Trend watch: Fashion designer–created holiday ornaments

Trim your tree in style with ornaments designed by fashion designers such as Rodarte, Tess Giberson and Rachel Zoe.

By Cristina Velocci Fri Dec 7 2012

Christmas trees don’t have to be hung with boring balls and tacky trimmings. Give yours a stylish upgrade with ornaments created by fashion designers, including Rodarte, Tess Giberson, Rachel Zoe, Kate Spade, Betsy Johnson and Calvin Klein.

While local designer Tess Giberson grew up in New Hampshire, it was a tradition in her family to craft their own ornaments each year. Now Giberson is drawing upon those fond childhood memories to give back to the community through these charitable paper versions, which she made with her design team using recycled look books and sample prints from the studio. All net proceeds benefit Lower East Side x Rockaways, a Hurricane Sandy relief fund run by Tiny’s Giant Sandwich Shop (tinysgiantnyc.blogspot.com) that sends supplies, clothing and food to the ravaged Queens community. Tess Giberson Handmade Ornaments for Sandy Relief, three for $25, at Tess Giberson, 97 Crosby St between Prince and Spring Sts (212-226-1932)
We die for this bananas-adorable ornament created by stylist-turned–fashion designer Rachel Zoe, which depicts one of her signature blazers over a tie-neck blouse. The tastefully glitter-adorned glass orb is part of Christopher Radko’s annual celebrity-studded collection, sold exclusively at Bloomingdale’s; 100 percent of the proceeds from each sale goes to the Child Mind Institute (childmind.org) and its efforts to improve mental healthcare for kids. Christopher Radko Rachel Zoe ornament, $40, at Bloomingdale’s, 1000 Third Ave at 59th St (212-705-2000) • 504 Broadway between Broome and Spring Sts (212-729-5900) • bloomingdales.com
For the holidays, mega-retailers Target and Neiman Marcus teamed up to have 24 CFDA designers create a 50-piece collection of giftable items. This celestial glass ornament from sisters Kate and Laura Mulleavy, the talent behind womenswear label Rodarte, will make an out-of-this-world addition to any tree. Rodarte for Target + Neiman Marcus Holiday Collection ornament, $20, at Target, locations throughout the city; visit target.com
Although Kate Spade is often synonymous with irreverent whimsy, this sophisticated gold-plated sphere speckled with crystal accents has us equally charmed. Consider it a glamorous homage to Times Square’s iconic New Year’s Eve ball. Kate Spade New York Lady Marmalade ornament, $60, at Kate Spade, 454 Broome St at Mercer St (212-274-1991) • 135 Fifth Ave at 20th St (212-358-0420) • katespade.com
When Betsey Johnson’s free-spirited clothing label filed for bankruptcy this April, fans mourned the loss of her hot-pink stores. Financial woes haven’t stopped the womenswear line from moving forward, however, and this cheeky ceramic swine serves as an indication that the American icon isn’t going anywhere until pigs learn to fly. Betsey Johnson Flying Pig ornament, $25, at Macy’s, 151 W 34th St at Seventh Ave (212-695-4400, macys.com)
Nail guru Deborah Lippmann may not be a designer, but the celeb manicurist is so heavily involved in fashion—she created the Spring 2013 runway nail looks for Cynthia Rowley, Narciso Rodriguez and Badgley Mischka, among others—that she’s practically earned an honorary title. Proving her mettle, Lippmann created this limited-edition (only 400 were made) rainbow-confetti glass ornament, which resembles her signature Happy Birthday glitter lacquer. All proceeds are donated to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (stjude.org), dedicated to treating pediatric cancers. HSN Cares Deborah Lippmann 2012 Heart Ornament, $25, at hsn.com
Created in collaboration with Hamburg designer Alexa Lixfeld, these sleek porcelain adornments are the ideal trimmings for sparkle-averse minimalists. The German-made ornaments also perfectly embody the clean-lined designs of Calvin Klein women’s creative director Francisco Costa. Calvin Klein bisque porcelain ornaments, $20 each, at calvinklein.com

While local designer Tess Giberson grew up in New Hampshire, it was a tradition in her family to craft their own ornaments each year. Now Giberson is drawing upon those fond childhood memories to give back to the community through these charitable paper versions, which she made with her design team using recycled look books and sample prints from the studio. All net proceeds benefit Lower East Side x Rockaways, a Hurricane Sandy relief fund run by Tiny’s Giant Sandwich Shop (tinysgiantnyc.blogspot.com) that sends supplies, clothing and food to the ravaged Queens community. Tess Giberson Handmade Ornaments for Sandy Relief, three for $25, at Tess Giberson, 97 Crosby St between Prince and Spring Sts (212-226-1932)

Follow Cristina Velocci on Twitter: @cvelocci