I’m Dreaming of a Sustainable Christmas
It’s the most wonderful time of the year. But it can also be the most wasteful, especially when it comes to gift-giving. With this in mind, consider green gifting this year.
“The tradition of gifting is about celebrating, joy and creating memories, but with reports showing approximately 19% of unwanted gifts ending up in landfill, it’s important we think before we buy,” says Amy Nelson-Bennet, CEO of Positive Luxury, the luxury sustainability specialists.
“Luxury products and experiences should be leading the way as more sustainable gift options – where quality, craftsmanship and longevity are core luxury values – as is the creativity to package more sustainably, and communicate it to the buyer.”
Christmas is the perfect time to start a new tradition of regifting. From preloved vintage treasures, to repurposing family heirlooms, here’s our gift guide to sustainable gifting.
Vintage threads in Florence:
To wear vintage clothing is like being a guardian of memory. And in a city like Florence, where history seeps from every pore, it’s no wonder the streets are peppered with vintage designer boutiques. Which makes it the perfect place to pick up something truly special for the sartorialist in your life.
Via del Parione, 51/red, 50123 Florence | 7-minute walk from Hotel Savoy
Described by its owner, Giada Barra, as an alternative to your home wardrobe, C’est Chic is exactly that. A collection of beautifully curated, timeless pieces where vintage Italian classics sit alongside international finds, with a smattering of antiquities for good measure.
Via dei Serragli, 7r 50124 Florence | 13-minute walk from Hotel Savoy
Take a dive into the past with Momo Vintage, a true fashion archive spanning back decades. Browse the impressive selection of French and Italian designers, as well as some mid-century American and British classics.
Time travel in Berlin:
Since time immemorial, watches have been seen as an important gift. A keeper of treasured memories, or a link to the past to be handed down to future generations. And with a vintage, preloved timepiece you are wearing a piece of history. Visit our top watch shops in Europe’s capital of cool.
Meinekestrasse 5, 10719 | 20-minute drive from Hotel de Rome
Founded in 1986, the family-run Leopold & Co boutique is situated in Berlin’s fashionable Kurfürstendamm neighbourhood and offers an array of preloved and vintage timepieces – their Rolex collection is particularly impressive. For special occasions, they also offer a rental service for fine watches and antique jewellery.
Linckersdorff Collectors Watches GmbH
Fasanenstraße 71, 10719 Berlin | 18 minute drive from Hotel de Rome
Specialising in luxury timepieces for over 40 years, there’s no better place than Linckersdorff for collectors seeking rare treasures. Their curated selection of wristwatches holds unique pieces from the 1920s onwards, while they often also hold museum-worthy pocket watches from centuries past. Definitely one for the family horologist.
Reimagined treasures in London:
Whether it’s a long-loved piece of jewellery, or an adored heirloom piece in need of repair, breathe new life into old treasures before passing them on to loved ones for future enjoyment. Take a trip down memory lane in London.
By appointment only | 11-minute drive from Brown’s Hotel
Old ingredients, new style – so say female-run jewellery designers LYLIE who use salvaged gold and recycled, antique gems in their sustainable creations. Their designers work in close collaboration with you to lovingly craft something unique, remodelled from cherished pieces.
100 Fulham Road, SW3 6HS | 14-minute drive from Brown’s Hotel
For over 20 years The Chelsea Bindery have lovingly restored ancient tomes and parched paper alike. Passing on a much-thumbed first edition, or a precious family heirloom, your text is in safe hands. A wing of rare book specialist Peter Harrington London, you may well find another literary jewel while dropping off your repairs.
If you’d prefer to make your own memories, treat your loved ones to a unique trip or experience some of Europe’s most inviting cities with Rocco Forte Hotels. https://www.roccofortehotels.com/gifting/
You may also like
How to Make your Trip More Sustainable
“When approaching sustainability,” says Irene Forte, Wellness Consultant for Rocco Forte Hotels, “I always look at three straightforward pillars: People, Community and Planet.”
Travelling to a new country and taking a positive interest in the local environment, communities and culture are some of the most responsible things you can do. From buying locally to learning about natural resources, here’s a few tips to ensure your hotel stay enhances and protects the people, community and the planet.
Three Beautifully Sustainable Day Trips...
Nestled in the heart of leafy Sachsenhausen is Villa Kennedy, the perfect base to explore Frankfurt and discover everything from visiting Goethe's childhood home to exploring the Green Belt, Germany’s largest inner-city forest.
