The Cut Gift Guide
Buying stuff for fashion people is hard. The element of surprise is certainly tricky, as most industry insiders see everything months before it hits the market. Also, the things that really, really stylish people like tend to be really, really expensive, save for those few hyper-specific, in-the-know luxuries, like a tiny box of Ladurée macarons. On the upside, shopping for those with such discerning taste can be quite fun, as it requires looking at tons of beautiful things, as opposed to sifting through a sea of objets de meh (wooden duck remote-control holder, anyone?). Here, we bring you the gifts that are sure to elicit an approving nod (no smiles, please) from every style archetype on your list, from aspiring street-style stars to stone-cold power publicists. If all else fails, you could always get them what we think they’re all secretly lusting after: a Forever Lazy, as nothing says “I’m so over it” like a fleece onesie. Happy shopping!
Click ahead to find gifts for:
• The Rookie Assistant
• The Aspiring Street Style Star
• The Power Publicist
• The Photographer Boyfriend
• The Insouciant Editor
This newest inductee to the fashion tribes is wide-eyed and tireless in her commitment to her boss. Whether or not she is your assistant, she'll appre...
This newest inductee to the fashion tribes is wide-eyed and tireless in her commitment to her boss. Whether or not she is your assistant, she'll appreciate your kindness and generosity this holiday season when you fit her with designer supplies for her survival kit and educational must-haves. If she's well trained, you may even get a handwritten thank-you note.
The Rookie Assistant Oribe dry shampoo, for when it's more important to be on time than to be clean.
Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray, $39 at...
The Rookie Assistant Oribe dry shampoo, for when it's more important to be on time than to be clean.
Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray, $39 at oribe.com
The Rookie Assistant One day, when she has an apartment big enough for a coffee table, the Assistant can place Carine Roitfeld's irreverent proud...
The Rookie Assistant One day, when she has an apartment big enough for a coffee table, the Assistant can place Carine Roitfeld's irreverent proudly on top. For now, she can cull Carine's 30-plus years in the business for lessons learned.
Carine Roitfeld: Irreverent, $100 at barnesandnoble.com
The Rookie Assistant These Kate Spade loafers are perfectly appropriate for a twentysomething who runs around on behalf of her boss all day: func...
The Rookie Assistant These Kate Spade loafers are perfectly appropriate for a twentysomething who runs around on behalf of her boss all day: functional and fashionable, yet low-key enough so as to not raise any eyebrows.
Kate Spade New York Olympia loafers, $298 at nordstrom.com
The Rookie Assistant Her first Lanvin: stationary, decorated with Alber's sketches and pencils to match. She'll love it almost as much as the lit...
The Rookie Assistant Her first Lanvin: stationary, decorated with Alber's sketches and pencils to match. She'll love it almost as much as the little gift bag it comes in.
Lanvin dresses notebook, (small) $35, (large) $45, and pencil box set $35, at kirnazabete.com
The Rookie Assistant She's still earning her stripes and saving up for a designer bag. Meantime, this See by Chloé keychain will bring som...
The Rookie Assistant She's still earning her stripes and saving up for a designer bag. Meantime, this See by Chloé keychain will bring some high-end cred to any beat-up canvas tote.
See by Chloé kitten keychain, $120 at revolveclothing.com
The Rookie Assistant Afraid The Devil Wears Prada is her idea of a fashion film? Expand her horizons with DVDs of classics like The Night Porter,...
The Rookie Assistant Afraid The Devil Wears Prada is her idea of a fashion film? Expand her horizons with DVDs of classics like The Night Porter, Band of Outsiders, and Blow Up.
The Night Porter, $18.34, Blow Up, $14.87, and Band of Outsiders, $21.49, all at amazon.com
Detail shots don't lie, so don't skimp by buying knockoff accessories for the most photogenic recipient on your list. Think attention-grabbing, easily...
Detail shots don't lie, so don't skimp by buying knockoff accessories for the most photogenic recipient on your list. Think attention-grabbing, easily identifiable designer pieces that pair equally well with ball-gown skirts and slouchy jeans. If she's been bad, consider a scrap of black lace in place of a lump of coal – she can use it to fashion a veil.
The Aspiring Street-Style Star Give her these Karen Walker cat sunglasses, because Scott Schuman loves sunny days, but he doesn't love squinters....
The Aspiring Street-Style Star Give her these Karen Walker cat sunglasses, because Scott Schuman loves sunny days, but he doesn't love squinters.
Karen Walker Va Va sunglasses, $300 at karenwalker.com
The Aspiring Street-Style Star The teeny-tiny proportions of this Prada cross-body bag won't block the outfit, plus, it hides well under a poncho...
The Aspiring Street-Style Star The teeny-tiny proportions of this Prada cross-body bag won't block the outfit, plus, it hides well under a poncho.
Prada Saffiano Lux mini bag, $680 at prada.com
The Aspiring Street-Style Star The bold, large-scale check of this Thakoon plaid buffalo jacket will be easy for photographers to spot in the wil...
The Aspiring Street-Style Star The bold, large-scale check of this Thakoon plaid buffalo jacket will be easy for photographers to spot in the wild, even at a distance. It's the opposite of urban camouflage.
Thakoon Breakaway down jacket, $1,715 at shopbop.com
The Aspiring Street-Style Star This Eddie Borgo ring may be shaped like a bear trap, but really it's pure photographer bait.
Eddie Borgo...
The Aspiring Street-Style Star This Eddie Borgo ring may be shaped like a bear trap, but really it's pure photographer bait.
Eddie Borgo sterling silver bear trap ring, $325 at eddieborgo.com
The Aspiring Street-Style Star These bright Michael Kors heels really take street style pose no. 132 – that would be casually crossing one ankle ...
The Aspiring Street-Style Star These bright Michael Kors heels really take street style pose no. 132 – that would be casually crossing one ankle in front of the other – to another level. They also look smashing against muted cobblestones, for those "crossing the street" action close-ups.
Michael Kors sandals, $945 at michaelkors.com
She may seem a bit scary when she's screaming into her headset, but it's no easy feat forcing the (fashion) world to run on time. She's the person on ...
She may seem a bit scary when she's screaming into her headset, but it's no easy feat forcing the (fashion) world to run on time. She's the person on your holiday list with the least time for fussing, so focus on gifts that get out of her way, and appear polished and pulled together – even if the entire spring collection has just been robbed from a train.
The Power Publicist The ultimate day-to-night shoe, these Margiela calfskin oxfords have a finish that fades from patent leather to matte suede. ...
The Power Publicist The ultimate day-to-night shoe, these Margiela calfskin oxfords have a finish that fades from patent leather to matte suede. It's a party in the front and business in the back – story of her life.
Maison Martin Margiela Dégradé suede and patent leather brogues, $795 (on sale for $477) at net-a-porter.com; or $990 at ssense.com
The Power Publicist The Power Publicist may not have time for mingling, but the Tahitian vanilla and tiger-orchid notes of Byredo's Seven Veils (...
The Power Publicist The Power Publicist may not have time for mingling, but the Tahitian vanilla and tiger-orchid notes of Byredo's Seven Veils (named for Salome's ultimate PR reveal) will smell seductive as she breezes by, clipboard in hand.
Byredo Seven Veils Eau de Parfum, $220 at barneys.com
The Power Publicist Designed by a fourth-generation Fendi – but not actually Fendi, which would be too obvious – these simple Delfina Delettrez b...
The Power Publicist Designed by a fourth-generation Fendi – but not actually Fendi, which would be too obvious – these simple Delfina Delettrez bangles quietly whisper, "STATUS!" peeking out beneath a jacket cuff. Bonus: There's no tricky clasp.
Delfina Delettrez Tourbillon bracelet, $1458.48 at colette.fr
The Power Publicist She'll love the sharp corners on this Alexander Wang wallet.
Alexander Wang Prisma Biker Purse in black with rhodium...
The Power Publicist She'll love the sharp corners on this Alexander Wang wallet.
Alexander Wang Prisma Biker Purse in black with rhodium hardware: $250 at alexanderwang.com
The Power Publicist Flowers require water or their petals fall off. This silver Alessi pen holder is just as pretty as a vase, and far more funct...
The Power Publicist Flowers require water or their petals fall off. This silver Alessi pen holder is just as pretty as a vase, and far more functional.
Alessi Trina Pencil Holder, $74 at alessi-shop.com
The Power Publicist She wears color – on her lips. Wrap up a tube of Chanel's Rouge Allure in Famous, and give her holiday look the slightest hin...
The Power Publicist She wears color – on her lips. Wrap up a tube of Chanel's Rouge Allure in Famous, and give her holiday look the slightest hint of shimmer.
Chanel Rouge Allure Luminous Satin Lip Color in Famous, $32 at chanel.com
When he's not busy skating between shoots or updating his Tumblr, this boyish man (or manly boy) is always there for you. He also loves getting presen...
When he's not busy skating between shoots or updating his Tumblr, this boyish man (or manly boy) is always there for you. He also loves getting presents just as much as the girliest of girls. Make him squeal, or at least mumble, "That's cool … thanks," with gifts that are stylish without being douchey.
The Photographer Boyfriend If he's still saving a few final boxes of Polaroid film, he'll love the Impossible Project Huge PX Film Kit. It comes ...
The Photographer Boyfriend If he's still saving a few final boxes of Polaroid film, he'll love the Impossible Project Huge PX Film Kit. It comes with special, slow-developing film for his Polaroid camera, as well as some fodder for inspiration: the current issue of Huge magazine, which boasts only Japanese text and adult content. Um, smile!
M.A.D. Magazine Kit, $38 at shop.the-impossible-project.com
The Photographer Boyfriend Muji striped underwear, because one never knows when Terry will tell him to strip and get in the shot.
Muji S...
The Photographer Boyfriend Muji striped underwear, because one never knows when Terry will tell him to strip and get in the shot.
Muji Striped Boxers, $8.50 at muji.us
The Photographer Boyfriend Incidentally, this sweet, smoky Lagavulin sixteen-year-old Single Malt Scotch is about the same age as the models he s...
The Photographer Boyfriend Incidentally, this sweet, smoky Lagavulin sixteen-year-old Single Malt Scotch is about the same age as the models he shoots. And delicious!
Lagavulin 16-Year-Old Whiskey, $90 at 1-877-spirits.com
The Photographer Boyfriend When Harmony Korine wasn't busy making biker movies with James Franco, he designed some skateboards for Supreme. This ...
The Photographer Boyfriend When Harmony Korine wasn't busy making biker movies with James Franco, he designed some skateboards for Supreme. This one will get him to engagements on time, or, in his parlance, "whenever-ish."
Harmony Korine Shirtless Man skate deck, $78 at supremenewyork.com
The Photographer Boyfriend He can wear this Love Adorned I.D. Bracelet on the same wrist as all his tattoos. Oh wait, that's either. Bonus points...
The Photographer Boyfriend He can wear this Love Adorned I.D. Bracelet on the same wrist as all his tattoos. Oh wait, that's either. Bonus points for engraving it with a statement that's slightly NSFW.
Vintage I.D. Bracelet, $200 at loveadorned.com
The Photographer Boyfriend He'll probably wear this Engineered Garments flannel shirt buttoned all the way up. You'll probably wear it open with ...
The Photographer Boyfriend He'll probably wear this Engineered Garments flannel shirt buttoned all the way up. You'll probably wear it open with the sleeves rolled.
Engineered Garments Multi-colored Workshirt, $195 at odinnewyork.com
The Photographer Boyfriend For fashion-friendly street cred, get him a pair of Raf Simons sneakers. Italian-made and all black, they're basically...
The Photographer Boyfriend For fashion-friendly street cred, get him a pair of Raf Simons sneakers. Italian-made and all black, they're basically eveningwear.
Raf Simons Leather Lace-strapped Sneakers, $920 (on sale for $644) at mrporter.com
Because we like our editors — and archetypal editor-friends — louche with just a little edge, this list encourages a direction that's more E...
Because we like our editors — and archetypal editor-friends — louche with just a little edge, this list encourages a direction that's more Emmanuelle than Anna, more Balenciaga than Blahnik. Ask yourself whether the Editor will look sexily rumpled wearing your gift after an overnight transatlantic flight – in first-class, of course. If you answered yes, you're on the right track.
The Insouciant Editor Between shows, appointments, and parties, she's rarely at her desk, and always with her iPad. This Want les Essentiels de l...
The Insouciant Editor Between shows, appointments, and parties, she's rarely at her desk, and always with her iPad. This Want les Essentiels de la Vie iPad case makes cold-tech gadgets look more luxuriously heritage.
Want les Essentiels de la Vie Narita iPad2 Case, $295 available starting Monday at parkandbond.com
The Insouciant Editor The stark black trim saves this Equipment blouse from being overtly feminine, a look she eschews. Again, it's equally suite...
The Insouciant Editor The stark black trim saves this Equipment blouse from being overtly feminine, a look she eschews. Again, it's equally suited for first class on Air France or the front row at the Grand Palais.
Equipment Brett blouse with colorblock, $208 at at bergdorfgoodman.com
The Insouciant Editor Push-up bras and thongs are gauche for this woman. Instead, opt for this Ten lingerie set, which comes in a sophisticated d...
The Insouciant Editor Push-up bras and thongs are gauche for this woman. Instead, opt for this Ten lingerie set, which comes in a sophisticated dusty rose with a retro-French cut.
TEN Study bottoms, $40, at tenundies.com
The Insouciant Editor This Noir bone cuff is elegant and walks that fine line of looking scary enough to almost be confiscated by airport securit...
The Insouciant Editor This Noir bone cuff is elegant and walks that fine line of looking scary enough to almost be confiscated by airport security (a criteria the Editor uses when selecting all her accessories).
Noir Jewelry Dinosaur bones cuff, $450 at noirjewelry.com
The Insouciant Editor Without these spiky Balenciaga heels, she might just be another woman in skinny jeans and a leather jacket. Okay, maybe not...
The Insouciant Editor Without these spiky Balenciaga heels, she might just be another woman in skinny jeans and a leather jacket. Okay, maybe not. But we'll never know, because she'll never take them off.
Balenciaga by Nicolas Ghesquière black and white calfskin tile embossed ankle boots, $1665 at balenciaga.com
The Insouciant Editor Yes, it's $80 hand lotion, but she barely wears makeup and doesn't get blowouts, so why not treat her to a tube of silky, j...
The Insouciant Editor Yes, it's $80 hand lotion, but she barely wears makeup and doesn't get blowouts, so why not treat her to a tube of silky, jasmine-laced Rodin Olio Lusso hand crème?
Rodin Crema, $80 at oliolusso-shop.com
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