Known for as an elegant travel companion and the ultimate luxury baggage, RIMOWA normally boasts subdued colors including its renowned aluminum case. The brand has chosen to include two additional colorways to the family: a Marine inspired by the blue of the Mediterranean, and a Scarlet resembling the colors of a red bird native to Nothern South America. A touch of color is sure to differentiate the new traveler on whatever adventure they are about to embark on.
RIMOWA recognized that travelers often like to make a distinct statement with their luggage by adjusting stickers and other accessories (at least to recognize their luggage on the conveyor belt.) Instead of bedazzling its pieces, the brand has chosen to re-identify and introduce two new suitcases that are in of themselves a statement ready to fly to the world. The rich colors ideally complement the sophisticated design and master craftsmanship.
The new RIMOWA Originals will be available worldwide in three sizes – Cabin ($1,150), Check-In L ($1,500) and Trunk Plus ($1,920) both in stores and online.
A regular fixture of London Design Week, Tom Dixon transformed his headquarters, The Coal Office in King’s Cross hub, into a multi-sensory lab, titled TouchySmellyFeelyNoisyTasty. Appealing to each of the senses, the designer handpicked partners to collaborate on the week-long exhibition.
The first of the part of the series — Touchy-Feely — took place in Dixon’s Design Research Studio, where he had partnered with men’s care brand Harry’s on a razor bar. Guests also got the opportunity to admire Dixon’s own salon chair and decor (pictured in the featured image).
For the Noisy part of the exhibit, the brand organized a light and sound installation. The Looky shop grew upon that idea as well with an installation of light fixtures, including the new LED range, and lights from the latest Spring 2020 collection.
For the Smelly corner, Tom Dixon launched two new fragrances, Underground and Alchemy. Finally, for Tasty the French champagne house Perrier-Jouët set up a champagne bar. Just like that, Tom Dixon’s headquarters were the ideal place to spend a whole afternoon during the commotion of London Design Week.
Man Wood Neroli, Bvlgari‘s latest men’s eau de parfum, pays homage to the brand’s love affair with Italy. Master Perfumer Alberto Morillas created the scent with bergamot, orange blossom, cedarwood, and musk accords in reference to a specific aspect of Italy framed by the coast. Bvlgari collaborated with photographer Gray Malin, who recently launched a photography book highlighting the country’s coasts, to give more meaning to this continuous amore. Malin calls Wood Neroli: “Truly my love affair with Italy translated into photographs.” We caught up with the photographer to learn about his photography and fragrance preferences.
Varenna, Lake Como
Tell me a bit about how your Italian photo series originated. Were you always inspired by the country and its azure beach towns?
Since the first time I visite Italy in college, I’ve been enamored by a specific sense of the old-world charm and little luxuries that Italy, especially the historic beach towns, possess. I have shot Italy by boat, by helicopter from above, and by land, with a focus on my land-based photography in my book to capture the essence of La Dolce Vita lifestyle that exists in the nuances of the culture.
Bvlgari’s eau de parfum is also inspired by Italy — was there any reason, in particular, you continue to be inspired by the region?
I am endlessly inspired by Italy. If I had a crystal ball, it would depict many more trips to visit, document, and experience Italy’s charm the rest of my life. Man Wood Neroli has a fresh and energizing quality to it, it reminds me of sunny days spent along the Italian Coastal regions and complements my visual memory of time spent in Italy.
Eden Rock
How do you envision the actual scent? Does it remind you of any specific destination?
The scent reminds me of a hotel I stayed at in Ravello along the Amalfi Coast. It’s covered with lush lemon trees. The entire property has a fresh, vibrant citrus scent.
Both photography and perfumery highly rely on our senses — how does a sensory existence enrich our lives?
My photography transports you from one place to another and a certain scent had the same effect. Life is full of visual experiences and from my own experience, people want to be transported to Italy as often as possible.
Faraglioni from above
How do you choose your photo locations?
It all begins with an authentic interest in the location follow by months, if not years, of research to observe the landscape accurately. I also like to listen to my audience and hear where they would like me to photograph — I enjoy direct feedback and critique.
What is one of your favorite things about your work?
My favorite thing about my work is that it is extremely authentic and deeply rooted in who I am as a human being. I love to connect with people, I love to travel, and I love to feel joy, and these are some qualities my work evokes for anyone who experiences it.
If you could go back to your Italian photo series and book, would you do anything differently? Is there anything that you have wanted to include but ultimately edited out?
Italy is my fourth book and as a creative, editing is often very difficult. With every book, there are spreads that have to be cut to fit the page count and it is unfortunate. For Italy, I am very proud of what I accomplished in a 144-page book and I really do not have any regrets.
This summer, visitors in Mykonos may have noticed a giant Mr.Monopoly balloon floating across the Mediterranean. The gliding display was just the latest effort by Alec Monopoly. The character piece has become an immediate representation of the nomad himself, who painted additional pieces while onboard the blow-up — some of those pieces were exhibited at Eden Fine Art, a New York-based gallery owned and curated by Cathia Klimovsky. We caught up with the traveling artist, who’s amassed over one million followers on Instagram, to learn more about his inspirations.
Could you tell me a bit about your beginning as an artist? What initially attracted you to graffiti?
Originally from New York City, graffiti and street art always had a strong influence on my personal aesthetic. My mother was classically trained as a painter, so fine art was always a part of my early life. Our home was filled with beautiful paintings, and I was always encouraged to express myself via art.
Where does your pseudonym come from?
I treat my true identity as a game. I want the audience to be able to decipher what I stand for. Between my artworks and my public persona, I want to create a complete image that comments on societal matters such as capitalism, consumerism, and success.
Your work has traveled internationally — is there any reason why you choose Greece this summer?
I am grateful that I have gotten the opportunity to exhibit my work internationally. I choose Mykonos, Greece in particular for this last exhibition due to its prominence in popular culture. Mykonos is at its height in popularity attracting so many people from everywhere. Despite its rapid development, it has still maintained its unique Cyclades Island character.
Could you talk a bit about the inspiration behind this collection?
Eden Fine Art owned by Cathia Klimovsky curated this exhibition. I wanted this to be a party fitting for the island that is renowned for its level of luxury and excess. I wanted to go over the top and create an exhibition unlike anything seen before. We created a massive floating sculpture for me to live paint on. There was no lack of abundance or extravagance as the island is.
Why did you decide to exhibition giant a version of Monopoly’s signature character, Rich Uncle Pennybags, on the coastline? Is this a case for participatory art?
Rich Uncle Pennybags, also known as Mr. Monopoly, is one of my favorite characters to paint. He started as the face of capitalism and corporate approach, but as I grew as an artist, so has the character. Today Mr. Monopoly is synonymous with me; we both have a strong drive to achieve success in whatever we put our minds to.
I wanted all of the party-goers and travelers, even the ones who could not attend my exhibition $PF MONOPOLY to get a taste of the fun. A taste of the magic. Even days after I left the island, people were Instagramming themselves swimming out to the giant floating sculpture. I feel so proud every time I see myself tagged in one of these videos. I am grateful that my art gets to be seen and experienced and interacted with by so many people.
Can you talk about any other projects you’re working on this year?
I like to talk about my future projects! But I also don’t want to ruin any surprises. Let’s just say large events during Art Basel Miami, followed by New York and Far East events.
Founded in 2011, PELLE incorporates architectural elements in its range of original lighting fixtures, furniture pieces, and other objects. Unlike many studios with outposts in Brooklyn, the design firm founded by Jean and Oliver Pelle houses both its workroom and showroom in Manhattan’s Flatiron district. Jean has her hand-drawn sketches, resembling those of Georgia O’Keeffe, alongside the actual product assemblage right in the workspace. Functioning as an art studio as well, the duo displays exhibitions with their latest works. The last showcase featured a hand-sculpted banana frond lamp called Nana Lure. The ultimate effect is a chic fantasy designed with seemingly well-known elements and pleasant lines that rearrange the space into a dreamy oasis.
Beam and glow collection
PELLE mediates the lines between refined engineered design and a tad of humor. One may recall the brand’s popular bubble chandelier collection back in 2008, but the best example, titled Incise Paintings, features a textured, colorblocked canvas with light bulbs peeking out of a slit. The concept evolved from an everyday design dilemma into a true canvas painting with the brand name signed below. Working through concepts rather than projects, the duo intends to continue working on more color inclusion and LED light integration.
When in need of escape for the ultimate repose, it only helps that the destination you choose to retreat to inspires serenity and peace. We’ve compiled a list of the finest international hotels and resorts that dare you to forget your worries and unwind.
THE LIMING BEQUIA Bequia Island, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
The Caribbean is a feast of color and fun, but its best secret lies in the blissful beaches like those at The Liming hotel in Bequia. Fully complementing its natural surroundings, this is the resort to enjoy the best of the Caribbean from the comfort a coveted little island. Some of the resort’s accommodations include a private mansion house as well as villas with their own hot tubs. Bequia is truly the destination to forget the rest of the world for a holiday and focus on the beauty of nature with ample sunshine.
AMANGIRI Utah, USA
Wellness travel represents a conscious choice from the modern tourist to prioritize their own health, as well as the planet’s, in their destinations of choice. Planted in the middle of the desert, Amangiri is the ideal place to restore beauty, harmony, balance, and health in one’s life. With a minimalist design, its location is completely unimposing against nature and enhanced by the quiet of the surrounding desert.
CHEVAL BLANC RANDHELI Maldives
For a hushed haven, the azure lagoon of the Maldives calls out to the traveler. Cheval Blanc, located on a private island accessible solely by boat or plane, in the South Asian region is an impossibly tranquil hotel aggrandized by contemporary architecture and interior cues. With an activities program centered around wellness and complete relaxation, the exotic gardens and the white beaches are a cure to just about everything.
ART MAISONS Santorini, Greece
Perched on the volcanic island, the Aspaki and Oia Castle hotels act as a fortress of calm. With the whole of Santorini just outside the doors, Art Maisons offers a fully inclusive experience where one doesn’t really ever want to leave. Instead, unwind in the cave pools and experience the relaxing spa with sprawling views of the Mediterranean.
CASA WABI Oaxaca, Mexico
Art tourism is on the rise, and Casa Wabi is Oaxaca’s leading art destination — a contemporary art gallery with a cinema, clay workshop space, an observatory, a mobile library for 35 local schools, beehives, and active participation in the local community. While one cannot necessarily stay at Casa Wabi for a holiday, the venue houses five rooms for artists to stay for residencies. It’s this kind of new nomadic travel that will be the future of modern tourism.
QUINTA DA COMPORTA Carvalhal, Portugal
The Portuguese villa Quinta da Comporta believes in nature’s rhythm. The dreamy wellness boutique resort just outside of Lisbon practically melts away any worry. It is one of those well-kept secrets yet entirely untouched by the crowds. Stroll besides its acres of pine trees, lush green rice fields, and white sand beaches for the ultimate dose of European relaxation.
Bacardi has partnered with Lonely Whale in an optimistic campaign, titled #TheFutureDoesntSuck, to recycle used straws into limited-edition vinyl records. The non-profit organization and the global spirits corporation want to rid the world of one billion single-use plastic straws by 2020. Instead of throwing away their straws individuals will now be able to recycle them into the first-ever straw vinyl: a lovely deed for the planet and great marketing for BACARDÍ. The two will take used straws from 55 partner bars across the country to then turn into vinyl for music exclusively produced by Major Lazer and Anitta. Fans were able to pledge to the cause this past weekend at the Life is Beautiful festival in Las Vegas. Collection bins for the initiative will be around starting November 11 and the final vinyl will be available on December 3 with 100% of proceeds going directly to Lonely Whale.
Midtown gets a dose of British class with a new Ettinger residency opening this fall. Taking over the historic Turnbull & Asser Townhouse, the British tailoring label’s premiere Manhattan outpost, the leather goods brand is expanding its presence with an innovative and intimate retail experience. The residency carries a wide assortment of Ettinger’s signature leather accessories, including its wallets and luggage range, while serving as the site for the label’s first bespoke offering. Fittingly titled Ettinger Bespoke, the new in-store initiative will allow customers to personalize their own merchandise (they can choose from a selection of eight products) with on-site customization services including embroidery and embossing.
“This opportunity and the coming together of Ettinger and Turnbull & Asser in New York is undoubtedly one of our most exciting brand and retail collaborations,” Ettinger’s CEO Robert Ettinger said in a statement. “We are also delighted that Ettinger Bespoke is being offered alongside Turnbull & Asser’s bespoke services. We really see that as an exciting development for both brands as the appeal of bespoke gets ever bigger amongst our discerning customers.”
The Ettinger residency is open now at 50 E 57th St, NY 10022.
Today the world stands with Great Thunberg’s global climate strike calling out to both governments and the community to go green. With a myriad of options available, it’s time to consider a more ecologically friendly accommodation for your next travel plans too. See our top choices below:
AZULIK — Tulum, Mexico
A storybook puzzle of suspended wooden paths winds through the Mexican jungle at AZULIK, immediately connecting one with the natural surroundings. The destination employs only sustainable practices, relying on candlelight instead of electricity. Not a single tree was cut down for construction, instead, the surroundings dictate the architecture. Perched in the palm treetops looking out onto the Caribbean Sea, AZULIK, which has now grown into its own lifestyle concept center, features its own private cenote, SFER IK museum, and spiritual ancestral medicine rituals. A connection to the planet is cornerstone here, with a focus on human healing through clean practices, collective experiences, and personal transformation. Tulum has become a hub of party-goers and well-heeled vacationers, but AZULIK maintains its principles to advance its ecological ethos each year. Now supporting the sea-life recovery efforts in the region too, the hotel helps four different species of turtles hatch and return safely to sea. If the planet had a best friend, AZULIK would be its biggest advocate. •
WHITEPOD — Valais, Switzerland
Away from après-ski chalet living, Whitepod is not just another hotel. Roosted upon a scenic vista in the Alps, the pod is a luxury form of accommodation that allows guests to experience preserved nature without disturbing it. Going by the motto “Nature is your luxury,” Whitepod offers a domeshaped tent experience year-round with included woodburning stoves, organic bedding, a sauna, and ski equipment readily available. A particularly Swiss experience offers authentic design with old wooden bells and other meticulous details. Hammocks are an option as well for a true repose far from crowds and metropolitan noise. With sustainability at its core, the use of water and energy is strictly controlled with waste recycled, ingredients sourced exclusively from local farms, and staff living nearby. Ultimately, the pods adapt and blend with the seasons, whether green in the summer or white in the winter, each its own corner of nature. •
VIVOOD — Alicante, Spain
Framing the panoramic horizon, Vivood leaves the visitor in total splendor of a different kind of holiday. With a completely innovative and contemporary design, Vivood stylishly maintains an environmentally-friendly existence. The hotel was actually constructed at another location and then transported to the cliff to avoid damaging the territory and its flora. Each structure is built from wood sourced from controlled plantations, ensuring an ethical architecture. Using only renewable energy generated through solar paneling, saving water, and locally sourced ingredients for the slow-food restaurant, the hotel is a pioneer in how other destinations can follow a sustainable path. Additionally, Vivood is working to create an organic garden on-premise to grow produce. Disconnected from the masses in a valley, this is the place where everything inspires repose and calibration to the source. •
For 20 years, DITA has been at the forefront of merging innovative research with bold design. Now the Los Angeles-based label has launched DITA-Lancier, a 16-piece collection of eyewear imbued with performance technology to take on land, sea, and air. To test out the frames, the brand has tapped some of the world’s top athletes. Formula One racers Max Verstappen and Pierre Gasly opt for a titanium style that dramatically reduces blinding glare. Olympic gold-winning sailor Peter Burling prefers a pair with embedded polarization technology. And Kirby Chambliss—a champion aerobatic pilot—sports lenses that guarantee minimal distortion at every elevation.
September has arrived and with it the winds of change in weather, moods, and wardrobes. We spoke to British home-brand The White Company about transforming one of the most sacred spots in our life: the bedroom, for the fall season.
As seasons change, bedrooms should too. What do you think are the most important changes to make to the bedroom?
Our bedroom should be a place of retreat, rest and relaxation; a cool airy sanctuary in summer and a place to cocoon in autumn. Keeping our beds healthy is essential while the seasons change and using pillow and mattress protectors are great for this. A mattress topper that doubles up for the seasons is a great investment. Our Reversible Luxury Topper is perfect for all-year-round comfort. The merino wool side provides an extra layer of warmth in the colder months and the crisp cotton keeps you cool all summer long. The Pillow Protector provides a protective extra layer that can be removed and laundered every few weeks to help protect and lengthen the lives pillows and mattresses is important all year round – whatever the weather!
What is the best kind of bedding for colder temperatures?
Staying warm during the colder months is essential for feeling snug and combatting that autumn chill. Whilst a low tog duvet and a linen base is perfect for the summer, layering your bedding with different throws and indulging in wool or goose down duvet like our Luxury Hungarian Goose Down & Feather Comforter is best for the winter. Adding to that, you can’t beat a cozy cable knit or luxury cashmere throw for snuggling up in on cold nights. Our blankets, spun from pure cashmere and blissfully soft Peruvian alpaca, is the ultimate indulgence that. The Wilby Throw is an easy addition that makes any bed instantly cozy or for a more simplistic feel look no further than our classic Cashmere Throw.
Design-wise, how should we redecorate? Can you give any tips for decluttering and/or re-arranging the bedroom?
We love creating beautiful bedrooms and with the bed is a key focal point of the room it is a great place to start when re-decorating. Whether it is changing the layout of your pillows or introducing a decorative throw to the end of the bed, it’s the subtle changes that will help really transform a space. Layering textures with our Burlington Throw & Cushion Cover and adding different sized cushions is great way to update your room for a new season; smaller cushions are great for a more tailored look.
Finding pieces that are both aesthetically pleasing yet practical are essential, like our Seagrass Large Oval Basket, can both bring a new look to a space while helping to keep it clean. Fresh foliage also has a way of breathing new life into a space. Whether it be a larger arrangement on your dresser, stored in our Boston Large Vase, or a piece held in our Smoked Aurelie Mini Vase for the bedside help the space feel a more ‘finished’ when re-decorating.
What kind of scents do you recommend for fall?
There is no better way to add warmth and ambiance into a home than with a candle in the Winter. For us at The White Company our signature Winter Candle signals the start of the festive season. Winter’s richly evocative aroma is made with fragrant orange, lightly spiced cardamom, nutmeg, cinnamon and clove, and has been a consistent bestseller for years. However, our Natural Sleep Candle also is ideal for the bedroom, crafted to help you enjoy a tranquil night’s sleep.
When living in New York City or London becomes too grey, the Maldives unimposingly offers blue lagoons, white-sand beaches, and perfect weather. It’s to no surprise that The Standard‘s newest destination is on the Pacific island range, with a private resort on an Huruvalhi Island opening this fall. The 115-villa feature amidst the eternal blue is a contemporary dream for self-care, pure fulfillment, and sunshine.
Located a swift 35-minutes from Velena International Aiport, the island is accessible by a seaplane or a speedboat. With both overwater villas and beach villas, the amenities are stacked for even the most demanding patron. The resort offers a number of blissful activities, including paddleboarding, yoga facilities, as well are snorkeling in the house reef close to the island. There’s also access to the signature The Standard Spa and when hunger strikes, plenty of fresh organic dining options. And for days when getting out of bed doesn’t seem like an option, almost everything can be brought to you en-suite.
