Fashions. Christmas Number, 1934 [Harvey Nichols Trade Catalogue]

[Cecil Beaton]

'Just say "Wrap it up as a gift, please"… and a dainty gift box, designed by Cecil Beaton, will be given without charge… Some of the boxes are dusky pink and white - others are turquoise and white. The design, which you see reproduced on the cover of this book, is as entrancing as only Cecil Beaton could make it!'
 
In 1934 Cecil Beaton was commissioned by Harvey Nichols department store to create an original design to be used on their Christmas gift boxes. The design was reprinted as a wrap-around cover of the Christmas edition of "Fashions", a festive shopping catalogue. The catalogue explains that the boxes are available in both dusky pink and turquoise. Beaton's design features garlands, winged putti, Father Christmas, bells, doves of peace, music, letters, hearts and stars. The gift guide includes illustrations and details for many products, picked out for 'every taste and every age', including 'Gifts a debutante would adore!', 'Ties are dangerous! Be Safe! Give men these gifts!' and 'If she hasn't much money, do give her something gay and frivolous!'



Cecil Beaton. Harvey Nichols & Co. London. [1934]. Paperback, quarto; stapled illustrated wrappers. 24 pages. Illustrated throughout with b&w drawings and photos. English. 305 x 240mm. 0.2kg. . Very good; slight shelf wear, slight crinkling to wrappers, a few small spots to top edge of front wrapper.