Cleo Davis-Urman is lousy with great ideas. Many are brilliant outfits - playfully polished ensembles perfect for swanning about the city. An annoying amount are puns so smart they split the difference on exciting and disappointing (as relates to your own inferior wordsmith skills, that is). An ever-growing number are ahead-of-the-curve products that have kept her followers loyal and prête-à-attempt.
The established fashion favorite has lent her magic touch to Moda Operandi, Saks, and most recently, her wellness brand, Barriere. Supplements in the form of stickers? "Self-care that sticks with you." Solid concept, solid quip.
Curious what's on the clever creative's holiday wish list this year?
How do you celebrate the holidays?
It’s a movable feast… sometimes we’re in New York, other years we celebrate in Austin with my brother. Wherever we are, it’s all about family and food!
Where will you be this season?
Paris! From the twinkling lights and Holiday markets to The Nutcracker at Opéra Bastille, Christmas in the City of Light seems pretty magical.
Are you a last-minute or way-in-advance shopper?
Both… I like to pick up gifts for people when I see something I think they would enjoy, regardless of the time of year, but inevitably some of my holiday shopping comes down to the wire.
What's the best gift you've ever received?
Last Christmas I received a collection of Joyce Carol Oates books from the Library of Joan Didion which was really special.
Who's the toughest to shop for on your list?
My husband, whose unimaginative Christmas list currently consists of socks! He does the cooking in our house so this year I will be giving him a wheel of parmesan from the oldest dairy in Parma. I really should stop shopping for him when I'm hungry!
What's your go-to hostess gift?
A bottle of wine that has meaning to me wrapped with a hand-written story about the moment that made it special. A box of Poilane bread from Paris because everyone needs a little “ooh la la” in their lives. A floral arrangement from Studio Hayat delivered the next day.
Favorite spots around town to pick up something in person?
- The Grey Pearl
- Porta NYC
- Economy Candy
- Beverly's Shop
- Lolo Cobble Hill
Any particularly festive plans or traditions you're most looking forward to this year?
My family celebrates the Dinner of the Seven Fishes on Christmas Eve, and when we run out of ideas for real fish, we add Goldfish and Swedish Fish and laugh every time.
What's on your list to get?
I’m guessing that the Basquiat I covet is out of the question, so I’d be very happy with…
- A set of Adam Charlap Ribbon Dinner Plates
- Vintage Elsa Peretti Perfume Heart Pendant Necklace
- Cornelia James Leather Opera Gloves
- Jeweled Tights
What's on your list to give?
- Framed custom Wes Anderson-inspired pet portrait
- Unique Meet Your Matches Prints handpicked for each recipient (Barneys, St. Barths, Barnard)
- Diaries from Sloane Stationery
- Barriere Vitamin Patches
- CBK: A Life In Fashion
- Archivist Gallery Pampered People Soap
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