Tastemaker Colin King Shares His Holiday Wish List
The interior stylist, designer, and author selects unique artisan home goods and decadent fashion pieces sure to impress even the most discerning aesthetes
A venerable tastemaker, Colin King collaborates with many of the industry’s leading designers, among them Giancarlo Valle and Andre Mellone as well as Robin Standefer and Stephen Alesch of Roman & Williams, to create inspired spaces that layer rich materials and sumptuous textures, most often in a neutral palette of earthy shades. He’s also conjured unique artful installations, including the recent Object & Thing presentation at East Hampton’s LongHouse Reserve, and commercial projects for high-design clients including The Future Perfect, Beni Rugs, and Troy Lighting.
Earlier this year, King’s debut monograph, Arranging Things (Rizzoli) unveiled a large swath of his exemplary talents, which made him a perfect source for finding unique gifts for the hard-to-buy for recipients on everyone’s gift lists. Here, a look at the sure please items King is adding to cart this season.
1. “Sporty but also classic. I wear this Hermès watch on set then straight to a black-tie event—it transitions seamlessly. I also love the handsome monochromatic palette.”
2. “From my own collection with Cultiver, the heavyweight linen of the Trace bedcover makes this the perfect addition to any bed as we enter into the colder months.”
3. “I have one of these E.R. Butler & Co Egg paperweights in my own collection and it’s easily one of my favorite objects. The egg has a nice weight and the perfect natural form makes for a playful, memorable gift.”
4. “The small square tray by Michael Verheyden is a beautiful object in a unique, veiny stone that’s both practical and aesthetically pleasing. It instantly elevates any surface.”
5. “Published earlier this year, my first book will take you through a series of visual essays unpacking how to consider scale, proportion, palette and texture to find new meaning and uses for everyday objects you already own.”
6. “Sold through one of my favorite design studios in Copenhagen, Studio Oliver Gustav, this aluminum sculptural piece is by the Danish artist Sofie Østerby. It’s a beautiful object on its own or with a single stem.”
7. “I discovered Pronuis through my friend Roberto and his vintage shop, Desert Vintage. Though contemporary, all of the pieces are artifact inspired and are reminiscent of pieces you see in the halls of The Met. A pendant doesn’t require a ring or wrist size and can easily slide onto any chain.”
8. “Sometimes it is difficult to purchase for other people’s homes, but this simple design (available in two sizes) really lends itself to any space. These Stance vases look just as good on a shelf or mantel with a flower or a branch as they do existing as sculptural pieces if empty.”
9. “This jacket from Todd Snyder has quickly become my go-to this winter. It’s one of those pieces that no matter where I go, someone compliments it. It’s a slight oversized fit in a beautiful, warm alpaca material.”
10. “I work closely with Roman & Williams, so naturally I find myself reaching for items and objects from the RW Guild for my own home, additional projects, or as gifts to others. This oil lantern is inspired by 19th-century European lamps and shaped and assembled by hand, making each one unique.”
11. “My life is always on the go, and Frame’s denim is perfect for going from set right to dinner with friends.”
12. “Mr. Porter always has what I’m looking for, and this cozy sweater by Tom Ford is my new winter staple.”
13. “I always find myself reaching for this Caudalie oil in the winter months, especially when I am on the road traveling.”