Christmas day is hot on our heels and with all the last-minute frenzy, we decided to keep things simple and ask our staff for some fail-safe gifting ideas.
Brace yourself, their suggestions are so good we’re struggling not to raid the stock room.
Nicola, Manager main shop
“Who doesn’t love a map? I know I certainly do and what I love about Kristjana Williams’s unique style (and in particular her Vestur Uglu London Map) is how interactive it is. The inclusion of unusual facts and symbols about London’s history will have you losing yourself in it for hours.”
https://www.vam.ac.uk/shop/alexander-mcqueen-hardback-129180.html
Jason, Manager, Book and Exhibition shop
“The Alexander McQueen catalogue is endlessly fascinating. I find that I’m constantly opening it to explore the world of McQueen.”
https://www.vam.ac.uk/shop/jewellery.html?sort=newin&p=1&designer%5B%5D=Auren
Marta, E-commerce Assistant
“I Love Auren. It’s delicate, fine and elegant, yet so modern and young as well. This necklace is a signature piece.”
https://www.vam.ac.uk/shop/paddling-in-striped-bathers-1000pk0055.html
Nick, Manager, Book and Exhibition shop
“Custom prints are great potential gifts; they meet everyone’s needs from photography and textiles to illustrations. My favourite is the photo of the paddling couple in their striped bathing costumes, alongside the pair who are comically stepping into the water with boots over their shoulder – it’s a pictorial joy.”
https://www.vam.ac.uk/shop/catalogsearch/result/?q=Salome
Camilla, Sales assistant, Exhibition Road shop
“I confess I’ve been swept up in ‘Salomania’ and I love all of the Salome related products we have on offer, whether our Aubrey Beardsley prints or the fabulous silk scarf.”
https://www.vam.ac.uk/shop/welcome-to-the-museum-152117.html
Phoenix, Sales assistant, Museum of Childhood Shop
“This three-dimensional, sticker-filled activity book explores how a museum collection works. What’s not to enjoy?”
https://www.vam.ac.uk/shop/kids-ikat-shirt.html
Vanessa, E-commerce manager
“I love the modern pattern of this traditional ikat shirt dress. What’s more you can pair it with the adult shirt for a matching mother and child outfit – so sweet!”
https://www.vam.ac.uk/shop/le-loie-fuller-print-151933.html
Camilla, Sales assistant, Exhibition Road shop
“Recently the Loie Fuller print caught my attention. In true Art Nouveau style, the original lithograph captures the transparency of her veils and nuances of colour she achieved through her revolutionary use of stage lighting.”
https://www.vam.ac.uk/shop/x-ray-dress-scarf-150264.html
Benedict, Sales assistant, Book and Exhibition shop
“This scarf shows the exterior of Balenciaga’s silk taffeta dress and its inner workings, giving us a never-before-seen look at the designer’s extraordinary skill.”
https://www.vam.ac.uk/shop/black-floral-lace-tunic-top-151358.html
Virginie, Sales Assistant, Fashion Gallery shop
“When we first received the collection for Balenciaga: Shaping Fashion, I immediately fell in love with this tunic. It goes with everything: jeans for a casual day with friends or over a black dress for a date night. It’s a must-have.”
https://www.vam.ac.uk/shop/international-women-s-day-print-151934.html
Ozoro, Sales assistant, Exhibition Road shop
“I really enjoy Mihalo Biro’s International Women’s Day print. It portrays a confident woman holding a bold red flag representing socialism in front of other marching women. I like the striking contrast of the red against the black backdrop and how relevant and current this poster is.”
