Last Minute Gift Ideas

Christmas is fast approaching! For those of you who tend to leave the gift hunt until the last minute, we've put together a Christmas gift edit to inspire you.

Alfies is the perfect place to spend your day; we have a plethora of eclectic and unique treasures - you'll find something to suit everyone! Whether you're looking for a showstopping gift, something sentimental or a stocking filler, discover the most extraordinary one-of-a-kind gifts here. You can even treat yourself afterwards to a nice hot beverage and cake at the Roof Top Kitchen.

We are open right up until Saturday 23 December, 10am-6pm. 

Murano glass ash tray c1960. £35. Offered by Dream Retro.

Pair of vintage decanters. Offered by W & L Antiques.

Perrier poster, 1977. £450. Offered by Dodo Posters.

Piero Fornasetti ‘Instrumenti’ Box, c1950. £395. Offered by Cupio Gallery.

Hexagonal table. Can be grouped together to form a larger table and also used individually. More available. £150. Offered by Angela Ball

Vintage cocktail shaker. Offered by Goldsmith & Perris

Gold Victorian acorn earrings. Offered by Gareth Brooks.

Riihimaki glass vase, 1970s, Finnish. Offered by Robinson Antiques.

Alfies will be closed Sunday 24th December. Reopening Tuesday 2nd January 2018.

We wish all our customers a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Piero Fornasetti

Piero Fornasetti was an Italian designer of the 20th Century who worked prolifically and some say obsessively throughout his lifetime, having created more than 11,000 items in his career and more than 500 variations of the same face.

Whilst being talented in many areas including painting, sculpting, engraving and interior decorating, the Fornasetti style that is famous today is a very distinct one. Fornasetti is known for his witty figurative illustrations, surreal tweaks to the otherwise mundane, and often whimsical nature. Designs are often black and white with lots of shading, occasionally with a splash block colour or accents of gold or silver. 

Common themes among his designs include astrology, mythology, architecture and of course Lina Cavalieri, the opera singer whose face he fell in love with. Possibly some of Pieros most recognisable work, he went on to use Lina's face in at least 500 designs including depictions of her as a goddess, as animals and even sporting a moustache in one, combining all his original inspirations with his muse.

In recent months we have spotted a number of original Fornasetti designs around Alfies and here we show you some of our favourite...

A Fornasetti 'Farfalle' table lamp, 20th Century. Offered by Cupio Gallery

A Fornasetti Alsation umbrella stand, 20th Century. Offered by Cupio Gallery

A pair of Fornasetti 'cameo' table lamps, 20th Century. Offered by Cupio Gallery

A pair of Fornsetti ash trays in stands, 20th Century. Offered by Martin Rooney

A Fornasetti paperweight. Offered by Cupio Gallery

A Fornasetti dish, 20th Century. Offered by Cupio Gallery

A Fornasetti dish, 20th Century. Offered by Cupio Gallery

Gifts for Him

Are you shopping for a man who has everything? Men are notoriously tricky to buy for when they seem to own everything and need nothing. They aren't always vocal about what they want, and to make things worse, anything they have their eye on, they buy themselves. 

But do not fret, we have everything covered for you! Get inspired by our edit of mantiques at Alfies...

1950s submarine clock. Available from Good Time Antiques

Vintage Hamilton watch. Available from Moe Heidarieh

1950s table lighter decorated in playing card motif. Available from Dream Retro

Louis Vuitton leather attaché case, 1985. Available from Tin Tin Collectables Luggage

Jumo of Paris, black metal and brass lamp, c1960s, by Eillen Gray. Available from Travers Antiques

Gold and sapphire cufflinks. Available from Kieron Reilly

Vintage advertising sign for Les Portos Gibson, made in Brussels c1950s. Available from Travers Antiques

Vintage Georg Jensen cufflinks. Available from Gareth Brooks

Symbols of Christmas

Christmas is a Christian festival rich in tradition and history, symbolism being a theme that runs heavily throughout all aspects of the celebration. From the food we eat to the decorations we choose, a British Christmas today is still largely based on the Christian celebration. Here we explore some of those meanings through antiques from Alfies.

The Star – This symbolises the star which, according to the bible, guided the three kings to the baby Jesus upon his birth, whilst also depicting the shining hope of humanity.

A Victorian gold and diamond locket, c1900. Offered by Kieron Reilly

Red – Being the first colour of Christmas, this symbolises the 'saviour's' sacrifice and represents the blood of Jesus on the cross.

A Whitefriars ruby textured 'Pot Belly' vase, 1965. Offered by Robinson Antiques

The Fir Tree – Evergreen is the second colour of Christmas, representing everlasting light and life. Mostly this is displayed through a Christmas tree, which usually comes from the evergreen conifer family such as fir, pine or spruce.

An enamel Christmas tree brooch, 1980s. Offered by Gloria Sinclair

The Bell – Ringing bells symbolise the start of the festive season and the birth of Christ.

A selection of 9ct gold charms, 1960s/70s. Offered by Good Time Antiques

The Candle – A mirror of starlight, reflecting the star of Bethlehem.

A pair of silver plate Corinthian column candle sticks, c1910. Offered by Goldsmith & Perris

Holly – The prickly leaves represent the crown of thorns, said to have been worn by Jesus when he was crucified.

A pair of enamel holly earrings, 1980s. Offered by Gloria Sinclair

The Candy Cane – A treat that represents the shape of a shepherd's crook. It is a reminder that according to the bible, Jesus - the good shepherd - was born on Christmas Day and used the crook to bring the lost lambs back to the fold. The red strip represents his blood and the white his purity.

A patterned glass dish, 1950s. Offered by Renato

Fabulous Festive Fashion

Party season is well underway! Not sure what to wear? Make an entrance at the next Christmas soirée with these party outfit ideas and accessories. Whether you're more about subtle shine or dazzling diamanté, these vintage pieces will certainly turn heads...

Fashion staple: A classic black dress with a statement necklace is a surefire hit!
Vintage black dress, offered by June Victor; Statement necklace c1980s, offered by Gloria Sinclair

c1980s sequin bow clutch, offered by Gloria Sinclair

1980s Chanel clip on earrings, offered by Gloria Sinclair

1930s silver tone necklace with diamanté, offered by Gloria Sinclair

1960s faceted beaded evening bag, offered by June Victor

Rainbow glass crystal c1950s necklace, offered by June Victor

Diamanté tie, c1970s,  offered by June Victor

Cocktail party chic: Throw on this sequin jacket to add some sparkle to your outfit, c1960s, offered by Dream Retro

Perfect for a Christmas lunch: We love metallics for a touch of glamour! 1980s blouse, offered by June Victor  

Perfect for after-work drinks: A sparkly knit adds a hint of festive fun to an outfit.
Silver knit c1970s, offered by Dream Retro  

Christmas Shopping at Alfies

This year's annual Late Night Christmas Shopping Party at Alfies, will take place Thursday, 7 December, from 5pm - 8pm. Enjoy cocktails and canapés from Frank's Canteen while you shop for Christmas gifts. There will also be music, provided by Jason Lee Singer, as well as free vintage hairstyling & make-up for customers from Kitty's Vintage Salon!

Read more here and click attending to be added to the guestlist. Entry is free, but by RSVP only!

If you haven't already picked up one of this year's Christmas gift guides, then make fret not, as there's also an online version, viewable here. In the meantime, below are our picks of the bunch!

18ct gold locket with emerald, Victorian, available from Zeeba Jewels

1930s bakelite cherry brooch, available from Connie Speight

Romeo Rega arch shaped table lamp, c1970s, available from Cupio Gallery

Vintage Chanel perfume glass bottle with silver and enamel, available from Hayman & Hayman

Set of 6 etched wine glasses with coloured stems, c1950s, available from W & L Antiques