What would Christmas be without hats?
Father Christmas, his elves, Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, Dave Hill…. Even the shepherds and wise men.
All bemillinered.

And so what could be a more festive gift than a hat rack and/or hooks.

Hut Ab by Konstantin Grcic for Moormann

Hut Ab by Konstantin Grcic for Moormann

Hut Ab is both German for “Hats Off” and a genial space saving coat and hat rack by Konstatin Grcic. When not in use Hut Ab can be folded flat and stored.
When in use, Hut Ab offers numerous options for hanging and holding coats, hats, scarves, elves etc…

Hut Ab is available from Moormann in untreated ash or oiled walnut.

Nymphenburg by Otto Blümel through ClassiCon

Nymphenburg by Otto Blümel through ClassiCon

For those who prefer their hat stands a little more classic Otto Blümel’s 1908 Nymphenburg is a wonderful example of late Art Nouveau design. From 1907-1914 Otto Blümel was head of the illustration department at the Vereinigten Werkstätten für Kunst im Handwerk zu München – at the time one of the most important collections of artisans in southern Germany – and it was during this period that Nymphenburg was designed.

Created from nickel-plated brass Nymphenburg passes just as well in a classically styled villa as in a modern loft.

Hang it All by Charles and Ray Eames through Vitra

Hang it All by Charles and Ray Eames through Vitra

One of the true design classics Hang it All from Charles and Ray Eames was initially developed to encourage children to “Hang All” their belongings up – but it wasn’t long before adults were also drawn to its infectious good humour. A lot larger than you may imagine, Hang it All is perfect for all those looking for an informal hat storage solution.

The USM Haller hat rack

USM Haller Hat Rack.

The true beauty of the USM Haller system is its flexibility. Once you have at least one USM Haller unit your further options are truly only limited by your imagination. And the USM Haller hat rack – a (smow) speciality – is the perfect gift for all hat wearing USM Haller fans. Crafted from standard USM Haller components the USM Haller hat rack can not only be extended to allow storage of coats and scarves – but can also be effortlessly incorporated into any future USM Haller sideboards.

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If a picture really does paint a thousand words; a dozen VitraHaus photos here saves us an awful lot of typing.

Below a few of our favourite images. And if you have any of your own photos that you would like to share with us, please email them to blog@smow.de Full credit will naturally be given for any photos used.

VitraHaus: The media await the start of the press conference

VitraHaus: Rolf Fehlbaum, Jacques Herzog and Pierre de Meuron

VitraHaus: Rolf Fehlbaum in the media focus

Vitrahaus: As seen through a Living Tower from Verner Panton

VitraHaus: Spiral staircases are an important feature of the VitraHaus

Akari lamps in the VitraHaus

VitraHaus cloakroom: Obviously with Eames Hang it Alls

Maarten van Severen and Verner Panton in VitraHaus

Fourth floor of the VitraHaus by Herzog and de Meuron

Amoebe by Verner Panton in the VitraHaus

A House of Cards by Charles and Ray Eames in the VitraHaus

VitraHaus by Herzog and de Meuron: Organic forms

Vitrahaus: Vitrine

One of the last remaining Eames Mammoths has taken up residence in the VitraHaus

The lesser-spotted woolly Vegetal graze on the VitraHaus Cafe Terrace

In the world of designer furniture there are few designers for who “home” and “family” played such a central role as Charles and Ray Eames.

From the design of their “Eames House” as a combined living and working space for a young family and on through their many works for and with children, Charles and Ray Eames always presented themselves as “domestic” rather than “industrial” designers.

And so it is little wonder that so many of their designs can be so easily recommended as Christmas gifts.

Eames DSR from Vitra

Eames DSR

The Dining Height Side Chair Rod Base (DSR) is part of Charles and Ray Eames’ 1950s fibreglass collection. Although produced today by Vitra in polypropylenethe it is the same basic design that infatuated post war America. Whether as a set around a table or an individual piece for bedroom/bathroom/shed, the Vitra DSR by Charles and Ray Eames makes a welcome addition to any home or office.

Hang it All by Charles and Ray Eames through Vitra

Hang it All

Guaranteed to delight young and old alike; with its multi-coloured balls and irregular form Charles and Ray Eames’ Hang it All is a true classic of 1950s design and has served as an inspiration to scores of designers since.

Eams Elephant by Charles and Ray Eames for Vitra

Eames Elephant

Perhaps the definitive expression of Charles and Ray Eames child orientated work is the Eames Elephant.  Originally created in plywood, the Elephant never entered mass production during the Eames’ lifetime; the Vitra Design Museum reedition in plastic is therefore the first time the object has been available for all. Stable, secure and fun the Eames Elephant is the perfect gift for all children.

Lounge Chair and Ottoman

Those looking for that little something extra – or a gift that spreads itself out over several years – need look no further than the Eames Lounge Chair. The very epitome of Charles and Ray Eames design work, and one of the best known post-war American designs, the Eames Lounge Chair is designed to absorb and pamper the sitter. And together with the Ottoman the experience is even better.

Eames Lounge Chair from vitra