We might already be deep in Leo season but, as we know, a Leo will appreciate being seen at any time of the year. As a fellow Leo, and in honour of our founder Dua's birthday this weekend, I’ve pulled together this series of recs for what to shower us with, chosen with a Leo’s generous, expressive, theatrical and self-assured nature in mind.
The Lighter Case That Will Have People Stopping Them In The Street
These handmade leather fringe lighter cases by Australian designer Sasha Coito turn your average lighter into a thing worth showing off. They look so good hanging out of a pair of jeans or your bag, people will inevitably ask how they can get their hands on one, too. $128 AUD, Sable by Sasha at Depop
The Glasses To Toast Any Occasion
Inspired by our founder’s love of a celebratory toast (make hers an extra-dirty martini, please), these little glasses are the ideal gift for the Leo who loves to host. Danish design house HAY has mastered the right size and shape (note how deliciously thin the glass is) for an at-home cocktail, natural wine, non-alc spritz or whatever else you fancy. Pick your poison, pour it in and make a night of it. £29, HAY at Selfridges
The Shoes To Take You From Daytime To The Dance Floor
Jelly heels have quietly become the shoes of the summer (at least that’s been the case in the northern hemisphere – southern hemisphere your time is coming!), and these Melissa ones are front runners. They’re the kind of shoe that can make any outfit feel put together, comfortable enough to take you through to the early hours and special enough to let your Leo know you love them, from head to toe. £85, Melissa
The Statement Bag For Everyday Things
In my humble opinion, all Leos deserve a Birkin. This is the next best thing. These ‘grocery bags’ cheekily reimagine designer handbags as reusable totes, printed onto recycled woven polypropylene. They’re extremely sturdy and extremely cool. $55 CAD, Grocery Bags
The Ring So Sculptural, It Actually Does Belong In A Museum
Some jewellery is designed to blend in. This Hotlips ring by Solange Azagury-Partridge is very much not that. A kiss to adorn your finger that’s a little out there in the best way. Originally designed in 1995, it’s since become part of the London V&A’s permanent collection. Basically, it’s wearable art – exactly the kind of thing a Leo would wear and make everyone else wish they had thought of donning it first. £275, Hotlips by Solange at Liberty
The Vintage Tee (Emphasis On One Of A Kind)
Hunting down a vintage tee is a grand gesture of love. It takes time, a little digging and knowing your Leo well enough to spot one they’ll treasure. Australian-based Arrive Archive has weekly drops of envy-worthy slogan tees, alongside a mix of other carefully curated vintage goods (and, thankfully, it ships globally). Your local charity shop or vintage store are also great places to scour the rails for that perfect find. From around $150 AUD, Arrive Archive
The Fiery Gift For A Fiery Sign
This personalised brass matchbox cover is a combination of several quintessentially Leo traits: sentimental, unique and will light up any room. It can be engraved with a phrase, date or message that means something to them, for a gift they can, and will, keep forever. £32, Not Another Bill
The Fragrance That Will Get Them Attention
Pool from Tsu Lange Yor, the fragrance and lifestyle brand by friend of Service95, Troye Sivan, is straight up noticeable: bright, playful and made for everyone. Cucumber, lychee and raspberry make it fresh and juicy, while tomato leaf, coriander, ginger and capsicum give it a little bite. Confident without taking itself too seriously. Sound familiar? £126, Tsu Lange Yor at Space NK
The Personal Touch That Might Mean The Most
People love to rag on Leos for liking the finer things in life, being the centre of attention and, yes, being a little gift-hungry, but it’s the thought behind the gift that means the most to us. A handmade card is a genuine treat – a little piece of art to display until another birthday rolls around.
