Introducing: Bryan van Haughton Holiday
Hello, Dearest!
It’s that time of the year already, and I’m thrilled to unwrap the magic and introduce you to something truly special—the Collection Memento Glass Ball Ornaments from Bryan van Haughton Holiday!
Due to the current state of everything, I felt compelled to launch Bryan van Haughton Holiday far ahead of schedule. Originally, I hadn’t planned to launch this new category for a number of years, but after the year that I have had and everything that I’ve been reading and watching in regard to international and domestic news, I couldn’t wait. I have learned the importance of participating in anything that sparks joy no matter how small, especially during dark times—which I think is important for all of us. That said, I would love to add more holiday items to the collection slowly over the years! Do I already have plans and designs in my head? If you know me, you know the answer is “Yes, of course.”
So, Why Ornaments?
These aren't your ordinary factory-made ornaments; they're handmade time capsules, preserving the essence of each of our main collections. Crafted with love and great attention to detail, each ornament is a small but mighty reflection of the unique Bryan van Haughton style. It’s not just décor; it's a statement piece. If nothing else, it’s a great way to cover the bald spot on your tree (speaking from experience 😅).
Since I was very young, my mom and I would make holiday crafts together to decorate the house, and some of our favorite things to make were glass ball ornaments that we could fill with memories to hang on the tree. One of her favorites is a glitter-filled, puff paint-covered ornament that I made when I was in the 2nd grade that she still puts up every year, even though it has a chunk of glass missing on the top of one side. Miraculously, it’s still filled with the same glitter from 1996.
When I began sketching and developing these ornaments last year, I thought a lot about the holidays of my youth, my obsession with memories of the past, and of course, how I could share that part of myself with my community, you.
What Makes Them Special? These made-to-order ornaments are more than just eye candy; they're a nod to our ongoing sustainability efforts. Created using fabric scraps collected from the sampling and production processes of our main collections, they're a zero-waste festive delight. Each piece carries the legacy of our brand, making them both eco-friendly and stylish.
The winter holiday season is always filled with a mix of happy nostalgia and just a hint of sadness for me. This year, during what has been one of the most challenging years for me in recent times—and for so many others globally—I needed to do something that would spark joy, especially when we needed it most. Since making the tough decision to postpone the launch of the upcoming collection until January, I found myself with time to complete a project that had been at least 12 months in the making and create something other than clothing or scrunchies. That isn’t to say that I haven’t already begun R&D for the Fall/Winter 2024 collection with the goal of releasing in time thereby saving it the embarrassment of having to be called something like “Winter/Pre-Spring”, because I may have. The earlier the better; more on that later.
Although I have held a Jewish faith for nearly 20 years, for me, this time of year has less to do with religion than it does with remembering a lifetime of memories of all kinds made with the people that I love most in life simply by holding a small and precious object in my hand. Of course, Hanukkah usually comes and goes in December and it is certainly observed at our house. I like to layer dreidels and gelt into the other holiday decor, the menorah is lit for all eight nights, the music is almost exclusively Barbra Streisand: A Christmas Album because I think it’s cheeky and lifts my spirits, I watch every holiday episode of Will & Grace and my favorite, I make a large batch of latkes. And bake bread. Lots of bread (I have a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment, what am I gonna do, not use it?😜) It all stays up together, even past Hanukkah, until sometime around early or mid-January—or until looking at it daily sends me into a blind cleaning rage. Whichever comes first.
How Are They Made? Like all of our pieces, these ornaments go through a meticulous process. First comes sorting through the fabric scraps collected and stored from each season’s sample-making process in order to curate a fabric story that perfectly captures the essence of each collection. Then the scraps are cut into smaller pieces and carefully placed into the glass ball along with our woven brand and Country of Origin labels, arranged with precision to feature the beauty of the main collection’s materials. Finished with a black sheer organza ribbon for hanging, they are finally wrapped carefully in acid-free, unprinted tissue paper and placed in a handmade box printed with its corresponding season (see photo below!) The result? A piece of our history that's beautiful, sentimental, and environmentally conscious. Each step of the process was diligently thought out, and it’s exciting to see my vision come to life and surpass my own expectations! We’ll be posting some BTS reels of the production process on our Instagram from now until mid-December.
Who Are They For? When I really think about it, I made these for us, the community. Whether you’re a long-time friend of the brand or a newcomer to the Bryan van Haughton world, the Collection Memento Glass Ball Ornaments are designed for those who seek unique, meaningful treasures to adorn their holiday spaces. I also wanted to offer a special way for anyone to support the brand if they wish that doesn’t cost upward of “too much GD money in this economy!” In other words, situationally aware. In all honesty, I didn’t create these with the expectation of receiving many orders, especially with so many of us tightening our holiday spending budgets this year and getting less for our money than before the pandemonium [pandemic], and I certainly recognize the fatigue of holiday consumerism; I knew that they would be helpful in my journey through life’s recent events, and I wanted to make them available to you as well (even if it may only be something my mother wants 😅). I for one am very much looking forward to possibly giving a few as gifts and one day filling an entire tree with collection mementos for each season many years from now.
Also, yes, the ornament samples are going on my tree once I find the energy to start the process of winter holiday decorating, and I will try to post pictures on Instagram as soon as that happens. Note: half of the boxes of holiday stuff and the tree in its bag have been sitting in a corner of my living room since the 14th.
Where Can You Find Them? Need BvH on your tree and/or Hanukkah bush? These limited-edition pieces will be available exclusively through the SHOP and at a special discount from 11/25-11/27. You’ll have until midnight on 12/12/23 to get these little glass time capsules in time for Christmas Eve.
As you prepare for this season’s festivities, add a touch of the Bryan van Haughton charm to your celebrations with our Collection Memento Glass Ball Ornaments. Be sure to join our newsletter for more updates, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and more joyful surprises as we welcome the season!
Ina Garten voice: Aren't these boxes fabulous?
Joyfully Yours,
Bryan van Haughton
