For this week’s “Don’t DillyDally,” we’ve surfaced a range of things we’re sure will sell out — from cheeky and whimsical Great British Bake Off accessories by Cath Kidston to a (perhaps) unlikely collaboration between Sky High Farm and Balenciaga to a new fragrance from Aesop inspired by the myth of Narcissus.
Great British Bake Off x Cath Kidston
For the Star Baker in your life (or Great British Bake Off obsessive) comes this collection from British home-goods brand Cath Kidston. There are lots of options, ranging from the very obvious (a Star Baker apron) to the subtle (a reversible quilted placemat with a whimsical design on one side and the words soggy bottom on the other). This hand-painted tea towel is both affordable and cute and features the iconic handshake over a showstopping cake.
Beverly Nguyen x Material
Also on the cooking front, Material Kitchen — maker of the best balanced chef’s knife — has released a new colorway for its Japanese-style knives, created in collaboration with stylist and Beverly’s founder Beverly Nguyen. Sage, the new shade, is a calming green that adds a pop of color to the brand’s previously neutral range. If you need to refresh your knife drawer, consider this kit, which includes our favorite eight-inch knife, a petite paring knife, and a serrated bread knife with a smaller-than-average six-inch blade.
Sky High Farm x Balenciaga
Sky High Farm, a nonprofit organization that also has a fashion brand called Sky High Farm Workwear, has collaborated with Balenciaga on a limited-edition collection of pieces. Sky High has given archival Balenciaga silhouettes a farm-friendly makeover. That includes this denim jacket with a glam shot of an actual Sky High Farm lamb. One hundred percent of the profits go back to the farm, which works to create food security in underserved communities and increase access to local fresh produce.
AYR Menswear
AYR, which makes one of our favorite button-downs under $200, has ventured into menswear. Its collection includes everything one may need to build a solid wardrobe for fall, such as straight-leg jeans, a vintage-looking twill bomber, a down puffer vest, cargo pants, and a crewneck sweater. This cozy option comes in two colors — white and navy — and is made from an organic-cotton blend with an ultrasoft feel.
Hello Kitty x Baggu
Longtime collaborators Baggu and Hello Kitty have released a new Baggu featuring the iconic cat and her friends. The bag marries a trendy checked pattern with images of famous characters from the Hello Kitty universe, like Badtz-Maru, Chococat, and Pompompurin. It comes in both standard and baby sizes.
Grace Jones x Boy Smells
It’s hard to imagine a more natural collaboration than Grace Jones and Boy Smells. The ’80s icon has long been the embodiment of masculine-meets-feminine — a perfect fit for the brand’s “genderful” ethos. This candle is inspired by Jones’s native Jamaica, specifically the scent of the island after rain. The top notes are black pepper and bergamot, which evolve into a floral scent of water lilies, freesia, and Turkish rose. To ground the fragrance and add a bit of spice, there are notes of salted musk, cedarwood, and water stone.
Aesop Eidesis
Aesop, known for its statusy hand washes, lotions, and deodorants, has launched a new fragrance: Eidesis, a woodsy, spicy scent inspired by the myth of Narcissus. The eau de parfum has notes of black pepper, cumin, frankincense, cedarwood, and sandalwood, which sounds cozy and right on time for fall.
Barbie x Backdrop
Barbiecore is everywhere right now —and soon that may include your living-room walls. The Barbie brand has collaborated with Backdrop on a range of Dreamhouse–inspired paints. There are three colors in the collection: Dreamhouse pink (naturally), a true purple, and pool blue.
Matilda Goad x Anthropologie
London-based designer Matilda Goad has teamed up with Anthropologie on a home-goods collection that highlights her eclectic yet sophisticated style with playful patterns, shapes, and colors. There are scalloped ceramic coasters, a striped storage bench, and this cherry-shaped ice bucket that conveniently holds two bottles instead of one.
Diaspora Co. x East Fork
Two Strategist-favorite brands — Diaspora Co. and East Fork — have come together to make a limited-edition kit with everything you need to brew a traditional chai. Diaspora’s chai masala is packed with cardamom, ginger, fennel, pepper, and cloves; there’s also black tea and Madhur jaggery powder that contains sugarcane sap and turmeric. The included kulhad (a traditional clay cup) from East Fork is paired with a perfectly fitted stainless-steel strainer.
Mara Hoffman x West Elm
Fashion designer Mara Hoffman ventures into home goods in her latest collaboration with West Elm. There are fluffy pillows, sculptural vases, and a bouclé-covered chair that’s textbook organic modern. This unique sculptural sconce from the collection can be purchased on its own or in a set of two.
The Strategist is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the best acne treatments, rolling luggage, pillows for side sleepers, natural anxiety remedies, and bath towels. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.
