A glimpse of stocking fillers
From Gucci socks to essential oils and designer earrings, here are some hints
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The origin of our odd Yultide custom of a sock stuffed with gifts has been lost in the annals of time. No matter: it’s still got me considering the finer festive points of hosiery. Namely, what you can put in them, other than your gams.
Next year, underpinnings are set to take centre-stage as the subject of Undressed, the V&A’s key exhibition. Rather fittingly it’s sponsored by Agent Provocateur, a giant in the world of smalls, who also offer a rather fetching line in stockings (1) – albeit not ones terribly well-suited to stuffing with the traditional Lindt chocolates and tangerines.
Not content with a well-worn woollen sock on Christmas morning? If only the best will do, Kim Seybert’s twinkle-toe stockings (2) will take pride of place hanging by the fire.
For hosiery options to suit the man in your life (without resorting to the Rocky Horror school of festive fashion) I’m rather taken with Gucci’s socks (3), appropriately festive in red and green, the signature colours of the fashion house. At£60 a pop, said socks may be better suited in a stocking rather than as one, though.
As to what I’ll be hoping to find in mine; where once chocolate coins and new knickers would have been gratefully received, stocking gifting has been seriously upgraded. Pint-sized and pocket-friendly stocking purchases don’t come much sweeter than this star from Aromatherapy Associates (4), containing a miniature version of their essential oils. Good things can indeed come in small packages: if your nearest and dearest is feeling the urge to splash out and spoil, a stocking is ideally sized for all manner of jewellery-box trinkets. Top of my list are these Oscar de la Renta earrings (5). Far better-received than any novelty festive-themed (ahem) tat. Hint hint.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments