As we deeply settle in autumn and the weather gets crisp, a cosy and familial feeling begins to take hold. Long summer nights are replaced by evenings in, ideally spent around a fireplace or at a kitchen table laden with comfort food. Nature’s colour show beckons outside while storefronts tempt us with festive cheer. As we slow down, we take stock and choose our company carefully. This is a time for memory-making moments with close family and friends.

To celebrate our pop-up at Beverly’s in New York, we asked the owner and longtime friend of &Daughter, Beverly Nguyen, to capture the mood in her hometown. In this series of snapshots, she photographed seven friends as they go about their day, treasured, natural moments of how they usually pass the time together. 

What did you hope to capture with this series of portraits?

I have such a commitment to my community, I’ve been this way my entire life. I think it has something to do with coming from a large family.  Bringing people together, whether that intention is to entertain or just be a space friends can go to when they need some love, is something I strive to create and build on every day. These portraits are a bit of a love letter to my friends, partners, collaborators, and the city we all create and live in. 

I also love seeing each friend through my perspective. Although I'm not a professional photographer in any capacity, I do think each person has such unique beauty in their character and everyday life, and it was fun to capture them.

What did the &Daughter knitwear bring to the atmosphere of these images?

&Daughter has a softness and timelessness that came across so personal to each friend in their own spaces. It felt like they've been wearing it for a lifetime, and I love how much personal style comes to the forefront in these images. Each person leaned into their own creative life. 

Do you have any holiday rituals or traditions passed down by family you honour during this time of the year? 

I grew up focusing more on celebrating the solstice than a Hallmark-like Christmas, though all the decor was still really important to my family and the idea of bringing the outside in. Since we've been mainly in Massachusetts, we've started making our traditions. We cut down a spindly pine from somewhere on the land for a tree, decorate it with handmade ornaments, and weave wreaths of pine/hemlock. We have a rule of no gifts unless you make it yourself. 

How does knitwear play a role in your daily winter wardrobe?

I live in knitwear, top and bottom, at most hours of the day and detest having to change into "hard clothes" to get into studio work. Even when it's time for hard clothes, I layer lightweight knits underneath my overalls to stay toasty without losing range of motion or having to keep rolling up my sleeves, which can occur when wearing bulky sweaters/jackets.

What for you is the highlight of this time of year?

I recently moved four blocks away from Union Square Farmers Market, and I am there four times a week with my dog, Paper. She rides in a stroller because of back surgery, and it helps me schlep my market treasures home. I am always excited to see what produce looks good, and right now, it is squash, cauliflower and apples! Another highlight for me is being cosy.

Do you have any holiday rituals or traditions passed down by family you honour during this time of the year?

I’m Canadian; Thanksgiving is a highlight, and turkey is a ritual. All friends and family are welcome, and even friends of our friends are welcome at our table. For the past few years, The Odeon (where I work) has supplied the turkey and all the fixings so I can focus on the table and guests. Traditionally, I add my creamed corn (which I get from the market in August and freeze) and my mom’s Chinese sticky rice.

How does knitwear play a role in your daily winter wardrobe?

Whether it be a cardigan, a hoodie, or both, I’m always wearing knitwear… the weather has been sunny and dry this year, so I’ve been wearing thick cardigans with enthusiasm.

How do you show your loved ones you care during the holiday season?

Food is one way we show affection for one another. If we are together in the same city, we will gather over home-cooked meals as often as possible. If we can’t be together, we will speak on the phone and sometimes do a group FaceTime. My mother makes the most delicious and delicate shortbread Christmas cookies, which she boxes and sends to us and our lucky friends. Her holiday cookies make us feel unique and loved.

What for you is the highlight of this time of year? 

The events and socialising tend to move indoors and become more intimate. I like to reconnect with friends in a cosy environment.

How does knitwear play a role in your daily winter wardrobe?

Oh, it plays a significant role, as I'm always wearing a sweater. When I get out of bed, I'll put a sweater on over my pj's and go out to the garden to check on the plants. During the day, I like to wear a button-up or T-shirt with jeans or cords and a cosy sweater and in the evenings, I like to wear a slimmer sweater with a skirt or pants to go out.

How does knitwear play a role in your daily winter wardrobe?

Fernando: I grew up in the Andes, a region renowned for its looms and rich tradition of working with yarn from sheep and llamas. My family is deeply immersed in crochet and knitting, so knits are central to my wardrobe—cardigans, vests, pullovers, hats, and socks—mostly all lovingly crafted by family and friends. - Fefo

How do you show your loved ones you care during the holiday season?

Anna: Along with giving thoughtful gifts or hosting at home, I like to send little messages to loved ones who come to mind, even if they’re small or random. After 17 years in New York, far from family and old friends, these simple notes help keep our bonds strong. It’s easier than long catch-up calls or emails, and everyone likes knowing someone’s thinking of them.

Do you have any holiday rituals or traditions passed down by family you honour during this time of the year?

Not really. I’m a first-generation kid, so I feel that many traditions will be formed once I start my own family. But growing up, my mother would always make a Cherry Dump Cake every Thanksgiving and Christmas so we would look forward to that. Also, we would play Monopoly, but that game has been banned in the house due to corrupt business practices and back door deals (usually initiated by me). 

What is your secret or tried and tested approach to gift-giving?

Socks, socks, and more socks! Everyone needs them; everyone wants them. Even if it’s a second gift, they are the perfect gift after a certain age.