When Motorola announced it would be resurrecting the Razr — a seminal token of the ’00s — tech people and everyone that came of age on MySpace were driven into a frenzy about the revival of such an important, if outdated, mobile device. The new and improved model, which is foldable and equipped with a 16-megapixel camera among other things, was originally scheduled for release on December 26 (capitalize on all that Xmas money) but was delayed for various reasons — namely that the demand was way higher than anticipated. (Ahead of a potential recession, it’s assuring to know that the nostalgia economy is booming.) However, a new date for the Razr has been announced, with the beloved device set to launch on February 6. With the anticipation for the device already causing minor hysteria, expect this to be one of the hottest tech drops of the year.
For those interested in the flip phone renaissance, pre-orders can be made at Verizon, Walmart, and on Motorola’s website.
Ski season is at its peak (no pun intended) and we’ve got you covered with this season’s most coveted skis. Gone are the days of simply relying on two wooden planks — instead, we’ve got a slew of ultra-high-tech options lined up. Performance-tested and equally sophisticated, you might want to hang these up on the wall as decor instead of hitting the slopes. But despite your choice of hors-piste, versus après ski, or even couch sauntering, these pairs might inspire you to upgrade your ski game. See our list of this season’s hottest skis below.
€7500, available at Saint Laurent Rive Droite store.
It doesn’t get more fashion-forward than a pair of black Saint Laurent skis make in collaboration with Zai. Available at the Paris store exclusively, this pair is perfectly subtle, clean, and sleek. It’s also a pair we imagine Kim K or anyone in her family would sport.
Foil skis are the industry ideal — the equivalent of being basically the Swiss watch of the sport. Extensively researched and masterfully crafted, the Pure Pleasure skis are meant to provide just that; the pure pleasure of the sport. If you fancy, you can even get a gold finish on your bindings.
The New England brands have collaborated on a pair of funky skis that combine high performance and style. The camouflage print offers a departure from the tradition of monochromatic skis. These are entirely handcrafted in Boston and equipped to handle all kinds of snowy terrain.
Black Diamond Edition, $2750, Centenary Edition, $3750, available at BomberSki.com.
In celebration of Bentley’s 100th anniversary, the Centenary Edition and the Black Diamond Edition skis were custom-made with gold-plated inserts. Sporting the same kind of quality and performance as the legendary vehicle, this is a truly rare find.
Closing out our list with a burst of color, this collaboration pair is made for the backcountry and effortless gliding through all kinds of ski conditions. It’s surely a professional level ski ready to maneuver soft snow ad powder no matter what the slopes throw your way.
The queen of capturing female sensuality, photographer Ellen von Unwerth is celebrating a new exhibition at New York’s Fotografiska in the Flatiron District. “Devotion! 30 Years of Photographing Women” is the photographer’s love letter to women through seven expressions: Play, Gender, Drama, Love, Power, Passion, and Lust. The German photographer, who has done campaigns for just about every fashion house from Dior to Chanel, loves to experiment with archetypes and stereotypes to stir emotions and create an intense commotion. The exhibit features von Unwerth’s best shots, including those of Claudia Schiffer, part of the original supermodel crew, to today’s starlets. She chose to celebrate the exhibit on January 18th on the 4th anniversary of the Women’s March. And in a good fashion characteristic of the photographer, the party dragged late into the night with dancing, burlesque, and tons of unexpected surprises.
“Devotion! 30 Years of Photographing Women” runs through March 29 at 281 Park Ave South, NY 10010.
Whether the weather in New York is meant to become a polar vortex after a refreshingly (and concerningly) warm weekend, or if it’s just global warming at its peak — it’s cold! And it’s during this time of year that bars seem emptier at night and weighted blankets with hot cocoa seem much more appealing. It’s in-between the holidays, a number of global fashion weeks, and spring that time feels trapped in the nooks and corners of winter’s worst. And while some are lucky enough to escape to the tropics and others to ski retreats, we’ve got a few little-known secret New York City-type activities lined up for the rest of us. Chin-up — don’t let the winter blues get to you.
When New York’s most classified characters gather in one place, there are secrets to be spilled and even more to be made. McKittrick Hotel, famous for the “Sleep No More” show, has moved its magic show to the rooftop where a wooden chalet dubbed “The Lodge” has taken over the space. Join the best magicians in town for a cozy evening of mulled wine, tricks, and tropes. Don’t be fooled — anything can happen at a magic show but unfortunately, you won’t be zapped onto a beach in Mexico.
Who really ever gets enough sleep in New York City? The Vie method is a multi-sensory wellbeing experience centered around sleep by focusing on body, mind, and soul. Gentle yoga and meditation classes are followed by deep Yoga Nidra meditation is a cozy sleep cabin and a mini massage from Zeel leaving you perfectly rejuvenated. A side effect might also be a feeling of being rested and potentially the best “sleep” in a while. It only helps that the Arlo hotel has also turned into a winter wonderland of lodges, winter accessories, and delicious fare to make you want to stay all day.
Her Name Was Carmen is always a good option. Wine Wednesdays hosted by Yuval Bar-Kokhba, the restaurant’s savant sommelier, take wine tasting to another level with expertly-selected magnums, laid back vibes, and flamenco dancing to top it off. All warm and comfy in the downstairs lair, you may never want the night to end.
For those who are ready to venture outside, the mini-rink at The Standard, High Line is a wonderful option for boozin’ and skatin’. The venue is also hosting Rupaul’s Drag Race alum Milk professional ice skater on a monthly basis for a professional show while you lay back with alpine bites and spiked hot drinks. And don’t forget gloves!
Williamsburg’s newcomer Le Crocodile at the Wythe Hotel is a perfect excuse for a traditionally long French dinner sipping on wine and enjoying some foie gras (before it’s officially banned). The brasserie vibe truly does transport one back to Paris where if you do venture out late into the night oeufs mayonnaise chaud are the perfect midnight snack. And don’t forget the steak tartare, and the oysters, oh my…
We’re in a magical mood these days which has also led us The Cauldron Magical Experience. Through some chants and wand wielding you’ll have yourself several drinkable elixirs to scare the winter blues away. Capes and magicians’ hats are not mandatory but highly advised for your own entertainment.
We get it. It’s cold. Take it back to the oldest and most traditional way of curing winter with the ancient wisdom of bathing. Now if you are lucky you may have a swanky bathtub at home, but who are we kidding in New York? Bathhouse in Williamsburg is a newly-opened, functional recovery practice space within a converted factory. The space features both dry and tropical saunas, a starlight steam room, three thermal pools, heated marble hammams, cryotherapy, and a state-of-the-art Float Lab sensory deprivation tank. Monthly memberships are available for those who can’t be bothered with the outside world and prefer to socialize in an oldest-known manner — the bathhouse.
If you’re looking for a way to treat yourself during Dry January, Louis Vuitton can help. The French designer (following a staggering men’s show in Paris — more on that later) just released a new series of stainless steel wireless headphones designed with New York-based audio brand Master & Dynamic. The two first released a collection of earbuds last year but the latest range offers an improved audio experience and fresh design.
The new color styles include red, yellow, and pink in addition to the monochromatic black and white options. Each pair is engraved with Louis Vuitton’s signature LV monogram and embellished with some intricate floral details as a nod to the heavy botanical theme of Spring/Summer 2020 collection. The headphone’s acoustic experience has been upgraded and battery life has been extended from 10 to 30 hours with two additional 10-hour charges stored within the charging case. On top of that, a new noise-canceling feature lets you block out the world’s background noise while an ambient listening mode allows you to stay aware of your surroundings.
The Louis Vuitton Horizon headphones are available in select stores and online now.
Nick Moss has had a lifelong relationship with steel. Whether working with it during his childhood in the Midwest or establishing it as his medium of choice when he launched his art practice over seven years ago, the metal material has long been the source and outlet for his creative expression. “Looking at steel, I see the beauty of working with industrial tools and using the material,” he says. “Steel is my canvas and using tools and industrial processes as my paintbrush.”
The New York-based artist, who splits his time between downtown Manhattan and a studio upstate, has earned a reputation for his steel creations. And his latest exhibition — Steel Shapes on display now at Leila Heller Gallery — echos this balance. “It’s a bit of both,” he says of the show. “My love for the history of art, especially Minimalism, and then growing up in the Midwest as a farm kid and being fascinated with steel on the farm going up and the shape of lands, farm fields.”
Moss further explains how the shapes are inspired by aerial views and “how the fields are all divided by tree lines or roads and the similarities in shapes from square to rectangles and oddball shapes to literally walking on the street or shadows cast.” Despite the general abstraction in the appearances of the shapes, there’s a sense of familiarity. “Recognizing daily observations is how Steel Shapes formed,” he explains.
He also has another series that debuted earlier this month. “Flame Paintings happened as somewhat of a mistake,” he says. While the former exhibition utilizes a softer pastel color palette, Flame Paintings is more monochromatic and crisp in its look, with each piece affixed with a triangle that displays the effects of fire on steel. “The design process was a lot of exploration,” he says.”There’s no control using a flame.”
Steel Shapes and Flame Paintings are on display now at Leila Heller Gallery at 17 E 76th Street.
Images courtesy of NickMoss and Leila Heller Gallery.
The British pioneer in interior design, Tom Dixon, will be skipping this year’s official Maison & Objet show to present his own “24 Hours in Paris” series alongside. Instead, Dixon will roll out a lineup of ambitious events throughout Paris featuring breakfast at Le Drugstore, Lunch at Shabour, and drinks on the rooftop of Hôtel des Grands Boulevards to name a few.
In a statement explaining his decision to keep out of the international design fair, Dixon said: “It’s now time to be more mobile, to be more flexible and reach new and existing audiences in a different way.” The first of the 24-hours series will allow the designer to maximize his time and pack in as much activity in the one day period as possible. In the coming months, the concept will roll out in Milan, Shanghai, London, Copenhagen, Bangkok, Nanjing, and Melbourne.
During his time in Paris, Dixon will launch two new accessories collections SWIRL and PRESS. A Paris-based florist will adorn both. Swirl focuses on a psychedelic concept of haphazard geometric forms. (It reminds one of granite.) Press focuses on the thickest industrially pressed glass art featured in heavyweight grooved vases, bowls, and candleholders.
“24 Hours in Paris” will activate across Paris on Monday, January 20th.
Featured image: The Glamper property in Los Angeles
With much of the world at our fingertips, it is increasingly difficult to find truly personable and unique lodging. When choosing a destination, traditional travel features two options for a stay: a hotel or a home with friends and relatives. And while many services have bridged the two, it’s the Plum Guide that masterfully curates rentals of some of the world’s spectacular homes, offering an intimate one-on-one with the city on a level with which no luxury hotel can compete.
Condé Nast Traveler has declared the modern traveler as the “new nomad”: an eco-conscious consumer (70% more likely to choose a green option) that is spontaneous, travels frequently and looks for deeper meaning in their journey. “As more sophisticated and curious travelers emerge, our service continues to diversify, ensuring we are servicing the ‘always on’ type of traveler,” says the Plum Guide’s senior public relations manager Lizzie Hardy. “These customers have a very good idea of what they like and want, however, they do not have lots of time, so they are looking for personalized booking assistance and direct access to 24/7 customer service pre-, during, and post-stay.”
The Vineyard property in New York City’s West Village
An overload of options and a lack of quality control doesn’t always guarantee that one’s stay will reflect the online search. The Plum Guide acts as the middleman. Consider it an invisible person concierge that has done the preliminary work to ensure the expected result, as well as pleasant surprises. The service rests on two pillars to select worthy homes (which only about one in 100 passes) and a personalized matching system between the house and future guests. Firstly, each place features an in-home visit followed by a 150-point test that defines the “Science Behind the Perfect Stay,” including questions like: “Would you want to share this space on Instagram?” Select homes—quirky, well-loved, exotic, and all in between—make it onto the exclusive platform that’s available in 12 cities including New York, London, Paris, and Rome.
The Plum Guide offers an alternative to being a tourist in a given destination. “In essence what we’re doing is building the world’s biggest, and most diverse, boutique hotel brand,” explains Hardy. From minimalist apartments in Berlin to a Renaissance home in Rome, a Haussmanian balcony in Paris or historic New York, the Plum Guide is a verified, gold-status dating app for homes. The service takes into consideration the hotel elements travelers value, as well as the nontraditional and curious visitors ready to explore homes with character. From ultra-contemporary high-tech stays to creaky, patina-central historic homes, the Plum Guide has every international runaround covered.
Tiffany‘s next-door flagship is officially open and substituting the 5th Avenue location while the building dives into a two-year transformation. The new space will serve as an intermittent outpost in the meanwhile designed around a vaulted, escalator-flanked atrium where periodic installations and exclusive partnerships will take place (think: Le Bon Marché installations).
The space first opened with a limited-preview of The Men’s Holiday Pop-Up in the atrium, but now all the levels have since been opened, carrying brand exclusive collections including Tiffany T, Tiffany Paper Flowers®, Tiffany Victoria®, Tiffany Keys, and more. The Tiffany Men’s Collections will be housed on the second floor and private VIP selling rooms are available to ensure the temporary store delivers the immaculate experience customers are used to.
In addition to offering a new backdrop for the jewelry, the store will provide opportunities for the company to experiment with the presentation, collaborations, and ways of interacting with the customers. And as the 5th Avenue store remains a city institution on the famed shopping street, the shift in format will give the brand a chance to reinvent. Newly adopted into the LVMH conglomerate, change is imminent.
The Tiffany Flagship Next Door is located at 6 East 57th Street.
LVMH Watch Maisons (which owns brands like Bvlgari, Hublot, TAG Heuer, and Zenith) held the first LVMH Swiss Watch Manufacture Exhibition in Dubai to announce some of the most anticipated releases of 2020. Hublot presented a roster of seven unexpected releases of the year featuring colorful staples as well as elegant black iterations and a shearling wristband option. Featuring classic styles as well as whimsical options with rainbows, gold crystal, and even fur, Hublot has plenty of surprises up its sleeves this year. Take a look at some forthcoming styles below.
The signature piece is marking its 15th anniversary, this time available with an integrated metal bracelet. The piece will be released in 500-limited edition all-black versions.
Classic Fusion Gold Crystal
Gold crystal is an extremely rare and unique natural phenomenon. This particular model features gold crystal flakes framed into the dial of the black ceramic watch like a prized possession.
Spirit of Big Bang Rainbow
This piece playfully symbolizes reverence and a call for hope. A rainbow of gemstones lines and decorates the watch-frame and covers the dial of the 39 mmm model.
Big Bang MP-11 Red Magic
This lady in redis the first brightly colored high-tech ceramic as a revamp of the splendid MP-11 piece. It symbolizes passion, power, endeavor, and glory.
Spirit of Big Bang Meca-10
The Meca-10 has been updated with the “barrel” design of the Spirit of Big Bang 45mm pieces. Fusing the two favorites, this timepiece also comes in titanium, black ceramic, and King Gold alloy color options.
Big Bang Sang Bleu II
With Big Bang as a clear winning model for 2020, this blue iteration is a true limited-edition piece. The color pays homage to the art of tattooing.
One-Click Bracelets Collection
Hublot is introducing four removable shearling Cuddly Cuffs for when your wrist gets cold or après-ski season calls for a sophisticated accessory. The patented technology works on a One-Click system allowing the strap to be easily attached to a 39mm case.
Beyond all the glitz and fanfare of the summer games, the Olympics have a notorious reputation when it comes to sustainability. With all the fairly rapid and expansive construction required to host the world’s top athletes and their supporters for the event (an estimated 500,000 people are expected to attend), the planning can have a devastating toll on the environment. But for the upcoming Tokyo 2020 Olympics, officials are pursuing an alternative method to limit the impact of the event.
Athletes competing in Tokyo 2020 will be sleeping on cardboard beds (18,000 will be made for the Olympics and 8,000 for the Paralympics) throughout the duration of the games. Each bed is made out of recyclable cardboard that can support up to 200kg, which is more than any registered competing athlete. The accompanying mattresses and pillows are made with polyethylene materials that are also recyclable and will later be repurposed into plastic goods. Further emphasizing this commitment to sustainability, each medal is being made from recycled products and the symbolic Olympic torch has been remade with upcycled aluminum.
For one of the biggest events in the world to making such a strong effort in limiting its environmental impact is a pretty big deal, and shows that sustainability at a large scale is indeed possible. The Tokyo 2020 Olympics will take place from July 24 – August 9.
A remedy to the frosty temperatures, The Runway Chalet at TWA‘s swanky pool lounge, operated by the Gerber Group, is open for business with a full Swiss-inspired ski lodge complete with an old school fireplace. With a heated pool just outside the doors of the venue at JFK Airport and fondue and hot cocoa indoors, The Runway Chalet is a destination in of itself.
Inspired by a 1950’s era ski lodge, the chalet features red, white, and blue decor interior with retro details including skis, piste direction pointers, and fur chair coasters. Grab your Penny Pitou sweater and come up for a repose where food is hearty and drinks are warm (and strong — it’s an airport, after all). And for a bit of exercise, the TWA Hotel also has the first-ever airport ice skating rink right next to its Connie airplane bar. The recipe to remedy a New York winter is simple: watch planes take off on the runway, indulge in a little mid-winter hot pool dip, and make your drink a double.
The Runway Chalet at The Pool Bar is open from 11 – 11 daily.
