Today, we head over to Europe for a taste of Italy through the eyes of Marco Ravanetti, the editor of one of our favorite sites, Men’s Reveire. We asked him to pick eight of his favorite items for the holidays; goods that could serve as gifts for just about anyone. We of course get a very discreet list what can only be seen as a very considered offering.

As Mr. Ravanetti tell us, “Yes, I do love gifts. A lot, although I don’t receive them very often. Due to this, eight, is a very tight number, therefore, I hope Jeff will allow me to cheat just a tiny bit.” Yes, sir, you can cheat.

Click for more looks at the eight gift selections from Italy’s Marco Ravanetti.

It’s a real shame expensive shoe companies don’t do perfumes. That’s one of our oddest starting sentences, but bear with us. As we all know, perfumes are the gateway drug into a brand. There’s no equivalent in men’s shoes for that, except for something like this wax. Get this and keep it in your living room, telling people your cordovan Aldens are getting repaired. It’s the new millennium version of ‘my Ferrarri’s in the garage’. Browns has it.

“Memory of a cool attitude and the warming sun” in the mood set for the Spring/Summer 2012 collection from Kris van Assche. Spring for van Assche, as it is for many others, focuses on a relaxed flavor; we clearly need it after 2011.

We look specifically at the sunglass collection from Kris van Assche. The frames, with their bluish soldering stains, are a forward move away from the classic aviator. A little risk looks to be the order and we applaud it.

More looks after the click.

Find a Selectism staffer in the wild and ask them about their UGG slippers. Yes, UGG Australia makes what we consider to be one of the best men’s house slipper on the market today. The UGG Australia Ascot slipper model like most UGG products, is lined in Australian shearling wool and provides outstanding comfort and ride in any season. The upper is made of supple sheepskin leather that breaks in with wear. The sole is rubber and adds just enough support for your day to day. Worn sockless, the Ascot slipper is about as good as it gets in home comfort. Trust us.

We believe in them so much that we’re giving away a pair of them courtesy of UGG Australia.

How to Win:

1. “Like” Selectism on Facebook
2. “Like” UGG Australia on Facebook.
3. “Like” this post on Facebook.

It’s that easy. Contest begins today. Winners will be announced after December 24.

Restrictions: The prize was provided by UGG Australia, but UGG Australia is not a sponsor, administrator, or involved in any other way with this giveaway. All opinions expressed in the post are my own and not those of UGG Australia. Entrants must be 18 or older and located in the US or Canada only.

Other open giveaways happening now. Enter to win!

• Win This! | Garbstore LNR Blazer and Govt. Chinos
• Win This! | Ghostly International Gift Pack
• Win This! | Lexdray Boulder Bag for Boylston Trading Company
• Win This! | Dockers Alpha Khaki Whiskey Crates
• Win This! | Gift Box from Goodhood
• Win This! | END Clothing Shopping Giveaway
• Win This! | Hanae Mori Holiday Gift Set for Men

Blackbird’s in-house line brings a wide range of men’s neckties for the holidays. With ten colorways to choose from, one of these will land perfectly on your father, brother or loved one. They are all made in the U.S.A. and come in small batch runs dependent on the textiles found for productions. $78 per tie. Find them online at Blackbird.

More looks after the click.

Not happy creating incredible structures for the like of the Guggenheim Bilbao and The Vitra Museum, L.A architectural legend Frank Gehry has set about designing the poster for the 54th annual Grammy awards.

Architectural models surround the golden gramophone with the image appearing on all related media products. Gehry explains, “I have been fortunate to have worked with and become friends with some of the top musicians in classical music… they are my inspiration and my heroes. I am pleased to work with the grammys to help celebrate all of these talented people.” (designboom)

Click for more

Workers return with a new selection of goods. The Japanese company holds a place in our hearts with its no-nonsense approach to repros. This time round they are offered two shawl collared deck jackets, one in pinstripe, one in brown herringbone; USN shirts in chambray and khaki green; a 70z cotton tool bag, and two selvedge ties. Everything is made to order, inspired by the original as well as the wealth of knowledge accrued by the label.

Hit the site and click on the ‘Work Clothing‘ section to see where these Workers are coming from.

Click for images

North Sea continue their march to accessory glory with another addition to the collection. A simple canvas holdall with a nautical feel (well, it’s trimmed with navy), they have enlisted the skills of a long established Belgian craftsman.

Using leather from English tannery Sedgwicks, everything is constructed by a small saddlery firm. As with all things from this label, expect sturdy, hard-wearing goodness with this carrier – those rubber handles mean business. More at North Sea.

Click for images

Media mogul George Kravis has been collecting beautiful objects for years now. Having owned several radio stations at one stage in his life he now sits on the board of the Philbrook Museum in Tulsa Oklahoma, where a portion of his incredible collection resides. His specialist subject is early to mid twentieth century American industrial design, particularly those streamlined objects that came out of the depression era.

As Coolhunting describes “it was a movement based on endowing basic, domestic objects with a sleek, aerodynamic style that belied an optimistic interpretation of the future”. From radios to lamps, furniture to kitchen gadgets, these incredible products hark back to a time when form was as important as function. To see a small selection of George’s collection check out the ‘Stamps of approval’ exhibition at the Smithsonian Castle, Washington D.C until 29 April 2012.

Click for images

We featured the new issue of Dapper Dan here, now it’s time to take a look inside with this brooding black and white editorial. Focusing on the equally brooding work of Kris Van Assche, this one is shot by Vassilis Karidis and styled by Nicholas Georgiou. Reach for some Joy Division if you’re looking for an appropriate soundtrack. (cqc)

Click for more