So there might be Christmas lights going up and endless 3 for 2 offers on wrapping paper but we prefer to focus on the finer aspects of the impending festive season, namely what we dream of finding tucked under the tree on Christmas morning. But do we really dream anymore? Once you're past the age of 11, does Christmas become just a list of things to buy and do? Well, not if some of the Best Fashion Brands in the World have their way.
David Sims for Miu Miu Resort with Guinevere Van Seenus, one of the worlds best models.
Chanel, Prada and Miu Miu mostly trade on the fact that, for most people, they represent an escape from the reality of the day-to-day; I know the moment I pull on my one item of Chanel (some two-tone tights with the double C logo at the ankle) I feel lifted away like Wendy flying off to Never-Never land with Peter Pan. This is pretty much the same feeling I had opening my shiny new bike or Baby Born Doll (Ballerina Sindy in FashEd's experience). We may all be used to ooh-ing and aah-ing each February and September at the catwalk shows (just like I did at Toys'R'Us in my younger years) but these savvy brands know that this is just the door to the Narnia of our imaginations. Once they've sown the seeds of desire, irresistible Christmas collections land in our inboxes and they know that this is the route to making Christmas just as full of anticipation and delight as back in those childhood dolly-loving days.
The selection below will cater to the woman and the girl in all of you. Crucially, each and every item shown is a classic which embodies the brand which has lovingly crafted it to give us a lifetime of satisfaction and a squeal of delight come December 25th.
 |
| An Under The Sea cuff |
 |
| The Chanel Camellia- this could just as easily be from 1960 as it is from 2011. The heather shade is a wintry update on the usual white. |
I have a bit of a thing for pearl earrings- I like to think I wear them in a sort of ironic, eighties sloane ranger sort of way but it is quite likely that I don't really pull that off! Nevertheless, I cannot think of a more perfect combination than my beloved pearls, with that interlocked C Chanel logo hovering above as an explicit indicator of their provenance.
 |
| All the above available in Chanel boutiques from November/December +44 207 493 5040 CHANEL.COM |
 |
| Miu Miu £295, available from November |
 |
| Miu Miu £150, available from November |
 |
| Do Miu Miu do Christmas Crackers? Can this fall out of one please? £395, available from November |
 |
| Note to anyone who knows me ;) £395, available from November |
 |
| Miu Miu £750, available from November Even though Miuccia might like to have us think that Prada is all grown- up and ladylike, she has been messing with that very notion for some time now. Last season's banana motif and the flaming car for SS12 show that there is a very childish element to be enjoyed by a Prada woman. The Christmas collection only enhances that philosophy, mixing up modern essentials like leather iPad cases and purses with quirky key rings which could almost be stocking fillers bought in Hamley's. This means the adult in us can justify the usefulness of the gift, while the little kid will just want to play at attaching the key ring to everything all Christmas day long (and beyond), win/win.... |
 |
| Happy Face Butterfly All Prada and Miu Miu items range from £195-£990, available from November |
 |
| Ahhhhhhh! Pengy. All Prada and Miu Miu items range from £195-£990, available from November |
 |
| Its Bichon Prada! All Prada and Miu Miu items range from £195-£990, available from November |
This furry purse hints at the fraggle rock puppet fun fur theme from AW11...
 |
| Fraggle Wallet All Prada and Miu Miu items range from £195-£990, available from November |
YUUUUUUUUUUUMMMYY!
All images courtesy of Prada, Miu Miu & Chanel