Alison Loehnis Gets Festive With Gucci, Subtle Glam, and Backgammon

Net-a-Porter president Alison Loehnis gives a primer in posh pleasures—and while her favorite things may dazzle with sapphires and sequins, her Manolos are made for walking. 

Style File

PARTY SHOE: I’m a firm believer in never wearing shoes you cannot walk in. Manolo and Gianvito Rossi are my go-tos. 
FESTIVE FROCK: A Gucci green sequin jacket. I don’t wear a lot of embellishment, but this
is an exception.

Manolo Blahnik Lurum 90 Crystal-Embellished Satin Mules in Navy

Gucci Lamé and Sequin Jacket

On Beauty

HOLIDAY GLAM: My holiday makeup does not really vary from my usual day-to-day products. I use Westman Atelier’s highlighter and mascara, a black Nars eyeliner pencil, Tom Ford gel liner, and a La Mer lip balm to complete the look.
SKIN SAVER: Dr. Barbara Sturm hyaluronic acid.

Dr. Barbara Sturm Hyaluronic Serum, 10ml

La Mer The Lip Balm, 9g

At Home

RECENT ADDITION: A photograph by Massimo Vitali that I have coveted for years. 
READING: The Island of Missing Trees by Elif Shafak.

Massimo Vitali: Landscape with Figures, 2nd Edition

The Island of Missing Trees: A Novel

The Art of Gifting 

LAST-MINUTE: A Loewe Home Scents candle— they are big, smell and look great, and are something a bit different. 
FOR A ROMANTIC PARTNER: Breakfast in bed. 
FOR THE PERSON WHO HAS EVERYTHING: An Alexandra Llewellyn backgammon set. Each is unique, beautifully handcrafted, and exquisite to look at— even when not in use. 
STOCKING STUFFER: Chloé’s Alphabet necklace—small enough to put in the stocking and thoughtful.
PERSONAL FAVORITE: An Art Deco sapphire ring from the 1920s, gifted to me by my husband. The color reminds me of the Mediterranean Sea and him, of course. 
FOR THE FASHION- FORWARD: Bottega Veneta’s The Pouch in emerald green is a surefire winner. It’s both festive and classic for any fashion lover’s wardrobe and can carry a huge amount too.

Loewe Home Scent Honeysuckle Large Scented Candle, 2120g in Yellow

Cuisinart 4-Slice Belgian Waffle Maker and Pancake & Waffle Mix Sampler

Alexandra Llewellyn Backgammon Set in Marquetry Eucalyptus and Leather

Chloé Alphabet Gold-Tone Necklace

Antique and Vintage Rings

Bottega Veneta The Pouch Large Gathered Leather Clutch in Green

More Great Stories From Vanity Fair 

— The Second Coming of Guru Jagat
— Billie Eilish Sits for the Same Interview for the Fifth Year
— How Did Princess Charlene’s Illness Become an International Mystery?
— Ghislaine Maxwell’s Trial: A Fresh Look at Epstein’s M.O.
— The Best Gifts for Women to Give and Receive This Holiday Season
— The Internet’s Take on Donald Trump Jr. vs. LeBron James
— 72 Hours Inside the Spend-athon at Art Basel Miami Beach
— The Renaissance of Claire’s Y2K Beauty Aesthetic Is Here
— From the Archive: The Paradoxical Life and Death of Robert Maxwell
— Sign up for “The Buyline” to receive a curated list of fashion, books, and beauty buys in one weekly newsletter.