East West Lifestyle
Holiday Gift Guide Recommendations for the Ultimate Bespoke Experience
(Images courtesy of Wood Kusaka Studios, Monse and Suzanne Felsen.)
When I think about gifts for loved ones and friends, I want them to feel cared for and to create wondrous memories that endure. Whether they’re masterfully crafted goods or bespoke experiences, I'm happy to let you in on my personally curated holiday gift recommendations. If you know, you know!
Goods as gifts
Let’s start with these treasures that you can pick out and have sent to loved ones and friends around the world.
Website links are at the end of the article.
God’s True Cashmere
(Photo by Kelly Fajack)
God’s True Cashmere: the warmest embrace
Many of my friends love these ultra-soft luxury sweaters and casual chic clothes that feel like a dream. Co-owners and friends Sat Hari Khalsa and Brad Pitt choose the highest quality cashmere fibers and have them woven in Italy. Gemstone snaps and buttons are thoughtfully placed on each garment with a nod to holistic health teachings such as numerology and energy centers. Each hand-crafted piece is a perfect way to send a warm embrace. With their cozy and classic, yet modern designs, they’re the perfect gifts for family, friends and loved ones.
(Images courtesy of Suzanne Felsen Jewelry)
Suzanne Felsen Jewelry
Add some sparkle to your gifts for the holidays and beyond! If you love fine gems, you have to see the elegant jewelry designs from my dear friend Suzanne Felsen. A Los Angeles native who grew up in the art world, her family co-founded the fine art publisher Gemini G.E.L. While growing up, she traveled often with her family and artists. She fell in love with gems and jewelry from all over the world. There is also often a hint of Art Deco influence in her jewelry collection of rings, necklaces and earrings. You can choose from 18k yellow, white and rose gold with fine gems such as aquamarine, fire opals, tourmalines, moonstones and rubies.
Photo of Paola Russo
(Image courtesy of Just One Eye)
Just One Eye: the chicest wardrobe and home decor
Where can you shop for impeccably tailored and curated designer clothes, jewelry, beauty and home items in the midst of an avant-garde gallery? Look no further than one of my personal favorites, Just One Eye in the media district of Los Angeles. Founder Paola Russo is from France and brings her aesthetic chic and love for the new and exciting to all who visit the immaculate boutique. Find the perfect gift for your friend’s wardrobe or home in one gorgeous stop.
Chunky Floral Sweater
(Image courtesy of Monse)
Monse: creative power dressing for every occasion
How many designers can glamour-dress Taylor Swift for the MTV Video Music Awards and power-dress Michelle Obama for the Democratic National Convention? My dear friend Laura Kim is the epitome of a successful Asian American woman entrepreneur. Earlier this year, she debuted her exclusive new collaboration of homewares with Crate & Barrel. As a designing dynamic duo, Monse Co-Founders Laura Kim and Fernando Garcia, who are also the Creative Directors at Oscar De La Renta, design Monse’s clothing collections to have meticulous tailoring and drape elegantly. Strutting the line between modern beauty and edginess, these unique and oftentimes dazzling creations can become the star centerpieces of any confident and stylish person’s wardrobe.
(Images courtesy of Wood Kusaka Studios)
Jonas Wood: stylish courtside attire
What do you get when a basketball-loving contemporary artist gets tapped to design a court and new NBA uniforms? Renowned Los Angeles artist Jonas Wood had several of his dreams realized through the retro, yet modern, LA Clippers 2024-25 City Edition jersey and capsule collection. As the NBA season has just started, you can get ready for those courtside games by picking up your own affordable piece from the collection, which includes jerseys, hoodies and hats that can be worn by all.
(Image courtesy of Kizo Lab)
Kizo Lab: sunblock that doesn’t feel like sunblock
I love this sunblock! It’s clear, sheer and super-nourishing. This is the star of Kizo’s modern men’s skincare line that has unisex appeal. You can wear the sunblock on its own, layered with Kizo’s other skincare products, or—as me and several friends like to use it—as a stellar primer under make-up. I wear this every day and don’t even feel it. I feel better knowing I’m protecting my skin and putting my best face forward!
(Image courtesy of JOOPITER)
JOOPITER: discover the limited edition collaboration from JOOPITER and the fashion line founded by G-Dragon
Have a K-pop superfan on your shopping list? Chances are they didn’t miss the recent re-emergence of the “King of K-Pop,” G-Dragon, who just dropped a new record and unveiled a special auction of his personal archive and memorabilia on JOOPITER.com. The digital-first auction house founded by Pharrell Williams, JOOPITER collaborates with cultural icons in music, fashion and art to offer a curated selection of rare pieces from their personal collections, complete with behind-the-scenes insights. The Art & Archive of G-Dragon auction showcases a limited-edition capsule collection created by JOOPITER and Peaceminusone, the fashion line founded by G-Dragon. It features exclusive hoodies, bandanas and totes. They're the perfect gift for any GD fan!
(Image courtesy of No More Rulers)
No More Rulers: for those who love books
Do you have avid, thoughtful readers on your shopping list? Check out the publishing company No More Rulers, which is dedicated to empowering the creative community with books, apparel, artwork, and artist interviews about popular culture, fine art, design, music, fashion and technology.
Hästens' most popular model for 45 years, the 2000T
(Image courtesy of Hästens)
Hästens: the gift of perfect sleep
Imagine experiencing the best sleep of your life, every single night. I have a friend who swears by Hästens beds. For five generations, this Swedish family-owned company has redefined sleep, crafting iconic beds from all-natural, high-quality materials like wool, cotton and hand-layered horsetail hair. When you invest in a Hästens, you're acquiring a remarkable piece built to last, blending timeless design with exceptional support and comfort. These beds have become the choice for those who place health and wellness above all—and even grace the bedrooms of more stars than there are on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. This might just be the ultimate gift to elevate your quality of life.
Experiences as gifts
Some of the best gifts in life are ones we experience rather than own. For those of you who savor quality time with loved ones, amazing travel and fine dining (and really, who doesn’t?), here are my recommendations for special experiences that you and those dearest to you will remember for a lifetime.
(Image courtesy of PS)
PS: travel with the very best amenities
My friends who travel frequently through Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) revel in being refreshed, well-rested and ready to savor their destinations. PS reimagines the airport experience. Operating from its own terminals at LAX and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, PS offers seamless security screenings and a luxurious travel experience away from the airport hustle. Designed for discerning travelers, PS ensures a smooth journey with private, line-free TSA screening and dedicated Customs services. Enjoy luxurious lounges, private suites, chef-prepared meals, spa services and efficient coordination by the PS Control Room for safety and privacy. Currently available in Los Angeles and Atlanta, PS features the Private Suite Experience, shared lounge The Salon, and PS Direct. PS is coming soon to Dallas Fort Worth International Airport and Miami International Airport in 2026.
Manuela restaurant New York location
(Photo by Mika Rottenberg. Courtesy of Manuela.)
Manuela restaurant: the best dining with the best of friends
Where can you have an exquisite dining experience ensconced in fantastic design? Building on their success from Manuela restaurant in Los Angeles and the Fife Arms Hotel in Braemar, Scotland, Iwan and Manuela Wirth, the founders of Hauser & Wirth Gallery and Artfarm, have opened their first East Coast restaurant, this time in the Soho district of New York. Featuring locally sourced, farm-fresh ingredients and country-inspired recipes including already infamous honey-butter biscuits from chef Sean Froedtert, Manuela New York includes specially commissioned functional artworks by American artist Rashid Johnson and others. Go with your friends for a stylish, delicious dinner. It can be the best of gifts.
(Photo by Douglas Friedman. Courtesy of Kona Village, a Rosewood Resort.)
Kona Village, a Rosewood Resort: paradise home away from home
Looking for a paradise retreat this holiday season? One of my favorite getaways is Kona Village on the Big Island of Hawaii. The peaceful spirit of Aloha is present in every moment throughout the resort. I was grateful to have a very special rejuvenating vacation with the most beautiful oceanside nature. Kona Village beautifully continues ancient cultural heritage. It’s the perfect harmony of locally sourced chef-prepared meals, land and sea excursions, spa and wellness treatments, and ecological sustainability. Pick an immaculately designed suite that can be oceanside, beachside or garden-facing. This paradise is one of the most secluded spots on earth, yet can still feel like home: I even ran into a friend on my last day!
Wishing you the best holidays ever!
I hope my A-list of holiday gift recommendations has provided inspiration so that you and your loved ones can enjoy quality time, inspired gifts and wonderful travel memories that endure.
Start shopping
God’s True Cashmere
Suzanne Felsen
Just One Eye
Monse
Jonas Wood
Kizo Lab
JOOPITER
No More Rulers
Hästens
Make your reservations
About Agnes Lew
Agnes Lew, East West Bank's Managing Director, Head of Private Banking, leads a team of experienced bankers and financial advisors who provide bespoke banking and financial services for our VIPs. An avid world traveler and art lover, Agnes is East West Bank’s culture connoisseur.