Tom Chapman’s Secrets to Memorable Gifting

Under the thoughtful stewardship of online platform ABASK, original designs made with superior craftsmanship come into their own. Each and every piece has been carefully curated to tell a unique story. Think hand-blown candles from London. Fine woven linen from Mexico. Delicate urushi lacquer from Japan. The list goes on.

The latest project from British entrepreneur Tom Chapman, ABASK is an inspirational platform that gathers the creations of over 200 talented makers from around the globe. Chapman, himself, is no stranger to conceptualizing innovative online offerings, having co-founded MatchesFashion in 2007.
Here, Chapman sits down with Magnifissance to discuss personal tastes, beautiful objects, and how to perfect the elusive art of gifting.

How did you come up with the idea for ABASK?

The “lightbulb moment” came when my wife, Ruth, and I were restoring our home. It quickly became apparent that there wasn’t one single destination to discover precious, one-of-a-kind objects—or “the smalls,” as we call them—to furnish it. As someone who has always been passionate about discovering design and craft talent and supporting independent makers, I quickly realized that the concept of creating an incredible hub of originality and outstanding quality was untapped.

What makes ABASK different from other design-led platforms?

We’re a retailer, not a marketplace. Approximately two-thirds of our offer is one-of-a-kind and exclusive. We source and buy stock directly from our makers, and we’re passionate about everything we buy, from the maker to the story and the object’s quality.

At ABASK, every object has been touched by hand and every piece could be a future heirloom that brings joy in the present and holds value in the future.

How does ABASK play a role in preserving time-honoured craft techniques?

We’re passionate about the preservation of craft techniques. Sadly, so many of these are being generationally lost. For instance, during a visit to Murano-based glassmaker NasonMoretti, we were granted access to the company’s archive. Many items there couldn’t be reproduced, however, as the skills had been lost. We have since launched 20 archival reproductions dating from 1928 to 1980. We feel pride and responsibility in spotlighting the work of these makers so that existing and new generations of design lovers around the world are aware of their value.

What are some of your favourite ABASK pieces?

I admire everything, and my wish list is constantly growing. Ruth and I have collected many wonderful ABASK objects, such as Kim Pan-ki’s celadon and wood-effect ceramics, and Pinto Paris’ green and gold mushroom plates. Their craftsmanship is just extraordinary.

Additionally, as a games enthusiast, I’m now eyeing a Giobagnara mahjong set with wood-carved pieces. I’m also very tempted by a leather desk set from Oscar Maschera. Also on our list is a fantastic glassware collaboration between 200-year-old glass connoisseur Lobmeyr and renowned photographer Douglas Friedman. I’m certain it will make its way to our home bar.

Tell us about your own artistic taste.

I’m always open to inspiration and incredible stories. I tend to bring home far too many items, for which I appreciate my wife’s patience. I love mid-century furniture, from Gio Ponti and Gabriella Crespi to Charlotte Perriand. I’m also captivated by glass and the endless possibilities it holds. Japanese and Korean design, with their simplicity and beauty, also fascinate me.

When it comes to designing a space or selecting design objects, it’s important to embrace the local environment. For example, if I’m in Provence, France, I’m drawn to charming hand-painted ceramics, while when I’m by the beach I gravitate toward the freshness of blue and white.

What is a standout piece in your home?

In the home that my wife and I just built in the Bahamas, we’re surrounded by special stories of our life together. If I had to choose an item, it would be a blue and green crockery set from Ceramica Pinto because its colours are perfectly set off by the beach environment. We also have a wonderful guest book, handmade from Florentine marbled paper, waiting to be filled with words from family and friends who come to stay. That will be a cherished heirloom for us.

Can you share your most memorable craft story?

For our first ABASK craft appointment we went to meet Carl Auböck IV, who spent hours showing us how he made his exquisite brass objects. It was a very special visit which exemplified the passion and creativity of our makers and the time they’ve spent creating objects that last a lifetime. Finding new and undiscovered makers has been an incredibly inspiring journey for me.

This holiday season, we’d love to hear your gifting tips. Please share your secrets with us.

A great gift is like a treasure chest of delight—one-of-a-kind and packed with thoughtfulness. It should be a surprise that the recipient will cherish forever. For instance, our spectacular vintage 1950s and 1960s Christmas decorations sprinkle cheerful surprises with a touch of retro sparkle.

Think of gifts that are a perfect match for both the gifter and the giftee. It’s all about capturing the giftee’s personal taste and adding a splash of fun and creativity. Bonus points if the item comes with a quirky story that kicks off great conversations.

Something that transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary is always a win. Objet Luxe’s cocktail stirrers with whimsical miniature sculptures, or Taf Firenze’s cocktail napkins embroidered with holiday-season emblems, are excellent examples.

For an uber-luxurious gift, a double-faced cashmere blanket from our own Studio Shamshiri x ABASK collaboration, crafted by Himalayan artisans in mesmerizing colours, offers the pinnacle of luxury and warmth.