This holiday season, try out these chic accessories

Check out these two new brands that have entered the city through pop-ups and that would make a welcome addition to any woman's wardrobe.

Gifting is top of mind for most people as the holiday season approaches. Here are two new brands that have entered the city through pop-ups and that would make a welcome addition to any woman's wardrobe. Fashion insiders have their eyes on Helmer and Glassing, both of which enjoy a loyal celebrity following thanks to their high style quotient - the founders have injected their own sense of fun into their labels. Interestingly enough, it was travel that inspired the entrepreneurs behind both the brands.
Bags exotica
Quintessentially (the multi award winning luxu-ry concierge service) said last year that the Hel-mer bag brand was one to watch out for. Says the London chapter of its website, "Quintessentially Gifts is dedicated to finding the most elusive, exclusive and exciting brands to offer you and Helmer is no exception. Helmer's focus is on creating vibrant exotic skin bags through simple and elegant design. These beautiful bags are all made with python skin creating a soft and unique look." Bags made from exotic skins have been the bags of desire for fashion folk for several seasons now, and Helmer bags can be found in the wardrobes of Halle Berry, Eva Longoria and Plum Sykes. This London-based brand is multicultural in its outlook, and all its skins are sourced from Bali. The brand was launched by Shevanne Helmer along with her two daughters Danielle and Michelle, after a trip to Bali. The family has its roots in Norway, Jamaica, America and France and each country serves as an influence in their designs. Colours are bright, shapes are boho yet user-friendly and there is an attention to detailing. Backpacks, bucket bags, clutches and totes are all a part of their range. Their 'shopper' bag is the perfect travel companion, thanks to its lightness and size. Fringes, batik lining and studs add a sense of hippie chic. This was a brand created by fashion girls for fashion girls. Shevanne previously had her own fashion line before working in public relations, Michelle has a de-gree in law and business, and Danielle studied fashion at New York's Parsons.
Every bag is made in Bali by artisans. The Helmers firmly believe in giving back and with every purchase made, the family makes a donation to the Safer Childhoods Foundation. This is a local Non-Governmental Organisation working to combat crimes against children in developing countries. So this is a gift that comes with more than style, it comes with a story of giving back to communities.
Sun & shades
Glassing is an Italian eyewear company and if you are a fan of the Kardashians you have probably seen this brand worn by both Kourtney Kardashian and Kris Jenner. Glassing has opened a pop-up at JBR that will be open until the summer of next year - so you have plenty of time to check it out. It was started by two friends who love their shades - Alessandro Forte and Stefano Otton - in 2010. A brand born out of travel, like Helmer, the idea came to the Milanese boys while they were in Ibiza. The island is known for its hedonistic par-ty lifestyle and is where the two boys started a vintage sunglasses store. After one summer of fun, they decided it was time to start their own brand and so Glassing was born. These handmade glasses are made in Italy and have a totally modern outlook on design, yet pick up elements of vintage style. They are conversation starters, and the duo behind the brand enjoy using unusual materials and are not afraid of colour. Forte and Otton's motto is, "Madness is an Art."
Their pop-up store in JBR is easy to spot as it's a bright sunny yellow. The boys believe that sunglasses are about having fun with fashion - and this is also reflected in the location of Glassing's four stores in Milan, Portofino, Taormina and Capri. Their success is proven by the fact that over 1500 optical stores and boutiques stock their designs globally. A brand that is all about the holidays, this has to be the label to add to your wishlist this holiday season.

• Style In The City