Ready or not, the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season is here, and sooner than any of us believe, it will be a New Year. The food will be magnificent; the decor will be fabulous; every tree will be trimmed and dashing with sparkle; and the gatherings will be many.

Now let’s talk about the things that most of us don’t freely admit we really ‘do’
want– the Gifts! All year long most of us work hard and if we’re not working hard we’re working smart, which takes a lot of energy. You deserve the very best and we’ve taken a look at the best of the best and brought them to you.

Take a journey with me if you will. There’s a light dusting of snow on your 2018 Jaguar XE, which features the All Wheel Drive (AWD) system and oh, so much more. Jaguar boasts their new baby is fully loaded and, oh baby- it delivers. The integrated system uses an Intelligent Driveline Dynamics control strategy software developed by Jaguar that features sophisticated algorithms to react intelligently to road conditions. Predictive as well as reactive, the system helps prevent you from losing traction instead of working to regain it.
The XE features an advanced double wishbone front suspension design based on the F-TYPE sports car. This helps give it sharp responses and handling while retaining the refined and luxurious ride befitting a Jaguar sports sedan.

Not sure if you want to let your better half drive the new Jaguar? Relax, the available technology, designed for the F-TYPE, allows any XE driver to fine-tune the engine, steering, gearshift and suspension characteristics to best suit their driving style.JaguarDrive Control allows you to select Standard Eco Dynamic or Rain/Ice/Snow mode, each subtly changing the steering throttle mapping. Dynamic mode sharpens the response and Rain/Ice/Snow mode automatically dampens acceleration and applies more gradual traction for slippery conditions, letting you feel safer, no matter who is driving.

Now that we’ve covered your gift to yourself let’s take a peek at gifts suitable for everyone on your list. Noted as ‘One to Watch’ in Western Art and Architecture magazine, Rocking K Custom Leather by Howard Knight may be just the gift you’re seeking for the eclectic member in your tribe.

As a master craftsman and fine artist, Howard Knight embraces collaborating with fine artists working in other mediums. He works with only the finest goldsmiths, silversmiths and boot makers in America.

Communications Specialist for Rocking K, Jayne Skeff said, “Howard Knight creates works of fine art in leather for individuals with international style and a desire for the heirloom finest and is regarded as one of the nation’s finest leather artists and designers.”
As with all masterpieces in art and design, each one of Howard’s creations is done one at a time using the finest leathers and precious metals available. His designs range from belts to motorcycles and his clients span from around the globe. His creativity is limitless and his pursuit of perfection is tireless.

Perfection with an eye to classic floral style, Skeff said Knight’s work is inspired by his love for nature and the flowing rhythms and elegance of water. “His creativity and vision is limitless,” she said. “His work, whether it’s art to wear, art to ride or art for your environment, radiates world-class sophistication while incorporating cutting-edge style.”
Every piece created by Knight is one-of-a-kind and is created one-at-a-time in his studio in Stevensville, Montana.

Noteworthy Howard Knight holds the world record for creating the most expensive pair of cowboy boots ever made, commissioned by an international business mogul in 2009 for over $100,000. Over 800 hours of work went into the spectacular Phantom Boots where the floral carvings appear to be floating over and around the boots and the center of each flower is studded with a finely engraved 18kt white gold center.

This is just one example of the caliber of masterpieces created by Knight who, as a fine artist, exemplifies that all masterpieces are not created on canvas. Howard Knight’s work is available at highly select stores including Patrick Mavros (London, Mauritius, Nairobi and Harare), Axel’s in Vail, CO and exclusively at The Triple Creek Ranch, Darby, MT. For those seeking the finest in fine art in leather visit www.rockingcustomleather.com or email howardknightleather@gmail.com.

What have we found for the liquid connoisseur in all of us? Simply the best-Louis XIII Cognac by Remy Martin of course.

First created in 1874, LOUIS XIII Cognac is an exquisite blend of up to 1,200 grapes eaux-de-vie sourced 100 percent from Grande Champagne, the first cru of the Cognac region. According to Remy Martin, each eau-de-vie is matured slowly inside oak cask. Each individually numbered decanter is designed after an original 16th century metal flask, discovered on the site of the battle of Jarnac in France and is made from fine crystal for generations, mouth-blown by some of the most skilled master craftsmen.

For over a century, LOUIS XIII has been synonymous of refinement the world over. It has been a witness to many of the most significant events of our age: it was exhibited at the Paris Universal Exhibition of 1900 and soon established itself as a symbol of French taste and sophistication. In the years that followed, it captivated the royal courts of Europe and became a permanent feature at the most prestigious hotels. And that proud legacy endures today’s, as LOUIS XIII continues to transcend Time. We can think of no better alternative to arouse your senses and savor the flavor this season. Visit www.louisxiii-cognac.com/us for more information.

Who doesn’t like literally anything from Rolex? The French would say to call a watch timeless is calembour and in the states we would say, “pardon the pun”. But timeless is the correct use of the english language for Rolex’s new model in its Cellini collection, the Cellini Moonphase, featuring an exclusive display of the lunar cycle. The 39mm Cellini Moonphase is offered in 18K Everose gold. The new model has a white lacquer dial with a blue enameled disc at 6 o’clock showing the full moon and the new moon, the former depicted by a meteorite applique and the latter by a silver ring.

The moonphase is read via the indicator set at 12 o’clock on the subdial, as the full moon and new moon rotate through the lunar cycle. The Cellini Moonphase also displays the date around the circumference of the dial, via a centre hand with a crescent moon at its tip. This new model is driven by a self-winding mechanical movement entirely manufactured by Rolex, whose patented moonphase module is astronomically accurate for 122 years. For more information visit www.rolex.com.

We’ve taken you on our tour of what we think are Amazing Gifts, from the classic to the one-of-a-kind custom made products. If your shopping has been inspired by any of these select items, you gifts are sure to be sensational. We wish you a phenomenal holiday season and a prosperous 2018.

By Michelle Keller