Bristol and Brooks …. A shopping experience in design elegance.

“I have moved from very geometric design to more asymmetrical shapes, inspired by nature. For example, by recreating the shape of a stone that has been worn by the movement of the waves.” Says Pernille Vea of Menu, a Scandinavian design house www.menu.as/en.   It is this thought and consideration to design that reflects all the products to be found in the Bristol and Books store in Chifley Plaza at the business end of Sydney city.  But if you can’t get there to browse the shelves go to their web site that showcases Sydney’s finest designer items and order online at www.bristolandbrooks.com.au like hundreds of their customers do!

But walk into this elegant store and you are immediately surrounded by beautiful and exquisite items that you will want or you’ll want to give to someone special.  Displayed on open shelving for easy access, every item has a story, and, a designer.  Touch the item, feel the elegance and ask about the story behind each unique and special piece carefully selected and displayed! 

If you are searching to find a gift for the person who has everything, or just something to take to the beach house this summer look at the ‘Lighthouse’ (above right). Inspired by the lighthouses along the coasts of Scandinavia, Christian Bjørn has designed these smart, easy to use oil burners that resemble hurricanes and oil lamps glowing like bonfires in the dark.

Or you might select from the award winning designs by Eva solo imported from Denmark (top centre), such as a porcelain serving dish with handles, elegant glass carafes, a smiley bowl, kitchen scales, or an exquisite BBQ, or even an elegant bird bath.  Check out the range at www.evasolo.com.au then visit Bristol and Brooks to collect your goodies. 

Known across the country for their extensive collection of Alessi, browse these famous products recognized by the iconic Bird Kettle, designed for Alessi in 1985 by Michael Graves, more photographed than any top bikini model, it appears in kitchens all over the world and now you can have one too! Search the white shelves and glass showcases and you will find Alessi products you have seen before, such as the King chin salt and pepper grinder made of thermoplastic resin and hand decorated in luscious colours. The ‘chin’ family hit stores with a bang, designed by Stefano Giovannoni with Rumiko Takeda and the National Palace Museum of Taiwan – they will make a statement on any table!   Or if you are looking for a the quirky gift select an Otto dental floss holder; or the ever stoic Cico egg and spoon in fabulous colours, which is very popular for christenings and kids – including big kids! 

But beside all of these utilitarian products you will be intrigued as I was to meet the Christmas collection of adorable porcelain figurines.  Begun as a project in the 1990’s by a group of designers, with Christmas figures released by Alessi in 2008 and 2009, they are the ultimate in Christmas memorabilia you will want to treasure forever! 

 

Elegance and beauty can be found in many items such as the display of leather wallets, stylish and soft to touch, ‘he’ will love them.  Or maybe if you are looking for a gift for that man in your life that appreciates wine, check out the Echelon Wine Rack or the Legnoart Sommelier Set or the unique Alessi Captain Banana corkscrew.  It’s fabulous. Or just want a plaything for the ‘boy’?  PlaySam has some quirky cars and rockets!

But if you are looking for something for the wonderful lady in your life then look no further than Menu’s creative jewellery tree with its stylish ‘ring’ for storing ear studs!  Wouldn’t every woman want one of these on her dresser?

There are just SO many fabulous designer items I could list them all ……. ….such as Jonus Grundell’s De-Sign Nordic 8 arm Candelabra.  It comes in other colour ways and with fewer arms but all move offering versatility in display.

In 1936 Albert Burrage – British, of course  – designed a ‘one spout kettle’ which you can find at Bristol and Brooks along with a serving tray made from polished magnailium complimented with smooth sycamore wood.  The Picquot K3 Kettle is stunning! 

And because Jason and Claire believe children should not miss out on designer items they have a section with products just for little people!  You’ll find things for children to do, books to read and read to them, cute clothes to wear, games to play and photo frames to hold those treasured snap shots.

So if you want an experience in elegance and design sophistication, find time to visit Bristol and Brooks on level one of Chifley Tower, or on line at www.bristolandandbrooks.com.au  You might just find lots of things you ‘need’ as well as beautiful unique gifts for those special people in your life!