Greer Clayton’s large-scale, abstract landscapes have a unique way of drawing you in. Immersive magnetism really is the beauty and strength of her métier. This sought-after contemporary painter interprets the landscapes she paints, not in a direct, topographical way, but in a way that extracts their essence and reimagines the scene as a depiction of the artist’s mind’s eye. Each one represents an underlying connection with the land, exuding a feeling that goes beyond what the naked eye can see alone. In fact, Clayton invites the viewer to project their own memories and emotive responses onto her work, which, according to those who own pieces by the artist, often results in the paintings evoking a sense of ‘home’ for the person standing in front of them.
‘Rolling Cloud’ by Greer Clayton, 2022, acrylic on canvas, 1200 x 1600 mm.
Now, Clayton has a new exhibition about to open at Parnell Gallery, and we couldn’t be more excited. With a raft of new works that were inspired by the artist’s journeys through New Zealand, each one seeks to transport the viewer by capturing the ‘mood’ or ‘feel’ of the environments they depict. Titled Imagined Vistas, the exhibition speaks to the idea of longing to return to a place, and the way in which that ‘longing’ can conjure visions of landscapes that feel like home.
“I’m trying to connect to the familiarity of the landscape,” the artist explains, “my biggest enjoyment in creating these paintings is engaging the viewer in these ‘Imagined Vistas’ that seek to embrace the essence of our landscape and act as a reminder of places we’ve been to and places we want to go.”
Exhibition works ‘Rolling Cloud’ (left), ‘Solitary Sun’ (centre) and ‘Blinded by the Light’ (right) hanging on walls of Parnell Gallery.
Left: ‘Deep Water’ by Greer Clayton, 2022, acrylic on canvas, 1200 x 1500 mm.
In creating her new works for this exhibition, Clayton worked on two or three at a time, a process that invites a cohesive and holistic view of the body of work, offering connectivity between the works while aligning each with her signature horizon lines. “Working in fast drying acrylic paint provides the immediacy I need to work in both a layering and dry brush technique”, says Clayton, “giving complexity and depth to the surface.”
From Left: Greer Cayton in the studio with her dog Pepper with the Exhibitions eponymous painting ‘Imagined Vistas’ behind them; An in-situ view of ‘Higher Ground’, (1200 x 1200mm) pictured hanging in Parnell Gallery.
Indeed these new pieces exemplify the unique way Clayton captures light, with layered textural strokes that create beautiful moments of contrast and landscapes that feel almost dreamlike. “‘Blinded by the Light’ is the largest piece in the show,” Clayton tells me. “It illustrates more intricate mountain layers and the dramatic silver midline of the sunlight hitting the water… I’m hoping the viewer can drift into this one and be transported south, as I was.”
‘Blinded By The Light’ By Greer Clayton, 2022, acrylic on canvas, 1400 x 1600mm.
In many ways, each of Clayton’s new pieces feel as though they come alive the longer you look at them, as though losing yourself in the work is the only way to really understand what the artist has created. That said, when the views are this good, why not get a little lost?
Imagined Vistas will open on the 5th of July and is on view until the 19th of July at Parnell Gallery.
Muse’s Boutique’s in-house cashmere line has something of a cult following. Designed by Owner Olivia Healy and her team and sustainably produced by artisans in Nepal from some of the world’s finest cashmere, the pieces are elegant, well-made and warm, making them some of our favourite things to wear when winter rolls in.
Now, Muse Cashmere is returning for its seventh season, and this time, the collection is making a case for colour. Inspired by the silhouettes and ‘joie de vivre’ of the 60s, the new Muse Cashmere combines classic neutrals with bright, bold tones. From an unapologetic ‘Basil’ green and a high-octane ‘Citron’ yellow, to a vivid ‘Marmalade’ orange and an eye-catching ‘Violet,’ the colours used in this collection feel new and fresh for the brand, and a good reminder for us to have some fun with our winter wardrobes.
That said, there are a number of timeless designs to sit alongside new silhouettes, and a raft of beautiful, pared-back layering pieces to balance out the more statement-making ones. Those seeking a classic high-neck sweater, for instance, should look no further than the ‘Becky’ or the ‘Madeline,’ available in a range of hero colours (or a simple black, white or grey marle). The former also comes in a distinctly Parisian ‘stripe’ and the latter, in an understated ‘Honey’ beige — promising the perfect, throw-on layer for the season ahead.
Elsewhere, the ‘Mimi’ v-neck and the ‘Rosie’ crew neck exemplify how Muse has balanced simple design with unique detail in this collection. And while both styles are available in bold colours, they also stand as an ode to classic sweater shapes — universally flattering and unchanged by trends. Similarly, the ‘Elizabeth’ scarf is a new piece that forms a central part of this collection, offering a simple (but deliciously warm) cashmere layering piece to deliver that extra boost on winter’s coldest days.
“After months of talking, brainstorming and designing, our seventh season of Muse Cashmere is here, and it has something for everyone,” Muse Boutique Owner, Olivia Healy, tells me. “These pieces have been designed to offer gentle warmth and to bring a touch of luxury to your everyday. And whether you wear them at night or during the daytime, for work or for relaxing at home, they’re meant to be worn and loved forever.”
Poised to become one of our favourite places to drop into for a delicious coffee or a few weekend wines, No.7 is the cool new inner-city spot offering welcome place to break up our busy days.
Tucked away on Pitt Street (around the corner from K’Road) No.7 was created as the kind of place its owner, Jack Young (ex-Orphans Kitchen) wanted to go to himself. Sleek and modern but decidedly laid-back, it delivers the kind of cosy vibe that makes you want to stay there for hours. “I just wanted to create a space for people to come and have fun in,” Young explains, “whether that’s meeting a friend for a coffee or having a night out with some good food and drinks.”
Inside, the space is pared back but warm, where a simple, neutral palette has been layered with touches of colour. It is a purposefully versatile space, and somewhere that feels as suitable for morning coffees as it does for after-dark antics (including, Young tells me, some late night dancing if you feel that way inclined). “One of my close friends, Toby Mannis did the fit out,” Young explains, “it was the perfect for what I wanted to do because he knows me so well and really understood what I was going for.”
As far as the food and drinks go, No.7 offers perfectly-made Supreme coffee and tasty snacks during the day (sometimes baked goods, or toasted sandwiches, or pastries from the likes of Daily Bread) and natural wines, cocktails and beers on Friday and Saturday nights (including Young’s personal favourite — VB fresh from the fridge). That said, due to the fact that No.7 is still in its early stages and also, that Young really wants to take some time to get to know his customers, the offering will continue to change and evolve in the coming weeks.
Regardless, the underlying idea at No.7 is clear, and no one puts it better than Young himself, “I want to keep it simple, small and yum.” Really, what more could you ask for?
Since its inception, Dadelszen has been unapologetic in its pursuit of luxury, creating collections that harness the skill of sought-after artisans and showcase fabrics of the highest quality. As such, it has become a brand deserving of a place alongside some of the world’s most iconic labels — its designs a source of perpetual sartorial inspiration that we return to season after season. And while the brand has built its reputation on discreet, exclusive luxury and reliable word-of-mouth, it is with the release of its new Autumn/Winter capsule that Dadelszen is pulling back the curtain on its new digital home, making a winter-wardrobe update easier than ever.
The new collection is a line-up of the kinds of pieces we tend to covet over winter, but finished in Dadelszen’s typically meticulous style. Winter tailoring, for example, goes well beyond flattering cuts to hero wool/mohair blends, silk-facing lapels and autumnal textiles in collaboration with iconic Italian fabrics company, Loro Piana. Womenswear pieces like the Helena Tuxedo and Valletta jackets are given a wintry reimagining, while for the men, styles like the Edward jacket has been created in a rich navy colour, and also offered in an exquisite snow grey cashmere — putting a sumptuous twist on this everyday piece. Similarly, the brand’s Prince shawl-lapel dinner jacket has been reimagined in a deep blue velvet, making it the perfect finishing touch for any after-dark look.
Elsewhere in the new collection, Dadelszen has created a series of impossibly cosy, chunky knits, that are promising to be the hardest working pieces in our winter wardrobes. Available to pre-order now, these knits have all been made in either pure Loro Piana cashmere or in a luxurious cashmere/silk blend. (because Dadelszen never does things by halves) and offer a range of cuts to suit any shape or style.
Carolina Coat in Pure Cashmere Zibeline, Moritz Cable Knit Sweater in Pure Loro Piana Cashmere, and the Jitrois Dee Pencil Skirt in Pecan Suede Lambskin Leather.
Completing the new offering is a raft of leather pieces, arriving directly from Paris (Dadelszen is an exclusive stockist of French leather-wear icon, Jitrois). Perfect for the inevitable inclement weather, the latest leather for her includes Jitrois’ high-waisted trousers, the perfect miniskirt and an ultra-supple, lambskin leather catsuit (if you’re feeling that way inclined). One of the only iterations of this style in the Southern Hemisphere, the Jitrois catsuit is a mainstay of the brand and features a low-slung waist belt and high collared neck. If it’s a sartorial statement you’re looking to make this season, look no further.
For him, a new style of jacket, the Olympique, joins Dadelszen’s timeless Andy Moto jackets and Dean Reversible jackets (this season in a sleek petrol green colour) all of which have been expertly produced by Seraphin, another bastion of French leather-wear.
Arriving just as we are getting our winter wardrobes up to scratch, Dadelszen’s new offering is a masterclass in timeless, wearable luxury and is exactly what we will be reaching for in the season ahead.
Painter Katherine Throne’s métier has long been anchored in celebrating nature. Having been drawn to flowers as a subject matter while completing her Master of Fine Arts, Throne has since made them into something of a muse, returning to them as symbols of both femininity and our connection with nature.
Rebels and Romantics is a new exhibition set to open at Sanderson Contemporary on the 5th of July. In the show the artist is highlighting what she calls the more “ramshackle” parts of the garden: those wild and unruly plants that have grown as nature intended. The exhibition will showcase a series of 14 new oil paintings that celebrate the beauty to be found in imperfection.
Here, we talk to Throne about her love for painting flowers, the inspiration behind her new work, and what we can take from their underlying message.
You have painted flora and fauna in your artworks for some time. When did you start painting in this way? I’m an expressionist mark-maker, and that skill was developed during my undergraduate and graduate art school studies in America. My Master’s thesis was studying the demise of decoration in the history of interior design, and focused heavily on collage. I became fascinated with the flower as this powerful and reoccurring icon of design, and then its subsequent denigration and elimination at the hands of modernism. My first solo show in New Zealand – Wallflower – was about returning the flower to the wall, and it felt right to do this in the expressive painterly manner I’d begun at art school. I’ve continued to pull at these threads of research over the last five years, delving into concepts of beauty, courage, the feminine and nature.
Why this particular subject matter? The importance of our relationship with nature increases daily. I hope we’re learning that the more we let nature get on and do its own thing, without us interfering, the better off our planet will be. At the same time, I believe we have an inherent drive in our DNA to be in nature, which means we are always craving a connection to it. I believe the more we can connect with nature the more we will care about it and take care of it.
From left: Interloper I, 2022 ;Secret Admirer, 2022.
I think it’s much harder to connect to a perfectly painted vase of hot house grown flowers. We can all relate to imperfection, and feeling like we don’t fit in. The more we can normalise these feelings the more acceptable the ramshackle becomes. The less threatening the untamed is, and the safer we feel in our own skin. I paint what I paint because there’s a joy in creating and sharing something beautiful, but it’s also a chance to connect with a viewer who thinks “I know that feeling, I feel that too”.
Tell Me about your upcoming exhibition. Rebels and Romantics is a collection of 14 oil paintings that depict a variety of flora from my local landscape. Each painting is cropped close like a portrait, and like a portrait, the painting reveals the personalities of these locals. I think of the collection as a cross section of society – like the faces you’d see at a community meeting. These are colourful characters in their true form. The rebels, the romantics and everything in between.
What was the inspiration behind it? These characters are colourful in their arresting natural beauty, but also in their unique habits and peripheral place in the garden. I realised I was most drawn to the wild and unruly parts of gardens, and noted I found most joy in the plants that were allowed to grow naturally. These social outcasts, garden misfits and over-exuberant performers seemed to exist in a state of carefree and joyous abandon. I was struck by their prolific decadence. Their refusal to obey is thrilling. That they thrive amidst outright hostility is inspiring.
What are you trying to say with these pieces? I want to capture the courage and zest for life that I see in these ramshackle plants. I want to push the boundary of a traditional motif, presenting it in a way that challenges ideas of beauty. I want the paintings to talk about the immense beauty of nature when it’s left alone to do its own thing. Mostly though, I want people to connect with the characters in these works. If each painting is a character study, then I ask myself who is this character and why am I drawn to her?
Is there a favourite within the series? What makes it so successful? I think painting is about mark making. It’s a visual language that tells a story and good mark making shows an ability to convey a feeling or narrative and form a connection with the viewer. My favourite paintings are always the ones whose marks can most eloquently say exactly what I feel. Interloper has to be one of my favourites in this new collection for this reason. The contrast of light creates a heightened sense of drama, the looseness of the gestural marks conveys energy, and the juxtaposition of differing paint applications creates tension — all these speak of the courage of an interloper.
Tell me about your creative process. I only paint plants and places I know well. I often paint the same plant over and over, trying different angles, various light and time of day, and with different plants around it. I want to get to know the plants better, in the same way a portrait painter uses a favourite model. It’s a way to dig deeper into the character studies I’m creating. The paintings take form slowly, with layers of oil building up gradually over time. Each layer is a chance to consider what I’m trying to say about the flower. The beauty of oil is that light travels through the layers of paint giving it depth and luminosity. I love that you can visually trawl through layers to learn a painting’s history in the same way that a person’s true character can be revealed if you take the time to ask, listen and consider.
‘Rebels and Romantics’ is on from 5th July until 31st Julyat Sanderson Contemporary, Osborne Lane, 2 Kent Street, Newmarket.
You don’t have to be a professional chef to appreciate a good knife—it’s the one thing that will that will take food prep from monotonous and labour-heavy to enjoyable and efficient. And when it comes to next-level blades, none do it better than the Japanese.
There is a number of reasons why Japanese knives are superior. For one, the Japanese have a long and rich history of blade smithing, from those weilded by the Samurai to those used by the world’s most lauded chefs to deliver unparalleled precision, Japanese blades are (in contrast to Western ones) sleek, elegant and lightweight.
Shun Premier Santoku Knife 18cm.
But with a price tag that sometimes leaves them overlooked, it’s important to know why Japanese kitchen knives are worth the investment. (Because they really are.) Beyond their good looks, Japanese-made knives are made from harder steel which affects the angle of the blade and makes for better edge retention. Here, the angle can be made to be much smaller than Western knives, which allows for a sharper finish that, because of the higher-carbon steel, will last for a much longer time.
Japnese knives also tend to be lighter, which again is related to the hard steel allowing for the blade itself to be thinner. This reduces the risk of you crushing your food as you cut it (which can affect its oxidisation and flavour) and makes Japanese knives perfect for using with fresh ingredients. Many Japanese knives also boast oval-shaped indentations which allows the blade to glide more seamlessly through food thanks to tiny pockets of air that act as friction-reducing hollow-ground cavities. The lighter weight also allows for more precise cuts and easier movements and means that for anyone who spends a lot of time in the kitchen, these knives will be the most comfortable option longterm.
Of course, aside from their technical advantages, Japanese knives are just plain beautiful. With exquisite lines, well-made handles and a finish that is just so, well, Japanese, these knives have far more shelf appeal than any of their Western counterparts, making any well-designed kitchen feel somewhat incomplete without one.
So whether you’ve been thinking about stepping up your kitchen game or simply want something that makes dinner prep more enjoyable, a Japanese knife is well worth the investment, and the best ones can be found locally at The Studio of Tableware. Trust us, you won’t look back.
From top: Shun Classic Paring Knife 9cm, Shun Classic Chefs Knife 20cm, Shun Premier Santoku Knife 18cm, all available from The Studio of Tableware.
Originally from Buenos Aries, Evelin Stjepanek has spent the last six years working at and managing a range of lauded hospitality venues around Auckland (including Annabel’s Wine Bar, Candela, Daphnes and Pici). Now, the industry veteran is finally poised to make a mark of her own on the scene she has come to know so well, having recently bought into Ponsonby Road bar, Est.1901.
“After years of working on it, I was finally ready to find a premise to start developing my own idea,” Stjepanek tells me, “and it was perfect timing, meeting the lovely existing owners of Est.1901 who wanted me to refresh the direction of the bar… we became business partners in March and since then, I have worked with the incredible team to redesign all the offerings.”
Located on a prime piece of Ponsonby Road real estate (right next door to Prego) Est.1901 originally opened as a cocktail bar in 2018, but under Stjepanek’s direction, has been transformed into a cocktail and wine bar, with Stjepanek directing her passion for the latter into a comprehensive wine list to sit alongside a raft of new cocktails. “We have 12 new signature cocktails, and of course all the ingredients to make the classics,” Stjepanek explains, “and our new wine list is a beautiful selection of the best from New Zealand and overseas, with wines that cover the old world and the new, from traditional and ancestral methods to natural and organic options as well.” The drinks menu will also carry a range of whiskys and sherrys for those seeking something a little stronger, but as Stjepanek emphasises, “we will always try our best to offer what people are looking for, so whatever you want, we’ll make it.”
For Stjepanek, it seems, creativity and customer service are the two factors underpinning Est.1901’s new direction, where a whole new food menu of delicious bites will be seasonally driven and offer a more creative take on the bar snacks of old, with options to suit any taste or proclivity (they even have vegan truffle butter, we are told).
“Ultimately, I wanted Est.1901 to be the perfect place to enjoy the simple things in life,” says Stjepanek, “good conversation, a fine drink in hand, pleasant music in the background and some delicious menu offerings, made in-house with love… our number one priority is to make the customer feel good and feel at-home.”
Right: 1901 owner Evelin Stjepanek.
To mark the relaunch, Stjepanek is throwing a good old fashioned Sunday sesh this weekend with music by Martina Mak and Forrest Bump, a range of tasty food offerings (think fried chicken sandos alongside various vegetarian and vegan options), natural wines and happy hour cocktails all afternoon. Running from 2pm until 10pm (with all welcome) Est.1901’s relaunch is not only the perfect place to while away your Sunday but is the perfect way to welcome the bar’s new-and-improved offering — something for everyone to get excited about.
There is a buzz surrounding the recent opening of Swings on Kitchener Street that, for anyone who knows its owners, is certainly deserved. Paul and Lisa Lee are beloved in Auckland’s dining scene as the couple behind Ponsonby Road’s Ockhee—a delicious Korean eatery with unique, soulful food and flavours that have garnered it something of a cult following.
Swings’ Bully Toasted Sandwich. Photos by One Eight Studio.
Now, the clever duo has opened another spot in Auckland, although the offering is something of a departure from what we have come to expect from Ockhee. “We thought about how we could introduce Korean culture more to New Zealanders,” Paul tells me, “so we decided to create a menu based on ‘flour’ which is the staple for kiwis and to mix it up with Korean flavours. My partner, Lisa, came up with an idea of doing Korean toasties.”
Located opposite Albert Park (just a short walk from the Auckland Art Gallery) Swings is a decidedly cool drop-in where punters can find perfectly-brewed coffee, natural wines and a menu of delicious Korean toasties. Sitting in the light-filled space, designed by the couple’s friend Young Do from Studio We Are Young, you feel distinctly removed from the city, despite being in its heart. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a coffee made from Swings in-house beans, a Korean soft drink or even a wine as you look out to the greenery opposite or browse through Swings’ shelves of branded merch and listen to music that has been meticulously-curated for the space.
Swings.
On the menu designed by Lisa, Swings offers a more playful twist on the kind of flavours that have made Ockhee so popular. The toasties are made with fluffy white bread and boast fillings like egg and mozzarella cheese with condensed milk and Gochujang sauce and marinated beef with mango and Bulgogi sauce, and there are a number of sides like fried chicken skewers and cheesy potato balls available as well. As Paul explains, “Lisa made the menu based on authentic Korean street toast and made all the sauce components that she thinks are right for people here. I would say it’s fusion Korean street food made for Kiwis.”
Left: Potato Cheese Balls and Fried Chicken Skewer.
Beyond the sleek fit out and delicious food, Swings is poised to become something of a creative hub, with Paul divulging plans to use the space for other purposes. “Once the city is back up and running properly, we will be doing lots of more fun things in this space with other creative friends,” he says, “it’s going to be a rad spot.”
Choosing sunglasses has become about much more than just shape alone. Because whether you’re a cat-eye person, or an aviator person or a square-frame person, what will really make a difference to your overall look, is colour. Namely, lens colour.
Recently we’ve noticed the re-emergence of tinted lenses as the style of choice for those in the know. Call it a 60s redux or an Elton John homage, or simply a reflection of bold way Gen-Z is dressing, but colourful lenses are taking over the accessory space and are the perfect way to add an interesting touch to everyday looks.
As always, whenever we think about upgrading our sunglasses it’s to the experts at Parker & Co. that we turn. And with a raft of recently-arrived men’s and women’s styles from brands like Moscot and Celine, this eyewear mecca is making it easier than ever to buy into this trend. These are some of our favourites.
Clockwise from top left: MissDior B3U Butterfly Sunglasses, Celine Metal Frame 02 Sunglasses, Victoria Beckham Classic Flat Top V Sunglasses, DiorSignature A3U Sunglasses, Garrett Leight Holly Sunglasses, DIORSIGNATURE S4U Sunglasses. All available from Parker & Co.
Clockwise from top left: Moscot Lemtosh Sunglasses, Culter & Gross 1397 Square Sunglasses, Moscot Miltzen Sunglasses, Moscot Gelt Sunglasses, Cutler & Gross 1396 Round Sunglasses, Garrett Leight Brooks X Sunglasses. All available from Parker & Co.
Milan’s design extravaganza, Salone Del Mobile, is taking place at the moment, and aside from the exceptional designers showcasing their newest creations, there are also a number of iconic fashion houses that have turned their hands to design (some for the first time, although many are old hands here). From Louis Vuitton to Fendi and even a collaboration between the late Virgil Abloh and Cassina, here are our highlights.
Louis Vuitton.
Louis Vuitton This year marks the 10th anniversary of Louis Vuitton’s lauded Objets Nomades collection—a decade of the iconic French fashion house’s foray into intriguiging design. Handily coinciding with this year’s Milan Design week, Louis Vuitton is celebrating the milestone with a takeover of the recently-reimagined former parking lot, Garage Traversi, to unveil a number of new items (designed via collaborations with Atelier Oï, the Campana Brothers and London-based Raw Edge) alongside some re-invigorated classic designs, (including the Bomboca Sofa in new colours by the Campana Brothers, and fresh iterations of Marcel Wanders’ Petal Chair and the Signature Armchair and Sofa by Frank Chou). In a continuation of the brand’s history of teaming up with the world’s most revered designers, this year’s Objets Nomades is an impressive showcase of the Louis Vuitton’s signature savoir-faire and unique design edge.
Fendi Casa.
Fendi Casa To celebrate the opening of its first Milan flagship store earlier this year, Fendi is putting its best foot forward at this year’s Salone Del Mobile and showcasing a range of exquisite new pieces by designers like Cristina Celestino, Piero Lissoni and Atelier Oï, as well as new lighting collections. One particular highlight is the Cloe Chair by Marcel Wanders, which reflects Fendi’s pequin stripe motif in dark brown leather loops over a smoked-oak frame and boasts a plush velvet seat.
Fendi is also erecting a pop-up bar in the courtyard of its Milan boutique, finished in the brand’s signature O’Lock logo and bright pops of yellow and promising to serve perfectly-brewed coffee in porcelain that offers an exclusive preview of Fendi’s Art de la Table collection.
Miss Dior Chair by Philippe Starck.
Dior Revered designer Philippe Starck has transformed Christian Dior’s iconic Medallion Chair, treating its recogniseable sillhouette to a sleek, minimalist reimagining reflective of the designer’s pasison for the pared-back. In persuit of perfection, Starck reinterpreted the chair with impossibly thin legs and arms and fashioned it from a singular material, so that the form’s uninterupted lines feel fluid and feminine. It has been aptly named the Miss Dior chair.
Hermès Taking over the sport centre, La Pelota, in Milan’s Brera area, Hermès returns to Salone Del Mobile with a showcase of its new six-piece offering. Already renowned for its elevated, luxury homewares, Hermès has put the focus on textiles this year’s, specifically cashmere, expressed under the umbrella of ‘Looking for Lightness.’ Staged in four imposing but delicately-built structures (covered in transluscent coloured paper), the brand’s new pieces, including blankets in patchwork patterns and bright, unique tones, moulded leather centrepieces, bamboo chairs and porcelain plates, are exquisitely presented under the ever-changing light that filters through the towers’ exteriors.
Versace Home.
Versace Home Working with Roberto Palomba and Ludovica Serafin to create an immersive, multi-faceted space for Versace Home at this year’s Salone Del Mobile, Donatella Versace is reimagining the brand’s home experience. Combining design, fashion and art, the space in Milan’s Palazzo della Permanente captures all the sensual luxury and opulance of the brand while speaking to its evolution, where the undisputed hero is a reimagined La Medusa collection in an all-new vinyl covering.
Armani/Casa.
Armani/Casa Giorgio Armani is presenting the new range of Armani/Casa products at Armani/Silos, an exhibition space split into nine environments, eight of which speak to the iconic designer’s main sources of inspiration, and one which offers a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process behind Armani/Casa. Inside the space, a range of furniture and accessories will be brought to life — including new pieces and classics re-contextualised — offering a 360-degree look at the aesthetic world of Armani interiors, iconic from 2000 to today.
Loewe.
Loewe Unveiling a raft of intriguing design concepts for its sixth year at Salone Del Mobile, Loewe is celebrating the art of weaving with ‘WEAVE, RESTORE, RENEW,’ an exhibition that explores leather weaving, a Galician straw weaving tradition called Coroza and a Korean paper weaving technique called Jiseung. Here, the house resurrects materials that may otherwise be discarded by weaving them into baskets, handbags, vases and storage, and highlights ideas of how manual labour can deliver meaning to an object and the beauty of bringing traditional techniques into a modern context.
Stella McCartney Marking her first foray into interiors, lauded British fashion designer Stella McCartney has teamed up with historic Italian design house B&B Italia to reimagine the latter’s iconic Le Bambole chair (originally designed by Mario Bellini in 1972). Upholstered in Stella McCartney’s hand-drawn Fungi Forest Burgundy print (from Spring/Summer ’22), the chair is given a bold, unapologetic presence, befitting of its status as icon of design. The collaboration also marks the 50th anniversary of the Le Bambole — a fitting tribute, we think.
Missoni Home.
Missoni Home Setting up two installations to showcase two collections, in conjunction with Fuorisalone, Missoni has installed a dreamy exhibition on the ground floor of its Milan showroom that promises to take visitors on a whimsical, colourful journey through fantastical, nostalgic design. While on the first floor, its Gifting Capsule comprises small but very significant and highly collectible items. Milan University will also play host to a Missoni moment, in which the brand will tell the story of its evolution in design via evocative installations in the University grounds. At Salone Del Mobile, Missoni is presenting its latest tableware collection that melds the brand’s signature colourful flair with artistic touches and allegorical forms.
Ralph Lauren Home.
Ralph Lauren Home For this year’s Salone Del Mobile, Ralph Lauren opens up his unique world in a showcase that epitomises the kind of lifestyle his eponymous label has long been associated with. Located in the heart of Milan, Palazzo Ralph Lauren offers a moment of opulent respite in the middle of the bustling urban centre, where richly-layered, ornate interiors are used to showcase the brand’s Fall 2022 homewares. Here, deep mahogany meets antiqued brass and burnished leather, while tartans and paisleys and animal prints somehow happily coexist. The Palazzo even offers the perfect courtyard for alfresco dining, decorated with pieces from the brand’s new collection and available to be booked for lunch, afternoon tea or aperitivo.
Toogood x Carhartt.
Toogood X Carhartt Carharrt WIP teamed up with contemporary British brand Toogood to showcase their new, collaborative unisex capsule collection of everyday uniform wear at this year’s Salone Del Mobile. Highlighting the architectural shapes and voluminous silhouettes at play in the range of styles created by Toogood using contrasting, patchwork fabrics, three giant puppets wearing oversized garments from the collection anchor the exhibition.
Virgil Abloh x Cassina.
Virgil Abloh x Cassina The late visionary and culture-defining fashion designer Virgil Abloh might have tragically passed away earlier this year, but his particular design perspective was second to none, as proved (yet again) but the unveiling of pieces he had been working on with Italian design labels Cassina and Alessi, prior to his death. Now, the former is showing ‘Modular Imagination by Virgil’ which comprises two matte-black blocks in different sizes that play with ideas of creativity and adaptability and can be used to form a range of things from a side-table to a bench to a stool.
Swarovski x Rosenthal.
Swarovski x Rosenthal The Signum Collection is the result of an exquisite partnership between iconic crystal jewellery label Swarovski and historic porcelain artisans, Rosenthal, and sees pieces that fuse porcelain and crystal and are rendered in whimsical candy-toned colours. To mark this new chapter for the Swarovski brand, it held a joyful afternoon tea party at Casa degli Atellani in Milan for its official launch.
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