A tribute to enigma & aquarius season
A dramatic departure from my usual schtick + gift ideas
Note: Today I’m taking a bit of a departure from my usual themes because I wanted to be a bit more fanciful and also share all these cool things I found while hunting down the perfect gifts for my Aquarian friends’ upcoming birthdays. Especially since they’re damn near impossible to shop for.
We need to talk about the enigmas. We know them, we love them, we do not understand how they work. These are the people who hold an exalted, beloved position, despite the fact that your paths may only cross a handful of times a year. You learn about the existence of their multi year live in relationship on a phone call from Prague, two years after the break up. Where did they get that unspeakably beautiful, intricate beaded bag? Well, their grandma had a brief affair with a Murano glass blower, and it was a bequeathment, along with dozens of folded handwritten love notes.
Don’t get me wrong, this is not enigma slander. It’s Aquarius season, after all. I’m honored to be the only one gifted a precious elbow squeeze before they disappear from the party in a puff of intoxicating perfume. Always leaving early, managing to dazzle even for a handful moments, I adore these characters in my life, and treasure the moments I was able to embody the character myself.
So obviously, it wouldn’t feel right to enter Aquarius season without compiling a list of sacred object to bestow upon the aquarians (or enigmas!) in my life. The enigma's allure is not just in their rarity, but in their equal parts profound and seemingly effortless ability to make the mundane seem magical. And for this we are ever grateful.
Now the information I’m about to share is incredibly coveted, so I must give you some warning before we begin. Let's be clear, the usual trinkets won’t do. These are individuals for whom the story behind an object is as important as the object itself. Should you choose an object on or off the list to court the attention of one of these strange creatures, there’s a few rules to follow:
3 rules of thumb (read: rules of search terms): vintage, secondhand, or artisanal. Support a local artist, in this case, handmade is best. Everything on this list only works if it’s some manner of bespoke. An enigma would rather eat a wet denim jacket with a knife and fork at HOA meeting than be caught with an Amazon Storefront offering. It needs to be storied. Period.
Enigmas scare easily. There can be no public opening spectacle. These gifts are to be slipped subtly into the pocket, wrapped in a simple newspaper dressing, or a slim paper bag. Brown string or twine and velvet pouches are also accepted. Better if you can do it covertly so they find it later, with a mysterious little note.
Ideally these objects should be bestowed in the wild. They move quickly, they have a natural inexplicable air. Why shouldn’t they arrive to the next place with a new curious little treasure to charm with? And remember, timing is everything. Bestowing these gifts in an unexpected moment, just as they are about to embark on their next adventure, adds to the magic. It’s like adding a piece of your shared story to their ever-evolving narrative.
In the world of the enigma, every object tells a story, every gift is a character in their tale. As we honor them this Aquarius season, let’s do so in a way that speaks to their soul, in a language of mystery, beauty, and the sheer joy of the unexpected.
Ahem, we simply must take a moment for the 'mad money pendant' – a charmingly nostalgic trinket that harkens back to a bygone era, perfect for the enigma who thrives on whimsy, a healthy amount of mischief and surprise. The concept of 'mad money' has its roots in the age-old practice of keeping a spare dollar tucked away. This wasn't just any dollar, though. It was the secret stash, the emergency fund for a spontaneous gamble or a sudden taxi ride home from an unexpected adventure. It spoke of independence, of the thrill of the unknown, and the joy of being prepared for whatever caprice life might throw your way. She’s a little pricier, but it simply wouldn’t do to exclude this little piece of history.
A brief history lesson, as a treat!
Flappers were at the forefront of a cultural revolution in the 1920s. They represented a new breed of young Western women who were pushing boundaries in both their behaviors and their styles. They cut their hair short (in bobs), wore makeup, and indulged in activities that were previously considered unseemly for women, such as smoking, driving cars, and attending jazz clubs.
In this context, the mad money pendant was more than just a fashionable accessory; it symbolized the newfound independence and self-reliance of women. The concept of having "mad money" – emergency cash for wild, scandalous, or unexpected situations – resonated with the flappers' desire for autonomy.
The pendant itself, often a small, discreet locket or container that could be worn around the neck, was practical yet stylish. It allowed women to carry money without the need for a purse, which was particularly useful in the speakeasies and dance halls they frequented.
The concept of "mad money" regained popularity among young women in the 1950s and 1960s. These pendants were often worn by women as a symbol of independence and security. The basic idea was that if a date went poorly or if they found themselves in a situation where they needed to leave quickly, they would have some emergency cash stashed away in their pendant. The pendants were, and remain a symbol of change, liberation, and autonomy.
Picture this: an exquisitely crafted holder, perhaps in ebony or silver, with an art deco design that harks back to the Roaring Twenties. It's not just a smoking accessory; it's a time machine, a conversation starter, an artifact that screams (or rather, elegantly states), "I am not of your ordinary world."
Why a cigarette holder, you ask? Well, it's the perfect amalgamation of form, function, and flair – much like the enigma themselves. It's practical, yes, for those who indulge in the occasional smoke – a way to keep the fingers unsullied and the smoke at a sophisticated distance. But more so, it's a statement. It speaks of a time when glamour wasn't just an option, but a lifestyle.
Imagine them, the enigma in your life, standing aloof at a party, the holder elegantly perched between their fingers. It adds an extra layer of intrigue to their already mysterious persona. As they lift it to their lips, the room can't help but pause, captivated by this anachronistic charm.
Playing cards have long been associated with mystery, skill, and a bit of cunning. They are often used by magicians for tricks and illusions, adding a layer of mystique. For an enigma, having a deck on hand suggests a readiness to delve into the unknown or dazzle with a display of sleight of hand.
Picture them, our beloved riddle wrapped in a mystery, hosting a soirée. As the night unfolds, out come these cards, each one a masterpiece of design and history. Perhaps it’s a well worn deck with art deco elegance or a gold leafed Parisienne set echoing the luxurious spirit of travel. Each card is a conversation starter, a story waiting to be told.
Now, here’s a delightful secret for gift-givers: you can find fabulous and affordable card sets from prestigious brands like Louis Vuitton and Cartier. These luxury brands have crafted playing cards that echo their legacy of elegance and sophistication, yet they come at a fraction of the cost of their high-end products. It’s an accessible slice of luxury, offering a taste of high-end design without the usual hefty price tag.
Last but not least, for the enigma with a penchant for both the ornate and the mysterious, consider the unparalleled allure of vintage spyglasses and binoculars. These are not mere tools for viewing the distant or the minute; they are gateways to a world of intrigue and elegance, perfectly suited for those who revel in the art of discreet observation.
Imagine a spyglass crafted from brass, its surface worn to a soft patina that speaks of countless adventures. This is an object straight out of a seafaring tale, a companion for the curious and the bold.
Imagine this: Your enigmatic friend, armed with their elegant vintage binoculars, perched in their favorite nook. From this vantage point, they become the silent observer of life's unscripted play. The binoculars are not just tools; they are their ticket to a private viewing of the world's stage. As they peer through the aged lenses, every social gathering, every public event becomes a scene laced with potential narratives and unspoken dialogues.
The beauty of this discreet observation lies in its safety and detachment. With these vintage treasures, your enigma can watch the drama unfold without being drawn into its vortex. They can clock the entrance of a new character in their social circle, a dramatic interaction at a party, or a tender exchange in a park, all from a comfortable, uninvolved distance. It's the thrill of piecing together stories, of understanding dynamics, all while maintaining a comfortable cloak of anonymity.
If you made it this far, thank you for indulging me this off theme post. I’d been having a difficult day and hunting eBay and Etsy for some unique trinkets, while being a bit dramatic really lifted my spirits.
To me, these gifts are not just objects; they are keys to a world less ordinary, tokens that acknowledge and celebrate the extraordinary in the everyday. As I think of the beloved Aquarians and enigmas in my life, it felt good to dote on and adore them in this form. A little digital shrine, if you will. I hope this list reminds you of people in your life who have this strange and rare magic to them. I hope this also inspires you to offer them something that speaks their language, that aligns with their rhythm, that fits seamlessly into the intricate puzzle of their being.
in kinship,
Jamila