Gifts for Your Assistant

THE BEST IN BEAUTY
FROM THOSE WHO KNOW BEST

VIOLET GREY began with our search for the best eyelash curler. To find the answer, we formed a band of inside-Hollywood experts and editors — from makeup artists to movie stars — to test every eyelash curler against our rigorous set of standards (the VIOLET CODE). We tested on film sets, on red carpets, and in the back of Jack Nicholson’s limousine — and once we learned which curler would make our lashes curve and not crimp (Utowa, it’s from Japan), we moved on to mascara, lip stain, dry shampoo, and everything else a girl needs in her cosmetic wardrobe. On any given day, we are discovering, testing, and approving best-in-class beauty. The result is a discerning curation of products, tips, and inspiration deemed essential — the Industry’s Beauty Edit.

A good one knows how you take your coffee, each family member’s birthday, and your entire schedule for the rest of the month. Here, a few ways to show your appreciation.

Written By Christine Whitney

Market By Cynthia Cook Smith

— PHOTOGRAPHY BY OLIVIA MALONE FOR THE VIOLET FILES

The duties of the loyal assistant are many: From having your newspaper and matcha waiting each morning, to ensuring your appointments run on time (and covering for you when they don’t), to answering and screening your calls (you’re “in a meeting”), to booking your airline tickets, balancing your expense account, and beyond. A devoted one is worth his or her weight in gold, and now is the time to offer your thanks for all the late nights in the office and emergency trips to pick up your tailoring.

GIFTS
FOR YOUR
ASSISTANT

FOR THE TRENDSETTER

Because florals aren’t just for spring anymore. And she’ll need a new wallet to accommodate that end-of-year bonus.

GUCCI

GG BlOOMS Wallet

buy at gucci

FOR THE ON-POINT

It’s not just her diligence that’s admirable—she’s always dressed to the nines with runway-ready makeup. Your style-savvy assistant will surely appreciate Alexandre Birman’s twist on the classic stiletto sandal.

ALEXANDRE BIRMAN

Suede bow-tie d’orsay sandal

BUY AT SHOPBAZAAR

Shop Now

FOR THOSE IN NEED OF RELAXATION

You know all too well that she’s earned some pampering.

Violet Grey Gifts

The At-Home Spa Set

Shop Now

FOR THE MASTER ORGANIZER

You hired him because his attention to detail knows no bounds. A classic Smythson agenda will keep him sane (and stylish) come 2016.

SMYTHSON

2016 portobello agenda

BUY AT SMYTHSON

FOR THE ETIQUETTE-OBSESSED

Everyone appreciates a personal touch—the handwritten card she sent after your interview sealed the deal. A hand-painted set from Bernard Maisner will come in handy for the holiday thank-yous she’ll be churning out.

BERNARD MAISNER

LADYBUGS hand painted note cards

BUY AT MODA OPERANDI

FOR THE DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH

Your longtime helper will mist up over this pair of diamond and gold studs by fashion editor turned fine jeweler Jennifer Alfano.

JENNIFER ALFANO

18-Karat gold baby bullseye diamond studs

BUY AT JENNIFER ALFANO

FOR THE DESERVING

Let’s be honest: What every assistant really wants is a smashing handbag. You can’t go wrong with
one from Chloé.

CHLOé

INDY SMALL CAMERA BAG IN POPPY RED

BUY AT Chloé boutiques

FOR THE COFFEE ADDICT

Morning, noon, and night, he’s nursing a bracing French Roast, so he’ll surely appreciate this major mug promotion from artist Jennie Jieun Lee.

Jennie Jieun Lee

MUG

BUY AT DREAM COLLECTIVE

FOR THE ART AFICIONADO

Your photography-loving right-hand man will get a kick out of this new photo book, which features Phillipe Halsman’s lighthearted images of 197 personalities—from golden age celebrities (Marilyn, Audrey, Maria Felix) to artists (Dalí, Chagall, Weegee) to Richard Nixon—in full flight.

Damiani

Phillipe Halsman’s jump book

BUY AT ARTBOOK

FOR THOSE IN NEED OF RESPITE

With the hours she’s been putting in, you know she’ll be catching up on rest over the holidays. She’ll sleep better with a pair of printed silk pajamas from fashion favorite Olivia Von Halle.

OLIVIA VON HALLE

alba alejandra silk nightshirt set

BUY AT OLIVIA VON HALLE

Violet Grey Gifts - The Desk-to-Dinner Set

Shop Now

FOR THE SOCIAL BUTTERFLY

Her indefatigable energy is the marvel of the office. Constantly on the go, she keeps a rotation of heels in her filing cabinet for hitting the town after locking up. Give her the gift of an even faster (and better) after-work beauty routine—less preparation time equals more dancing.

Violet Grey Gifts

The Desk-to-Dinner Set

Shop Now