Gallery
November 16, 2015
Talking About Wonder Gift 2015 | MARGARET HOWELL Gallery
“The Art of Giving”—What’s the most delightful gift you’ve received recently?
When I received tableware I had been looking for.
—What gift have you given that was met with joy?
Wine to a wine lover (laughs). Items related to ironware from my hometown of Morioka are always well-received.
—What is your guiding principle when choosing a gift?
Something that won’t be thrown away.
—Do you have your own particular criteria for selecting gifts?
I don’t diversify too much; I tend to choose from a limited range of places I always buy from.
—What are the key points for a gift that will be appreciated by adults?
Small items that are relevant to daily life.
—Your recent impression of Margaret Howell, and what would you choose as a gift?
Grey knitPerhaps.
Takashi Kumagai
Stylist
Born in 1970. After moving to France, began working as a stylist in 1994. Also started working as a photographer under the name Lake Tahoe in 1998. In 2008, changed his photographer name to his real name, Takashi Kumagai, and alongside his work in advertising and magazines, he is active in a wide range of fields, including branding for various fashion brands and directing shop interiors and plantings. This December, he is scheduled to release a book compiling his past work, future prospects, and private life. Additionally, the first store of "CPCM," a craft & culture shop he directs, will open in Jingumae, Tokyo, on November 28 (Saturday).
www.takashikumagai.com
www.naissance-tokyo.com
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“The Art of Giving”—What’s the most delightful gift you’ve received recently?
I’m currently in the German countryside, and I was delighted when a friend visiting from Japan brought me some nori. The "Ohe nori" was delicious, and they carried it with them through Italy and Switzerland for over a week.
—What gift have you given that was met with joy?
When my boss here in Germany came to visit Japan, I gave him a lacquer bowl by Akito Aragaki as a gift. I thought it would be a way for him to experience a new material, and since he was interested in Japanese craftsmanship, he was very pleased.
—What is your guiding principle when choosing a gift?
Since gifts are a way to convey feelings like gratitude and goodwill, I choose items that allow me to communicate those feelings and the reason why I'm giving them.
—Do you have your own particular criteria for selecting gifts?
I find that I often choose food items or things related to eating.
—What are the key points for a gift that will be appreciated by adults?
Something that isn't overbearing, but also not too commonplace.
—Your recent impression of Margaret Howell, and what would you choose as a gift?
Cashmere knitI would choose.
Hiroshi Eguchi
Book lover, apprentice distiller.
Born in Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture. His books include "Handbook" (Gakken), "A World Without" (Kirakusha), and "Annotation: Kinosaki" (NPO Books and Onsen). He is studying distillation under Christoph Keller at "Stählemühle," a distillery in southern Germany. hiroshieguchi.com
Photo Credit
(C)hideaki hamada
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“The Art of Giving”—What’s the most delightful “gift” you’ve received recently?
My father gave me a fountain pen. He told me, “You’re a grown woman now, you should learn to use a fountain pen,” and gave it to me with a bit of a scolding... I received a fountain pen.
—What gift have you given that was met with joy?
I often give flowers. Flowers are easy to tailor to the recipient's image, and I think they are an item that anyone would be happy to receive. I choose from three or four of my favorite florists, considering which one best matches the recipient's image, and present them in various forms such as wreaths, bouquets, or boxed arrangements.
—What is your guiding principle when choosing a gift?
For example, when giving a gift to someone older or of higher status, they often already possess wonderful things or have extensive knowledge, so rather than something lasting, I often give food. I frequently give fresh fruits and vegetables, or foods and sweets that I think they might not have tried before.
—Do you have your own particular criteria for selecting gifts?
Of course, I consider the recipient's preferences and perspective, but I also think about the timing of the gift. For those I plan to give gifts to every year, I always send them on the same date. The thought that the recipient might also be excitedly awaiting it makes the gift selection process very enjoyable.
—What are the key points for a gift that will be appreciated by adults?
I think it's "authentic items." For example, whether it's food or sweets, I want to give gifts that are made with care for the ingredients, following traditional methods, or items crafted and finished one by one by artisans – gifts filled with the maker's passion that adults can appreciate.
—Your recent impression of Margaret Howell, and what would you choose as a gift?
I truly love Margaret Howell's timeless and consistent beauty. It's a place where you can encounter items that you feel you can cherish and nurture. If I were to choose a gift this year, I would select a "blanket" from the household goods in "GIFTS FOR CHRISTMAS 2015." I believe it would be a gift appreciated by anyone, regardless of age or gender.
Maki Watanabe
Food writer
After working as a graphic designer, she became a food writer. She proposes recipes that emphasize the seasons and fresh ingredients in books, magazines, and advertisements. She also holds regular cooking classes. Her recent book is "Souzai Soup" (Shufu to Seikatsu Sha).
https://www.instagram.com/maki_watanabe/
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