As holiday shopping kicks into full gear, it’s high time to call out one of our favorite places to engage in retail therapy, The Citizenry. A seriously chic home design shop, The Citizenry began when two young globetrotting entrepreneurs decided to make it their mission to bring handmade artisan wares from around the world to our doorsteps. With the overall goal to provide fair wages to artisan communities around the globe while shining a light on the incredible work they each put forth, it’s shopping with a conscience.
But I digress! This year, the holiday pop-up, The Citizenry at The Bunkhouse, is back through December 29th at 379 Bleecker Street in New York! When it comes to gift-giving, we tend to lean towards buying from the companies that give back while offering exceptionally beautiful designs that are meant to last. From stocking stuffers to blankets, bedding, and more—this is one shop that will not disappoint. Below are a few of our favorite new and returning loves from our foray into this den of beauty.
The Japan Collection
Every few months, The Citizenry introduces a new collection inspired by their travels and collaborations with artisans from countries around the world. The latest, the Japan Collection, was inspired by the art of slow living with a focus on hinoki furniture and indigo pillows. One of the biggest hits of the collection is their waffle weave towels. Not only are they ultra-chic, but they are lightweight, absorbent, quick to dry, and get softer with every wash. Of note: The Citizenry partnered with a fourth-generation mill in Imbari, Japan that has spent a century perfecting the art of towel making. It shows!
Puebla Marble Serving Board
Handcrafted in Mexico by Herrera Marble Workshop, the board features a matte black marble with meticulously hand-carved angles. A beautiful white veining defines each piece, though no two are alike.
Arala Bed Set
There are few bed sets I consistently dream of owning. The Arala Bed Set is one of them. Handmade in Mali and ethically crafted by master artisans, the set includes an Arala Indigo Bed Blanket, a Baya Lumbar Pillow, and a Lumbar Pillow Insert. The blanket, showcased in a rich indigo hue, is dyed in Mali using natural dyes. The Baya Lumbar Pillow is intricately woven by artisans in Oaxaca, Mexico. The overall appeal of the set is through the roof cool.
Paso Lumbar Pillow
At the risk of being repetitive, the Paso Lumbar Pillow had to be called out as well (all of them are quite wonderful and cater to different aesthetics). Featuring an ancient Zapotec design, the oversized lumbar pillow was handwoven with sheep’s wool by a women-led cooperative in Oaxaca, Mexico. Every color showcased, from the deep crimson to the rich indigo, is natural dye stemming from plant extracts from Mexico.
Engobe Vessels, Set of Two
This charming terracotta duo is handcrafted in Mexico from layered clay and stoneware by a family-run workshop, the Manos of Occidente, in Mexico City. Each vessel takes a week to complete.
Stonewashed Linen Bed Bundle – Sundown Series
This incredible set, which includes one sheet set in light grey (one flat sheet, one fitted sheet, and two pillow cases), one duvet in blush, and two extra pillow cases in blush, not only looks light and airy but is incredibly soft to the touch. Woven in Portugal by the Machado Linen Mill, the mix of soft blush and grey earth tones infuses any space with a serene feel.
AZAD Leather Coasters
Handcrafted by artisans of Gurgaon in India, these modern leather coasters each feature a unique, stamped design for one artful appeal. In addition, the coasters are created using scraps from the Azad Leather Storage Bins (another item to pine after), in which the leather is ethically sourced from Kolkata. Available in a set of eight.
Diamante Alpaca Throw – Blush
Handwoven in Peru by the Weavers of Huancavelica, each baby alpaca throw is hand-loomed using an old-world technique of concentric diamond patterns. Each throw is also hypoallergenic and available in a variety of colors.
