20 January 2026  A tradition of love and small gesturesValentine's Day is celebrated every year on 14 February and is widely known as a day to show affection through words, time, or gifts. The name goes back to Saint Valentine, a Christian martyr who lived in the 3rd century. According to later legends, he secretly married couples at a time when marriage was forbidden, making him a symbol of love and devotion.The custom of giving gifts on Valentine's Day developed much later. It became popular in England and France during the late Middle Ages, when people began to exchange poems and handwritten notes. From there, the tradition spread to other parts of Europe and, eventually, to the United States, where commercial forms of gift-giving grew strongly in the 19th and 20th centuries. In Austria, Valentine's Day became more visible after the Second World War. Today, it is not only about romantic love but also about appreciation, friendship, and personal gestures—often expressed through carefully chosen objects rather than grand statements. Vienna-based designRecently, Fashion.at received a curated selection of Valentine-related pieces by companies based in Vienna. The focus is on craftsmanship, design, and objects meant to last beyond the day itself.Among the highlights are jewellery pieces by Schullin Wien, a family-run jewellery house founded in 1974 with roots back to 1802 in the jewelry and watch trade. Schullin is known for combining traditional goldsmith work with sculptural design. In the current selection, the "Thales" earrings stand out: crafted in rose gold and set with multicoloured tourmalines, they turn fine jewellery into wearable art. Another featured item is the "Tulipmania" glassware series by J. & L. Lobmeyr, one of Vienna's most renowned glass manufacturers, established in 1823. Lobmeyr is known worldwide for mouth-blown glass and hand-painted decoration. The Tulipmania set brings a spring-like floral motif to the table, offering a lasting alternative to fresh flowers. Practical design is represented by the leather "Taschenausleerer" by R. Horn, a Vienna-based label and member of the Wien Products platform. A Taschenausleerer is a small tray that can be unfolded and placed on a table to hold keys, jewellery, or coins—an everyday object that combines order with understated elegance. Further Vienna-based brands in the broader Valentine context include Studio Palatin, which transforms porcelain into softly flowing forms; feinedinge, known for handcrafted porcelain collections inspired by historical design; Huber & Lerner, a traditional Viennese stationery and leather goods house; and Lederhaas, offering hair care products developed in Vienna in collaboration with cosmetic expertise. Together, they reflect the city's wide range of contemporary craftsmanship. Valentine's Day as a moment of optimismValentine's Day can be a reminder that it is meaningful to make someone happy with a thoughtful gesture. At the same time, there is no reason not to include oneself in this idea of care and attention. The day also marks a symbolic turning point in the year: the light slowly returns, and spring is no longer far away.Seen this way, Valentine's Day is less about waiting for affection and more about awakening one's own sense of optimism and curiosity. Whether directed at others or at oneself, small gestures can be a way to welcome change, creativity, and new energy. Images: 'Tulipmania' hand-painted glasses by Lobmeyr, a red leather Taschenausleerer by R. Horn, and 'Thales' rose-gold earrings with tourmalines by Schullin Wien (Photo: @ Craig Dillon), shown as Valentine-inspired Vienna design. |