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Santiago Rusiñol: The Luminous Tapestry of Catalan Modernism
June 13, 2023 in Arts & Culture by Julian Everett
Santiago Rusiñol i Prats (1861-1931), a luminary in the Catalan modernist movement, was a versatile figure whose artistic expression extended beyond painting to encompass playwriting and writing. Born into a family of wealthy textile manufacturers in Barcelona, Rusiñol showed an early inclination towards the arts, a passion that the conventional confines of his family's business couldn't suppress.
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Hermes Opens New Boutique in Aspen, Colorado
June 17, 2023 in Travel & Destinations by Charlotte Sinclair
Hermes has expanded its American footprint with the opening of a boutique in Aspen, Colorado, a favorite amongst skiers. However, this is not a pop-up or a seasonal store; it's a full-fledged, regular boutique. This move indicates that the mountain town, which was a significant hotspot during the pandemic, has evolved into an all-season attraction.
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The Lineage of Creative Directors at the Fashion House Dior
June 19, 2023 in Fashion & Style by Julian Everett
1946-1957: Christian Dior
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Zara's Fuchsia Choices: Past and Present Looks for Royal Ascot
June 20, 2023 in Fashion & Style by Charlotte Sinclair
Zara has proven her penchant for fuchsia shades at the Royal Ascot horse races. Both in the upcoming event and the previous one, her eye-catching outfits make a bold statement amidst the pageantry and tradition.
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From Harnesses to Jewelry: Pierre Hardy's Creative Leap for Hermes
June 25, 2023 in Fashion & Style by Julian Everett
In a surprising twist, renowned shoe designer Pierre Hardy has crafted a high jewelry collection for Hermès. A remarkable union of skill and artistry, the collection sees Hardy applying his unique aesthetic to the realm of fine jewelry. Drawing on Hermès' equestrian heritage, the designs transform classic harnesses, buckles, and bits into precious wearable art.
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Courant Sauvage: Luxury Beach Umbrellas for Perfect Summer Aesthetics
June 26, 2023 in Design & Décor by Charlotte Sinclair
In recent weeks, Sophisticated Spectra has been filling up with photos of branded beaches with bright sun loungers and umbrellas. The correct and photogenic selection of these items can significantly help a hotel (and, as we now understand, a fashion brand) in promoting on social networks. A good beach umbrella is expensive, and there are luxury players in this genre. One of them is the French manufacturer Courant Sauvage in Landes. The price for their umbrellas in fruit sorbet colors with thick fringe (immediately reminiscent of the luxurious resorts in Slim Aarons' photos) reaches up to €1000. The company works with suppliers of the best materials in their class, many of which are included in the list of France's Living Cultural Heritage. Courant Sauvage also accepts individual orders, although it is worth taking care of this not at the peak of the season.
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Chapal and Kelton unveil their joint creation - The 1972 Hand-wound Chronograph
June 30, 2023 in Fashion & Style by Charlotte Sinclair
French manufacturers Chapal and Kelton have unveiled a jointly created hand-wound chronograph named 1972. The watch is equipped with the Seagull St 1901 calibre, a movement with an interesting history. In the 1940s, the Swiss company Venus developed calibre 175. However, in the mid-1950s, the equipment was sold to the Chinese, who were keen to produce quality watches for pilots. The Chinese company was named Tianjin Watch Factory, and in 1974 it was renamed Seagull. The majority of their production was quartz mechanisms, but with the resurgence of interest in mechanical watches and their own heritage, the factory revived the Venus 175 calibre, renaming it Seagull St 1901.
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Ana de Armas Shines in Louis Vuitton's 'Deep Time' High Jewelry Campaign
July 3, 2023 in Fashion & Style by Julian Everett
Ana de Armas, known for her breakout role in the movie 'Knives Out', stars in Louis Vuitton's latest high jewelry campaign titled 'Deep Time'. The collection is a captivating exploration of Earth's geological past and the concept of evolving life, showcasing the House's extraordinary craftsmanship and creativity.
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The Iconic Flame House of Dornach: A Testament to Rudolf Steiner's Vision
July 11, 2023 in Travel & Destinations by Charlotte Sinclair
In the tranquil town of Dornach, Switzerland, an architectural marvel stands as a testament to the multifaceted genius of Rudolf Steiner. This building, known as the Flame House, was erected in 1914 and is as much a source of intrigue today as it was over a century ago.
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The Long-Awaited Restoration of Notre-Dame-de-Paris: A Journey Down the Seine
July 13, 2023 in Travel & Destinations by Charlotte Sinclair
A historic moment for one of the world's most famous cathedrals, Notre-Dame-de-Paris, is unfolding as the much-anticipated restoration of its wooden roof structure commences. The timber beams, derived from 200-year-old Breton oaks, have been transported along the Seine river, mirroring the route taken during the original construction of the iconic Parisian edifice.