The thing about Barcelona is there’s always something new popping up. It’s that energy that makes it feel like Los Angeles to me, only on a smaller scale that’s much easier to explore. Take for example this new visual identity from Hey Studio (probably the best design studio in the city) for Casa Montjüic, a multi-hyphenate space for creatives containing three different areas: a multi-purpose theater capable of hosting cinema screenings, plays, and intimate concerts; a music venue; and a restaurant featuring a seasonal menu and exquisite wines.
Hey Studio took inspiration from the ever-changing billboards of 19th century cinemas and music venues to match the energy of the unconventional culture. The result is a branding experience that’s bursting with life, both in the physical and digital worlds, with a vibrant color palette which brings the visual language into the 21st century.
Love a flexible identity system that can do a lot of things with ease. And this color palette is super fun, making the space feel so contemporary. Huerco S. is playing a set on Sunday and Kyle and I just bought tickets, stoked to check out the space and go drink some natty wine 🥂
For their fourth collaboration together, streetwear lifestyle label Stüssy and Copenhagen-based homeware brand Tekla have introduced a beautiful new lime green that I’m loving. What I appreciate about Tekla is their choices around color palettes. They’re always finding these surprising tones of color that are left of center, like the most interesting version you’ve seen. This lime color is a perfect example. Maybe it’s just me but these remind me of the color of glow in the dark stars that I would put up on the ceiling of my bedroom when I was a teenager, core memory unlocked here.
For a very long time I’ve leaned toward more neutral colors for my duvet, in the hopes it would create a very serene, calming space. Then I moved to Barcelona, became mildly obsessed with Tekla, and now my bed is covered in red bedsheets. So in the same vein of spicing up the bedroom, I came across this vibrantly colored duvet from Garza Marfa, which I think is gorgeous. The way I see it, as fall starts to arrive next month, and winter around the corner, it’s always nice to have pops of color to offset the grey skies.
A collaborative project between design studio FISK and Brown Printing, JOON Magazine was created show their love of Portland, and to show all the exciting things happening in the city’s art scene with as many people as possible. The most recent issue is dedicated to a special edition catalog featuring Kurisu LLC, a world-renowned landscape and design-build firm, and which they describe as “rooted in a simple yet impactful vision to create restorative experiences where natural places give way to individual and collective wellbeing.”
In addition to the magazine, they’ve put together this beautiful documentary which gives a look into the meaning and process behind the work. I follow Japanese Garden TV on YouTube, who I’ve written about in past newsletters, so this is very much alley. I do my best to tend to my little plants around my apartment, this is totally the next level.
I’ve been trying to work on myself lately (as one should always be doing) so when I read Annika Hansteen-Izora’s 6 Things I’m Trying to Say More it really clicked with me. A lot of what she’s written about is being open, asking for help, and enjoying the wonders of everyday life. For me, I can get caught up in my routines, doing things in the same ways each day, so I’m trying to break free of these routines and explore what else may work.
Let’s talk about creative norms. When you think of the idea of an apartment, what springs to mind? Is it a space filled with high contrast checkerboard tiles that line the floors and nearly all of the walls? Most likely not, and that is what’s special about Casa Cabanyal, a project by Viruta Lab.
The studio took on the project of revitalizing an old space while still keeping many of the original details. Their bold solution was a two-color blue and off-white checkerboard mosaic that covers the floors throughout the space, as well as halfway up most of the walls, taking inspiration from the Cabanyal neighborhood where the space is located, as well as a nod to the sea.
Why I think this project works so well is that they’ve chosen to diffuse the checkerboard pattern with woodwork in European oak that was stained to resemble Canaletto walnut, as well as the pops of green in the furnishings. The check is a lot to look at, which I think actually draws your eyes to other elements of the space, presenting even more value on the details of the original walls and ceilings. It’s such a striking combination of pattern, material, and colors, what do you think? Do you feel like you could live in a space as dynamic as this?
We all love a good pairing, especially two things which are incredible on their own. A cheeseburger and sparkling wine? Unbeatable. So I was stoked to hear that electronic music heavyweights Nosaj Thing and Jacques Greene decided to pair up for a new single, “Too Close.” Greene describes the track as “what if a trip-hop record was played at 45,” and saying that there’s a “hazy moodiness and the breaks donʼt really feel like the run-of-the-mill nu-breaks of Bandcamp.” I love this track, it’s got the very sublime, spiritual sound that Nosaj brings with that pulsing energy of Greene, plus some beautiful vocals from Ouri. Plus, I’m loving the artwork from Eric Hu, who’s clearly been continue to explore his Midjourney illustration style, I’m really digging it.
If you enjoyed this single you should also check out the back-to-back DJ set they did last week, with two hours of great tunes. They play a lot of their own tunes, plus some other great tracks, really solid mix (minus the couple of times the power goes out lol).
I get a lot of joy in finding nice versions of everyday objects. I’m thinking of items like a keychain, or maybe a nice bag, belongings that feel special when you use them. Even small objects that heighten the comfort of your home. How about a small fish? Yes, a sardine incense holder can be magical to me. Made by Spiritual Objects in Los Angeles, it’s cast out of solid bronze, and features two different sized holes to fit most incense sticks from around the world. I’ve really gorwn fond of sardines as decorative objects. Perhaps it’s living in Spain and my constant exposure to sardines?
There are people in life who stand out from the pack. Their view point unique, their self-confidence seemingly unwavering, and through personal style, creative projects, or any number of aspects of self-expression, they seem extraordinary. Think Virgil Abloh, Miuccia Prada, or Hayao Miyazaki, each marching to the beat of their own drum.
What made me start thinking about this was a piece by Rachel Tashjian for the Washing Post titled, Whatever happened to having taste? In it, she speaks to the second (perhaps third?) coming of Jenna Lyons, famously know for her time as the womenswear designer for J.Crew, and one of the new additions to The Real Housewives of New York. To succinctly sum up the piece, she talks about how Lyons simply has taste, especially in contrast to her RHONY costars who primarily have, well, money. She then dives into our experiences of the last 20 years or so, delving into fashion blogging, and how it evolved and gave rise to “influencers,” which steadily gave rise to capitalizing taste. Folks started to realize they could make money showing off their taste, until the whole thing became watered down, and now 99% of it is performing for cash doled out by brands.
This applies to all matter of creative endeavors. Being able to take risks, do something unlike others in your industry, having the charisma and gall to make outlandish things. That’s hard for most people. I look to Jenna Lyons as a personal inspiration. I don’t necessarily want to dress like her, per se. What I want is to have an eclectic wardrobe of stylish garments, putting together eye-catching ensembles, and have the confidence that she emanates whenever you see her. Beyond that, how can I carry that same weight in my design work? With my writing? Hell, how do I bring that power into the way I carry myself?
I believe in myself and my personal taste, which was a huge part of why I started The Fox Is Black again. Social media can be such a vacuum of taste. Curating style guides from brands from the mid-century, runway shows from the 90’s, photo galleries of brutalist homes. It’s simply saying, “HERE ARE THINGS” without any context, nor personal view, of “here is why this is important to me.” Superficiality curated. I am certainly guilty of this, and that’s why I’m trying to do more with this space, ensuring I provide more of the why to my writing. Because, in my opinion, good taste needs a point of view. In Tashjian’s piece on taste, she speaks with Leandra Medine, well-known for her blog Man Repeller, who’s quote I agree with wholly:
“I respect my taste,” Medine says. “My loyalty through all of this has to be to creative progress. And the way to stay close to creative progress is to also stay close to your taste.”
Recently, I was made aware of the fact that Anthony Bourdain had visited San Sebastián, and the Basque Country, on three separate occasions: in 2001 with A Cook’s Tour, in 2007 on No Reservations, and in 2016 for Parts Unknown. Like anyone else who admires Bourdain, I had to see if I could watch these episodes. Sure enough, I was able to find his last visit. It was fascinating to see the places he loved, the other areas around San Sebastián he also visited, and of course, see the area through his eyes.
What made watching this more exciting is that I’m about to head out for a long lunch at Restaurante Arzak. Juan Mari Arzak and his daughter Elena are the owners and chef de cuisine of Arzak, and play a huge part in the episode, with Bourdain calling Juan Mari not only his friend, but his mentor. The fact that Bourdain found this place so special to go to only gives even more weight to the experience, I’m so excited to have a chance to eat here.
When the Proper Hotel opened in Downtown Los Angeles, it instantly became one of the most beautiful hotels in the entire city. That is primarily due to the vision and hard work of Kelly Wearstler, the interior designer who is perhaps one of the most fashionable in the world. Her work always feels bold and over-the-top but in a very natural, and thoughtful way. As it turns out though, she wasn’t quite done, as she’s now designed a lounge and bar space called Dahlia, which feels like a chic, Mediterranean getaway. Now, how do I get my apartment to look like this?
New York-based artist Jon Burgerman has a new series of works up at WOAW Gallery in Singapore titled Feel The Heat. The works are made up of brightly colored, adorable creatures, all started to blend together and press up against each other. The work is filled with all sorts of drippy details, with some of the animals feeling a bit more diffused and languishing than others. This is because the work is meant to highlight a deeper issue:
“The title embodies a clever double entendre of a tongue-in-cheek reference to the ‘hotness’ in Burgerman’s latest work while also poignantly reflects our anxiety towards climate change as our planet grapples with its hottest recorded temperatures. Burgerman’s show goes forth with saturated neon-like colours, reminiscent of heat maps, where his compositions fluidly drip and merge into one another, mirroring the ever-changing state of our environment.”
Stop by if you’re in Singapore, the show is up till 23 September.
