Henning Founder Lauren Chan Has Stellar Last-Minute Gift Ideas
On the hunt for last-minute gift ideas that are *actually* cool? Ask someone who understands style from all angles, like Lauren Chan. Perhaps best known as an advocate for size-inclusive fashion, she began her career as a plus-size model, walking the runways for the likes of Vera Wang and Christian Siriano. In 2015, Chan went on to become fashion editor at Glamour, earning accolades from the Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards, American Society of Magazine Editors, Condé Nast and the Business of Fashion, among others.
Today, Chan’s focus is on helming luxury womenswear brand Henning. As CEO, she oversees the design and production of ethically made, high-quality closet staples for women sizes 12 to 26, filling a gap in the plus-size apparel market with her tailored blazers, cozy loungewear sets and incredibly soft knits.
This year, the Canada-born, N.Y.C.-based entrepreneur is headed home for the holidays. “Every year, my husband and I drive from Brooklyn to Toronto with our dog, Pepper. We spend two weeks at home—one week with each of our families—and try to see as many friends and family members as possible. It’s very low-key and we count on the downtime to wrap up the year and prepare for the next.”
Below, Chan shares her top last-minute gift ideas, from Canadian-made elevated basics to throwback accessories—and it’s all very, very chic.
“I’m a huge fan of Lesley Hampton‘s brand but don’t often have places to wear her gorgeous eveningwear. This fall, I invested in this cashmere sweater and I’m in love. It’s soft roomy, and a chic complement to jeans.”
“Remember when you used to hate getting socks for Christmas? Well, that won’t be the case for whoever you gift these Jacquemus socks to. I suggest they wear them with loafers, trousers, a knit and a puffer vest for a low-effort, high-style look.”
“To know me is to know that I love dogs—and Roots. So as long as your giftee has a pup, I think this dog sweater is a perfect gift.”
“Being a Canadian who lives in another country has made me a superfan of homegrown brands. This time of year is the perfect time to gift heritage pieces like the HBC stripe blankets—I have this one in green and every time I see it on my couch, I get a heart swell for home.”
“I often see monogram or initial jewellery gifts suggested in gift guides but don’t often see fully customizable accessories. This hair clip (so ’90s!) from Emi Jay is just that: You can pick from a number of base and font colours and have the brand write whatever you like on it.”
“Henning just launched its first pair of leggings, which are based on our bestselling knit bike shorts. They’re made ethically on-demand in Brooklyn from an eco-friendly viscose blend of yarn with moisture-wicking abilities. You’ll want to live in them all winter!”
“Beauty gifts are hard to buy for others, so I don’t often recommend them, but this is my one exception. Chanel’s Rouge Duo Ultra Tenue is my hands-down favourite lipstick of all time. It’s light, buildable and stays all day without feeling dry. I suggest a neutral shade like Soft Rose or Light Brown.”
“Holt Renfrew’s seasonal window displays and holiday merchandising put me in an instant gift-giving mood. While most of what’s on offer there is beyond an average gifting budget, I think it’s special to gift small home goods—like this Byredo candle—wrapped up in their iconic magenta packaging.”
“If you’re trying to find a gift for that someone who has everything, may I urge you to make a donation in their name? Think along the lines of The Okra Project, which seeks to address the crisis of violence by providing resources and meals to Black Trans people, or Reconciliation Canada, which provides programs and initiatives to inspire positive change in Indigenous communities throughout Canada.”
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