As a non-Christian, Christmas has always been a commercial holiday to me. I partake in the festivities of the season because it feels like a nice way to wrap up each year—we need something to look forward to, no? I love non-denominational Christmas songs (they're all in my "Is It Christmas Yet?" playlist on Spotify) and succumb to the heavenly, carb-heavy goodness that is a tin of Pannetone.
I ALSO LOVE GIFTS. Giving them to those dearest to me, that is; God knows, I have too much stuff as it is. But hey, sometimes, it feels right to treat myself to something as a way of giving myself a pat on the back for surviving yet another year. (I should probably get therapy at this point, but can I wear therapy like I could a pair of shoes? I don't think so).
In occasion of my favourite commercial holiday, here's a list of 25 things that I'd like to gift myself. And perhaps, there might be something here that'll catch your eye and inspire you to also be kind to yourself.
Dries Van Noten remains one of my favourite fashion brands. Even with the founder taking a backseat from the fashion operations, the brand's DNA is still distinct and kept strong with the in-house design team as well as new creative director Julian Klausner. This pair of printed trousers captures what the brand does really well: prints applied onto contemporary style.
There's something about a Coco Crush ring that just looks right to me. The pillowy design gives the impression of softness and feels seamless when worn. It's also a classic. Chanel does its own version of rose gold really well—I don't fancy yellow gold for myself—and on the Coco Crush, it looks like a subtle dusting of bling.
You've got to hand it to the Dior team for devising a multitude of ways at interpreting the Saddle. This key ring has been so cleverly shaped into an owl that I now definitely cannot see it as being anything else.
This is the bag to end all bags. Honestly, if I were to end up getting myself this particular Andiamo (it's been on the list for years), I'd probably never buy another bag ever again. It's also one of the few styles covered under Bottega Veneta's Certificate of Craft care service for the bag's lifetime. So yes, definitely an investment piece.
I don't have a pair of brown boots. That's it; there's no deep reasoning behind wanting this pair of Prada Chelsea boots.
System has been one of my favourite South Korean brands for a while now. They're pretty good at traipsing between classic and contemporary without being going too avant-garde. This shirt is designed with a collar that's meant to be tied into a bow, but even on its own, makes for a solid statement.
Ever since the Force 10 Rise series was launched, I've been obsessed with its stacked aesthetic—I find it to be visually more modern than the original Force 10. Esquire Singapore hosted a by-invite-only event and while hosting the event, I got to wear this ear cuff for the entire evening. Let's just say, I definitely was trying to find ways to slip out with it.
I haven't had the opportunity to try on a pair of On running shoes yet, but I have heard pretty good things about them. I'm not marathon runner but a pair of good running shoes is essential whether you're one or not. I love that this particular pair isn't done in the typical highlighter hues that most running brands gravitate towards, so I don't feel like I'm being watched from afar as I'm running at a glacial pace.
Anthony Vaccarello has been doing such amazing work at Saint Laurent. His menswear, especially, has evolved immensely. This jacket from the Winter 2025 collection is the kind of menswear staple that I foresee myself grabbing time and again whenever the need to be a bit more polished arises.
I am completely obsessed with Aesop's Aurner that I've finished two bottles for the year, despite using them rather sparingly. It's Aesop's most floral expression yet isn't robustly floral at the same time. The fragrance is distinct and easily one of the top two scents I own that I get complimented on the most.
A lot has been said about The Row, yet I can't get this pair of eel loafers from my mind since I was introduced to them at the boutique in Paris earlier this year. As with anything by The Row, it costs an arm and possibly two legs for a pair of loafers but it's definitely a handsome, subtly striking pair.
Jonathan Anderson is a fashion genius in my books. And there's absolutely no reason why I want this sweater other than the fact that it's a poetic way of describing an universal queer experience. I also like to pretend that I'm edgy and cool sometimes.
I will never understand watches—zero understanding about what a chronograph is—and the only reason why I wear one (an Apple Watch) is because it was a gift five years ago. I've toyed with the idea of a Cartier Tank as an adult watch, but it feels like every performative male out there has one. The Panthère de Cartier however, feels right on my wrist, especially in this size—not ostentatious and not as common on men.
The vintage appeal of this Gear bag is what caught my eye. It looks utilitarian and super chic at the same time. The eggplant/oxblood colour is also something I feel would age really well over the years.
I got a Nintendo Switch 2 recently to play Pokémon Legends: Z-A. I'm not even anywhere near completing the game and haven't even bought the DLC expansion yet (I guess I have somewhat of a social life) but anything Marvel is always worth looking into. Marvel Cosmic Invasion is designed to be a throwback beat 'em up-style game and it looks like it'll be a perfect, mindless ball of a time.
Just look at the curves on this leather jacket. I mean, how can one resist this sexiness? Thank you, Michael Rider.
The only pair of Crocs I have ever bought and worn (and still do) are the ones that Salehe Bembury designed. The moment that photos of this pair came out, I've been enthralled. It's like a weird sneaker-orthopaedic shoe hybrid made pretty with embellishments that I'm all for.
My reasoning for this is that I don't have a cap in grey. And I also love Harry Styles.
Do I play football? No. Will I ever wear a football jersey? Also no. But do I love Stray Kids? Yes.
My usual ring stack consists of number of silver rings and a solo gold-plated band that's been beautifully worn out. What's missing is a statement ring and this Suzanne Kalan piece would be the perfect one to bust out whenever I feel the need for more colour.
Personally, I find that Loewe's Anagram logo is probably the most well-designed logo of any fashion brand. And I don't mind having one overtly on me. I already own the dark-wash denim jeans version of this; a jorts option would be nice.
The RIMOWA Groove Hobo bag is one that you have to try on in order to truly appreciate it. I was unsure about this when it first came out but having tried it on, it actually looks pretty good on the body. The leather is supple enough that it kind of moulds onto the body and relaxes from its angular shape.
The construction of the reworked Stellar sneakers is brilliant. Those angular slopes around the toe? Mind-blowing. Couple that with the blue patina, and I'm sold.
I won't even pretend that I'm the biggest G-Dragon fan out there, because I'm not. But I do love this pendant that features his signature emblem and frosted in its entirety. There's a more modest version silver and yellow sapphires, but hey, if I'm creating a wish list, I'm going to be shooting high.
While interviewing the artist and artistic director behind Hermès' Tressages Équestres table service, I appreciated the thought process behind the designs and grew a fondness for the hand-drawn balance between the lines and the intentional use of white space. And to hold on to a piece of art every single day feels very luxurious, even if it's just filled with water.
