Expert Shopping List: Must-Buy Souvenirs From Around the Globe
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Globe-trotters, meet your shopping guide. Here, we have the expert shopping list from some of the most design-savvy travelers we know, including The Future Perfect’s David Alhadeff, Calvin Klein Home creative director Amy Mellen, and more. These insiders share what to buy and where to find the must-have souvenirs from international travel destinations around the globe (think handmade hammocks from Mérida and vintage Alvar Aalto vases from Helsinki). Save room in your suitcase.
Photo: Courtesy of Littala1/10Helsinki, Finland: Vintage Aalto glass vases
“Finland is the home of Alvar Aalto, and as such, Helsinki abounds with Aalto’s work everywhere, from the architecture to the design. Aalto achieved much in his life as an architect and designer, but the item we all know best is the wavy glass vase he designed in 1936 for the Savoy restaurant. There are many spots in Helsinki to buy vintage Aalto glass, including the Hietalahti flea market. I always keep an eye out for the colors that aren’t produced today, like bottle green, and look for his signature on the bottom, as many of the Savoy vases were once signed by Aalto himself. Trademarks of the originals include visible seams of where the glass mold pressed the vase together and the slight curve at the base.”
—David Alhadeff, founder of The Future Perfect
Photo: Courtesy of Tang Tang Tang Tang2/10Hong Kong, China: Zodiac silk pajamas
“Tang Tang Tang Tang is a beautifully curated store, situated in one of the very special heritage buildings in HK. Their line of silk pajamas with Chinese zodiac animals are a must-buy when you’re in town—choose a set with your zodiac sign.”
—Yasmina Benazzou, global design director at Tai Ping Carpets
Photo Courtesy of Sacred Space3/10Leh, India: Monk’s bowls
“Near China and Pakistan, Leh is the perfect high-altitude desert—harsh and cloudless blue skies with ancient Buddhist monasteries hidden away on top of mountains. It was the hub of caravan trade from the 17th century between Punjab and central Asia and between Kashmir and Tibet. At the Mandala Tibetan Art fort road complex—near Chopsticks restaurant, where you should eat most of your meals—I found this deep handmade monk’s bowl. The savvy shop owner rang the bowl and put it by my forehead and guaranteed it would relieve stress, which it seemed to do. The bowls are made of seven metals and hand-hammered, so even if you use it as a fruit bowl, I would recommend buying one.”
—John Robshaw, owner of John Robshaw Textiles
Photo: Courtesy of Ligne Roset USA4/10Lyon, France: A pot Lyonnais
“A pot Lyonnais is a very thick-bottomed bottle with a capacity of exactly 46 centiliters. This is a specialty of Lyon mainly used in the bouchon [a typical restaurant of Lyon and its region]. Pot Lyonnais was a measurement capacity set in the 19th century, when workers were entitled to wine paid by their employers. Easy to bring home in a suitcase, it can be used in modern days for wine, water, juice, or anything—even as a vase or decorative accessory.”
—Antoine Roset, executive vice president at Ligne Roset USA
Photo: Courtesy of St. Frank5/10Marrakech, Morocco: Cactus silk
“This soft and strong material is woven from silk made from the Sabra cactus. It is very unique to the North African region, usually created by indigenous Berber people, who decorate the pieces with tribal stripes and symbols. You can find these pieces all over the souk. Pick up pillow covers, rugs, and fragments to frame.”
—Christina Bryant, founder and CEO at St. Frank