That perfect Kish-mas gift

Christmas is definitely the season of giving. There’s nothing I love more than finding that perfect gift for a loved one that I know will bring the biggest smile to their faces. The problem is that finding the right gift can be complex.  First it’s about knowing what they would like and what you can get, and then it’s knowing where to go to find it. Sometimes you may have absolutely no clue or that last year’s gift was already so perfect how do you top that?

There is one place I love to visit during the holidays because it’s like a treasure trove of beautiful things carefully sought from around the world — Kish. I have always loved Ito Kish’s impeccable taste and his innate quality to put things together. Every time I enter his store I find myself lusting over unique objects hailing from different corners of the world — an antique Burmese Buddha, stunning carpets from India, embroidered pillows from Turkey, linens from Lithuania and then some. This year his store is filled with all sorts of wonderful things from the usual show-stoppers to the thoughtful stocking-stuffers.

Objects by Kish has a wide selection of unique little items from quirky retro parlor games to vintage silverware, nifty little organizers and everyday objects infused with cutting edge design principles and my absolute favorite is a vast collection of stunning books by Phaidon.

The partnership with Phaidon came about by chance during one of his travels where he happened to meet one of the publishing powerhouse’s executives. “It just so happened that we got along and he was looking for someone to distribute his books in a more curated lifestyle setting and not just in a bookshop,” explains Kish. The books are vivid and bold spanning a large range of topics from cuisine to travel and fashion and design. A beautiful specialized book that reflects a person’s interests is one of the most wonderful gifts anyone can receive. I particularly love how Kish manages to use these books not just in a scholarly way or rigidly aligned on a shelf but also as key elements of design and overall décor.

If you’re looking for something a little more luxe and indulgent, Kish is also the first in the Philippines to finally carry the line of Fornasetti Profumi and these nifty little (or luxuriously large) gems would make a nice gift to someone special or as a year-end bonus to yourself. Another reason to visit is that he has created a special section in his store called Gallano focused on carrying a collection of high end objects of desire, when you do head over there please bring a bib to wipe off your drool.

My favorite reason to go to his store is because of his newly opened Ito Kish showroom. Despite Kish being around for 14 years, the visual storyteller started creating his own designs just a few years ago, garnering immediate attention from the local and international design community. It’s only when everything is grouped together that you can really appreciate a designer’s aesthetic and the driving principles behind their designs.

What I love about Ito’s designs is that they is fresh yet timeless, rooted in his heritage and with always a touch of whimsy. I think it’s brilliant how the pieces feel reminiscent of the things your lola’s home would have but updated with a modern finish and pops of color. Each item makes a strong statement and I have been eyeing one of those beautiful lamps for a long time for my dining room. In fact I think it’s rather bold of him to remain distinctly Filipiniana and not transform things too much, it’s nice to have a few pieces in your home that proudly show your heritage.

While you may not buy a bed or a large lamp to wrap and stick under the tree he has some beautiful plates and tableware with the cutest Filipino prints like carabaos and nipa huts that would make wonderful gifts especially to friends and family living abroad. I highly recommend a quick visit to Kish for those last minute special presents that will elicit oohs and ahhs and “so cool!” from the recipients. However I often find myself just dropping by to get some inspiration and to be surrounded by beautiful things… maybe sneak in a gift or two for myself as well.

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 Kish is located at 233 Nicanor Garcia Street, Bel Air Makati. The store is open from Monday to Friday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Objects by Kish is at Rockwell Power Plant Mall until Dec. 31.

For information, call 896-8366 or visit www.kish.ph.