November 29, 2016
Gift Guide: Exclusive Picks From LUSITANO1143's Carlos João Parreira
Matthew Wexler READ TIME: 7 MIN.
As all of the holiday gift guides roll out, you can be sure of one thing: taste is subjective. That's why this year we're relying on a diverse collection of LGBT influencers to offer their favorite picks.
A Portuguese expat now living in Brooklyn, Carlos Jo�o Parreira's professional background ranges from the "happy chic" world of Jonathan Adler to Dering Hall, an online portal connecting brands to interior designers. Here are Parreira's picks for a stylish holiday season.
After experiencing the inner workings of these successful design businesses and tapping into a family history of entrepreneurship, his latest venture is LUSITANO1143, a beautifully curated collection of decorative goods from Portugal.
Peter Thomas Roth Retinol Fusion PM Night Serum
"I originally received it myself as a cheeky gift when I turned 30, but I'm a convert now. My mom even thought I had Botox! I now pay it forward and give it to everyone. Once they see the results, they'll have it as part of their nighttime routine forever."
Peter Thomas Roth Retinol Fusion PM Night Serum
$65
Native Union
"Everyone is attached to their phones when traveling, for directions or perfect Instagram snaps, so it might as well look great. The Native Union Night Marble Case, Cable and Stand taps into the marble trend in the sexy dark stone, with a complementary cable that is attractive enough that you can leave it displayed when back at your work desk way too soon."
Native Union
$140
Byredo Bal D'Afrique
"The best accessory for me has always been a great scent. People will remember this calling card for much longer than that Christmas sweater from three years ago. I love what Ben Gorham at Byredo has been doing, with my favorite being Bal D'Afrique. There's something about the sexy darkness of the Moroccan cedar wood and African marigold that, whether a gift for others or yourself, no one will forget."
LUSITANO1143 Cerne Decanter
"For the bourbon lover in your life, the Cerne Decanter from LUSITANO1143 is made from handblown glass, using the absent core of a tree trunk as its mold. It explores nature's forms and authentic, organic materials - but, most importantly, this 'organic luxe' take on barware looks great placed on a cocktail table, ready for a nightcap."
LUSITANO1143 Cerne Decanter
$170
Graham's 10-Year-Old Tawny Port
"Growing up in Portugal, everyone had Port stocked up in case of unexpected guests, or if you needed a last-minute gift. It always feels more luxurious to arrive at a party with a bottle of Port than the expected red wine. Port has also been having a huge resurgence in cocktail culture. Stir it with Cognac and a splash of bitters, and serve it over ice for an unexpected holiday party staple. I'm partial to a 10-year tawny or the sweeter white 'Christ tears' Port."
Graham's 10-Year-Old Tawny Port
$31.99
Charitable Giving: SAGE
"Every freedom we enjoy today as part of the LGBTQ community only came to be because of the hard work of the previous generations. I try to give back by volunteering or donating to LGBTQ elder organizations, like SAGE in NYC. I've heard some incredible stories of survival and defiance from not very long ago. Whether you have a couple of hours for Broadway Karaoke or are able to give to a cause that goes to the core of who we are as a community - we owe it to them."
Learn more about SAGE's important work and how you can help at sageusa.org.
Matthew Wexler is EDGE's Senior Editor, Features & Branded Content. More of his writing can be found at www.wexlerwrites.com. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram at @wexlerwrites.
