Rado’s Father’s Day Gift Guide: Ideas for the Design-Forward Dad

In the private jet world, which generally shares access to aircraft with multiple customers, the term “empty leg” refers to an aircraft flying from one location where a passenger was just dropped off to another location where the aircraft needs to pick up the next passenger.

In addition to brokering traditional private jet services, flight operator Jettly compiles these otherwise unproductive empty leg flights and offers seats on board, often for a song.

Of course, there is no flexibility in the destinations, dates, times, and aircraft when you book one, but if you want to give Pop a one-way trip to corporate nirvana, it could be worth a look.
 

In a few short years, Los Angeles-based Billings Auctions has established itself as a leading presence in the collectible design world, particularly in online transactions of modernist and mid-century decor and artwork. While Billings deals in large-scale furniture and more, perhaps a smaller decorative object from an auction might fit the bill for your design-forward dad?

For example, this vintage (1950s) bamboo-like brass and leather luggage stand by legendary French Art Deco designer Jacques Adnet carried an estimated value of $1,200. Still, it went unsold at the house’s recent Spring auction.

Pro Tip: You may need to give Pops an IOU for any lots you want to snag for him, as the next Billings auction is slated for June 28th.
 

One of the first clothing makers/designers on the front lines of the Japanese cult denim competition, Kapital opened its first location in 1985. With its recent acquisition by LVMH, the brand’s “if you know, you know” status may be jeopardized, but what Kapital makes still screams with hipster authenticity and uncompromising traditional materials and techniques.

If you think Dad might be ready to update his tired 501s to these dazzling Monkey CISCO Straight Leg Distressed Embroidered Jeans, then Mr. Porter, among other online retailers, offers Kapital products for the US market.
 

Since 2014, the disruptive Los Angeles designer Jacques Marie Mage has been creating exquisite spectacles that artfully riff on 20th-century classics, using bold colors, techniques, and materials that both honor a heritage vibe and create new-jack eyewear legends. Sound like something your old man might get into?

Mage’s new limited edition “Honey” trio of sunglasses speaks volumes about the appeal of his eyewear. While the familiarly shaped Fellini model is currently sold out, the available Leonard and Kellerman models also utilize a “liquid gold” acetate material that manages to be both legitimately vintage and outrageously modern.
 

You don’t have to reside in New York City to appreciate and support the storied Museum of Modern Art (MoMA).

Conceived in 1929 by the Rockefeller, Bliss, and Sullivan families, the museum has the vanguard for supporting and fostering contemporary arts throughout its celebrated history, championing visionary artists, works, and movements that tended to go unrecognized and under-represented in the art world (names like Bacon, Chagall, Dali, Picasso, Mondrian, Pollock, and Warhol are among a few you will find in their permanent collection).

Thankfully, MoMA memberships come in a range of options, mostly tax-deductible, feature a variety of perks (from admission discounts to private curatorial event invitations), and are an eminently easy gift to give to recognize Dad’s artistic nature.
 

There is no denying that the modern dad needs to keep it clean, so indulging in products that introduce some low-key fragrance and offer healthy skin benefits should be on his daily to-do list. Enter: Australia’s Aesop, which has been making thoughtful, balanced, healthfully formulated body care products (packaged in 97% recycled plastic) since 1987.

More specifically, the woody, smoky aroma of this Reverence Duet kit (which includes a 16.9 oz. bottle of Reverence Aromatique hand wash and a matching 16.5 oz. hand balm) provides expert cleansing and hydrating for Dad’s hard-working hands, whether he is at home or on the road.