June 21, 2006

Wish You Were Here

SURevolution

You are so beyond souvenirs — crappy thimbles, key chains, lighters, and shot glasses. If you were traveling to, let’s say, the Andes, you’d bring home crafts made of recycled patches of ecologically bred reptile, woven plantain fiber, loofah, and coconut.

But damn your paltry vacation allotment. You’re not going anywhere.

In which case, head straight to Takashimaya and shop SURevolution, a brand that helps small businesses set up sustainable economies by bringing urbanites on lockdown (like you) handmade goods from places like Colombia, Bolivia, Ecuador, Peru, and India.

Imagine Wayuu women weaving cotton carryalls in bold spirals of color or gypsies in Bogota hammering copper platters. Dream about fringed leather hammocks, cañaflecha floor pillows, macramé shawls, crocodile bangles, and mucho, mucho más.

Translation: More than you ever could have bargained for at the duty-free shop.

Available at Takashimaya, 693 Fifth Avenue, between 54th and 55th Streets (800-753-2038). To see styles, go to surevolution.com. For special requests, call 212-255-6928.