The Dappled Waistcoat: Bringing Back the Heirloom Ideal: pucciManuli

If the "shop small" movement is going to gain real traction and bring change to the way we think as consumers, we must begin by instilling in the next generation an appreciation for unique, well-made goods. I have nephews, and I've observed that they watch TV and "WANT" every toy in every commercial. Though I'm sure I wasn't much different when I was a little kid, it's a bit scary to see it as an adult and know that these ads and commercials are grooming a new generation of rapid consumers. The toy industry generates billions of dollars a year, selling generic products cheaply made in massive quantities. How many of these toys will stand the test of time? How many will be passed down to future generations?

This is where people like pucciManuli's Carrie Kohs step in. Fifteen years spent working in corporate advertising/marketing left Carrie feeling uninspired, and she gave up her safe but ultimately unfulfilling career to help her father with his toy business. After spending a week at the prestigious Nuremberg International Toy Fair, she felt compelled to create a space of her own, where she could promote the wares of a carefully selected group of niche toymakers and artisans:

"In every case, the toys that managed to catch my eye were toys made by individuals. In addition, I found that each of these toys had their own, unique wonderful story. While the toymakers themselves were there to promote their toys, upon introduction of yourself, you learned who these artisans were as people and could immediately sense the passion and pride they had for their craft – something you just don’t find in today’s fast paced, technology-driven, plastic world."

After years of traveling around the horse show/trade fair circuit, and a couple of holiday seasons with a stand at the Ardmore Farmer's Market in Ardmore, PA, Carrie finally opened up a brick-and-mortar shop just a few minutes down the road, on Cricket Avenue in Ardmore. The exposed brick, tin ceiling, and wooden floors are the perfect setting for pucciManuli's veritable menagerie of giant stuffed animals, (works of art, really), puzzles, pillows, puppets, blankets, books and house gifts.

breathtaking Hansa handmade elephant lording over the shop.

Stevenson Brothers rocking horse.

The shop includes an incredible variety of speciality goods, ranging from $6 Austrian, handmade wooden spinning tops to $20,000 custom Stevenson Brothers rocking horses from England. Carrie chooses toys for her shop that have the power to create distinct and meaningful narratives, whether it be the history of the toy or the backstory of the toymaker, each piece is extraordinary and very much worth holding on to.

Silk-screened animal pillows are made by a couple of local artists in nearby Bucks County, PA.

NY-based Lands Downunder Italian Herringbone throw blankets.

The full collection is available online at www.pucciManuli.com, along with profiles of some of the toymakers she features. Her selection of bespoke, limited edition, heirloom, and one-of-a-kind pieces is truly unrivaled. Our children need to grow up hearing stories, creating their own, and passing them down. Shopping conscientiously is a mindset and a lifestyle that can never be taught too early. So, skip the BLACK FRIDAY sales at Toys 'R Us and have a chat with Carrie Kohs instead. She'll help you find the perfect special "something."

Additionally, Carrie donates a portion of her profits to children's charities such as UNICEF, to help allow every child realize his/her right to a fair shot in this world.

After the jump... some shots from the pucciManuli booth at the Hampton Classic Horse Show, and the important interview I did with one of the resident primates.