Sophisticated Spectra

An Artistic Leap: Anthony Vaccarello's Berlin Show with Saint Laurent

June 13, 2023 in Fashion & Style by Charlotte Sinclair

Anthony Vaccarello's most recent Saint Laurent men's show in Berlin painted an aesthetic tableau of exceptional tailoring, bare shoulders framed by delicate silk or chiffon sleeveless shirts, and a broad-shouldered silhouette. In the age of social media, hints of the show's direction were gleaned from Vaccarello's Instagram, even before the audience's planes had landed. A film clip from the 1950 French short film, Un Chant d’Amour, and the collection's title, "Each Man Kills the Things He Loves", gave followers a breadcrumb trail leading to the show's inspirations.

Luis Barragán's Casa Gilardi: A Modernist Masterpiece Rooted in Color

June 13, 2023 in Design & Décor by Julian Everett

In the heart of Mexico City, amidst a vibrant cityscape, stands a modernist gem from the 1970s that continues to captivate architects and design enthusiasts alike - Casa Gilardi. Designed by Luis Barragán, a leading figure in modernist architecture and the only Mexican to win the Pritzker Prize, the house is a testament to Barragán's innovative approach to space, light, and most notably, color.

LùBar: A Slice of Sicily in the Heart of Milan

June 29, 2023 in Travel & Destinations by Charlotte Sinclair

LùBar is an enchanting oasis nestled in the bustling city of Milan, offering a delightful escape from the city's fervent heat. Located on Via Palestro, this chic locale is the brainchild of the three eldest children of designer Luisa Beccaria - Lucilla, Lucrezia, and Ludovico.

Lindsey Kustusch: Capturing the Spirit of San Francisco Through Art

July 6, 2023 in Arts & Culture by Julian Everett

Drawing on the inspiration of more than 15 years living in San Francisco, American artist Lindsey Kustusch masterfully captures the spirit and energy of urban life in her artworks. Her unique approach to painting—beginning with an abstract background and then layering it with her own handcrafted knives, brushes, and scrapers—gives her work a distinctive character and intensity.

Louis Vuitton Opens a Resort Boutique and Café in Taormina, Sicily

Aug. 4, 2023 in Travel & Destinations by Charlotte Sinclair

Stepping into the charming city of Taormina, Sicily, luxury fashion house Louis Vuitton has launched its new resort boutique and café. With this venture, the LVMH Group brings its first gastronomic initiative to Italy, reaffirming the brand's commitment to exceptional customer experience.

Fashion and Flamboyance: A Dive into "And Just Like That" Episode 10

Aug. 17, 2023 in Models & Actresses Photos by Julian Everett

It's Thursday, and that means it's time for And Just Like That. Let's dissect the latest it-looks and engage in the ever-vibrant discussion about the 10th episode, which the NYT fashion department aptly named "Statement Loungewear."

Milan's Hidden Gem: Albergo Diurno Venezia Set to Transform into the National Museum of Digital Art

Aug. 22, 2023 in Travel & Destinations by Charlotte Sinclair

Situated beneath Piazza Guglielmo Oberdan in Milan, the Albergo Duirno Venezia remains one of the city's clandestine design marvels. Conceived by the esteemed Piero Portaluppi in the iconic art deco style, the spa center officially opened its doors in January 1926. Spanning an impressive 1,200 square meters, the venue housed 30 bathhouses, varying from basic setups to lavish suites, alongside essential amenities such as a barbershop, manicure and pedicure stations, a shoe-cleaning kiosk, a newsstand, a bank, a post office, and much more.

Rome Cavalieri: A Blend of Nostalgic Grandeur and Modern Art

Aug. 23, 2023 in Travel & Destinations by Charlotte Sinclair

Let's chat about the Rome Cavalieri, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel. Once known as the Hilton, this iconic spot might not scream "modern luxury" to every traveler, and its late modernist façade might not make every architecture enthusiast's heart race. But there's one undeniable charm: its breathtaking view of the Eternal City from atop the Monte Mario hill. A throwback to the unapologetic, old-school opulence of the mid-20th century, it's a trip down luxury lane.

Romance of the Seabed: Porcelain Art by Mara O'Malley

Aug. 26, 2023 in Arts & Culture by Charlotte Sinclair

Mara O'Malley, a University of the Arts in Philadelphia graduate with a Bachelor's Degree in ceramics, impresses with her porcelain creations inspired by the seabed. Currently residing and working in New York City, O'Malley produces works filled with the romance and mystique of oceanic depths.

Kim Cattrall Graces the Cover of Greek Vogue, September 2023 Issue

Aug. 28, 2023 in Models & Actresses Photos by Charlotte Sinclair

In a career move that can only be described as striking while the iron is hot, Kim Cattrall has once again proven why she's a force to be reckoned with in Hollywood. Fresh off a reported million-dollar cameo in the "Sex and the City" reboot, "And Just Like That..," Cattrall is now gracing the cover of Vogue Greece for its September 2023 issue.

Celebrating 160 Years of the London Underground with New Art Posters

Sept. 10, 2023 in Arts & Culture by Charlotte Sinclair

In honor of its 160th anniversary, the London Underground has commissioned four stunning art posters that seamlessly meld past and present. The posters take inspiration from vintage designs from the last century, housed in the London Museum of Transport. These historical designs feature iconic cultural landmarks like the English National Opera, the London Symphony Orchestra, the Southbank Centre, and the Royal Opera House.

Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp: A High-End Hotel Finally Arrives in the Fashion Capital

Sept. 12, 2023 in Travel & Destinations by Charlotte Sinclair

For a city famous for its contributions to design and fashion, Antwerp surprisingly lacked a truly high-end hotel until the opening of Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp last year. This prestigious property, part of The Leading Hotels Of The World, is situated on the grounds of a monastery and apothecary garden whose history traces back to 1238. Comprising five historic buildings in the city center, the hotel is the result of five years of meticulous work.

Remembering Greta Garbo: An Icon Born on September 18, 1905

Sept. 18, 2023 in Models & Actresses Photos by Julian Everett

Born on September 18, 1905, Greta Garbo remains an unforgettable name in both Swedish and American film history.

Armani's "Vetiver D'Hiver" Celebrates with a Grand Pop-Up in Aranya, China

April 24, 2024 in Fashion & Style by Charlotte Sinclair

In a striking blend of luxury and cultural grandeur, Armani has unveiled its latest pop-up event in the picturesque resort town of Aranya, China, to celebrate its renowned fragrance, "Vetiver D'Hiver". This event not only highlights the exquisite scent but also underscores Armani’s commitment to creating memorable, immersive experiences for its patrons.

Loewe Opens New Boutique in Former Qing Dynasty Estate in China

July 5, 2024 in Fashion & Style by Charlotte Sinclair

Spanish luxury fashion house Loewe has unveiled its latest boutique in China, setting a new standard for luxury retail experiences. The store, located in the Taikoo Li Chengdu complex, occupies a space within a former Qing Dynasty estate, seamlessly blending historical significance with contemporary luxury.

Via Manzoni, 46: The Address to Remember in Milan

July 12, 2024 in Travel & Destinations by Charlotte Sinclair

In the heart of Milan, at the corner of Via della Spiga, a 19th-century palace houses a new luxury offering by Rocco Forte. Located at Via Manzoni, 46, these newly opened apartments range from one to three bedrooms and provide a hotel-like service with the added benefit of greater privacy.

Japan's Hidden Graffiti Alley in Harajuku

July 30, 2024 in Photography & Visuals by Julian Everett

Japan is not typically known for its graffiti scene. In a country where street art is often seen as vandalism, graffiti and Japanese culture seem incompatible. Unlike cities like Hong Kong, where street art is more common, Tokyo’s streets are relatively free of such expressions. However, in Harajuku, an alley-gallery has been created specifically for street artists, making all the artwork on its walls officially sanctioned.

Rome in the 1970s: A Decade of Turbulent Change

Aug. 24, 2024 in Photography & Visuals by Julian Everett

In the 1970s, Rome underwent a profound transformation, moving away from the idyllic existence of "la dolce vita" towards a harsher reality. Stephan Brigidi, reflecting on his experiences from his first visit to the city as a student in 1972, recalls a time when life was still relatively simple. However, change was in the air.