Bites: Wallpaper’s 2017 picks of the best grooming, food and technology goings-on

Full of beans
27 December

Saint Lucian cacao plantation Rabot 1745, owned by high street retailer Hotel Chocolate, has launched its first foray into skincare. Naturally, cacao beans are the base ingredient for each product: a three-shell exfoliating scrub; a Kaolin Clay thermal body mask to promote circulation, and an eau de parfum infused with tropical bergamot, jasmine and green tea. The stripped-back packaging harks back to Rabot 1745’s historical roots, when chocolate cargo was shipped from Saint Lucia to cater for the growing London demand. This was also the golden age of apothecary, echoed through these traditional amber bottles and tubs. 

Writer: Harriet Lloyd-Smith

Shell raisers
19 December

The seafood tower, that apogee of opulent ordering, died a death when humble and hearty became the gastronomic mantra of these austere times. It’s steadily clawing its way back now, albeit with a few tweaks to make it more relevant to the contemporary epicurean. The crustaceous highrise of today comprises small dishes of seafood, dressed and ready, with no need of an ocean of ice. At Boston’s Little Donkey, it’s scallops with white soy sauce and salmon roe with wasabi; at Sydney’s Cirrus, it’s strawberry clams with cucumber, and ocean bugs with seaweed mayo ponzu. And mop-up material is modernised, too; at Chicago’s Maple & Ash, it’s conchigliette pasta, while we’ve plumped for cornbread.

Pictured, on first stand, razor clams with pico de gallo and chorizo; lobster with chipotle butter. On second stand, langoustines and prawns with chilli oil; monkfish cheek masala; scallops with chermoula; mahogany clams with champagne shallot vinegar; tuna and avocado poke; tempura posters with wasabi. On plate, jalapeño cornbread.

As originally featured in the December 2017 issue of Wallpaper* (W*255). Food: Iain Graham. Writer: Emma Moore

Case closed
18 December

A Wallpaper* favourite, Kjaer Weis was started by Danish born, New York-based make up artist Kirsten Kjaer Weis. The whole range is organic, sustainable and comes in beautiful colours and shades. Need we say more? Arm twisted. The new collector’s kit means that you can collate your six favourite ‘no-nasties included’ products for face, lips and eyes all in one jewellery case for easy traveling. Infinitely customisable and elegantly packaged, this might be your next travel make up go to.

Writer: Angela Gokani Brasier

Easy on the eyes
15 December

Garrett Leight’s new Dallas eyewear emporium reflects the style and elegance associated with the brand’s products. The interior is refined, designed by architecture firm West of West to bring Garret Leight’s distinctive California-inspired aesthetic to the new Texan outpost. A particular highlight is the store’s lighting system, decked out to change colour and perpetuate the ceiling’s ‘cloud’ design that floats overhead. West of West founders Jai Kumaran and Clayton Taylor were ‘inspired by the work of James Turrell and the relaxed light of summer sunsets’ in its design. Additional bespoke, movable furniture and planters make for an easy-going customer experience, in tune with the California lifestyle.

Writer: Luke Halls

Winter warmer
14 December

There is a new ultimate in feel-good drinks with bubbles, and this time it’s not from the Champagne region. Agua de Madre’s roots lie in ancient, 2000-year old ideas and natural ingredients found in the Opuntia cactus of Mexico, but it couldn’t feel more contemporary – a water kefir that is naturally, lightly alcoholic and jam packed with pro-biotics – but without the dairy. Other brands remove the alcoholic content from water kefir so that it becomes a perfectly wholesome quencher. Agua de Madre, which is already a regular choice on tables at London’s Moro restaurant, little sister Morito and Primeur, is light enough to be a perfect cocktail mixer. Subtly flavoured with botanicals that complement most foods, and low in sugar, it immaculately fills the hole of interesting drinks to drink when you are not drinking.

Writer: Angela Gokani Brasier

Daily dose
13 December

Although considered a rare indulgence once upon a time, face masks have become an essential, sometimes daily, part of many discerning grooming and beauty routines. The boutique skincare label Oille does one better with its multi-masque set, a trio of clay facial masques designed for use on different parts of the skin. With its targeting of specific areas, this triple threat addresses issues such as enlarged pores, inflammation and dullness with its dry, all-natural and organic mixtures. Kaolin clay and hibiscus flower extract soothes and cleanses, green French clay and Gotu Kola stimulates circulation, while Rhassoul clay and the herb Pau d’Arco powerfully draws out impurities for a deep cleanse. Each mask can be combined with water for oily skin, oil or honey for dry skin and aloe vera gel or yogurt for sensitive skin. Customise and apply as you see fit.

Writer: Pei-Ru Keh

Wrap it up
11 December

While a furoshiki is basically just a large piece of cloth, cunning Japanese folding techniques allow it to wrap everything from a large watermelon, to christmas presents. The ‘Tokyo’ furoshiki collection from Link Collective and designer Hannah Waldron brings out the magic of the Japanese metropolis with glow-in-the-dark ink on its latest hand-printed fabric. Get your wrap on.

Writer: Jens H Jensen

Listen up
8 December

In Sonos’ first European concept store, recently opened in London, home-like listening booths designed by London-based artists Camille Walala and Neill Raitt showcase the wireless home sound systems. Seductively merging art, interiors, culture and comfort, its aim is to make people re-fall in love with music. The finer details of hand woven rugs, bespoke furniture, and hot-artists’ creations experienced intimately all serve the purpose of amplifying the luxury of the system’s hi-fidelity sound.

Writer: Angela Gokani Brasier

Cool under the collar
7 December

With the ever-increasing finesse to craft cocktails and rising standards of modern mixology, it’s only apt that a barman’s garb evolve too. To this end, Boodles Gin has paired up with the haberdasher Drake’s to create a white shirt that stands up to the rigours of cocktail making. Designed with the input of four bartenders, Leo Robitschek, Maxwell Britten, James Menite and Tom Walker, the white dress shirt has been made from premium yet breathable cotton, boasts a longer length to ensure that it stays tucked in, is armed with a speciality pocket to hold a dependable tool or a pen and finally boasts sleeve tabs that ensure a crisp cuff roll. Made to measure in order to ensure a perfect fit, this is one for both professionals and amateurs alike.

Writer: Pei-Ru Kei

Cold comfort
6 December

The latest all-natural, brown-bottled men’s grooming line, Maapilim, recently launched its online shop. The Tel Aviv-based brand features products created with essential oils and extracts native to the Mediterranean region. Offering skin, hair and body care, it comes in minimal packaging that will not shame a design-conscious cabinet. Just in time for the holidays is the Winter Survival Kit complete with christmas tree pine-scented soap, a lip balm, All Purpose Oil for pre/post-shave and night time moisturising and a paraben-free hand cream based on aloe vera with notes of rosemary oil.

Writer: Andrew Wasserstein

One of a kind
5 December

Who hasn’t dreamed of stripping back their skincare regime? Reducing the number of motions to go through, decreasing the amount of products to hoard and minimising the ingredients that go into them – all in a bid to maximise benefits to skin that is all too often under siege from the elements. Dr Barbara Geusens, who holds a PhD in Dermatology, surely did. Her own fruitless search for the right products for her problem skin gave the impetus for Nomige, a new Belgian skincare brand that carries through the innovative ‘dermagenics’ concept by mapping customer’s lifestyles and analysing their DNA. The targeted solution for your skincare-needs is only one cheek-swab (and online questionnaire) away.

Writer: Siska Lyssens

Flexi-time
1 December

For its latest offering, and rounding off a prolific (one might say dynamic) year of audio design, Beoplay have teamed up with parent company Bang & Olufsen for the M3. Designed by Beoplay’s Cecilie Manz and fine-tuned by the in-house acoustic engineers at Bang & Olufsen, this compact but powerful speaker aims at (buzzword alert) ‘immersiveness’. And it works – the M3 is a truly flexible, expressive piece of kit. Wrapped up in an interchangeable skin of acoustically transparent wool by Kvadrat, the speaker retains high-fidelity quality from its custom drivers and woofers while looking the part. Of course, all mod cons come as standard, including the latest instant-play, multi-speaker technology (we particularly enjoy the preset which reflects the speaker’s position in the room), but, what sets this compact apart is its ‘character’ and ability to ‘adapt to various interior styles’, says Manz.

Writers: Elly Parsons, Luke Halls

Palace of plenty
27 November

Located at The Grove lifestyle complex in Los Angeles, 189 by Dominique Ansel is the cronut creator’s largest culinary project in the world and his first foray into the savoury world. The ground floor features a patisserie with a white peach amaretto cronut made for the opening, and upstairs holds the restaurant designed by Studio Unltd, where fried chicken, lobster rolls (pictured) and duck confit features on the menu. His new baked sensation with a Southern California twist comes in the form of soft pull-apart pan de elote filled with a sweet corn pudding, served inside a corn husk and topped with Cotija cheese, chilli and lime that you can only experience in LA, along with the ceiling installation of greenery by set production designer Kelly Sheridan and golden etched wall murals by graphic artist Vahram Muratyan.

189 The Grove Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90036; Tel: 1.323 602 0096

Writer: Carole Dixon

Bone shakers
24 November

A bone broth habit has become as emblematic of the hipster as beards and, as such, has come to be mocked for its hipper-than-thou status. But there’s no denying that a broth is warming, deeply nourishing and, done right, downright tasty. Add alcohol to the mix and you can forgive anything. Fashionable in the 1950s when the Bullshot, a sort of brothy Bloody Mary, was invented (by the barman at Detroit’s Caucus Club and a Campbell’s Soup marketing man, who was having trouble shifting the company’s beef broth), broth cocktails are now back on bar menus across temperate zones of the US and Europe. Vodka is mixed with Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco, lemon juice and broth to make a classic Bullshot, but peaty whiskies and smoky mezcals also make happy partners to the broth, which doesn’t have to be beef flavoured. At New York restaurant the Clocktower, chicken broth is combined with mezcal and tequila in its Los Pollos Hermanos cocktail, while duck consommé is mixed with absinthe and génépi des Alpes at Bookstore Bar & Café in Seattle. We can think of worse ways to keep warm this winter.

Pictured, broth-ready ‘Potpourri’ glass in dark amber, €109, by Meike Harde, for Pulpo

As originally featured in the December 2017 issue of Wallpaper* (W*225)

Writer: Emma Moore

Talking shop
16 November

Harrods’ storied food hall is undergoing a self-proclaimed ‘taste revolution’, and phase one has just smacked us in the palate. The dry goods section, a place in which the suited and booted go to do their weekly whip-round, is now home to a striking copper coffee grinder big enough to bathe in, an art deco-inspired coffee bar (pictured) to replenish and refresh weary patrons, and a bakery stacked floor-to-ceiling with famous Harrods’ sourdough. Design comes courtesy of David Collins Studio, alongside Harrods’ director of food & restaurants Alex Dower and 150 in-house chefs. The grade-II listed space exudes functional elegance and customer-orientated detail, like clear signage and multiple points of sale, encased in a shell of hand-restored, Harrods-green 1920s wall tiles. Phases two and three – comprising the luxury goods department, florist and fresh produce halls – will be served up in 2018 and 2019 respectively.

Writer: Elly Parsons

Scents and sensibility
15 November

Atkinsons – heritage perfumer and groomer to the aristocracy – was housed in its Old Bond Street flagship until forced to close after the Second World War. Today, the emporium is once again opening its doors in Mayfair, this time in the well-heeled halls of Burlington Arcade. For the space, London-based designer Christopher Jenner drew from Atkinsons’ Georgian sensibilities, adding a ‘modern dandy’ take. Spanning three subtly fragranced floors, the new maison features a barber shop, a perfume bar crafted in Rio Nero marble and brass, and a collection of handmade salon furniture, where customers will be invited to peruse the archival books of previous patrons – King George IV, Queen Victoria and Napoleon to name a few. Fine company indeed!

Writer: Elly Parsons

Branch out
14 November

The benefits of good olive oil have been well documented, but exactly how to find such top rate specimens is not quite as clear. Grove and Vine, a subscription-based service that provides its members with custom extra virgin olive oils, seems to have found its way around the problem. Its co-founder, oleologist Nicholas Coleman who last lent his expertise to Eataly, works with the finest producers around the world to create custom blended oils at the peak of their freshness. The oils are bottled and shipped to members shortly after harvesting and pressing for unprecedented quality. Members receive a different oil every quarter of the year, each elegantly packaged in dark glass bottles and accompanied by tasting notes, details about the harvest, a regional recipe for suggested use and wine pairing suggestions to ensure you fully reap what has been sown.

Writer: Pei-Ru Keh

Heart of glass
8 November

What happens when the mastery of a Mexican distillery collides with the finesse of French crystal glassware? The don of all premium tequila. This is the second creation in the series from collaborative duo Patrón en Lalique. Inspiration for the elegant decanter stems from the work of art deco pioneer, Rene Lalique as well as the Blue Weber agave plant that forms the basis of the drink. Each of the limited edition crystal decanters is painstakingly blown, cut, polished and signed, before being topped with an amber stopper embellished with Patrón’s signature bee emblem. The extra ‘anejo’ tequila inside is infused with a balance of sweet fruits and a smooth oak finish.

Writer: Harriet Lloyd-Smith

Cut above
7 November

The Blind Barber has unveiled its new premises in the Fulton Market district of Chicago, providing cocktails, bites and trims all under one roof. By day, the minimal male grooming room offers a cut, shave and a complementary drink. By night, punters can enjoy an amber-lit bar with nostalgic interior additions like a cigarette vending machine and seating upholstered in burnt orange leather. The kitchen serves up twelve varieties of grilled cheese sandwich alongside a selection of local drafts, wines and cocktails. In collaboration with design house 555, this multifunctional establishment seamlessly combines socialising with grooming, and as Blind Barber puts it: ‘Men are born handsome, we just keep them that way.’

Writer: Harriet Lloyd-Smith

High flyer
6 November

Good travel companions aren't so easy to find, which is why the latest piece of kit from boutique luggage label Arlo Skye hits the mark. The Brooklyn-based company tapped the curatorial talents of design darlings Sight Unseen to create this limited edition piece in eye-catching sage, finished in an aluminium trim. On the inside, a pastel toned lining features a vibrant print created by the Finnish illustrator Antti Kekki. Available in two self-explanatory sizes – the carry-on and the check-in – the collaborative design is armed with all of its maker’s signature features: a light polycarbonate shell, stealthily quiet wheels, a one-touch locking system and an anti-odour lining. The carry-on features two charging points together with a removable battery charger, ensuring that you’re never at a loss while on the go.

Writer: Pei-Ru Keh

Easy does it
3 November

Le Labo’s talent for creating exquisite, unadulterated fragrances has now extended itself into an equally straightforward range of body, hair and face products. Designed without any promises apart from simply making its user feel good, the 16-piece unisex collection includes mainstays such as shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, hand soap, hand lotion and body cream, and also several flourishes, such as a shampoo scrub to exfoliate the scalp, a face mask that detoxes the skin without over-drying, a shower oil that cleanses and moisturises at the same time, and a cooling camphor balm to combat stress. The aromatic theme of the collection is hinoki, a spiritual scent inspired by the forestry and incense surrounding Japanese Buddhist temples. A selection of shower products are also available in basil and mandarin. 

Writer: Pei-Ru Keh

Costume drama
2 November

Adding to a long history of creative collaborations, Caran d’Ache has embarked on an adventurous partnership with Warner Bros. In anticipation of the upcoming action film Justice League, a special edition stationary set has been created, dedicated to the superheroes of the DC Comics: Wonder Woman, Batman and Superman. The luxury writing instruments are individually textured and coloured to reflect the iconic costumes of each character and armoured in a variety of luxury materials: Wonder Woman is laced in 18-carat rose gold, Batman’s gold finishes are cast in a thin layer of non-corrodible black ceramic and Superman (pictured) is dressed in a dense blue-satin finish lacquer, with nib and ‘belt’ finished in 18-carat gold. Available as either a roller or fountain pen, this heroic trio make for a truly epic writing experience.

Writer: Harriet Lloyd-Smith

Be spoke
1 November

The cycling market is flooded with gizmos, gadgets and over-complication. POC and Forth’s first commuter collection features a variety of smooth-riding and simple cycle-ready attire, including water repellant parkas, windbreakers, chill vests, sunglasses and helmets. Garments are developed with safety and functionality in mind – sleeves are extendable, and hoods are adapted to be worn over helmets. In addition, POC has developed the iPhone app C.Me, which allows cyclists to change the new Corpora Aid helmet’s LED brightness via voice activation, for improved visibility and clearer signaling. POC’s aim to reduce the consequences of road accidents is felt throughout the collection – urban cycling has never been so safe, nor looked so refined.

Writer: Luke Halls

Crystal clear
30 October

The creative stylings of Japanese designer Tokujin Yoshioka have manifested themselves on a new canvas for the upcoming festive season. Yoshioka has collaborated with Dom Perignon on the house’s annual holiday edition bottle, which typically pays tribute to the harvesting process of champagne. To accompany the release of the 2009 vintage this year, Yoshioka has wielded his trademark approach to material and light to denote how the intensity of the sun that year resulted in grapes reaching a level of maturity. ‘Prism’ comprises three Baccarat crystal blocks that envelope Dom Perignon’s bottle. The colourful refraction of light in the glass’ exterior is further complemented by Yoshioka’s reimagining of Dom Perignon’s shield in holographic paper, which also appears on the house's end of year collaboration bottle that will be more widely available for purchase.

Writer: Pei-Ru Keh

Silver lining
27 October

Founded in Los Angeles earlier this year by Peter Nguyen, Recherche Beauté has rapidly gained acclaim for its wild harvested and cruelty-free skincare range, complete with stylish packaging. Recherche Beauté focuses on efficacy, helped by the brand’s uniquely formulated Colloidal Complex: a mix of colloidal platinum, gold, silver and copper. Products are infused with a blend of neroli, lavender rose and jasmine, while water is avoided as a filler base. The collection consists of four key products (all of which come in minimalist, matte glass bottles produced in Milan), ranging from a hydrating cleansing balm to an elixir tonic. Its latest addition, a skin-protecting serum, consists of anti-aging tremella that leaves skin glowing from the inside out.

Writer: Jessica-Christin Hametner

Swear jar
26 October

Arbiter of glamour and style Tom Ford has named his latest fragrance Fucking Fabulous and there’s just no two ways about it. Heady and opulent, the exotic oriental scent comprises almond bitter oil, orris accord, leather accord, clary sage oil and tonka resinoid for a seductively unfolding fragrance. Unveiled with invitations to Ford’s S/S 2018 runway show last month, the fragrance is currently only available at flagship boutiques around the world.

Writer: Pei-Ru Keh

All dew respect
25 October

Ever since its launch in 2015, Danish skincare brand NUORI has offered an alternative way forward in natural beauty by basing its offerings around a ‘fresh concept’ – to create goods that would optimise and guarantee freshness. The brand has now launched a new Vital Unifier 3-in-1 product that will have minimalists and all-natural skincare aficionados swooning. A toner, essence and mist in one, the formula is made using organic aloe vera, hyaluronic acid and apple fruit water to nourish the skin and stimulate the body’s keratin growth, strengthening the skin’s barrier function. Meanwhile, white tea, liquorice root and chamomile flower provide skin with all necessary antioxidants, as well as combatting irritation. Together, they unify the skin to create a healthy, dewy glow.

Writer: Jessica-Christin Hametner

Slice of the action
24 October

Dutch designer Ben van Berkel of UNStudio has taken the concept of a historical utensil and equipped it for the contemporary era. The ‘Alba’ truffle slicer for Alessi is both ergonomic – it eases pressure on the wrist – and easy on the eye, cast in mirror-polished stainless steel. The curved shape of the handle reflects the contours of intertwining tree roots near where the truffles grow. Every detail has been considered, from the balanced weight distribution to the 18-degree angle between the handle and blade, which can be altered to vary the thickness of the slice. This instrument is not only practical; it has transformed the act of truffle slicing into a performance.

Writer: Harriet Lloyd-Smith

Speak easy
23 October

Sonos has long been at the forefront of smart home sound systems, and its latest launch is no different. The compact Sonos One, which will be available worldwide from tomorrow, is a voice-controlled smart speaker that not only plays music, podcasts and audiobooks from over 80 streaming services, but also supports voice-activated controls. This new piece of kit not only boasts Sonos’ streamlined design but also the capabilities of Amazon Alexa, allowing owners to listen to the news, traffic reports or the weather, with a simple command. It also enables owners of other Sonos units to have voice control over their entire Sonos home system. Currently only available to customers in the US, UK and Germany, Sonos One delivers a rich sound quality and central access to different music services in a new neat size – a fact worthy of merit in itself.

Writer: Pei-Ru Keh

Claim to flame
20 October

‘We’ve only got one planet, one body. We kind of need to take care of it.' So says Jake Paget, one half of south east London’s McKinley & Paget – the fresh-faced lifestyle brand on a mission to make ‘the cleanest candle possible’. Designed and poured locally into sustainably sourced steel paint tins, the coconut wax candles come in array of comforting scents, like the Veranda Candle, with its heady mix of Palmarosa, Lemongrass and Cypress. ‘We only use natural, essential oils,’ says Daniel McKinley, ‘in an attempt to take you back to basics.’ Paired with punchy, minimalist branding and a host of chic Scandinavian stockists, this self proclaimed ‘two-man band’ is headed for global eco-domination, one wick at a time.

Writer: Elly Parsons

Pulse point
18 October

‘Une Amourette’ is the collaborative creation of French fashion designer Roland Mouret and French perfume brand Etat Libre d’Orange. ‘Roland drapes bodies — we drape skin’, say the olfactory experts, and the two fuse potently. The fragrance is both timeless and genderless, designed as a women’s perfume that men can wear. The initial overtones are a collision of citrus and spicy pink peppercorn, but the scent as a whole is far more complex, riddled with hints of vanilla, soft iris, and woody patchouli. What's more, the designers suggest a provocative application location, on ‘the pulse point between the thighs’. This fragrance is far from subtle – it’s seductive, provocative and unapologetically sexy.

Writer: Harriet Lloyd-Smith

Block party
11 October

Elegant, sculptural and versatile, ‘Tribu’ is the latest tableware collection by designers Alejandra Carmona and Caterina Moretti for independent Mexican design studio Peca. The individual tabletop components use a minimal yet effective palette of marble, wood, hammered copper and volcanic stone. The combination of copper with block materials – such as wood or marble – creates a rich tonal and textural contrast. Intended for anything from herbs and spices to jewellery, the designers have left the function of these objects largely up to interpretation, but the ambiguity only heightens their charm.

Writer: Harriet Lloyd-Smith

Memory foam
10 October

Finnish brand Lumi is well known for its luxury leather accessories, but in 2014 it embarked on a new chapter – scent and skincare – releasing a fresh update to the line at Habitaire this year. Preservation of the natural world is at Lumi’s core, alongside a distain for unethical manufacturing methods and ingredients. Even its packaging exudes eco – products come encased in a reusable woven splint basket, or pärekori. The new range channels seasonal shifts, to create everything from air-cured hand soap to elasticity-enhancing body oil. It promotes the idea that scent can be used as a tool to conjure memory from a specific place or time, and through nettle, oat, moss and lichen extracts, the Nordic landscape’s purity feels very much in reach.

Writer: Harriet Lloyd-Smith

Royal treatment
9 October

‘The Christmas aspect was a challenge for me,’ Konstantin Grcic says of his collaboration with ice-cream afficionados, Häagen-Dazs, which has collaborated with nine renowned designers, including Patrick Jouin, Front, Jaime Hayon and Nendo over the years. ‘Christmas either refers to religious beliefs or their commercial exploitation. But I found celebration a common denominator and with the crown a symbolic image that regroups people.’ Designing an ice cream cake may sound simple, but the German designer says otherwise. ‘On the one hand, one is asked to design food which needs to be essential and sensual. On the other, one is faced with real technical constraints: the ice-cream has to be moulded, but the “material” is fragile and melts. Let alone being able to cut it, and rejoice at the sight of it.’

Writer: Clara Le Fort

Painted love
4 October

In addition to his legacy as a painter, filmmaker, photographer, sculptor and producer, Andy Warhol also made a unisex perfume, provocatively named ‘You’re In’. The original fragrance, produced in 1967, caused a scandal because Warhol packaged it in Coca-Cola bottles, spray-painted silver. This prompted a cease and desist letter from the corporation and stopped the project in its tracks. Now, thanks to Comme des Garçons, the concept has come back to light. The new juice, inspired by the original citrus fragrance, features bitter orange, makrut lime zest, jasmine and pittosporum. It comes bottled in silver industrial flacons and printed with a quote from Warhol. Packaged in yellow and red with graphics inspired by old Warhol film posters, the perfume revives Warhol’s unique point of view, which blurs the line between art and commerce. Sales of the perfume will benefit the Andy Warhol Foundation and its support of contemporary art. 

Writer: Pei-Ru Keh

Medicinal purposes
3 October

Danish design studio Frama expanded its repertoire of pared-back furniture and product design into the realms of apothecary last year, launching hand wash and lotion. The new addition of its first, all-natural fragrance, titled St Pauls, solidifies this shift. The eau de parfum takes its inspiration from Frama’s own studio space, housed in St Pauls Apotek, a former apothecary founded in 1878 in Copenhagen’s historic Nyboder neighbourhood. Handcrafted by local producers in the city, the formula melds zesty lemongrass and bright hints of citrus with an earthy heart of mysore sandalwood and cedarwood, contained in Italian, smoked glass bottles.

Writer: Jessica-Christin Hametner

In season
28 September

Australian-based furniture designer Jardan is known for its family-friendly designs that don't eschew style, and its new flagship Sydney store reflects this comfortable interior elegance. A bold colour palette – devised by lead architect Iva Foschia, (who finds colour to be a ‘big part of the Jardan story’) draws upon Sydney’s changing seasons. Sea-green walls give way to a central stairway rendered in peach, reflecting the hues of a Rose Bay sunset. The store’s assumption of a spacious Art Deco building in the Paddington area offers plenty of light and open-plan space to house the brand’s furniture, kitchenware and lifestyle offerings.

Writer: Luke Halls

Tools paradise
27 September

Skincare is now coming with a crop of innovative analogue apparatus intended to amplify the potency of their products. Groundbreaking new brand Orveda provides a tool with every product, be it a brush or massage tool. Eye creams from Chanel and Crème de La Mer are bolstered by massage tools designed to help smooth fine lines, minimise dark circles and solve surface discoloration. Masks such as La Prairie’s Skin Caviar Luxe Sleep Mask come with brushes to give even application, while hourglass Cosmetics’ Curator Lash instrument allows for impeccable primer and mascara application. Bristle- and brushfree, the tool targets even the smallest of lash hairs from root to tip. And facial rollers from Dr Jart+ and Nurse Jamie are saviours for lacklustre complexion, boosting circulation and encouraging lymphatic drainage; when paired with their respective serums they ensure you acquire that coveted post-facial glow in the comfort of your own home.

Clockwise from top, Uplift Massaging Beauty Roller, $69, by Nurse Jamie. Application tool for eye contour botanical gel, £140, by Orveda, from Harvey Nichols. The Eye Concentrate with applIcatIon tool, £150, by Crème De La Mer. Contour shaper from Liftra 3-Step Contour set, $130, by Dr Jart+, from Sephora. Skin brush for Skin Caviar Luxe Sleep Mask, £240, by La Prairie. Massage tool for sublimage La Crème Yeux, £128, by Chanel. Centre, curator lash instrument, $78, by Hourglass Cosmetics

As originally featured in the October 2017 issue of Wallpaper* (W*223)

Writer: Sara Sturges

Supersize me
26 September

In the sleepy commune of Puy-l’Évêque in the south of France, the Virebent porcelain atelier is the starting point for these hefty 1.5kg Diptyque candles. Handcrafted by artisans in earthenware, they’re ideal for use indoors and out. New for autumn, this amplified size is now available in the evocative 34 Boulevard Saint Germain scent: a heady mix of damp mosses, blackcurrant leaves and spices. The luxury French perfumer’s wax is set in Marseilles, boasting 70 hours of burn time.

Writer: Sujata Burman

Au naturel
25 September

Japanese design studio Nendo has turned its hand to cosmetic branding in a renewal project for Naturaglacé, which is celebrating its tenth anniversary. Naturaglacé’s ever-minimalist packaging has been given a facelift, featuring watercolour brushstroke patterns in gentle tints. A palette of 11 colours takes inspiration from the raw materials found in each product, with a base colour of grey-brown to represent ‘the colour of earth’. Made from all natural ingredients, Naturaglacé’s products ‘brighten up your healthy days with plant power’. Shine on.

Writer: Holly Patrick

Gold mine
20 September

What would you expect from a Peter Marino perfume range? A modicum of bling? An overdose of leather? When we heard that the famously leathered-up architect had designed the new ‘Elements of Man’ series for Ermenegildo Zegna, we have to admit that we weren’t expecting anything quite so... restrained. Though the five perfumes in the range have matt-gold caps and engraved metal labels, they’re pretty quiet by Marino standards, and the chunky pale-green bottles have an appealingly retro feel. Though their names – Talent, Integrity, Passion, Wisdom and Strength – may have a teenage ring, the scents themselves are attractive and natural-smelling. 

Writer: Christopher Stocks

Drawing card
11 September

‘Guess the Artist’ is a playful art quiz created by art and design duo Craig & Karl. The game challenges you to guess an iconic artist, ranging from Michelangelo to Jean-Michel Basquiat, through three visual clues colourfully sketched by the designers. This graphic Who’s Who of the art world doubles up as a comprehensive source of lesser-known art trivia. Don’t be fooled by the child-friendly patterns, there’s a fair few curveball cards hidden in the deck. Who’s turn to deal?

Writer: Sofia Dotta

High tea
5 September

For over 20 years, London’s Postcard Teas has been working with small-scale farms across Asia to produce speciality brews. Its most recent venture is Stonerolled Tea – a new type of powdered tea that generates a latte-like froth when blended with milk. In a bid to pitch tea as a coffee shop favourite, Postcard bought a matcha grinder from Japan to test every one of their blends. Unlike other tea lattes, which often have added flavouring and sugar, the stonerolling process brings out a natural sweetness – notes of pistachio in the green blend, for instance. At 33rpm, the tea is ground between the granite slabs at a much slower speed than other matchas, ensuring it doesn’t lose any of its flavours or nutrients. Going stonerolled offers you the aromatic experience of a strong coffee, without the post-sip jitters.

Writer: Holly Patrick

Raw and order
4 September

Tradition is at the heart of every aspect of the Omakase Room by Tatsu, in New York’s West Village. Hosting just eight diners, the small and perfectly formed sushi bar is complemented by a suitably discreet menu designed by Savvy Studio. Using a muted, neutral colour scheme of black, grey and off-white hues, the menu is a simple companion to the restaurant’s design. The Japanese characters, kanji, are in a brush font, with the English version in a minimalist typeface.

Writer: Holly Patrick

Smooth operator
1 September

Formed in 1992 by father and son duo Daniel and Luke, Hershesons has spawned countless salons as well as five ‘Blow Dry’ bars across London. With a foundation built on decades of hair styling for the stars, Hershesons now moves from the salon to the home with its newest release, Knot My Problem ­– the ultimate in-shower detangler, championing the end of tangle tears. The brush’s futuristic curves fit comfortably into the palm of your hand, providing a stable hold for battling even the stubborn most knots. With gentle bristles enabling smooth travel through wet or dry hair, Knot My Problem is set to become an in-shower lifesaver – for even the worst of birds’ nests.

Writer: Charlie Hedges

Sign of the times
30 August

Stationary newcomer Type and Story is the brainchild of London-born designer Niccy Iseman. Adding a graphic twist on traditional paper goods, the first collection, called ‘Sign-painting’, features a range of alphabet cards, abundant in pastel palettes and monogram characters. The collection pays homage to the eponymous art of sign painting, whereby artists adorn public spaces with letters. Storytelling is fundamental to Type and Story’s ethos – the cards are left blank for us to embellish with our own messages, and packs are customisable. All cards are printed in the UK on recyclable GF Smith paper – so there’s no better excuse to put pen to paper.

Writer: Holly Patrick

Top shelf
29 August

Following the 2008 opening of Taschen’s flagship store in Chelsea, the art-book publisher has opened shop at Mayfair’s prestigious Claridge’s hotel. The second London outpost has an art deco-inspired interior, courtesy of designers Alberto Bassi and Salvatore Licitra (of the Gio Ponti Archive). With signature tomes and new releases spine-to-spine on ceiling-high wall shelves, complete with floor-sweeping red velvet curtains, the design ‘complements Claridge’s historical building’, says Nolan Browne, the director of the space. ‘There’s a focus on elegant dark wood and parquet flooring to emit an old-world feel. Beyond the books themselves, the design gem of the space is a suspended, geometric glass chandelier by Gio Ponti.’ All the better to read you with.

Writer: Elly Parsons

Fresh arrivals
25 August

For passengers at the pointy end of the aeroplane, most situations have been tended to. You need sleep? Here’s a flatbed, feather-filled quilt, pyjamas and an eye shade. Time to wake up? Simply take your kit of amenities to the bathroom and refresh. But Singapore Airlines has taken the concept a step further, teaming with New York-based company The Laundress (a collaboration facilitated by creative agency Buzz Products) to provide high-flying customers with a pack to freshen their travelling outfit. Containing deodorising Fabric Fresh, wrinkle-busting Crease Release and mark-removing Wash & Stain Bar, all in Classic fragrance ­– for a laundry-fresh aroma – it will have passengers arriving at their destination looking fabulous.

Writer: Carrie Hutchinson

Take note
24 August

After the success of its collaboration with Marc Newson in 2015, German writing specialist Montblanc today debuts a new iteration of the designer’s Montblanc M. An exclusive collaboration with Selfridges, the Ultra Black version features a sand-blasted matte finish, the quintessential Montblanc emblem, and orange detailing – in homage to Newson’s signature hue. Capping things off, extra magnetic fields along the barrel create the perfect ‘snap’ close effect. Complementing the launch, Montblanc has created a ‘lucky orange’ set of fine leather stationery and ink, to pair with the rollerball, ballpoint or fountain variations.

Writer: Holly Patrick

Rise and shine
23 August

As part of Magnum Photos 70th anniversary celebrations, the global photography agency has teamed up with arts publishers Plinth on a line of merchandise. A play on gift-shop chic, the range makes use of some of Magnum’s most iconic archival imagery. A Chris Steele-Perkins image waves across a silk scarf; a neon sign photograph by Ferdinando Scianna is stamped onto resin badges; and Martin Parr’s greasy-spoon classic (pictured) is served with a smile on an English Breakfast tray.

Writer: Elly Parsons

Sip tight
22 August

Brooklyn-based bottle designer S'well has been eco-consciously hydrating the world since 2010, with the admirable aim of reducing plastic bottle use globally. This week, the flask-master has launched its new Spectrum range, as part of the wider A/W17 Collection. The idea behind the reflective finishes, which hint at the holographic, came from ‘playing with the diffusion of light, really thinking about how it affects your mood,’ says Sarah Kauss, CEO of S’well. The reusable bottles, which keep hot drinks hot for 12 hours and cold drinks cold for 24, are ‘particularly good for taking wine to the park,’ advises Kauss. This is one hip flask.

Writer: Elly Parsons

Pearly whites
18 August

Although mint is the time-honoured toothpaste flavour, Aēsop has decided it’s time for wasabi to step in. The Australian brand’s skincare scholars have utilised the pungent stem’s anti-oxidant properties for an oral hygiene alternative, marking its first foray into toothpaste creation. Wasabi’s piquancy is complemented by essential oils of cardamom, anise, clove and spearmint, while sea buckthorn soothes gum irritation. A fluoride-free ticket to fresh breath, this plant-based solution is an invigorating match for Aēsop’s existing anise-flavoured mouthwash. Open wide!

Writer: Holly Patrick

What’s the scoop?
17 August

Google alumni Bert Stein and Anthony Cafero, together with industrial design office Visibility, have delved into the world of convenience cooking, creating a flash-freezing frozen yoghurt maker. The Wim Appliance, born out of the founder’s desire for fresh fro-yo anytime, enables us to make the healthy(ish) dessert in our own homes. Marking it apart from ice-cream makers, Visibility’s first foray into household appliances comes with a choice of nine flavours of organic, pre-made ‘Wim-bowl’. Just add milk.

Writer: Holly Patrick

Glow getter
16 August

Made of the kind of responsive fabric you’d expect to see at MIT Tech Lab, Vollebak’s new Solar Charged Jacket combines futuristic technologies with contemporary adventure-wear design. Powered by a brief stint under any lightsource (including the sun), the jacket glows with a bright green hue, torch-like, for up to 12 hours. Steve Tidball, Vollebak’s co-founder explains, ‘We wanted to create something that would help you feel safe and superhuman when you’re out at night’. Whether you’re trekking through mountains, cycling through cities, (or fighting crime), the lightweight zip-up is waterproof, futureproof, and – with no batteries or electronics involved – its foolproof, too.

Writer: Elly Parsons

Nailed it
2 August

Munich-based jewellery and cosmetics designer Saskia Diez has combined her two specialisms for her latest project: a set of ten, 19ct rose gold nail paillettes, and a trio of nail paints. Each colour is inspired by a precious stone found in particular localities. The red draws from the rubies of Mozambique; the green from Columbia’s Muzo mined emeralds, and the blue from saphires in Kashmir, northern India. In the bottles, each polish appears deep and thick, but when painted on the nails, the opacity slips into a subtle sheen of watercolour, mimicking the transluscent nature of the precious stones. Created in collaboration with Uslu Airlines, each polish is named after the local airport area codes. So the blue colour is called ‘IXJ’ – the code of Jammu airport, near to Kashmir.

Writer: Elly Parsons

By the book
27 July

French pastry chef Christophe Adam has broken away from the traditional patisseries he’s famous for by opening Dépôt Légal, a new dining concept, along Rue des Petits Champs in Paris. The café is named after its history – the space was originally used for legally registering rare books before they were shipped off to the Bibliotèque Nationale. As a listed building, the exterior is off limits to redesign, so Adam worked with Reinh Interiors Agency to create a contemporary and cosy coffee shop-esque ambience inside with communal spaces. The delicatessen serves personalised, homemade and rustic savoury dishes, from breakfast through to after-work aperitifs (pictured) – not forgetting the all-important afternoon goûter for the Parisian in need of a sugar hit.

Writers: Jean Grogan, Emily Simpson

Shades of glaze
26 July

Sausalito-based studio Heath Ceramics helped put Californian ceramics on the map since its foundation in 1948 by Edith Heath. Now, it continues to be a well-rooted company with a respect for natural materials and artisan skills. Maintaining the tradition are owners Catherine Bailey and Robin Petravic, who have been on board since 2003. The latest winter 2017 seasonal collection (launching early October) includes vases, mugs, bowls, and trays covering a mix of glazes from Shell White to warmer tones like Sequoia, Redwood and Rosemary. With two new glazes – Arctic and Cascade – that are applied by hand, the pieces are one of a kind, making a collection that truly breaks the mold.

Writer: Juliet Dyer

Flour power
24 July

London-based charity Kahailia Women’s Project and design studio Nina+Co have come together to open Luminary Bakery in London’s Stoke Newington. A creative venture inspired by the lack of opportunities for socially and economically disadvantaged women, this social enterprise provides transferable and entrepreneurial skills for the workplace, all revolved around the art of baking. Women are offered work experience, courses and workshops in addition to the prospect of full time employment. Working with a modest budget, various local companies including Ercol, Diespeker & Co, LSA and Camira donated furniture and soft furnishings as well as cutlery and tableware, creating a warm, homely and holistic space.

Writer: Emily Simpson

Something special
21 July

Embarking on a mission to make plant-based choices the norm in modern society, the 40-year-old boutique pharmaceutical Biocol Labs shakes up the status quo of the health and wellness industry with the launch of Something. A range of five all-natural, doctor-approved health remedies wrapped like gifts, speak to people directly with a, ‘does what it says on the tin’ attitude. Effectively dodging an industry overloaded with chemicals, information and confusion, the brand makes leading a healthier lifestyle a simple and pleasurable affair.

Writer: Juliet Dyer

Squeaky clean
21 July

The pioneering skincare company from Barcelona, Inuit Soap, launches a new contemporary line of soaps that will enliven any bathroom. Founder Mónica Bernal teams up with Eloy Lamadrid to create all-natural soaps made out of three base ingredients: organic olive oil, alkali, and iceberg water (the latter, gathered by sail-powered boats with zero CO2 emissions). As the brand name suggests, Bernal takes inspiration from the arctic and the Inuit people for their simpler way of life. Aesthetically, the packaging is clean and bold, and made out of recycled paper with each cube numbered to suit a particular skin type. All are free of harmful ingredients and instead are full to the brim with certified organic components including rosehip and Argan. We particularly love #1, which is infused with jojoba and green clay, offering an extra dose of hydration.

Writer: Jessica-Christin Hametner

Shell choc
19 July

Most chocolatiers disregard the shells that encase the sought after cocoa bean during the chocolate-making process, yet they hold rich anti-oxidant properties. These shells are the hero ingredient in Hotel Chocolat’s new range of iced Teaolats. While chocolate indulgence usually comes with a calorific consequence, these on-the-go wellness drinks are fortunately less than 100 calories each, providing a guilt-free solution. As well as a dose of ‘healthy’ hydration, they contain no sweeteners or preservatives and supply vitamin goodness in B3, B6, B7 and B12. Iced raspberry, ginger chai and sparkling lemon flavours make for a thirst-quenching delight.

Writer: Emily Simpson

Top notes
19 July

A surprising collaboration between fragrance and skincare company Haeckels, based in Britain’s seaside town Margate, and the shoe luminaries at Grenson, has resulted in two deeply complex and intriguing fragrances. The first is inspired by Grenson’s Northampton factory in Queen Street, and the second, by their new flagship store situated along New York’s Elizabeth Street. ‘Queen Street’ serves up herbaceous top notes which transition into industrial notes of brick, stone, and dry woods, plus a base note that consists of Grenson’s shoe-making formula of leather, cork and glue. On the other hand, ‘Elizabeth Street’ has an enticing blend of florals, coffee, lime and coriander, which gradate through to a rich core of chilli and cardamom with a finale of concrete, leather and clean wood.

Writer: Isabel Yap

Noteworthy
17 July

The stationery aficionado’s collection is not complete without a writing instrument from masters of manufacturing art materials Caran d’Ache. Now, the Geneva-based company have released two new additions in the 849 collection – a fountain pen and a notebook. The former is available in a variety of colours and a tri-size nib, for writing precision. Inspired by the traditional Swiss passport, the notebook, designed in alliance with Swiss design studio Big Game, can be taken anywhere thanks to its durable canvas – perfect for the office as well as the intrepid explorer.

Writer: Emily Simpson

Square meal
17 July

Online subscription-based supplement dispenser, Care/of, ensures that its clientele gets the right nutrition, thanks to a tailored questionnaire that vets the individual’s lifestyle, goals and needs. It then prescribes a curated mix of supplements, such as fish oil (or vegan omega) for heart health; calcium and magnesium for bones, and Ayurvedic herbs like Rhodiola and Bacopa to relieve stress. Everything is delivered in a month's supply to one’s door. Your daily allotment is packaged in stylish sachets, printed with your name. Armed with transparent sourcing practices and committed to sustainability, Care/of rightly focuses on ensuring its vitamins, minerals, probiotics and herbs are from the most potent, digestible and bioavailable sources.

Writer: Pei-Ru Keh

Light elixir
14 July

New York-based Danish make-up artist Kirsten Kjaer Weis launches The Beautiful Oil as part of her first ever skincare line. The serum adheres to Kjaer Weis’ principles of only using the best ingredients. In Chinese medicine, Discorea Batatas – also known as the Light Root – is thought to hold the highest amount of light ether than any other plant, and is the key to glowing skin. Setting the bar even higher, Kjaer Weis works in synergy with product designer Marc Atlan to produce minimal packaging that has an architectural aesthetic. Not just a pretty design, the formula hydrates the face, body and even hair with a wild rose scent.

Writer: Juliet Dyer

Take note
14 July

In our digital age, we’re still on the hunt for that tangible connection between pen and paper. Accordingly, duo Sidonie Warren and Kyle Clarke of interiors and branding studio B open their first Papersmiths stationery store in London’s Boxpark, their second for their sister company after Bristol. The 300 sq ft shipping container space is decked out with 6,600 dusky pink encaustic tiles occupying the walls and floor. Nottingham surface designer Katie Gilles has provided bespoke, speckled jesmonite surfaces and display plinths to accommodate the selection of specialist stationery. Spoiling us for choice by stocking classics like Midori, Bindewerk, Appointed and Kaweco, Papersmiths also introduces new designers such as Papier Tigre, Esme Winter and Write Sketch & – a haven for the stationery addict.

Writer: Emily Simpson

Wild nature
13 July

After years of globetrotting, designer Nadia Rivelles and photographer Mario Kiener returned to native Austria finding a new home in Götzwiesen, in Vienna’s Wienerwald. The local nature prompted the pair to develop Rivelles – a vegan cosmetics and hair brand that uses local plants to produce a range of sustainable beauty products. The duo were inspired to create homemade formulations after discovering that their land was home to hundreds of varying healing plants, including rosehip, broccoli and oats. Harsh ingredients are substituted for gentler oils and pure plant extracts. Boasting clean ingredients and sustainable packaging, this brand is sure to be an asset to any sink-side.

Writer: Jessica-Christin Hametner

Digital detox
12 July

For years, the sound of crashing waves and whale song have been used to transport our busy minds to calmer corners during spa treatments. Now Natura Bissé has upped the ante and introduced virtual reality goggles, for a treatment they are calling The Mindful Touch. Taking place in their Pure Air Bubble (a cocooned space containing 99.9% pure air, high in oxygen and free from allergens) the treatment aims to unclutter the mind, using virtual reality moving images, viewed through the goggles, with a transporting sound track, at the start of the treatment. While taking in the sounds and sights, the feet, neck, hands are massaged. After the mindful session, the goggles are removed, and the core facial continues. The thinking goes, that with the mind at rest, the face should be more receptive to treatment. We say, it’s a great time-out moment, with skin-renewing side benefits.

Writer: Emma Moore

In the pink
11 July

As far as cult favourites go, The Class by Taryn Toomey is one on the fitness front that has achieved a reverential, well-guarded following. A cathartic mix of calisthenics and plyometrics that’s set to carefully chosen music, Toomey’s holistic method not only challenges the body, but engages the mind as well. The Class’ mindful philosophy has been appropriately translated into a trio of nail polishes made by the equally health-conscious nail label, tenoverten. The three nude shades – a milky white, dusty rose and cocoa beige – are free from the eight main chemicals often found in nail polish. Like the rest of tenoverten’s non-toxic nail polish collection, the trio is also cruelty free, vegan and made in the USA. Together, these perfect partners make self care possible on the inside and out.

Writer: Pei-Ru Keh

Bespoke blend
11 July

The acclaimed Fera restaurant of Claridge's Hotel in Mayfair, has developed a quintessentially British eponymous brand of gin. Head bartender Ale Villa and the in-house sommelier team have worked together for two years to craft the fruity spirit, concocted in the Fera Development Kitchen – an intimate and interactive dining experience for customers. Infusing various botanical flavours including juniper, coriander, angelica, orris and apple marigold they’ve manufactured a distinctive, fresh, dry gin. Perfect with tonic, enjoy a tipple with dinner, or for the gin aficionado, snag a bespoke bottle à la carte.

Writer: Emily Simpson

Second nature
7 July

While eating natural has widely been conceded as the way to go, smelling natural hasn’t been as welcomed with open arms. Skylar, a fresh new fragrance line hailing from Los Angeles, California, makes a strong case for going down that route. Its quartet of perfumes are not only made using sustainable and socially conscious practices, they are also hypoallergenic and devoid of artificial dyes, parabens, phthalates, glycol and toxic chemicals. Each of Skylar’s fragrances is created in small batches locally and features a base of organic sugar cane alcohol and distilled water. Almost 100% natural, the formulas do include a few safe, manmade ingredients as substitutes for their natural counterparts, which are highly allergenic. From the spice-infused Arrow scent, a blend of blackcurrant, jasmine, tonka bean and neroli, and the citrus-tinged Coral scent, made with mandarin, apple blossom, tuberose, rose and amber, to the water-inspired Isle perfume, featuring bergamot, cardamom, peony and sandalwood, and the feminine Meadow fragrance, which combines lime, geranium, rose, gardenia and patchouli, each perfume is a sophisticated construction, without any whiffs of granola-crunching in sight.

Writer: Pei-Ru Keh

Root awakening
7 July

Known for its well-heeled clientele and keen ability to realise dramatic, design-forward creations, the floral design studio Ovando now has an equally avant-garde flagship to match its credentials. The Upper East Side boutique is an adaptable jewel-box space designed by Rockwell Group, which easily transforms from a storefront to an event space for a myriad of occasions and celebrations. Window podiums in glistening black terrazzo are fitted with jewel-toned cushions that can also be used as comfy seating. A movable workstation provides a counter space to arrange flowers during the day and also turns into a bar after dark. The all-black interior features layers of refined materials to create a blank, yet sophisticated backdrop for Ovando’s vibrant constructions. Ebony horsehair and scorched ash wood adorn the walls, while another is made from frosted, etched glass and elegantly backlit, giving the room with a moody glow. With four window fronts to entice visitors, you’ll be hard pressed to keep walking on by.

Writer: Pei-Ru Keh

Brand new
6 July

Transporting contemporary Parisians to a 1960s America is Le Drugstore – the go-to brasserie situated in the entertainment complex of Publicis Drugstore along the Champs-Élysées. Tom Dixon, creative interior designer, has re-interpreted the building’s original spirit to lend the restaurant an aura of American advertising agency heritage. Inspired by Dixon's take on the era, branding specialists Design & Practice have generated a minimalist logo for the restaurant – menus, napkins and business cards are embellished with a graphic ‘LE’. Keeping the Mad Men era in mind with a focus on tactility mixed with materiality, office dossiers and paper bags are repurposed as luxury menus and take out packaging.

Writer: Isabel Yap

In a nutshell
6 July

Pioneer Belgian chocolatier Pierre Marcolini is renowned for his use of exotic and luxurious ingredients, most recently experimenting with Italian hazelnuts. His famous and meticulous 'bean-to-bar' philosophy is taken to new heights in the Casse-Noisette collection. The highlight? The 'Nutcracker spread' – a chocolate-hazelnut extravaganza, blended and stripped of guilt-inducing fats and condensed into a jar. Promoted as a melt-in-mouth must have, it’s sure to be a “bean-to-jar” success amongst kids and adults alike.

Writer: Isabel Yap

Organic grinder
4 July

A recent breakout onto the organic skincare scene, Brooklyn-based eponymous brand Peet Rivko introduced its simple and soothing product line, free of toxins and any other nasty surprises, in the belief that everyone benefits from gentle skincare. Comprising plant based products, Rivko’s Gentle Cleanser, Daily Moisturizer and Balancing Face Oil all promise to forgo sulphates, PEGs, silicones, TEA/DEA, urea or petroleum. The newest addition to the brand’s compact family is the Peet Rivko Body Oil, combining an organic mix of sunflower, avocado and baobab oils, ensuring a healthy all over body glow. The moisturising blend contains no added fragrance and assures that it caters to those who have even the most sensitive of skin types, while nourishing skin with its array of unrefined ingredients high in antioxidants, vitamins, and fatty acids.

Writer: Sara Sturges

Bitter sweet
4 July

Practice the art of mixology this summer: Selfridges in London exclusively debuts Cointreau’s fizz cocktail kit, a perfect fit for sipping the summer months away. The handy toolbox is portable and divided up into sections, with small troughs for ice cubes and fruit. It’s packed full with three cocktail shakers, a juicer, a copper bar spoon, two bottles of Perrier sparkling water and stripy straws, in addition to the brand’s own 35cl bottle of the good stuff – all you need to add is some ice with a lime slice.

Writer: Emily Simpson

Olfactory notes
3 July

Marrying acoustics with fragrance, Aesop have released three original music tracks to complement their new trio of Aromatique room sprays. Collaborating with American composer Jesse Paris Smith, every track relates to one of the sprays. Varying instruments and rhythms reflect the unorthodox ingredients – woody spices, smoky floral tones and vibrant botanicals. Harmonies weave and delicately dance across the ear (and nose), creating a calming multi-sensory experience.

Writer: Emily Simpson

Shape shifter
3 July

French creative design agency Sam Baron & Co has created a range of souvenirs to celebrate the 100th birthday of modernist architect IM Pei, designer of the Louvre’s iconic glass pyramid. Joined by graphics studio AH-HA, based in Lisbon, they fashioned geometric accessories, mugs, stationary and phone chargers resembling the rhombus shapes and triangular glass segments that make up the landmark’s structure.

Writer: Emily Simpson

Eye candy
29 June

When Maayan Zilberman was growing up in a kibbutz community in Israel, she fantasised about burying things in the ground and finding them petrified into candy. In a sense, her wish has come true – high fructose meets high design in SUGE, a new series of crystalline candy sculptures. Presented at Furth Yashar & gallery in Los Angeles, Zilberman turns to the kitchen in lieu of a studio. After boiling sugar down into workable taffy, she colours the crystals with food-grade colouring to represent precious gems mined from the earth. Each piece is infused with regional ingredients. Flavours include Icelandic sea salt, Canadian scotch mint powder, Rwandan ginger, and Mexican grasshoppers. The playful pieces poke at long-held assumptions about art, sustenance and ceremony.

Writer: Katie Meston

Take the heat
29 June

Using SPF protection daily is the anti-aging crux of any comprehensive skincare routine. Responding to the outcry of inconvenienced consumers for an effortless application of the white stuff, New York cult beauty brand Glossier offers up their solution by launching ‘sunscreen for people who do not like sunscreen’. Invisible Shield daily sunscreen with SPF 35, is a water-based gel formula, quick to absorb and light to the touch. It shields the skin from harmful rays and pollution through Active Microcapsules – tiny spheres packed with protective UVA and UVB filters.

Writer: Sara Sturges

Novel idea
27 June

Victor Hugo, Tom of Finland, Tilda Swinton and the Marquis de Sade may not, on the face of it, have a great deal in common, but they have all inspired perfumes from the French niche-fragrance brand Etat Libre d’Orange. Its latest scent is a collaboration with American perfume critic Chandler Burr, inspired by his first novel, You Or Someone Like You, a comedy of manners set in Los Angeles. Though Burr points out that his perfume is not intended as an ‘olfactory landscape painting’, the heroine of his book is a keen gardener, and the scent he’s created with perfumer Caroline Sabas is as fresh as a spring morning in Beverly Hills. Zingy citrus, rose, sharp grass and hit of spearmint make for a refreshing cologne, which within a couple of weeks of its release has become one of Etat Libre’s best-sellers.

Writer: Christopher Stocks

Hot tip
27 June

New York’s David Weeks Studio has reimagined the traditional coffee cup in collaboration with innovative 3D printing company, Othr. Putting your own stamp on any universally known object is a challenge, but ‘Sorvo’ – a collection of cups with digitally enhanced walls – offers something new and useful, without being gimmicky. The topsy-turvy ceramic gives off an illusion of a tipping cup. In doing so, the surface of the espresso remains level when sipped in this minimal and sophisticated take on contemporary coffee.

Writer: Katie Meston

Choux shopping
26 June

The Savoy hotel’s in-house deli, Melba, has dreamed up the quintessential summer treat – the Icéclair. The patisseries feature traditional light choux pastry filled with delectable hand-made ice cream, merging their signature éclairs with summer’s most sought-after refreshment. A myriad of guilty pleasures await as customers can tailor their creations choosing from fruity ice cream flavours to chocolates and caramels before experimenting with a variety of toppings – popping candy, cookie dough and candy floss, to caramelized hazelnuts, shortbread and chocolate crunchy pearls.

Writer: Emily Simpson

Head above water
26 June

It’s safe to say that most urbanites aspire to fill their summer months with as much beach time as possible. To achieve that nonchalant, yet perfectly textured hair away from the shore though, the Austin-based professional hair care line Verb has unveiled its Sea collection, inspired by the success of its best-selling Sea Spray. Created with seawater and seaweed extract, the line’s shampoo and conditioner protects hair from breakage and improves hair quality, while also getting rid of excess oils but still maintaining hydration. Together, the duo gently cares for hair while also bestowing a weightless texture and a hint of grit for that coveted beachfront look. The line’s complementary texture cream adds extra volume, a malleable hold and amplifies texture.

Writer: Pei-Ru Keh

Glass act
23 June

For this year’s SingaPlural design fair, Ministry of Design worked with artisanal glass cutters from Japan’s central Kanto region to create a striking whisky tumbler. Eschewing the symmetrical repeated patterns of quotidian glasses, the Singapore-based studio created tactile, three-dimensional topographies that were inspired by the mountains of Yamanashi prefecture in Honshu island, its crystalline air and waters contributing to some of our favourite whisky labels outside of Scotland. The goal, says Ministry of Design’s principal designer Colin Seah, is ‘to celebrate contemporary alterations without compromising the craft’. We’ll drink to that.

Writer: Daven Wu

Clean getaway
23 June

Founded in San Francisco's Mission District some eight years ago by two Bay area childhood friends, Hanz de Fuko is a men’s haircare brand that strives to shake things up a bit. It puts a firm emphasis on fun and experimentation – there are no less than seven different styling pastes in the range, including best sellers Claymation and Quicksand – but not at the expense of the products’ integrity – the ingredients lean heavily towards the botanical and organic. As they spread to new markets, so the range grows. The latest addition is a body wash with all-natural and certified organic ingredients that is sulphate and paraben-free and leaves in its wake an invigorating waft of minty rum and sandalwood.

Writer: Katie Meston

Well bread
22 June

When it comes to pastries and breads, the Japanese have channelled their innate sense for precision, proportions and aesthetics to become first-rate bakers. Case in point is Pinocchio. Tokyo-based studio I IN has swathed a bijou cocoon in downtown Yokohama in cool mortar, a warm-hued woven rug, and blond timber. On a massive recycled oak central table sits straw baskets and trays filled with walnut loaves, buttery croissants, savoury focaccia, and nightingale bean breads, all freshly baked each morning by pastry chef Masahito Kanou.

Writer: Daven Wu

Good turn
21 June

French design agency Servaire & Co has partnered with Parisian perfumery Diptyque to conjure up an inventive, atmospheric way to fragrance the home. Designed with the environment in mind, this energy saving, perforated hourglass-shaped diffuser requires no electric power – it’s refillable and made of only recyclable materials. Described by the brand as something that could have been found in a ‘cabinet of curiosities’, its gilded golden-bronze colouring is complemented by vibrant glass vessels at both ends. Simply turn the hourglass upside down to release one of six fragrances – from orange blossom to ginger.

Writer: Emily Simpson

Get a grip
20 June

King of cool-girl tousles, Sam McKnight, has been making waves in the world of fashion hair styling for four decades. Now, he's bottled his considerable success in four hotly anticipated new products. Comprising a dry shampoo and three light as air hairsprays, the vanity-worthy range is packaged up in complementary moss, mauve, navy and duckegg-coloured boxes. At the recent launch event at Liberty London, McKnight was keen to keep the 'momentum' going. 'This is just the beginning,' he said. 'Hair by Sam McKnight is the culmination of my experience backstage and on shoots, delivered in a can.'

Writer: Elly Parsons

Bird feed
19 June

James Ramsden and Sam Herlihy, the duo behind Michelin-starred Hackney bistro Pidgin, are launching their latest London venture, Magpie. Expect a moreish muddle of British small-plate dining, fused with Asian flavours and a generous cocktail list. Borrowing from traditional dim sum restaurants, diners choose plates straight off the trolley (cherry-picking their favourites, Magpie-esque) in a truly à la carte experience. Magpie promises some pretty unique flavour combinations too – think kosho, fennel pollen and roasted miso custard.

Writer: Katie Meston

Aqua men
16 June

'We're all about honesty,' says organic chemist turned skincare virtuoso Anthony McDonough, co-founder of Australian men's skincare brand, Lqd. 'We'll never tell you we sourced some rare, magical ingredient from the top of Mount Everest, when we didn't.' The paired-back label – sole skincare sponsors of the recent London Fashion Week Men's – prefers the 'no-frills' approach, making use of pure, proven ingredients, wrapped up in squeaky-clean monochrome packaging. Its range of luxurious moisturisers, balms and scrubs has just launched exclusively in Harrods in the UK, having already whetted the bestseller list at Bloomingdale's in the US, and flooded the market in Australia. Unpolluted by parabens, colourings and sulfates, 'it's not just what's in the product that counts, but what's left out.'

Writer: Elly Parsons

Freeze frame
14 June

Ice tends to play a supporting role in the making of cocktails. Lately though, it’s becoming the star. At its simplest, lime juice, sugar, a mint leaf and a lime wedge are put in a tray, frozen, then dropped into water to serve as a Mojito. Master bartender Ryan Chetiyawardana is upping the stakes, creating a visual feast as well as a taste sensation. ‘I slice citrus fruits into a tub, fill it with boiling water, cool, then freeze. This makes a block that’s ideal for a punch,’ he says. He also freezes watermelon juice in a baton to create the ‘backbone’ to a highball G&T. Forget mixing, it’s all about melting the drinks this summer.

Photography: Aaron Tilley. Writer: Emma Moore

Flames of desire
13 June

Playing with fire has never seemed so attractive. Lighting up our world currently are candles by the likes of, front and right, Culti (Arancione Esperide, €44) and Overose (Guaiasilk, €46); incense, courtesy of Chikuseiko (€25, from Blos); and the ‘Bow’ incense burner ($100, by Greg Papove), both bottom left. Candle accoutrements, such as Byredo’s elegant wick trimmer (£17), middle left; Cire Trudon’s ‘L’Éteignoir’ wick hooks (€35), top left; and matchboxes, such as By Lassen’s (€4) and L’Objet’s ($95), bottom right, are becoming ever more striking. And thankfully, if the pyrotechnics get out of hand, there is the black bird-shaped ‘Phoenix’ fire extinguisher (£90), top right, by Oiva Toikka, for Jalo Helsinki.

Photography: Baker & Evans. Writer: Emma Moore

Hole in one
12 June

The humble doughnut has been the subject of much elevation of late, but it’s not always easy to tell where the gimmickry ends and the innovation begins. Thankfully, Wylie Dufresne’s spin on this classic is all about the latter. At Du’s Donuts and Coffee, the Michelin-starred chef’s first casual endeavor located within Brooklyn’s William Vale Hotel, head baker Colin Kull creates moist cake doughnuts in a rotating selection of flavours, from peanut butter yuzu and Mexican hot chocolate, to peach melba and strawberries and cream. Situated in a glass-fronted, minimal wood and concrete store at the bottom of the hotel, Du’s tempts passers-by by putting its doughnut making and glazing in full view.

Writer: Pei-Ru Keh

Bottle it
9 June

Once upon a time, when working for Christian Lacroix, perfumer Frédéric Malle, consulted for the renowned French jewellery designer Robert Goossens. The jewellery house, which has produced splendid creations for Parisian fashion houses including Chanel, Saint Laurent and Balenciaga, has now worked on an olfactory gem, creating grey and yellow-gold plated travel cases for Malle’s Editions de Parfums. Like the notes in Malle’s fragrances, the design of the case – created in collaboration with Patrick Goossens, son of Robert and the brand’s current director – has sensory appeal. Its case resembles wrapped lengths of wire, and shines brighter with each rub of the hand.

Writer: Laura Hawkins

Bare faced
8 June

Known for its high-end heritage toiletries, Heathcote & Ivory has made its first foray into men’s contemporary skincare. Simply titled ‘Heath’, the refined range incorporates specially formulated ingredients to combat daily stresses of the city-slicking modern gent. Papaya extract and Tasmanian pepper berries are moisturising and rich in antioxidants while Buddleja officinalis, found in the mountains of China, shields skin from high levels of UV exposure and blue light emitted by our digital devices.

Writer: Emily Simpson

Server update
5 June

Travellers relaxing on a delta flight now have something other than the inflight movies on which to focus. In the largest airline collaboration for the design company, Alessi has created an 86-piece service and tableware line for Delta’s premium cabins. Alessi worked with inflight experience specialist buzz for three years to create more streamlined versions of some of its most famous products. Patricia Urquiola’s ‘Orloff’ bowls, Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec’s ‘Ovale’ glassware and ceramic dinnerware, and Stefano Giovannoni’s ‘Mami’ cutlery have been adjusted for use at 30,000ft, while Fernando and Humberto Campana adapted their ‘Blow Up’ designs to create water and wine caddies formed of aluminium twigs.

Writer: Clare Dowdy

Pictured, from the Delta spring menu and served on Alessi tableware; heated missed nuts; pretzel roll; truffle raviloi with spring vegetable medley, blistered tomatoes and caciocavallo cheese fondue, chocolate ganache with white cinnamon yoghurt

Perfect ten
24 May

With sun-soaked idling just round the corner, it’s the ideal time to launch the Perfect Ten martini glass. The classic conical coupe is re-imagined by award winning product and interior designer Lee Broom in collaboration with Tanqueray No Ten. As one of nine several skilled craftsmen taking part in the ‘Perfect Ten’ campaign, in which the brand reveals a series of creative partnerships throughout the year, Broom was inspired by his best-selling ‘Half Cut’ collection. Vertical cuts are crafted into the hand-blown crystal glass and the base takes the shape of a crystal decanter stopper, both referencing the iconic art deco elegance of the Tanqueray No Ten bottle.

Writer: Emily Simpson

High caffeine
22 May

John and Wonhee Arndt of Studio Gorm – a design office in Eugene, Oregon – have solved one of life’s eternal questions: coffee or tea? The inspired ‘Twin Carafe’, part of the ‘Seven Everyday Tools’ collection curated by New York design studio Good Thing, is a multifunctional treat. The silicone lid acts as a pour over set after the funnel has served its coffee-brewing function. It doubles up as a loose-tea filter thanks to the ridged edging – satisfying both coffee and tea lovers alike. What’s more, it’s made from borosilicate glass, promising to keep your beverage hot while the beaker remains cool to the touch.

Writer: Emily Simpson

Right as rain
19 May

Yamagoya, a pop-up ramen restaurant on Shaftesbury Avenue, has reinvented the Raindrop Cake – or mizu shingen mochi – a cult Japanese dish revived for the London scene. Using a traditional recipe, the crystal-clear texture instantly melts into liquid once you’ve taken a bite. Because they have to be freshly made (disintegrating after just 30 minutes at room temperature) the cakes are limited to just 20 a day. Combined with a drizzle of sticky molasses syrup and a sprinkle of kinako (roasted soybean flour for dipping), this is a literal ‘melt in your mouth’ experience, and a sweet treat after a fiery bowl of ramen.

Writer: Emily Simpson

High concept
17 May

Diagram Concept Store in Bratislava is the vision of Silvia Paldia, a young artistically-minded woman who likes to be surrounded by creative inspiration from all around the world. Interior scents by luxury brands such as Fornasetti, Cire Trudon and Czech brand Meadows take centre stage of the selection. Olfactory products are then complemented by fine jewellery by Laura Lee from London, Hortense from Paris, and New York-based Satomi Kawakita. The refined interior was conceived by Czech architect Martin Frank of Deconcept studio, who created a multi-layered space with the display furniture made of brass, wood, glass, marble and fur.

Writer: Adam Štěch

Pigment power
16 May

It’s the 50th anniversary of skincare pioneer Dr Hauschka and to celebrate it has launched its first 100 per cent natural and organic make-up, ethically produced and packaged in recyclable materials. The abundant collection consists of 83 products, from bases to blushers, mascaras to lipsticks. The biodynamic ingredients are free from parabens, silicones, synthetic preservatives and dyes and while most chemical brands are blessed with 980 pigments to play with, Dr Hauschka formulates with just 53, still managing to pack a saturated punch.

Writer: Emily Simpson

Cut above
15 May

Sydney-based butcher 1888 Certified sought the help of fellow Australian interior design practice TomMarkHenry to renovate its Double Bay store. Focusing on the mantra that people care where their food comes from, the two companies came together to bridge the distance between customer, city and countryside. Inspired by the grass-fed and hormone-free produce, the 130 sq m shop boasts high levels of workmanship, sourcing bespoke materials. The countertop – made from Calacatta marble evocative of marbled meat and recycled hardwood used in construction of the Sydney Harbour Bridge – is rich in history, while old butcher’s knives collected from local farmers are arranged to resemble a cow’s spine.

Writer: Emily Simpson

Sensory suds
12 May

Approached by Tony Gaudette of Maison Milan, Samuel Accoceberry has manufactured an intriguing, jet-black soap – a feast for the visual, tactile and olfactory senses. With its protruding angles and unusual aesthetics 'that arouse our desire to touch', Simona converts the daily chore of washing one’s hands into a tangible experience. The invigorating mix of fresh scents bergamot, ginger and myrrh, have been developed distinctively to rid lingering pungent garlic and onion odours. If the colour and scents aren’t to your taste, Accoceberry is currently developing other colours and fragrances for an explosive sensory sequel.

Writer: Emily Simpson

Time for tea
11 May

Crowdfunded company Good and Proper Tea was established in 2012 from a 1974 Citroen H van. Using Crowdcube, it opened a Tea Bar in London’s Clerkenwell and set up shop in a kiosk down the road in Old Street. After an influx of customer requests for a good and proper Earl Grey, founder Emilie Holmes has concocted just that. Combining Ceylon from Uva, a remote region in Sri Lanka, a variety which has natural hints of citrus and pine, with Italian bergamot oil, Holmes has created a true Earl Grey. Perfect supped with a slice of lemon. Milk, optional.

Writer: Emily Simpson

Picnic party
5 May

Timed to hit stores just in time for the last months of Sakura cherry viewing season in Japan, Kinto's new tableware 'Alfresco' is sure to chic up your next meal in the great outdoors. The series consists of a tumbler, mug, spoon, fork, two plates and a bowl, and come in three different earthy colours. Designed by Shin Azumi, they are made from a new kind of melamine bamboo fibre mix that give the products a nice matte finish and warm feel.

Writer: Jens H Jensen

Comme comeback
4 May

Kooky but cool, Comme des Garçons has launched 74 scents since 1994. Over the years the brand has helped push the limits of perfume in whole new directions, with the help of ground-breaking perfumers like Mark Buxton and Bertrand Duchaufour. Now, to celebrate, Comme is relaunching ten of its most iconic scents as an Olfactory Library, starting with Mark Buxton’s 1996 Eau de Cologne, followed by Calamus and Lily from Series 1 (2000), Palisander and Sequoia from Series 2 (2001), Garage, Soda and Tar from Series 6 (2004), and Nomadtea and Stickycake from Series 7 (2005). We’re adding them to our bookshelves.

Writer: Christopher Stocks

Food art
2 May

His four-year-old country restaurant Brae, located about an hour outside of Melbourne in the small town of Birregurra, entered the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list at number 44 in April this year and now Dan Hunter has just released his first book. The stunning monograph, the first by an Australian chef to be published by Phaidon, follows the locavore’s journey: from kitchen porter, around the world where he worked at restaurants, including Spain’s Mugaritz, and finally to his world-class eatery and inspiring kitchen garden. Brae: Recipes and Stories from the Restaurant also includes 150 photographs that captures the landscape, day-to-day life in the kitchen and unique native ingredients.

Writer: Carrie Hutchinson

On point
27 April

The pencil has been given an olfactory makeover by Caran d’Ache, a brand that has always striven to drive pencils into the luxury category. The task of adding this extra dimension fell to a company close to home for the geneva-based pencil makers. Mizensir is a niche Swiss perfume house founded in 1999 by Alberto Morillas, the nose behind countless classics including cK one. Comprising hints of patchouli and incense, and carrying the name tibetan wood, the scent morillas devised is infused into the lacquer that coats the pencils, which come in a set of four and are made from white ash, white oak, silver teak and western hemlock. Fragrancing fads may come and go, but we feel drawn to this one.

Writer: Emma Moore. As originally featured in the May 2017 issue of Wallpaper* (W*218)

Pictured, Les Crayons de la Maison, £30 for set of four, by Caran d’Ache

Oh so sweet
27 April

Omnom has swept Iceland’s confectionery world ever since its launch back in 2013, bringing tasty flavours and quirky packaging to the table. Established by Kjartan Gíslason and his childhood friend Oskar Thordarson, Omnom was formed after three years of experimentation in an old, abandoned gas station. Since then, the brand has opened its first bean-to-bar chocolate factory and shop in Reykjavik’s up-and-coming Grandi district. Gíslason pays homage to Iceland’s culinary and aesthetic history with traditional Icelandic flavours such as licorice and, with the help of in-house graphic designers Veronica Fillippin and Andre Visage, playfully colourful packaging. Other widely loved choices for chocolate sampling, such as burned butter and barley and rye, also find their way into the concoctions, giving each bar a truly Icelandic twist.

Writer: Jessica-Christin Hametner

Bath ‘vader
26 April

Our sustainable skincare needs have been met with the launch of Angan. The Reykjavik-based brand was set up by Íris Laxdal, an architect and nature enthusiast, whose goods are crafted with only raw ingredients. Named after the Icelandic word for ‘scent’, Angan uses salt from the unpolluted sea of the Westfjords as its key ingredient. The salt is hand-harvested by gourmet cooking salt producer Saltverk, who utilises hot geyser water and just one energy source – an eco-friendly process, which demonstrates the brand’s integrity. The collection currently consists of two key products – a detoxifying, mineral-rich bath salt that’s infused with seaweed and a therapeutic blend of essential oils like bergamot and grapefruit – and the other, an exfoliating salt scrub made with Icelandic moss. Evocative of pharmacy jars, the bottle-green packaging of the former was created by Bessermachen design studio, while the abstract logo, takes its inspiration from Icelandic runes. By putting the focus on quality over quantity, Angan’s minimalist approach receives our seal of approval.

Writer: Jessica-Christin Hametner

Soap stars
25 April

We’ve always been partial to a good-looking bar of soap. The latest example to win our fancy comes from the Canadian independent label, Binu Binu. Named after the Korean word for soap, these sculptural beauties are carefully handmade using a cold process method that allows the bars to retain all the goodness of their 100% natural plant derived ingredients. Each soap’s base is made up of boricha (Korean roasted barley tea) and then mixed with additional essential oils and ingredients to cleanse and treat skin. Binu Binu’s collection of soaps is inspired by the rituals surrounding the Korean public bath. Founder Karen Kim has designed formulas that elegantly binds the traditional and modern. From the Haenyeo Sea Woman soap, an invigorating sea salt soap inspired by the elderly female divers of Jeju Island, to the Celadon Tea Ceremony soap which relies on healing clays and green tea to purify skin as well as provide its ceramic-like, pale green glaze, each hand-cut, monolithic soap brings a refined touch to everyday bathing. The line’s latest additions are actually non-soap related, but follows in its stead. The Hibiscus cleansing balm gently dissolves dirt, excess oil and make up with camellia and rosehip oil, while the Seshin Korean body scrub emulates the traditional Korean bath house body treatment by using sea salt, crushed sesame seeds and volcanic ash to polish the body and boost circulation.

Writer: Pei-Ru Keh

Take a shot
24 April

With its fashionable packaging and cosmically charged name, Gem&Bolt could easily be discounted as simply being a trendy alcohol brand that barrels through an aesthetic punch list. Truth be told, the mezcal label adheres to the strictest quality and production guidelines that truly makes it an exemplary specimen of its kind. Made in Oaxaca by artists Elliott Coon and Adrin Adrina, together with fourth generation mezcaleros, Gem & Bolt's mezcal is gleaned from slow roasting agave in conical earthen pits that’s then traditionally mashed with a Tahona stone (turned by a horse, of course). Its unique point of difference however, is the addition of Damiana – a Mexican flowering herb known for its mood elevating and aphrodisiac properties, in its distillation process. Bottled in white flasks-shaped bottles that are each hand-painted with an original typeface designed by Coon, Gem&Bolt’s smooth, smoky elixir can be simply sipped or used in cocktails for a relaxed, but uplifting kick.

Writer: Pei-Ru Keh

Simple pleasures
21 April

Two of life’s greatest delights have come together at Park Fever, a new bottle shop that serves up beer and chocolate in London’s Hither Green. Park Fever’s small size doesn’t stop it from drawing large crowds, who come to indulge in the store’s discerning selection of high quality chocolate and craft brews. Those who make the journey southeast can pick bottles from a wide selection that includes Beavertown, Pressure Drop, and Magic Rock breweries, as well as chocolates from local producers like Land and Duffy. Whether enjoyed around the space’s corkboard tables or taken away to be savored at home, the offerings at Park Fever are sure to satisfy every craving.

Writer: Mary Cleary

Waste not, want not
19 April

Protecting the environment for a better future is paramount, and pioneers are now doing so in more ways than one. Verandi, Iceland’s latest all-natural skincare export, understands this all too well, and while its inception might have started small, over a simple cup of coffee in Reykjavik’s Te & Kaffi, the brand has big ambitions already. Joining founder Rakel Garðarsdóttir Garðarsdóttir on her mission to instigate necessary change were Elva Björk Barkardóttir (a lawyer who runs a free-range chicken farm) and graphic designer Egill Þórðarson. After two years of culmination, Verandi was born when the trio teamed up with Te & Kaffi to produce skincare products made from surplus coffee grounds that, while no longer used by the café, still contained some 92 per cent of its skin-loving qualities. The first in a series of products is a grapefruit and lemon body scrub, infused with high quality raw materials that are normally wasted, including coffee, as well as detoxifying seaweed, hydrating sweet almond oil and healing pure essential oils.Wrapped in beautifully minimalist packaging, Verandi’s body scrub looks good both inside and out.

Writer: Jessica-Christin Hametner

Listen up
18 April

Urbanears’ covetable blend of design and technology is now available in a brand new format. The Swedish audio brand, whose headphones are a ubiquitous feature in cities around the world, recently launched its first wi-fi connected speakers that come in two sizes. With the ability to sync multiple units up for a connected room experience, Urbanears Connected Speakers bring together eye-catching aesthetics and intuitive technology, ideal for everyday listening. Two simple knobs allow users to control play, volume and switch from single to multi mode. Seven presets can also be customised with favourite playlists or internet radio stations. With the speakers’ software continuously staying current with the aid of over-the-air updates, users can also stream music from their preferred online sources with ease. Design-wise, the speakers are enclosed in an acoustically transparent fabric. The Baggen is suited for larger rooms such as patios, lofts and spacious living rooms, while the Stammen is conceived for studio apartments, bedrooms and more intimate spaces. With six colours to choose from, these speakers make it possible for design fans to find their ideal match.

Writer: Pei-Ru Keh

Inside job
5 April

Indoor gardening is now as fashionable as baking bread or making your own pasta. Our pot dreams have recently been met by a project by Danish architects COBE, realised in collaboration with Kilo Design. Inspired by the materials and forms of the COBE-designed kindergarten Forfatterhuset, in Copenhagen, the terracotta vessels were conceived to bring the city into the living room. Meanwhile, plant inspiration is moving from the desert to the rainforest; the richly patterned leaves of the calathea and lush tendrils of the Komodo Sumatra hanging vine are currently the favoured tenants for our pots.

Pictured, terracotta pots, limited edition, from DKK195 (£22), by Kilo Design and COBE. Plants, price on request, from conservatory archives. Copper and wooden garden tool, £45, by Grafa, from Clerkenwell London

Writer: Emma Moore

Purple reign
4 April

Nutritionists have been telling us to eat more coloured foods for some time, but now we’re being urged to concentrate on the darker end of the rainbow spectrum. So far, hard scientific proof is in somewhat short supply, but the anthocyanins that give fruit and vegetables their dark red and purple colours are thought to play a role in reducing the danger of everything from heart disease to cancer. Anthocyanins are found in blueberries, goji berries, blackberries and elderberries, purple cabbage, blackcurrants, red wine, aubergine, dark-coloured figs and plums (though not in beetroot). Keen foodies have also been discovering, or rediscovering, the joys of purple carrots, asparagus and potatoes, not to mention purple rice. You can even buy purple cornflakes, courtesy of American organic outfits like Back to the Roots, which, naturally, are ‘stoneground on an old stonemill in San Francisco’. Though it’s not clear whether the health-giving qualities of purple food are entirely thanks to anthocyanins or other micronutrients and bioactives that they’re mixed with, nutritional scientist Dr Ana Rodriguez-Mateos, of King’s College London, is cautiously optimistic. ‘More studies are needed to confirm the findings,’ she says, ‘but consistent evidence exists on some health effects of anthocyanin-rich extracts and supplements.’ Purple platters here we come.

Pictured, purple corn kernels, purple potato, sweet potato ice cream (from Ruby Violet), purple rice, purple carrots, blueberries, purple asparagus, blackberries, aubergine, grapes, and purple cornflour

Writer: Christopher Stocks. Food stylist: Lucy-Ruth Hathaway

Pot luck
31 March

Marijuana is about to get a makeover thanks to Beboe, a new line of cannabis products founded by tattoo artist Scott Campbell and former fashion executive Clement Kwan. The brand offers low-dose vaporisers and edible pastilles intended to be used in casual social settings and enjoyed in much the same way as a glass of wine or cigarette. Encased in rose gold and featuring delicate line drawings by Campbell, Beboe certainly makes weed look more like an elegant cocktail party accessory than something to be hidden in a teenage bedroom. Beboe products are currently sold only in California, but don’t despair because this is one venture sure not to go to pot.

Writer: Mary Cleary

On the case
29 March

Piquadro is raising the bar when it comes to trouble-free travel. Its latest piece of luggage is seriously smart. Part of the Italian bag label’s Coleos Bagmotic range, the wheeled suitcase, made from a knitted fabric inspired by running shoes, features a wireless phone charging facility and a built-in tracking system, created using Piquadro’s Connequ app. For travelers concerned with overpacking, the suitcase’s weight can also be checked, simply by raising its handle. Now if it could just pack itself....

Writer: Laura Hawkins

Lost and found
27 March

In a bid to return to the time when the scent itself- not its perfumer, packaging or branding- told its own story, the four founders of niche Swedish perfumer Stora Skuggan spent years exploring the fundamentals of how perfume is made, before finally presenting their first fragrance, Fantome de Maules, last year. Stora Skuggan (Swedish for ‘the great shadow’) is built on the idea of telling stories that blur reality and fiction-‘myths but taken from real life,’ says Olle Hemmemdorff, who is behind its latest scent. Silphium uses notes of frankincense, myrrh, leather and tobacco to echo silphium, a herb considered as valuable as gold in ancient times. High demand for the plant, only found in the wilds of northern Africa and used for medicine as well as for its aromatic properties, led to its extinction. A depiction of the plant features on the perfume bottle.  

Writer: Micha Van Dinther

As originally featured in the April 2017 issue of Wallpaper* (W*217)

Splash out
24 March

With summer just around the corner, it’s time to seek out the accessories that will bring dash to your poolside posturing. We’ve found the deckchair with just the right incline, the towel with the perfect pile, and the outdoor rug that will bring the comfort of indoors to the water’s edge. But most importantly, we have the tipple to top off a swim. The original beer cocktail, the shandy (both refreshing and hydrates without headache), has had the hipster treatment, with the likes of ginger, grapefruit, lemon, root beer, Earl Grey tea and mint being teamed with artisanal beers. Pale ales and lagers go well with citrus flavours, but they can also complement a dark porter ale, while ginger works with a more golden ale. To give an added twist, turn it into slush, and you have a very modern shush.

Writer: Emma Moore

As originally featured in the April 2017 issue of Wallpaper* (W*217)

Simple living  
23 March

Nut milk mavens Chi-San Wan and Natali Stajcic have been exemplars of healthy living ever since the 2014 launch of their almond milk company, The Pressery. Now, the duo are expanding their culinary reach with a new cookbook called ‘A Simple Table.’ This elegantly designed book is filled with healthy, no-fuss recipes like black pepper granola for those in search of a satisfying snack, and the dinner party perfect baked haddock with almond. But ‘A Simple Table’ is much more than a cookbook. It also includes tips on improving your daily life with inventive beauty recipes, morning mantras, and moon rituals. Available today, Wan and Stajcic’s book is a must-have guide for those looking to enrich their life and their table.

Writer: Mary Cleary

Island Remedy
21 March

Sometimes the best things come in small packages. Balmyard Beauty, a five piece Jamaican-inspired skincare line, is one such example. Founded by casting director Larissa Gunn, and based in Brooklyn, the stylish line harnesses the power of traditional Caribbean remedies and folkloric healing in its botanically based formulations. The term ‘balmyard’ itself is of Jamaican Patwah origin, and refers to places where healing rituals were performed.

Mythology aside, Balmyard Beauty exhibits all the modern luxuries we are accustomed to. Its nourishing body oil is comprised of sweet almond, coconut and shea oils to moisturize, while hibiscus seed oil evens out skin tone and improves elasticity. Its facial oil, a brightening and calming concoction, boasts prickly pear seed oil, evening primrose, rosehip seed and sea buckthorn (all native to Jamaica) in each elegant bottle. A two-in-one tinted balm for lips and cheeks imparts a sheer, Gothic stain with the help of Caribbean hibiscus flowers’ natural pigment. Best of all might be the duo of muslin bath sachets, which are filled with Jamaican herbs and flowers. One seeks to calm inflammation and promote collagen production with a traditional mélange of Spanish needle and Cerasee, while the other detoxes the system with lemongrass, ginger, grapefruit and Jack Inna Bush. All of Balmyard Beauty’s herbs and ingredients are locally sourced in Jamaica from small businesses and farms.

Writer: Pei-Ru Keh

Light work
13 March

Founded by Jean Laporte in 1973, L’Artisan Parfumeur has some claim to being the first real ‘niche’ perfume brand, with an enviable back catalogue of innovative scents such as Premier Figuier, Dzongha and Timbuktu. Since 2015 it has been owned by the Spanish perfume giant Puig, which has successfully rationalised its range, refurbished its stores and redesigned its bottles. Last year it launched a new high-concept collection, Natura Fabularis, and this month will see the release of its first two colognes, Sur l’Herbe and Au Bord de l’Eau. Created by perfumer Fabrice Pellegrin and inspired by Impressionist paintings (the first by Manet and the second by Monet), they’re both fresh, wearable fragrances. Sur l’Herbe is dominated by neroli, with an appropriately herbaceous bloom, while the citrusy cologne base of Au Bord de l’Eau is inflected by rosemary and lavender.

Writer: Christopher Stocks

Workout wonderland
8 March

Ceresio 7 Pools & Restaurant has been a Milanese hotspot ever since Dan and Dean Caten, the designers of Dsquared2, opened its doors in 2013. Now, with this year’s debut of Ceresio 7 Gym and Spa, the duo have managed to create an all in one oasis where members can regulate their metabolisms and receive chiropractic treatments before enjoying decadent meals and dancing the night away. Located in the heart of Italy’s most fashionable city, this new workout space features sleek industrial decor and luxury services provided by employees decked out in Dsquared2 uniforms. With Turkish baths, private training rooms, and nutritional consultations among the list of Ceresio 7’s many offerings, this is one gym that is sure to make even diehard couch potatoes eager to hit the treadmill.

Writer: Mary Cleary

Natural miracle
6 March

Beauty in a bottle is a promise often made but rarely received. Yet now, thanks to Botanico Vida, those on the hunt for skincare that delivers can finally end their search. Botanico Vida is latest venture of Kristy Cimesa, the founder of Elemental Herbology, and Hannah Becker, a former business and strategy consultant. The brand debuts with ‘Omega Oil,’ a lightweight serum that hydrates skin, heals scars, eliminates stretch marks, reduces eczema, and combats wrinkles. The secret is bioactive sacha inchi, the Earth’s richest plant source of omega oils, blended with rosehip, coconut, and other natural ingredients to produce a remarkably vitamin rich product. While the cost of beauty is often high, ‘Omega Oil’ avoids being a burden on your bank account, starting at only £18.50, and your conscious, with each purchase contributing to the reforestation of the Amazon.

Writer: Mary Cleary

Eye catching
9 March

After successful fragrance, nails, and lip collections, it seems only natural that Christian Louboutin’s next beauty venture would be eye makeup. With characteristic flair, Louboutin has crafted a line of strikingly packaged products that promise dramatically amplified eyes. The new collection includes volumizing mascara, no smudge liquid liner, easy glide pencil liner, and defining brow pens. Inspired by the extravagant makeup of India’s Kathakali dancers, these tools use richly pigmented colours and high-impact finishes to create intense, impactful features. On shelves this March, Louboutin eye makeup is bound to deliver unforgettable looks that will catch every eye.

Writer: Mary Cleary

Get lit
21 February

Ditch your camera and bypass the souvenir shop because The Standard and Maison Francis Kurkdjian have created a new way to remember your favourite vacation. The luxury hotel chain and equally luxurious perfumery have just launched a new line of candles that evoke the scents of the New York High Line, Miami Beach and the Hollywood Hills. Decorated with playful imagery of city skylines, these signature candles make for utterly unique, and chic, mementos. So close your eyes, breathe in, and arrive at your destination – no ticket necessary.

Writer: Mary Cleary

So solid brew
15 February

Nothing soothes the soul quite like a good cuppa, and it turns out that nothing soothes the skin quite as well either. New wellness tea brand, The Niche Company, has developed a signature line of six medicinal teas. The brand began after founder Amanda Miles Ricketts unexpectedly developed adult acne. Desperately searching for a solution to her skincare problems, she started studying ancient herbal remedies and discovered tea could not only clear up skin, but also improve hair health, promote weight loss, and bring on sleep. Soon to be available on The Niche Company online store, these teas are guaranteed to make you feel beautiful both inside and out.

Writer: Mary Cleary

Trace elements
14 February

Looking to get your Valentine something a bit more interesting than a heart-shaped box of chocolates? Then check out the new online concept store 2 More Heads. The Scotland-based design start-up launched this week with a wide-range of locally and internationally sourced home products. Every item is meant to invoke earth, wind, fire, or air, and while the idea behind the store is elemental, the products they sell are cutting-edge. With items like diamond-shaped light bulbs, terrazzo-style candleholders, and handmade soaps, 2 More Heads promises unique gifts that are sure to warm the heart and the home.

Writer: Mary Cleary

Child's play
13 February

Chanel made its name by transforming the crude into the chic – jersey fabric, sailor pants, suntans, costume jewellery, and now, crayons. Specifically, lip crayons. ‘Le Rouge Crayon de Couleur’ is a new line of twist-up retractable crayons that makes applying lipstick as easy as child's play. The jumbo stick offers all over coverage in a single stroke, while the pointed tip ensures a defined lip shape and even application. The collection currently includes 12 shades of reds and pinks, each of which provides high intensity colour in a glossy finish. Perfectly purse sized, and packaged in Chanel’s signature black and gold, this crayon is far more elegant than your average Crayola, but certainly no less fun.

Writer: Mary Cleary

Space odyssey
10 February

A futuristic, octaganol structure has landed in Shanghai’s Times Square. The Nike+ Run Hub houses treadmills and a team of dedicated fitness experts who promise to 'bring the runner out of everyone', in an otherwordly (somewhat psychadelic) environment. Performance stats are displayed on dynamic screens both inside and out, while lighting pulsates in time to the footfall. Design comes courtesy of Coordination Asia, who drew upon Nike's infectious 'Just Do It' attitude. The aim is to motivate and engage any locals who might be slacking on their running regimes in the chillier winter months, by providing an easily accessible, all-inclusive fitness pod. 

Writer: Elly Parsons

Spice oddity
9 February

Every self-respecting foodie knows that ginger is an excellent addition to everything from cookies to cocktails. Now, thanks to Alessi, gourmands can use a ginger grater that looks as snappy as the spice it grinds. ‘Boga’ is a sleek, hand-sized ginger grater newly released by the Italian design firm. Designer Valerio Sommella came up with the product after seeing ginger, daikon and other specialised graters in Tokyo market stalls. He infused what he saw in Japan with his own Italian aesthetic to create a grater that resembles the silver-bodied fishes he caught as a child. The end result is a gorgeous device that makes adding some spice to your life both convenient and chic.

Writer: Mary Cleary

Lost time
8  February

Salle Privée’s first fragrance, ‘Le Temps Perdu’, is a scent that makes no attempt to mimic nature. Unlike most perfumes, there is no talk here of ‘evoking the feeling of springtime’ or ‘conjuring the smells of Capri’. Rather, ‘Le Temps Perdu’ embraces its artificiality. It blatantly asserts what it is: a perfume, and thus it smells like a perfume. Ironically, it is for this very reason that it smells like no scent that’s come before. ‘Le Temps Perdu’ is extremely minimalist, with an almost alcoholic odour upon first spritz. This initial scent deepens with wear and evolves into something musky and animalistic. By evading the familiar, the perfume entices those who smell it to come closer, to ponder, to investigate its mystery. In short, it’s the perfect solution for those in search of a good puzzle.

Writer: Mary Cleary

Centre piece
7 Febraury

Nothing agitates the good taste of the modern minimalist quite like the table centre. Is there any item of home decor more prone to over the top flamboyance and unnecessary frivolity? But the pared-back aesthete hoping to add a little flair to their tabletop shouldn’t despair. Matière Grise has just released 'Lines', a collection of sleek table centres made with steel. Composed of two pieces, these centrepieces can be locked together to form a cohesive whole or broken apart and displayed separately. The variety continues when it come to colour schemes, with each piece available in 34 colours that range from basic white to bright ultramarine. Whatever way you show it, 'Lines' is guaranteed to add some tasteful pizzazz to any table.

Writer: Mary Cleary