Never Give the Obvious

I like Margaret Howell for its basics like shirts and knits, especially the shorter lengths. I also love and use their pajamas and nightshirts at home. I’ve always loved Britain and menswear, and Margaret herself is wonderful. I also appreciate learning about her lifestyle and the background behind the clothes she creates.

My love for Britain started with its graphic design. For example, official public advertisements can have radical designs, and while Americans might call something “good,” the British might say “not bad.” I find that reflects the British temperament and national character. Though lately, I’ve been straying from London to Berlin (laughs).

Recent Gifts That Brought Joy

I generally only give gifts to those very close to me. I don’t give anything too commonplace, so I rarely give “consumables.” Because my work involves looking at more books than most people, I often give beautiful visual books as presents that look good on a shelf.

The Household Goods line offers items that make you think, “How wonderful it would be to have this at hand when I’m shopping for Margaret Howell clothes.” I use trays and trolleys from Kaimet, a specialist manufacturer, both at home and in my office.

From this year’s gift catalogue, I’m drawn to the body care products, hot water bottle covers, and handmade tiles. I think I’d be very happy to receive a hot water bottle cover every year.

Naomi Hirabayashi’s Thoughts on Gifts for Adults

Many women my age already have everything they need and can buy anything they want, so a commonplace gift often ends up being just a token of the act of giving or receiving. Therefore, I consider gifts that have meaning, regardless of their price.

When my home was being renovated, Sonia Park found and gifted me an antique lamp. I had mentioned wanting that exact lamp years before. Similarly, I’d often tell her how much I admired an outfit she wore, and after a few years, she surprised me with it, even presenting it in a bag she had embroidered herself. I believe that gifts connecting people hold many hints within everyday life.

Naomi Hirabayashi
Art Director / Graphic Designer
Born in Tokyo. After graduating from Musashino Art University’s Department of Space and Display Design in 1992, she joined Shiseido Co., Ltd. (Advertising Production Department). In 2002, she was seconded to the design studio “Made Thought” in London for one year. After leaving Shiseido in December 2004, she began working as a freelancer in January 2005. Her major works include art direction for (marunouchi) HOUSE, la kagu, and UNITED ARROWS; package design for HOPE and NTT DOCOMO; CD jacket design for Akiko Yano, Hikaru Utada, and DREAMS COME TRUE; and art direction for the magazine “GINZA.” She has received numerous awards, including the NY ADC Gold and Silver awards, British D&AD Silver award, JAGDA New Designer Award, Tokyo ADC Award, Tokyo TDC Award, and Good Design Award.





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