Smocking the Alps: celebrate the holidays Nespresso style

Christmas is that glistening time of year when I most look forward to the warmth and embrace of family and friends. It’s a time of sharing, generosity, of a good meal followed by a good coffee with those you love. It’s also a moment of reflection on the spirit of community and giving. Every year, our Nespresso lovers await the magic that mine and the brand teams create to invoke the holiday spirit: chic yet comforting, decorative yet functional. This year, with the Fusalp collaboration, they’ve really outdone themselves. I confess, as a lover of the Alps and a native Frenchman, I am so proud of what we have designed this season.

For those who are neither skiers, nor French, Fusalp is a company founded in 1952 by two tailors across the Alpine border from us here in Switzerland. Their signature is the fuseau (or stirrup pants) adapted to skiwear for competitive and recreational skiers alike. Their motto: “to design a unique sport-chic silhouette that celebrates the art of movement as well as French elegance on and off the slopes."

Fusalp’s “art of movement” features the iconic smocking design we co-opted for Festive 2023. Historically, “smocking” embroidery was used before elastic existed to pull a fabric together, allowing for stretch and movement. Although there was much more to Queen Elizabeth I’ elaborate costumes, her cuffs and ruffs are what I think of as smocking. This craftsmanship, passed down over the centuries, now embellishes our holiday capsules, gorgeous white porcelain coffee mug, handmade festive cocktail glass and advent calendar. ?The diamond shape evokes the jagged peaks of the Alps, snow-covered and frosted with mystery that in the comfort of my home I look out on, a warming mug of coffee in hand.

Personally, I’m astonished by the spiced, winey notes of Seasonal Delight Spices Flavour, but the Festive Black Espresso and Frosted Caramel Nuts are equally indulgent. A heritage of craftsmanship is reflected in all of this year’s holiday offerings: from the smocking of historic textiles, the modernity of ski designs to the handmade glass and careful selection of coffees to flavour the season.

Holidays are a time of gratitude for what the year past has brought, but also a time of indulgence and cozying up with loved ones, offering them the beauty and functionality of our gifts. I invite you to share the joy of Nespresso this season.