Theme Wrap-Up: "Designer" Gift Wrap

In light of my Orla Kiely showcase of the other day, I started wondering if I could find gift wrap made by real, bona fide, educated designers. Like maybe Marc Jacobs had some secret paper store for hipsters or Karl Lagerfeld had a line of all black gift wrap. That would actually be awesome.

As it turns out though--like you really need me to tell you this--actual "designer" paper is not so easy to come by. The closest I was able to get was this alligator print by Lilly Pulitzer:

Print Available at Kate's Paperie

Yes, this is actually perfect for you preppy, yacht-party-going, sweater-draped-over-shoulders east coast types. I mean, I *am* from Connecticut, so in a way I really identify with this print. It also is a great gender-neutral design and suitable for the young and the old. Plus, this print stays very true to the designers bright color scheme and fresh, bold graphics. While Pulitzer's clothing only reaches a small demographic, anyone could fall in love with this paper.

Print Available at Hello! Lucky

The above print is by graphic designer Julia Rothman. While not necessarily the most popular name in aesthetics, she is one of my personal favorites and I wish she made more gift wrap. Her philosophy is clean and simple, as she says, "Ordinary items are the most exciting because it's unexpected--things people forget about. You know, everybody makes flower patterns." (Remember when I said how some florals suck?) So instead she makes a chandelier gift wrap. So unexpected, so cool. Cards Available at Fine Stationery

OK, so the thing I really learned on this hunt for prints is that if you want to find designer items in the gift giving cartel, look to greeting cards. You will find more meat there. The above card is by Vera Wang, who is renowned for her wedding gowns. Personally I think by now it's kind of dull to wear a Vera Wang but that's just me. Her cards, on the other hand, could be the perfect invitations or thank you notes. And they're a million times cheaper than a gown, right? So if you want the name, just stick with the paper accessories.

Cards Available at Saks Fifth Ave.

These Kate Spade cards are also super pretty for spring, albeit quite feminine, but that's Kate Spade for you. There was an interesting piece in the Times a couple weeks ago about her and her husband; they;re a very interesting couple and you should check it out, although neither one of them are associated with their brand names any longer.

If you're wondering about price points here, the gift wrap will only cost you about 7 buck a roll/st of sheets, but the cards are pricey. Vera Wang greeting cards run upwards of 2 dollars per card, and Kate Spade costs $35 for a box of 12 cards. So..err...yeah.

Well, that was fussy. I'll let you know if I dig up any news on the latest, greatest designer gift wrap in the coming months, but don't hold your breath.