red ribbons! This joy-giver is making
their way from chimney to chimney, delivering only the best and most desirable shoes of this season. But who will be lucky enough to receive such an exciting and extravagant parcel as
these? Find out more in our Festive story Light my Fire

Images Karin Berndl Creative direction Jo Phillips Story Olivia Kali Ayres with thanks to Cindy

The first box, containing the dazzling ‘Bingirl Plume’ Christian Louboutin sandals in suede calfskin with snakeskin-embossed leather cross straps, landed under Amelia’s Christmas tree, suggested by her loving boyfriend, Steve, who snuck a look at her Net-A-Porter wishlist just in time for the Christmas delivery period – phew! Amelia opened her beautifully wrapped gift with apprehension, ‘not another bath set’ she pleaded internally. However, lo and behold the magnificent Louboutin’s she was after, she held them up to the light from the Christmas tree and screamed with delight. Steve thankfully was getting more than just his dressing gown and boxers this year.

A second gold box containing Malone Souliers’ ‘Marion 85mm’ slingback shoes, crafted in an army green kappa leather, travelled far and wide to a little town called Dornoch, in Sutherland. Anna pondered long and hard about what she’ll receive for Christmas this year from her sister, Eliza. With all attempts of figuring it out exhausted, Anna decided to leave hints of her perfect present all around the house. Eliza was greeted by pictures of these shoes on every surface for a full month leading up to Christmas. I am sure you can imagine Anna’s pure joy (and not very surprised) face when revealing the contents of her gift box on Christmas morning.

Santa, who was still very much busy and unresting, arrived at the next destination. In a cosy flat in Fulham, London lived a woman called Charlotte and her pet Pomeranian, Alfie. Charlotte was aware that Alfie didn’t understand when she spoke to him about the Alexander McQueen ‘Peak Sandal’ featuring a stone-like resin encased in a metal shaped frame, however, she sensed he listened eagerly regardless, often tilting his head side to side. On Christmas day, she gave Alfie a large bone wrapped with a red bow and in return, she was awarded with a beautiful gold box. Since then, Charlotte always watched what she said in front of Alfie.

The fourth box found its way to Cambridge. Peter, whose cheery disposition only faltered slightly when he got told by his boss he had to work late Christmas Eve, so was the last person in the office that evening. Bored and daydreaming about the Christmas dinner that awaits him, his foot kicked against something solid underneath the desk. There lay a gold box. Peter opened it with haste to reveal ‘B27 High-Top’ Dior sneakers with smooth calfskin and ‘CD Icon’ details, a gift from his boss.He couldn’t wait to place them in his wardrobe next to his J.M Weston Leather-Trimmed Suede Kiltie Derby Shoes at home. From that day on, Peter often put himself forward to work the extra shifts.

Santa trod on, pleased and proud, for giving gifts is what Santa loved most. In a semi-detached house in Devon lived Danielle and Lyndsey, both friends and neighbours. Christmas was their favourite holiday, and their gifts to each other were always fabulous. Lyndsey adored the ‘Norah’ leather platform wedge sandals by Malone Souliers made from nappa leather, but could not justify buying herself shoes in the season of giving. Thinking for some time what she would buy Danielle this year, she settled on her most desired shoes, the Malone Souliers wedges. So there on Christmas Day landed the beautiful gold box on Danielle’s doorstep. To Danielle’s unassuming mind, she was ecstatic, in Lyndsey’s mind, she was thrilled as the shoes now lived only a few feet away, for Danielle and Lyndsey are the same size foot.

Image on left hand side

Sandra was exhausted from all the present buying, Christmas decorating and food preparation, she started to question why she volunteered to have Christmas at her house this year. After getting her sister-in-law the Black snakeskin print Louboutins, her daughter the Alexander McQueen chunky sole Chelsea boots, she dreamed of the Dior D-Trap boots in black matte calfskin for herself. My gosh, she had spent hours fantasying what outfits she would wear with them. Watching her family open the presents she had choosen for them, she was overjoyed to see their faces light up, everything was perfect. After clearing up all the loose wrapping paper, she noticed one gold box sat far under her tree. She leaned down, saw her name scribbled on the tag, and opened it. There in front of her were the spectacular Dior boots she had always dreamed about. Everything was in fact perfect at her house, after all.

The next gold box landed in Coventry, in the hands of Sebastian. Sebastian’s children constantly teased him of his obsolete fashion, joking that he needs to become a modern man with a stylish wardrobe. Sebastian often laughed at this but didn’t even know where to begin. Luckily for him, his children did all the work. On Christmas day, put into his hands was the gold box, he opened it with skepticism. Within the box was a pair of Valentino Garavani Good Lover hightop sneakers. Sebastian put them on straight away and hasn’t stopped wearing them since. His children now think he’s the coolest dad to ever lived.

With only two more parcels left to deliver, Santa was very much on schedule. The eighth box travelled to Manchester to a woman called Alicia. Alicia was a doctor and worked long and exhausting hours. She felt at home in her scrubs, but often wished she had more time to dress up. With no need to treat herself to new clothing or accessories, for she already owned clothes that rarely got used, she longed for something special. Heading to the locker room after a 12-hour shift, a gold box sat waiting for her. Alicia opened it up, fought back the (happy) tears, and slipped on the Marilyn 80 satin and leather Malone Souliers mules. Alicia left the hospital in her change of clothes and her new Malone Souliers shoes.

With one gold box left and no postal address, Santa sat down, feeling very tired after all that present giving, and examined the box. Flipping the box around, engraved in the corner was a label addressed to Santa. Opening the lid, Santa pulled out the Dior ‘J’adior’ slingback pumps with embroidered ribbon. Smiling, she pulled off her heavy boots and slipped on the micro mesh pumps. Admiring her new shoes in the reflection of the sledge mirrors as the snow fell gently and 2020 was all but forgotten.

Find out where to buy all these LOVELY gift ideas below.

Christmas tree candle by Jo Loves Encased in a beautiful snowflake design candle holder, the Christmas Trees Candle will fill any room with notes of fresh pine weave with aromatic lavender, incense, and amber to create a wonderfully warm and comforting fragrance. Platform leopard sandal by Christian Louboutin The Bingirl Plume a 130 mm square heel in suede calfskin studded with small golden studs, with open-toed leopard faux fur upper with crossed straps in black snakeskin-embossed leather with an adjustable square buckle. Diorific Lipstick Golden Nights Dazzling beige by Dior is the legendary lip accessory with a Haute Couture finish holds the signature of Dior glamour in its jewel-like gold case. Bronze & Glow Filmstar by Charlotte Tilbur inspired by the light-play of jewels and treasures, this collectible, limited-edition Filmstar Bronze & Glow is embellished with a bejewelled starburst design and comes with the perfect mini Powder & Sculpt Brush. Skull design Playing cards by Alexander McQueen, Honey Oud and Bergamotto Di Positano, EDP fragrance ornament 2×15 ml by Floris, Both perfectly unisex fragrances, this is a delightful little fragrance gift for both men and women.  The Honey Oud is a gourmand accord of English honey and vanilla combine to add a velvet softness to the oud oil, combined, they accentuate the subtle rose at the heart of this complex fragrance. Bergamotto Di Positano A citrus marine scent that evokes the warmth of a Mediterranean sea breeze, sunshine, and clear shimmering water. Lipstick Golden Nights 072 Shimmery Red by Dior is the legendary lip accessory with an Haute Couture finish, which holds the signature of Dior glamour in its jewel-like gold case. A unique formula in rich shades with a luminous, long-lasting matte finish. . Hand blender by Smeg The stick can be easily removed and replaced by one of the 4 attachments depending on your requirements. The 1.4L graduated TritanTM carafe; the chopper with S-shaped stainless steel blades; the vegetable press with removable reducer and finally the stainless steel whisk to whip egg whites and cream. Slice, mince, mix, and chop, with the optional multifunction accessory. Paris Box of Blue scented matches Buly 1803, Another way to quickly and elegantly perfume the ambient air.

anatomé’s Health + Happiness’ gift box
containing a round sisal body brush, a honeycomb Natural Sea sponge, an invigorating hand + body wash 250 ml scented with Lavender, Rosemary and Frankincense, these organic essential oils are gently cleansing, naturally moisturising and nourishing to support the health of the skin. Rejuvenating Himalayan Body Scrub, made from organic essential oils and Himalayan salt, this skin scrub leaves the skin looking and feeling fresher, smoother and more hydrated. Choose this deluxe shower box or build your own gift box adding a personalised touch Malone Souliers’ ‘Marion 85mm’ slingback in green with white leather trim. Givenchy deep velvet Lipstick, 35 Rouge initié, covered in a sumptuous red velvet case echoing its powdery matte finish, it is the ultimate couture signature, glides effortlessly on the lip, delivering an ultra-matte colour from the very first stroke.​ With a comfortable and long-wearing formula (12 hours*), it preserves the lips’ hydration for six hours and ensures an intense makeup result.​ Nature candles set of 3 mini scented candles by Scandinavian Gift set of FjORD, ØY, HAV fragrances poured into painted mini glass votives with a blend of perfume and sustainably-sourced vegetable wax. Burn time is 3×16 hours. Scandinavian for ‘Nature’ Bracing seas, secluded islands, spectacular vistas and the seductive embrace of pure silence. Mica D’oro I, EDP 100 ml by Storie Veneziane An ode to pleasure and temptation in all its delicacies and intensities, this Gourmand Oriental extract celebrates addictions with notes of sweet and burning rum, topped by alluring whipped cream and sensual vanilla borrowed from the East. This hypnotic trail teeters on the border of masculine and feminine, creating a wicked obsession. Box of matches by Bjork & Berries this matchbox is the perfect accessory to pair with all candle within the Björk and Berries home range. The unique design and whimsical illustrations add a touch of colour and mythical elements to any room. The box is made from 100% recycled material. Byredo Eye shadow, Sciomancer A homage to the musician Yves Tumor. A harmony of deep and dramatically colourful shades with metallic and glitter finishes.Lightweight and long-lasting with easy to blend textures. The compact encourages the wearer to apply with the fingertips. Intense, pure and radiant, the colours are housed in a distinctive metal ‘raindrop’ compact. Here, there is a notion of the glamorous cosmetic cases of the past, now made for the future.

Lil Fleur EDP Byredo, inspired by a heady, surging world of youthful emotions, both happy and sad, and with a great debt to music. Damascena Rose, sparkling, crisp and enveloping finds top notes of Cassis and Tangerine, Saffron for warm tones. Blonde Woods, Amber and Vanilla, at the base,  Ambient lighting edit mini sculpture, Hourglass, a curated quad, with four shades to layer and blend for multidimensional radiance. It features Ambient Finishing Powder, Blush, Bronzer and Metallic Strobe Powder in a striking gold compact. Walk of no shame, Lipstick and lip Liner duo by Charlotte Tilbury it includes Celebrity love, Confidence boosting, Lucky beauty filter lipstick with a matching mini Lip Cheat.  Black and gold with oval stone shoes by Alexander McQueen peak scandals made of Black calfskin leather Peak Sandal featuring a stone-like resin encased in a metal-organic shaped frame. The sandal has a pointed toe silhouette and a double strap upper featuring a gold-finished metal cuff bar. Cabinet box of matches by Björk and Berries the perfect accessory to pair with all candle within the Björk and Berries home range. The Equiano. TheWorld’s First African & Caribbean rum, Equiano. This rum contains rich and deep flavours coming from the barrels that give tropical nature to the Limited batch liquid. With no added sugar, spice or flavourings 43%, 70cl. Custard yellow Watch, Rado True Square x Tej Chauhan Rado’s design collaboration with award-winning British industrial designer, Tej Chauhan brings us back to the future in style. With flowing shapes, innovative high-tech ceramic and bold colours, the Rado True Square Tej Chauhan visualises the great futuristic visions of pop culture. Lipstick Golden Ruby, Guerlain Lipstick Rouge N32 MAT, this collection, is inspired by the art of fine jewellery making, it is c composed of 7 natural sheer colours with a creamy gem-like facetted bullet and 8 exceptional jewel cases.

More Joy Black sleeping mask by Christopher Kane is a 100% Silk eyemask with white ‘More Joy’ print and Elasticated headband, Aventus Creed 50ml The men’s fragrance celebrates strength, power, success, and heritage a sophisticated scent, perfect for the modern discerning gentleman. Fruity head notes of Calville Blanc apple, blackcurrant, pineapple, and Italian bergamot with a complimentary fresh and floral heart of jasmine blossom, birch, juniper berries, and patchouli. Rounding off is the woody base notes of oakmoss, a touch of vanilla, and Creed’s signature ingredient, ambergris, for the ultimate olfactive experience. Gold Lock bag Dunhill with detachable and adjustable shoulder strap an archive attache case in AD brass, Valentino Garavani Giggies Lovers Language high-top fabric sneaker from Matches Fashion “GOOD LOVER” print with Rubber VLTN tag detail Tonal jacquard, VLTN logo laces Rubber sole with debossed and VLTN. Black skull bracelet by Alexander McQueen made in Italy from black leather, this skull wrap bracelet from Alexander McQueen features silver-tone stud detailing, an engraved logo charm, a silver-tone skull charm and an adjustable fit with a buckle fastening. Fuck you 2020, by Togramoo Christmas bauble, hand made slogan that sumns up 2020 for so many. Balancing Room defuser, 250 ml Suzanne Kaufmann A blend of natural essential oils including ylang-ylang and patchouli help to relax and calm both mind and body. Mon beau Sapin Candle, Maison Francis Kurkdjian ParisIconic holiday candle, comes in a dark green colour adorned with a fir bough decorated in white and gold. It smells of balsam fir, slightly resinous, slowly guides us towards a reassuring forest.

J’adore, EDP infinissime, 100 ml by Christian Dior The J’adore a new sensual, powerful, and enveloping fragrance,  
a burst of flowers released in a bouquet with Centifolia Rose, Jasmine Sambac, Ylang-Ylang, and Grasse Tuberose refined by the woody accents of a creamy Sandalwood. Christmas star Stila Double Dip Suede Shade and Glitter & Glow by Stila. A double dose of colours and textures – the perfect pairing of matte and glitter. Complementary shades of Suede Shade™ and Glitter & Glow team up in this magnetised duo so you can create looks for work and play, day and night and everything in between. Christian Dior Mcramaee shoes sling backThe Dior & Moi slingback pump has a new silhouette, combining a slingback with a 7 cm block heel. Crafted with mesh-like black cotton embroidery in a Cannage motif, it is adorned with a two-tone ‘Christian Dior’ signature ribbon. Cristal hairband by Shrimps at Matches Fashion, A rich palette drawn from Van Gogh’s oeuvre inhabits silhouettes and prints inspired by Jane Austen’s depictions of 18th century England, whilst the work of Fernando Botero sets precedent for the collection’s whimsical romance and outsize details. The Henrietta Headband is a wide, flat style made from cream faux pearls and sparkling clear geometric beads, set on a metal base. Also available in forest green. Lipstick Baton de Couleur, Ancient 0570 by Byredo sumptuous levels of colour saturation and does not dry the lips. Perfume cracker Ylang Ylang and Expresso by Floral street, Eau de perfume 10 ml. Meteorite Golden Bee powder 25g by Guerlain,  limited-edition Météorites Golden Bee, a new colour harmony that bathes the complexion in a warm, delicate glow that is suitable for all skin tones. Watch by Rado True Square automatic with diamonds. Box of matches Bjork and Berries as before.

Acne studios Stripe scarf at Matches fashion the playful Scandinavian aesthetic is captured through the beige, mustard-yellow and chili-red stripes crafted in Italy a blend of alpaca, wool and mohair then finished with tasselled edges and a logo patch. Cognac tan wedges Norah Wedge Malone Soulier,   a curved platform sole echoes the brand’s signature wave-like toplines, building from an 85mm pitch to 100mm heel, crafted from Nappa leather. No 5 Chanel EDP the very essence of femininity an aldehyde floral bouquet housed in an iconic bottle with a minimalist design. A timeless, legendary fragrance. Charlotte Tilbury Bejewelled to hypnotise eye palette. With the precious glow of treasured jewels and gemstones. Portable Xmas Tree Candle ds & Durga available HereTo make it smell like you have a Xmas tree Starting with grand pacific fir, Silesian forest followed by blue spruce, Siberian pine cone into dry needles, red cedarwood. The Cabinet matchbox as before Bjork and Berries.   The perfect accessory to pair with The Cabinet collection scented candle or any candle within the Björk and Berries home range. The unique design and whimsical illustrations add a touch of colour and mythical elements to any room. The matchbox includes 45 matches that are 95mm long. The box is made from 100% recycled material.

More Joy Winter Red bubble by Christopher Kane red and black special baubles 100% glass and black satin tie with Silver hardware, Navy suede shoes, JM Weston at Mr. Porter  a classic derby shoe with the added edition of a Leather-Trimmed Suede Kiltie.  EDP Gentleman 50ml Givenchy, The olfactory encounter begins with the spicy contact of black pepper with coriander, followed by a warm embrace between cocoa’s addictive accents and the sophisticated elegance of iris enhanced by the woody notes of sandalwood and an oriental accord.  White logo high top Sneaker Dior,  a House essential, crafted in white and grey smooth calfskin, the style is adorned with white Dior Oblique Galaxy leather inserts on the sides. The sneaker is enhanced with ‘CD Icon’ eyelets as well as numerous emblematic details on the two-tone rubber sole, tab, and back. An adjustable Dior Oblique strap completes the design. Eau de Parfum l’interdit, 50 ml by Givenchy, Radiant Orange Blossom obscured with an overdose of Tuberose, clashes with the blackest, most voluptuous leathered-Vanilla and a dash of salty, roasted Sesame. A heady blend of Vetiver on Patchouli infuses notes of deep, dark wood for a refined hint of couture that lingers. More Joy Winter Black bubble by Christopher Kane grey and black special baubles 100% glass and black satin tie with Silver hardware, Sex mask by Christopher Kane of More Joy Winter 20 100% Silk eyemask with white ‘Sex’ print and Elasticated headband. Land and water Mandarin & Mint Scented Candle, Natural wax infused with warm mandarin and cool mint essential oils for a refreshing aroma that lights up the day’s downtime. Alba, candle Linari, Fruity accords of fresh mango, juicy tangerine and blackcurrant merge with Turkish rose petals and French cyclamen. Following into subtle woody notes of Iso-E super and cashmere wood and base notes of Atlas cedar, musk, Haitian vetiver and a soft touch of powdery tonka beans. The Cabinet matchbox as before Bjork and Berries.  

DS&D Urga auto fragrance set, Take aromatic armchair travel on the road. A complete set of DSD AUTO FRAGRANCES can transport your car (or closet) to distant realms. 3 Mini lip wardrobes by Charlotte Tilbury, A trio of mini Matte Revolution lipsticks including its best-selling, award-winning, nude-pink Pillow Talk; confidence-boosting, berry-rose Walk of No Shame; and taupe-nude, Hot Lips shade, Very Victoria Black satin with gold trim wedge slipper Malone Soulier, A new style for the season, Malone Souliers’ Marilyn black wedge mules live up to their namesake’s reputation for glamour. Available in a charismatic black satin. A signature strap across the toe in high-shine mirror leather is the finishing touch to this memorable shoe. Confession refillable lipstick duo by Hourglass, A limited-edition duo featuring two exclusive Confession Ultra Slim Lipstick shades and a custom applicator. One shade is set inside the faceted gold applicator, which can be used interchangeably with the gilded refill. This sculptural design can be used with any shade of Confession Lipstick, making it a collectable object of art. Wonderland Buly box of matches. Inspired by this surprising virtue, l’Officine Universelle Buly has invented the Scented Match. Hat by Ruslan Baginskiy from Matches Fashion Ruslan Baginskiy reimagines the Parisian-classic beret in a sophisticated black and white palette for AW20. It’s made from a blend of cotton and wool that’s woven with a sartorial houndstooth motif, then has a structured browband for a secure fit. Wonderland Peony by floral street Eau de Parfum 10 ml perfume cracker This light, fruity floral perfume makes the most striking stocking. Wrapped in recyclable, sustainable packaging, this perfect limited-edition Christmas gift includes a travel-sized spray bottle of a cult-favourite, multi-award-winning vegan perfume. Perfect, Eau de Parfum 100 ml by Marc Jacobs  The Perfect Marc Jacobs bottle is a fun mix of elegance and modernity. The weighted glass base is inspired by the grace and style of a classic perfume. At the top, the cap is crowned with an eclectic and multicoloured collection of mismatched charms. Each charm was selected by Marc himself and injects a touch of his style into the design. Fuck you 2020, by Togramoo Christmas bauble.

Shot One (on left hand side)

Christmas Edition cologne absolute, Atelier Cologne Paris.  White narcissus, candle by Tom Daxon, Le rouge d’or 127, lipstick by Chanel the iconic CHANEL lipstick, reinvented. A new formula for more sensoriality and hydration all day long. A new range of shades inspired by the close friends of Mademoiselle Chanel, those who simply called her Coco. Alexander McQueen Black wooden dandy cane with gold skull head. Made from 100% Wood. Black snakeskin stiletto with red sole and metalic heel by Christian Louboutin. Christian Dior Black boots with cutout details, the D-Trap boot has a graphic effect with mesh-like cutouts for a modern play on transparency. Crafted in black matte calfskin, it boasts a military-inspired look with a thick notched sole, zip closure, and front lacing, while a gold-tone bee and ‘CD’ signature appear at the back. Sex Christmas bubble, Christopher Kane white and black 100% glass, and Black satin tie with Silver hardware. Alexander McQueen Leather and white rubber boots, Black calf leather Chelsea boot with an oversized rubber tread sole. The boot is detailed with a textured rubber wrap and tonal Alexander McQueen signature finished with a signature ribbon on the back of the boot. Round-toe boot silhouette with rubber toe cap detail 100% Calf Leather Kalan 125 ml, red bootle. Kalan Eau de Parfum, Parfums de Marly, surprises with a sparkling opening, blending black pepper and spices with fresh notes of blood orange. The fragrance is embodied through a heart of orange blossom and lavender, while it evolves as facets of white sandalwood unfold and drape into notes of moss and precious wood. Paris Box of Blue scented matches Buly 1803, Another way to quickly and elegantly perfume the ambient air. Byredo Lyla small bag, leather micro cross-body bag withs snap closure for easy opening and adjustable strap removable with dog clips fits perfectly a credit card, lipstick, keys.