Innovative engineering, Design and Technology defining a new class of vehicle.
Lucid Motors Luxury mobility company reimagining what a car can be.
Crafting unforgettable wine that makes an impact onehopewine.com
With provocative design, intuitive service, and imaginative art encounters, each Viceroy hotel is a reflection of the local culture and a uniquely authentic experience.
Fall 2021, photographed by @theginstarp Styled by @lucostudiong @isaintlu.co Beauty by @jogis_artistry Model @abiolasonaike_ @nkwuda.Victoria
Fall 2021, photographed by @theginstarp Styled by @lucostudiong @isaintlu.co Beauty by @jogis_artistry Model @abiolasonaike_ @nkwuda.Victoria
BIG SPUR
Made with black and white guinea, iridescent charcoal grey rooster, and deep red pheasant feathers. Center wrap is black grosgrain. Band collar wrap with an adjustable strap and hook closure - fits neck sizes 11” to 20”.
Bow tie dimensions are 2.5” tall and 4.5” wide.
Each feather used in production is all-natural and sustainably sourced. Feathers for bow ties are hand-selected, giving each finished piece unique coloring. Each bow tie is hand-crafted in Charleston, South Carolina and takes approximately five hours to make, start to finish.
CRAFTED TO REFLECT THE NATURAL BEAUTY OF EACH FEATHER brackish.com
celebrating us, the strong, resilient, and radiant women in our communities that inspire the world with our diversity and beauty
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The Kaloud Krysalis® Eltheria® is not a Hookah... It’s a Krysalis. It draws upon more than 500-years of tradition and innovation and emerges reborn as something new; something unknown.
One might think that fashion started as early as the first humans who dressed in furs, leathers, or plants. And while it is amusing to imagine one cavewoman being envious of another cavewoman and copying her style, the word “fashion” didn’t even make it onto the scene until the 1300s. It comes from the Old French fasoun, meaning “a physical make-up or composition; form, shape; appearance.”
Fashion design as it applies to clothing only came about in the early 1800s, with Charles Frederick Worth being the first person to ever sew a label with his name into the clothing he made. He’s also credited with the invention of the fashion model profession and a fascinating subject to read about if you’ve got the time.
Today, we define fashion as “a popular trend, especially in styles of dress, ornament, and manners of behavior.” And while fashion still applies to the clothing we wear, in fact, it permeates every aspect of our lives, as the articles in these pages well prove.
Check out how one company replaces once-fashionable leather with cactus alternatives (Desserto). Explore how nature can make your home more fashionable (Simply Christmas). And see the latest trends in cakes (Leap of Faith) and candies (The Perfectionist). From beauty to clothes to food and beyond, the artisans and inventors in these pages make, live, and breathe fashion.
Enjoy!
kaloud.com
The Kaloud Krysalis® Eltheria® is not a Hookah... It’s a Krysalis. It draws upon more than 500-years of tradition and innovation and emerges reborn as something new; something unknown.
FASHION IS FOREVER
JEANETTE SMITH
The Editor’s Note for The Winter Fashion Issue ’21
BLACK MOTION
Black Motion Shoot by Morgan Otagburuagu.
BLACK MAGIC CHRISTMAS
MANDY ALLEN
Christmas decorating has been given an intriguing twist defined by Gothic influences, ornate flourishes, and foraged wild botanicals 58
PICK & MIX
ROBYN ALEXANDER
The vibrant holiday home of Spanish designer and creative director Damián Sánchez 72
SIMPLY CHRISTMAS
MANDY ALLEN
Return to the simple things this festive season
Culinary 84
CONTINUOUS LEARNING CARY WONG
The victories and struggles of Chef Daniel Patterson 94
LEAP OF FAITH CARY WONG How Olga Noskova and Her Cakes Broke the Internet
102
THE PERFECTIONIST
ROBYN ALEXANDER
Rock-star chef Gregory Czarnecki has secret skills that only a select few know about 114
DRINK MONDAY CRISTINA DEPTULA Delicious Sober Taste
Art, Music & Film 120
BLACK IS BEAUTIFUL
MICHAEL DAKS
Nigerian Photographer Morgan Otagburuagu captures his fashion dreamscapes 136
ROCK YOUR UGLY CRISTINA DEPTULA
UAE photographer Waleed Shah’ collection thumbs its nose at beauty standards 142
MEHDI SEFRIOUI
MICHAEL DAKS
Moroccan-born photographer found fame on the streets of Paris before returning to Tangiers
Collection “Forest” dedicated for the women – who has a desire to pamper herself. For the women – who want to feel silk touches not only on special occasions, but on everyday life.
Photo Credit - Darius Tarela - focusstudio.lt apotecafashion.com
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AMOS NACHOUM
ANDREW CURRY ANGEL FITOR
ANITA B SPA
ANTONIO CUELLAR ANTONIO FILIGNO BRO JACKSON
HANNAH WAGNER
IAN DOOLEY
JACEK DYLAG
JAROD BARTON
JEFFREY CZUM
JO-ANNE MCARTHUR
JOHN FOWLER
JOSE FIGUEROA
JUSTIN BUELL KALY JAY KARI ORVIK
@K.BAARDE
RACHEL CLAIRE RALPH PACE RICHARD VAN RYAN TISCARENO
CLARKE DRAHCE
CHARLES SCHOENBERGER
COLEEN QUEN COUTURE
DARIUS TARELA
DAVID ENLOE
DONTAE BLINKS DOUGLAS FRIEDMAN
LINDSAY MILLER
LUKE GONHES
MADDY BAKER
MARK DECENA MATT BRINEY
MICHAEL ALLEN MICHAEL KEENEY
MICHELLE K MIN MICHELLE K VALBERG
MEHDI SEFRIOUI
MEGHAN WHITE MOGLI MOLLY DECOUDREAUX
LAURA MUSIKANSKI
MORGAN OTAGBURUAGU
SAMI ULLAH SARAH ARNOLD SARAH BUSCHO
SARANG NAIK
SOFI PENCHER
SUSANNA SCOTT SHANE KALYN
SIMON BERGER TESSA CHEEK
@THALIAGOCHEZ
TIM SANTOS TORIN NIELSEN
ERIC WOLFINGER
ERIC MUMAY
ELVIS VASQUEZ
FEDE ROVEDA
FRAN RUBIA ELIAS GURROLA GREG COX
@_NATALIEALEMAN
NICK KANAKIS NICOLAS REUSENS NICOLE MORRISON PETER MATHER PIERRE BLACH
TODD TRANSPANI V HILD VICEROY HOTEL GROUP VICTOR MALYUSHEV WALEED SHAH WARREN HEATH YUNG-SEN WU
The World’s Finest, Consciously Made Handbags
behno.com
organic certified CBD* made in the United States sustainable packaging made in Italy
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Our mission is to remake, re-use, recycle and repurpose for a prolonged life cycle.
Morgan Otagburuagu, a 24 year old Lagos-based photographer, originally from Abia State, considers art to be a way of life, an attitude that clearly and confidently informs every portrait. His striking, experimental imagery celebrates the strength of the iridescent beauty of Black skin. He is a master of light whose work is praised by art lovers and industry professionals alike. His varied portfolio ranges between fashion, beauty, still life, and videography.
The world’s first highly sustainable and environmentally friendly organic material made of Nopal cactus, also known as the prickly pear.
desserto.com.mx
lunasundara.com
Designed and hand-produced stoneware ceramic table lamps from the Catskill Mountains of New York
STYLING SHELLEY STREET/BUREAUX
PHOTO CREDIT WARREN HEATH/BUREAUX
n walking through Rupert Smith’s extraordinary and beautiful inner-city Cape Town loft, it’s easy to appreciate why he is in constant demand in South Africa and abroad for his work in visual merchandising, installations, and high-end media events. As well as Rupert’s consulting work in the retail, fashion, creative, and advertising industries, he is a lecturer at VM Central, the design consultancy and training studio that he co-founded with longtime collaborator Sanet Coetzee. And then there is his new shop, CENTRAL; the successor to O.live, his much-loved concept store that was the first to offer the wunderkammer aesthetic to eager, local decoristas. Just like its predecessor, CENTRAL has become a magnet for the city’s magpies, design lovers, and seekers of one-off treasures for the home.
Rupert’s own home is a double-volume industrial space with million-dollar views of Table Mountain and a spellbinding interior that is “a curation of all the gems that I have found on my life’s journey, things that have meaning to me.” It is in this urban, stripped-back setting that Rupert has foregone the conventional Christmas sentimentalities and instead conjured up a darker, more dramatic vision that marries the Gothic elements he loves with opulent accents and lashings of foraged botanicals— all of which are connected by a colour palette inspired by the paintings of the Dutch Old Masters. It’s a kind of magic. (vm-central.com)
A potted, well-established indoor ficus assumes the role of Christmas-tree-in-chief, complete with gifts positioned in their rightful place. The wrapping paper, with its dark background and moody botanicals, connects with the greater decorative theme.
Using an existing indoor tree is an eco-friendly alternative to a short-lived pine, spruce, fir, or artificial option.
The graphic ornaments have been handmade using cardstock in black, matt gold, and a natural finish and are hung with plain butcher’s string. Their shapes bring to mind baroque architectural onion domes and Eastern Orthodox turrets.
A black, wooden-beaded rosary hanging from a branch is a subtle reference to the spiritual aspect of Christmas.
Cheap and decidedly cheerful, delicate rice lights—seen here wrapped around the tree and draped over gifts—are obligatory at Christmas and should be used in abundance.
Make bespoke wrapping paper to compliment the theme of your Christmas decor. Find imagery you like from one of the many public domain museum or art gallery resources (we recommend the Rijksstudio library of the Rijksmuseum rijksmuseum.nl) and have artworks professionally printed onto large sheets of paper to use as gift wrap.
Use simple post office tags rather than cards to denote names on gifts. It’s old-school, cool, and cost-effective.
Every last detail has been carefully considered. The ribbon decorating the gifts, for example, marries with other purple highlights such as the icing on a festive cake, plump figs and plums, as well as the distinctive mauve of thistle flowers.
Metallic ornaments tucked in between the presents evoke the comfort of the familiar and introduce a touch of bling.
Of all the elements that make up a Christmas gathering, the festive table should conjure up the greatest sense of drama and occasion.
With a centrepiece that evokes romantic notions of just-foraged greenery, opulent chandeliers hung fashionably low, theatrical black candles, green glassware displayed en masse, muted gold cutlery, and artfully mismatched crockery, this reimagined offering is suitably show-stopping and edgy—its inspiration drawn from the still life paintings of the Dutch Old Masters (with a touch of Nick Cave) and alfresco living.
With such luscious adornments and inviting textures, a linen tablecloth would feel superfluous. Indeed, the contrast between the weather-worn patina of the old farmhouse table and the more sophisticated objects lends the entire scene its unique rebel charm.
Arrange swathes of magnolia leaves, camellia, and ivy down the centre of the table. For colour, intersperse these waxy greens with species such as pepper tree branches in fruit with pink berries as well as thistles. Loosely secure the centrepiece with concealed raffia and/or jewellery wire to keep the arrangement contained while retaining an artfully informal effect.
Eclectic seating—including an antique garden bench, a mid-Century Modern wire chair, and vintage carved wooden dining chairs—adds to the eccentric mood of the setting, lending it character.
Be playful with proportion, colour, and texture. Layered ceramic flatware, both matte and glazed, clear green glass vessels, and accents of gold result in a complementary contrast of materials and form as well as the reflection of light.
While gold has been introduced into the mix here, it is, for the most part, muted and therefore in keeping with the perfectly imperfect theme of nature balanced by texture and contrast.
The ever-so-slightly faded glamour of these gold teacups has a charm that reflects their vintage provenance.
Here, the teacups have been used instead of bowls to display fruit for eating.
The colours of the fruits themselves—plums and figs— form part of the moody palette.
Aesthetes will appreciate the visual harmony of wrapped Christmas presents that connect with the greater decorative scheme.
Keep it casual by propping cutlery into ceramic canisters or other robust vessels.
Make bespoke wrapping paper to complement the theme of your Christmas decor. Find imagery you like from one of the many public domain museum or art gallery resources (we recommend the Rijksstudio library of the Rijksmuseum rijksmuseum.nl) and have artworks professionally printed onto large sheets of paper to use as gift wrap.
Use simple post office tags rather than cards to denote names on gifts—oldschool, cool, and cost-effective.
Every last detail has been carefully considered. The ribbon decorating the gifts, for example, marries with other purple highlights such as the icing on a festive cake, plump figs and plums, as well as the distinctive mauve of thistle flowers
Rupert says, “I seem to have come full circle with my home. I used to live in this same building [that was previously offices] but in a much smaller loft. My next home after that was an old heritage cottage. When this space became available and I had a look, I fell back in love with the openness of an industrial building, the high-volumes, and warehouse fittings. And there was this amazing view of the mountain. So here I am back in the heart of the city.”
In describing his design aesthetic, he comments, “For my interiors, I prefer a canvas of black and white which I then Iayer with texture, plants, and objects that reflect my love
Thanks to its utilitarian design and muted finish, the gold cutlery feels unpretentious and aesthetically at ease alongside the textured, handmade ceramics and weathered surface of the rustic dining table—though there is a fashionable edge to this high-low combination of elements.
A playful touch has been introduced with star and dragonfly-shaped metallic confetti.
For some additional shine, spray paint blue gum seed pods or other foraged objects in gold and intersperse amongst the leafy centrepiece.
Thistles, also placed as part of the centrepiece, make for an unusual alternative to traditional blooms.
Treat each guest to a small take-home gift—wrap these and mark individuals’ names on post office tags to serve as placeholders.
Rupert’s head-turning kitchen is a laboratory of creativity and a case study for the perfect balance of colour, texture, materials, functionality, and style.
The central island is a repurposed, vintage sideboard that has been set on castors for functionality.
A space such as this, with its abundance of natural light and double-volume proportions, can easily pull off a dark feature wall.
Simple white tiles bounce the light and serve as a drawing board—quite literally—to write reminders, shopping lists, and, in this instance, the menu for today’s gathering.
A floating shelf above the cooking zone provides storage space for kitchen essentials as well as plants and decorative objects. Further adding to the functionality of the space is a wall-mounted rail for pots and pans.
A crystal chandelier imparts a visual surprise and touch of glamour into the industrial loft setting.
A rug in the kitchen adds a chic, bohemian touch.
for vintage and the unusual.” He also expressed a love of entertaining and having friends over. “Normally, it is very relaxed and low-key, but I do like to make a bit of an effort for special occasions like birthdays, Christmas and New Year,” he adds.
When asked about his tips for entertaining, he said, “Setting an interesting table is something I really like spending time on. A beautiful table can make a get-together so much more memorable. Colour and textures are very important to me when putting together a table. And of course, greenery, beautiful ceramics, and glassware complete the setting.”
An out-of-the-ordinary cake with jewel-box shades seems like just desserts for this moody merry Christmas.
A vanilla sponge has been covered with aubergine-tinted buttercream. Additional decorations include hand-painted macarons (buy cream or white macarons and paint them with gel food colouring) and grapes sprinkled with edible gold dust and finished with pomegranate seeds.
Live the Life You Were Meant to Lead
life-organized.com
Ask designer, decorator, and Mango creative director
Damián Sánchez about his favourite spot in his vibrant, contemporary holiday home, and the answer comes quickly. “Definitely the space where the oak table sits beneath the magnolia,” he says. “Although I do spend lots of time in my kitchen when I’m here, preparing my signature dish, los arroces [the rices].”
The entrance to the house is an inviting and attractive one. Visible in the background are mountains that form part of the Sierra de Tramuntana range.
In the entrance hall, the hallway table is French and was bought at Madrid’s Galería de Marita Segovia (galeriamaritasegovia. com). The blue artwork is by Joaquin Chancho, and the smaller artworks are from A Casa Bianca (acasabianca.com).
This is the sort of vacation home that’s the complete antithesis of the rustic shack. It’s elegant, exquisitely decorated and appointed, and every aspect of it has been as carefully thought through as the equivalent part of an urban residence. The result is that whether you want to celebrate a special birthday with a group of friends, spend half a day crafting something special in the kitchen, or indeed simply relax under that magnolia tree, this house will come to the party.
The stone-clad, three-storey structure, which is situated just outside Soller on the idyllic island of Mallorca, needed a complete renovation when Damián bought it in 2009. “There had to be a total reorganisation of space, as well as the renovation of the bathrooms, and paving of some areas—plus a big update was made to the garden too,” he says. “My aim was to create a space that reflected its roots in the countryside in which it’s set, but also had the comfort of a more modern home.”
Arrive at the house today and, once you have navigated your way through the manicured grounds filled with fruit trees that were once part of the extensive orchards that long existed on the property, the ground-floor entrance hall provides a warm welcome. Also on the ground level are the living room—which was reconfigured to lead directly out onto the beautifully laid out and furnished patio and pool areas—as well as the dining room, kitchen, and pantry.
Trained as an industrial and interior designer, Damián has been working in this field for 25 years, and his design experience is very much in evidence. The entrance hall and living room are spacious and elegant and feature confident splashes of colour—especially red—that add plenty of energy. Boldly embroidered and patterned
From the entrance hall, a step down takes you into an extended hallway with a French table— made of wrought iron and natural stone—in its centre. The blown crystal candle holders were sourced locally in Mallorca. The vintage wooden moulds (with red-painted interiors) were used to make cast-iron items in the 1950s.
A detail of some of the objects on the hallway table: the blown crystal candle holders were sourced in Mallorca, as were the artisan-made red ceramic pomegranates. The vintage wooden moulds (with redpainted interiors) were used to make cast-iron items in the 1950s.
The living room features two sitting areas. On the left-hand side of the room, a pair of Flexform (flexform.it) couches sit atop a Turkish rug and are piled with scatter cushions from online store A Casa Bianca (acasabianca. com), which homeowner Damián Sánchez launched three years ago. The store features a wide range of “unique pieces for the home, developed in an artisanal way and handcrafted from the finest materials: beds, table textiles, tableware, glassware,” says Damián. This area also features a pair of Le Corbusier LC2 lounge chairs from Cassina (cassina.com) that are upholstered in fabrics selected by Damián, as well as French wrought-iron chairs and a French chandelier. The Tizio standing lamp is from Artemide (artemide.com). The white metal sculpture is by Carlos Evangelista.
The living room (seen here from the entrance hall) features two sitting areas. On the righthand side of the room, the furniture is grouped around a steel fireplace. The rug is Turkish and the cushions on the couches are from homeowner Damián Sánchez’s online décor store, A Casa Bianca (acasabianca. com). The wrought-iron chandelier is French, the red metal sculpture is by Carlos Evangelista and the artwork above the hearth—for which Damián has a special affection—is by Günther Förg.
The living room features two sitting areas. On the right-hand side of the room, the furniture is grouped around a steel fireplace. The rug is Turkish and the cushions on the couches are from homeowner Damián Sánchez’s online décor store, A Casa Bianca (acasabianca.com). The wroughtiron chandelier is French, the red metal sculpture is by Carlos Evangelista, and the red artwork— for which Damián has a special affection—is by Günther Förg.
scatter cushions from one of Damián’s design ventures, the online decor store A Casa Bianca are piled on the couches. The living-room hearth is accented by stunning red artwork and a bright red sculpture. And gleaming chandeliers adorn the space too. The work of Mallorcan artisans is also featured here, with locally sourced objects ranging from a set of red ceramic pomegranates to a range of beautifully simple lead-crystal candleholders.
The state-of-the-art kitchen is somewhat quieter in terms of colour, but a collection of handmade ceramic plates (discovered by Damián at the famous Marché aux Puces de StOuen flea market in Paris) adorns one wall, adding a vibrant and artisanal touch to an otherwise sleek, smart space. The plates are, he says, among his favourite items in the house. In the adjacent dining room, the bold pops of bright red return in the form of a set of classic metal Tolix chairs.
The dining room, which also leads out onto the patio and pool area, features a wooden table from St-Paul-Home (home-st-paul.com) and red Tolix chairs purchased from Galeria Miquel Alzueta (galeriamiquelalzueta.net) in Barcelona. The Nautic glass and metal pendant light is from Tekna (tekna. be) and the display cabinet is from antique dealer Enric Serra Planes. The Turkish rug is from A Casa Bianca (acasabianca. com), and the artwork, by a young artist from northern Spain, was purchased at ARCO MADRID (ifema.es/arcomadrid_06/).
The Mallorcan glassware and handmade crockery, for which homeowner Damián Sánchez has “a special affection,” are from his online store, A Casa Bianca (acasabianca.com). The pastries are from the bakery in the nearby village of Soller.
In the kitchen, the central island is made of black flamed granite and the fronts of the cabinet units, which were made by Danish manufacturers Dinesen (dinesen.com), are Douglas fir. The Nautic glass and metal pendant light is from Tekna (tekna.be), and the Meto.02 kitchen tap is by Dornbracht (dornbracht.com). The collection of plates displayed on the wall was found at Marché aux Puces de StOuen flea market in Paris; they are among homeowner Damián Sánchez’s favourite items in the house.
A detail of the decor in Damián’s study on the first floor: the iron desk and lamp are both vintage, and the bright red artwork is by Barcelonabased painter Eduard Arbós.
The main bedroom, along with an open-plan bathroom and dressing area, takes up the entire second floor of the house. The brass chandelier is a Paris flea-market find, and the headboard was custom made by St-Paul-Home (home-stpaul.com). The white lamp is by Lampe Gras (lampegras.fr), the wooden side table is by Roda (rodaonline.com), the woodburning stove is from Stûv (stuv.com), and the Turkish rug is from A Casa Bianca (acasabianca.com).
In Damián’s first-floor study, a classic Eames office chair (in a shade that’s pretty close to that of MAC’s iconic Ruby Woo lipstick) and artwork by Eduard Arbós add yet more pillar-box-crimson touches to the house. Like many fashion people, he clearly adores this bold and energising hue. “My life has always been linked to the decoration of houses,” Damián says. “And this has been intertwined with my experience in the fashion world, which started with my work at Mango,” a place where he was creative director for many years.
In Damián’s study on the first floor, the red Eames office chair complements the 1950s iron desk beautifully. The bookshelves were sourced from an antique store, Maestro Paco.
The two guest bedrooms on the first floor, both of which have en suite bathrooms, are furnished in a slightly more low-key style. Here, as in the main bedroom upstairs, effortless elegance is the key phrase. The top floor is a single, restful, open-plan room featuring the sleeping space, a dressing area, and a bathroom complete with a luxurious tub from which you can contemplate the views of the Sierra de Tramuntana mountains. Handmade linen and rugs, a rustic brass chandelier, and chunky wooden furniture in the sleeping area are offset by sleek, ultra-contemporary fittings in the bathing space.
The side table in the bedroom area is by Roda (rodaonline.com), the wood-burning stove is from Stûv (stuv.com), and the Turkish rug is from A Casa Bianca (acasabianca. com). In the bathroom space, the Kos freestanding bath is by Zucchetti Kos (zucchettikos.it), and the standing mixer tap is by Dornbracht (dornbracht. com). The white floorstanding lamp is by Lampe Gras (lampegras.fr).
The Kos freestanding bath is by Zucchetti Kos (zucchettikos.it), and the standing mixer tap is by Dornbracht (dornbracht.com). The white floor-standing lamp is by Lampe Gras (lampegras.fr).
A detail of one of the guest bedrooms, both of which are en suite. Homeowner Damián Sánchez proudly says that his guests have been known to tell him when they are here, “they feel as though they are spending time in their own home.” The wooden side table is by Roda (rodaonline.com), and the Turkish rug is from A Casa Bianca (acasabianca.com).
The pool area is the perfect spot for magical summer parties alfresco. Visible behind the pool is a grove of orange trees, and it has a wisteriabedecked walkway along one side. The brightly coloured cushions were made in Turkey for A Casa Bianca (acasabianca.com).
Initially attracted to Soller by “the tranquillity, the scenery, the friendliness of the people of the area, and especially the light,” Damián says that he comes here “anytime that I have a break in my work, and I always try to spend a few days here over Christmas, Easter, and in summer.” Not that he has much spare time. Damián’s latest project, based in Barcelona and launched in August 2015 with business partner and fellow interior designer Alfons Tost, is called Alfons & Damián.
The patio is perfectly appointed for relaxing outdoors, day and night. The metal pergola was custom made and is topped with natural cane from the surrounding area. The outdoor lounge chairs are from Roda (rodaonline.com), and the tables are homeowner Damián Sánchez’s own design, available from A Casa Bianca (acasabianca.com).
There are several small ‘pockets’ of space in the garden, which divide it into separate spaces in a very charming way. The day bed was designed by homeowner Damián Sánchez and is available from A Casa Bianca (acasabianca.com) as are the striped cushions. The wooden side table is by Roda (rodaonline.com).
The area under this beautiful big magnolia tree is homeowner Damián Sánchez’s favourite place to relax. There are several of these small ‘pockets’ of space in the garden, which divide it into separate spaces in a very charming way. The outdoor table was designed by Damián, and is available from A Casa Bianca (acasabianca.com), as is the table linen and glassware.
It’s an interiors shop, art gallery, and interiordesign studio that treats every project as “a new challenge” and specialises in giving clients “unique solutions.” But no matter how busy his various business ventures become, Damián’s house at Soller will doubtless remain a place to retreat for much-needed rest and relaxation—as well as an ongoing source of inspiration.
Plant-based designs bringing the outside in & celebrating the natural world
RETURN TO THE SIMPLE THINGS THIS FESTIVE SEASON: A TABLE DECORATED TO EVOKE A SENSE OF COMFORT AND NOSTALGIA, A HUMBLE COLOUR PALETTE, AND HOMESPUN DECORATIONS THAT WEAVE IN THE WILD SPIRIT OF NATURE
BY MANDY ALLEN/BUREAUX STYLING SHELLEY STREET/BUREAUX PHOTO CREDIT WARREN HEATH/BUREAUXThis is Cape Town-based Stephanie Wolhuter Inggs’ serene and sensible philosophy to surviving the silly season. No pressure, no expectations, no disappointment. “For instance, take Christmas. It can be a Christmas Eve dinner with a few friends and family, a large Christmas Day brunch with family, or just a simple Boxing Day lunch with one or two friends… There’s no pressure for one day or one meal to be extra special. If the cake flops
WRITTEN
“I find that big holidays and events make me a little anxious. So I like to break them up a bit over a couple of days and leave space for serendipity.”
I can always serve it the next day for breakfast with lots of yoghurt!”
A large, twiggy branch found on a forest walk has been appropriated as an eco-friendly, sculptural Christmas tree. Strung with twinkling rice lights and hand-carved bird figurines used as ornaments, the tree has an enigmatic fairytale quality to it.
Place a similar branch into a wooden basket and secure it in place using kindling or firewood to emphasise the natural woodland theme.
Arrange carved figurines in keeping with a theme—in this instance birds—on the various branches using simple butcher’s twine.
An abundance of battery-operated rice or fairy lights is always a good idea to emphasise the spirit of Christmas cheer and serve as whimsical ambient lighting at night.
Other decorative elements include simple pillar candles in a variety of widths and sizes, tea light candles in clear glass votives, and gifts wrapped simply using white butcher paper, string, and velvet ribbon in shades of vanilla and cocoa.
A tray is a classic way to display a moody decorative vignette, here containing a selection of gifts found in nature: various bird nests, twigs, a collection of beautiful eggshells, and, for atmosphere, tea light candles.w
It’s an approach that is part temperament (friends and former colleagues will all attest to Stephanie’s composed nature) and part of the legacy of her professional past—one that required a balance of creativity and pragmatism during a career that spanned clothing designer, fashion editor and stylist, as well as head fashion buyer and marketing manager for a leading local retailer.
The interiors in Stephanie’s beautiful heritage home are reflective of her fashion choices, which she describes as “plain and understated but with unexpected cuts or proportions.” It is filled to bursting with stylish ideas, personalised elements, and reams of character.
A sense of the super (natural) things to come begins in the hallway. An often overlooked area in the home, it takes only a few basic elements to create a welcoming landing zone. Think pieces such as a second-hand hallway table or butler’s tray, a mirror, baskets, a few framed prints, and a personalised display of objects, books, figurines, and found treasures.
Carved bird figurines that have been painted white are a whimsical addition to a rustic wreath and are in keeping with the avian theme.
Draw the eye inside with lights. Here, fairy lights—the archetypal symbol of Christmas— have been wound around the balustrade of the staircase.
In keeping with the humble simplicity of the greater decorative scheme, gifts have been wrapped in white butcher paper and tissue paper. Haberdashery ribbon in shades of cocoa and vanilla, as well as string, add the finishing touches.
Apply matte brown spray paint to fine twigs and use these as decoration on gifts for a back-to-nature touch.
If you feel like a bit of razzle-dazzle is required, use rose gold or silver-tinted spray paint instead.
Hand-printed gift tags have been made using the linocut method. Visit a specialist art shop for linocut equipment or make your own tags using beautiful store-bought stamps and fine-quality ink.
Break with tradition and move gifts from underneath the Christmas tree and onto a hallway table or butler’s tray as a sweet take-away surprise for lunch or dinner guests.
“My daughter, Alice, describes my house perfectly as being full of lots of nice stuff that’s being rearranged all the time,” she laughs. There’s also the presence of Stephanie’s menagerie of “very important animals.” Animals, more specifically birds, play a leading role in Stephanie’s next creative phase; one that also involves writer/ editor/daughter, Alice.
The bird theme has beaten its way into this tranquil bedroom. Although stripped of high definition colour, the palette is still rich and inviting, a balanced composition of neutrals such as whites and greys anchored by deep, delicious browns and accents of black.
Several nests, found on walks in the forest, add a sense of natural curiosity and organic texture to a bedroom setting.
A scientific reference book, framed illustrations of birds, as well as linocut-printed cards, reinforce the themes of nature and objects that have been crafted by hand.
The well-worn patina of the bedside table is a reminder that there is much beauty and character to be found in aged, imperfect objects.
The solemn colour palette and simplicity of the furnishings have a pleasingly austere aesthetic, enhancing the sense of serenity.
Though aesthetically pared-down, flourishes of luxury are to be found in the form of French linen bedding, scented candles, and a hot glass of herbal tea.
What could be better than to wake up to a gift on your bedside table? Wrapped in white tissue paper, haberdashery ribbon, and a hand-printed gift tag—simple doesn’t have to mean plain.
This wreath was made by hand using found twigs and fynbos (wild heath). Craft your own rustic wreath from bendy twigs such as willow or weeping/ silver birch using secateurs to cut lengths, scissors for trimming, and natural twine for binding into shape.
The figurines are in keeping with the decorative theme that references birds and nature. If you are introducing a theme to your Christmas decorating, create the element of surprise by placing objects and items that reference your chosen motif throughout your home, on the dinner table, and even in unexpected places like the bathroom, porch, or garden.
Bird-Dog-Bokkie (the Afrikaans diminutive for deer) is her self-described ‘side hustle;’ a creative project that’s “mainly just for fun” encompassing her many passions including styling, sourcing, antiques hunting, baking, and sewing. “Alice embroiders these lovely, intricately detailed birds on linen that I bought from The Cloth Shop in London.”
As it turns out, Stephanie has a special affinity for our finefeathered friends and has made birds the central theme of her Christmas decor in the form of embroidered napkins and decorative cushions, handcarved wooden figurines and ornaments, as well as printed place and gift cards. These have been set alongside simply wrapped gifts, found bird nests, a vintage tablecloth, and beautiful vintage
Homeowner Stephanie Wolhuter Inggs’ new creative venture, the whimsically titled Bird-Dog-Bokkie, includes experimenting with embroidery on linen.
The first collection features bird motifs, a species she is particularly passionate about. The embroidery is done by her daughter, Alice.
Try your hand at handicrafts: knitting, crochet, embroidery, and more. The online world is filled with tutorials and inspiration.
Visit your local haberdashery and craft shops for supplies and seek out a neighbourhood craft group.
Cozy and atmospheric, this inviting area of the living room illustrates that a largely monochromatic interior can be warm, engaging, and characterful thanks to the inclusion of vintage, organic, and rustic elements.
Floating shelves are a styling dream—here a nod is given to Christmas with the subtle inclusion of a white-painted twig wreath amongst the framed images.
One of Stephanie and daughter Alice’s embroidered cushions takes pride of place on an armchair. Next to the chair on the rustic side table is an embroidery work in progress.
The vintage tablecloth, though pretty, is in keeping with the timeless aesthetic and wholesome, muted colours.
Layering crockery is a tried-and-tested stylist’s trick and results in a visually interesting table setting.
There is an appealing aesthetic tension between the matte finish of the handmade crockery and the polished silver flatware.
Christmas, even when it’s pared-down, demands a touch of sparkle. Tea light candles, votives, fairy lights, and the glint coming off of vintage drinking glasses take over from traditional baubles and tinsel.
Treat each guest to a small take-home gift. Mark them with each person’s name to serve as placeholders.
The table is anchored by a loosely composed centrepiece consisting of wild bird eggshells, nests, and a tangle of foraged twigs and branches.
Hand-embroidered linen napkins with bird motifs convey a folksy aesthetic.
glassware filled with gold-tinged Sauternes, a sweet French wine that is the perfect accompaniment to Stephanie’s signature spiced pear-and-apricot cake.
The colour palette has been kept warm and neutral—inspired by old-school tradition, winter woodlands, and a rustic farmhouse aesthetic. As is her way, Stephanie has effortlessly woven together a fusion of homespun and sophisticated, timeless and fresh. You might just say it’s a Christmas celebration that’s practically (im)perfect in every way.
STEPHANIE@BIRDDOGBOKKIE.COM
Stephanie Wolhuter Inggs preparing her Christmas table.
Take a note from Stephanie and approach decorating your table with an editor’s eye: think about layering, textures, and your colour palette.
No frou-frou cake stand is required at this unpretentious Christmas celebration. Instead, a wooden chopping board serves as a perfectly practical platter.
A fireplace mantlepiece offers myriad styling opportunities and can be easily transformed for seasonal decorating. One of the home’s original and most beloved features, the owner has forfeited traditional baubles and stockings for a woodland-inspired fantasy.
Establish a restful mood with pillar and tea light candles— and lots of them. Vintage black and white botanical prints have a visual connection with the rest of the decorative elements.
In keeping with the fashion for natural curiosities, a display of bird nests with their unique shapes reflects the brilliance and wonder to be found in nature.
FRUIT FILLING
* 6 pears with pips removed (use a melon ball scoop)
* 12 dried apricots softened in boiling water TIP We used Beurré Bosc (also known as Kaiser) pears which are particularly suited to baking.
CAKE BASE
* 4 large eggs * 1 cup plain yoghurt * 160ml vegetable oil * 80g melted butter * 1/3 cup milk * 2 ½ cups self-raising flour (two and a half) * 1 cup Muscovado sugar * 1/2 teaspoon salt
SPICY GINGER TOPPING
* 3 large eggs
* 100g melted butter * 3/4 cup Muscovado sugar * 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon * 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg * 3 tablespoons chopped glacé ginger
* Set the oven at 170 C (338F or Gas Mark 3)
* Lightly butter a 26cm springform tin and line the bottom and then sides with a high collar of baking paper
* Wash and dry but don’t peel the pears.
Remove the pips with a melon ball scoop
* Slice the bottom of each pear so that it will sit flat and not fall over
* Stuff the hollow of each pear with two soft apricots
For the cake base:
* Whisk the eggs in a bowl and then add the yoghurt, vegetable oil, melted butter, and milk
* In another bowl, sieve together the flour, sugar, and salt
* Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until combined
* Whisk together all the ingredients for the spicy ginger topping
* Pour the cake base into the baking tin and arrange the pears to sit upright in a circle
* Pour on the topping beginning at the outer edges of the cake and working towards the middle
* Bake at 170C for approximately 1 and 1/4 hours or until a skewer comes out clean
Stephanie prepares her signature pearand-apricot spiced cake (*see recipe in sidebar)
delight in the details of cooking
WRITTEN BY CARY WONG
As one of the most celebrated restaurants in San Francisco, Chef Daniel Patterson’s Coi has been both a diner’s favorite and a great training ground for aspiring chefs.
Throughout the years, both the restaurant and its driving force have won countless awards respectively—including Food & Wine Magazine’s 1997 Best New Chef, San Francisco Magazine’s 2007 Chef of the Year, James Beard Foundation’s 2009/2010 Best Chef: Pacific (nominee), two Michelin stars, and more.
He took a curious path to his current success as a self-taught chef. Growing up in Massachusetts,
he started working in restaurants when he was 14 and “just forgot to get a real job.” For him, cooking is always an act of generosity, a way to connect and communicate with other people. It is also a non-verbal way to share emotional energies between the guests and chefs.
Ever since he stepped foot in a kitchen, Chef Patterson has been on a journey to find out how to make people happy. “That’s at the core of everything that I’ve done. How do you bring joy to other people? How do you create a moment that they’ll remember forever?” he says.
So, starting as a dishwasher, he slowly worked his way up in the old-school kitchen hierarchy: from
prep cook, to line cook, and then sous chef. Eventually, at 25 years old, he opened his first restaurant, called Babettes, in Sonoma, California. And he has owned restaurants since then.
One of the key things that he came to realize early on was that so much of running a restaurant is about expectation fulfilment. The diners and chefs both need to know why they are there. Once there is an agreement, it has to be honored. At Coi, the most important aspect is a sense of discovery.
Different from the formal, expensive environment with tasting menus, people visit the restaurant to experience something they have not before. That could mean a familiar ingredient expressed in a new way or a brand-new product or flavor the guests have never previously tried. They get all of that while being well taken-care-of, “like an overachieving neighborhood restaurant.” The warmth, a touch of casualness, plus creativity thus became the backbone of the restaurant. Once that
was clear, it was then about working every day to do things incrementally better than the day before.
When it comes to creativity, Chef Patterson and his team were doing things that were fresh and exclusive. Not only did this philosophy impact each dish, it was also applied to the overall concept. He is often credited as the pioneer of the new California cuisine, with elements like foraging, aromas, essential oils, and housemade ingredients playing major parts.
“It’s just the way my brain works,” he says. “I see the world in a more beginner’s mind kind of way—even if I’ve seen something a thousand times, every time I look at it, I think, ‘Have I seen this before? Is it the same as the last time? What’s new about it? What can I learn?’”
He thought about the history of California, which led to foraging that stemmed from learning about different plants and flavors from experts. His use of essential oils and aromas, like edible perfumes, was a result of working with Mandy Aftel in the early 2000’s on their book Aroma: The Magic of Essential Oils in Foods and Fragrance. He found that much of what we eat and how we experience the world is what we smell.
Imagine smelling a certain kind of rose growing up in a happy home. Decades later, that person could walk by the same type of rose and the smell would bring them back to those happy times. Understanding the power of the olfactory and thinking consciously about how it could be used to connect people further generated new techniques and allowed for deeper dives on different ingredients. As a result, he started to cook with fragrance and incorporated scents in his food.
On an individual dish level, unusual and inventive things were tried and lots of experiments were executed. Some were spectacular failures while others became great hits. Popcorn grits, one of Coi’s signature dishes, is undoubtedly the latter.
While attempting to make a combination from fresh corn and potatoes, he tried to make the corn into a sauce. The need to separate the seeds in the purée inspired an experiment with popped corn. That led to softening the product by adding water and butter before straining; which then came out like grits. That, in turn, prompted the thought of first popping the corn, cooking them with water and butter, then straining and reconstituting with the cooking liquid.
“So, it started out as [a dish] with morels and popcorn and potatoes... But the real thing that came out of it was almost like an accident of just seeing what was in front of us,” he says. “That was one of
the dishes that was great because… it’s very familiar [yet different].”
Even though creativity plays such a big role in Chef Patterson’s food, he thinks that chefs should not necessarily think of themselves as artists. To him, cooking is more of a craft than an artform. In his mind, any craft can be done artistically. Cooking can be dull with lots of the same things done over and over—boring, grinding work. Spiritually speaking, a cook is someone who makes food for others. Hard work and a commitment to doing things the right way is the basis is for everything. Craft and artistry are built upon repetition and practice with a humble mentality.
In addition to putting in the work, a cook’s palette is another aspect that is oft-ignored but no less important. It is not flashy. It is neither
Instagrammable nor could one do a TikTok video about it. But that is where the real magic happens. The seasoning, the flavor, the aroma, even the serving temperature all impact the final product. From the excitement of the first bite to the subtle changes in the middle and ultimately the finish, Chef Patterson compares them to fragrance creation.
“A base note might be braised short ribs. And a mid-note might be some sauteed spinach, broccoli, or some kind of vegetable. And your top note might be some lime zest, some chili, a little bit of cilantro. Each one of those things on its own is simple but all of them together are complex,” he says.
Through its existence, his restaurant is known as a proving ground for great chefs. Evan and Sarah Rich of Rich Table, James Syhabout of Commis, Katy Millard of Coquine, Matt Tinder of Saboteur Bakery, Carlos Salgado of Taco Maria… the alumni list goes on and on. He thinks that having high standards and cooking innovative food are reasons why. Most importantly, however, is that “there was an energy in the restaurant… that came from the group of people that were there,” he says. “We always thought about why we would do things. It was a very collaborative workspace.”
Chef Patterson helped a lot of people by really pushing them so that they would have the confidence and an understanding of how to make a place successful. In addition, people left his kitchen feeling like they could achieve what they dreamed of.
The success he has had did not come without challenges. He stepped down as the chef at Coi in 2015 due to various reasons. Chief among them was to deal with his mental health. Having worked 80 to 100 hours a week throughout his whole life, in part to hide certain psychological damages, he needed a break. In 2016, he showed tremendous courage by writing “Speaking Out”, an article that shared his inner struggles. “No one wants to be the poster child for depression,” Chef Patterson says. “But I knew it was something that I was struggling with… that I didn’t really understand. But I also knew it was something that a lot of other people in my profession were struggling with.”
Since his article in 2016, things have improved in the restaurant business on that front. More attention is being paid to properly processing emotions to de-escalate situations. People are more cognizant of how to deal with a work environment that is historically based on an undervalued labor force. And efforts have been made so that people can feel valued and earn livable wages with fairness and accountability.
After stepping down, he briefly worked on Locol, a partnership with Chef Roy Choi, and was able to spend more time with his kids. He continues to run “Cooking Project,” a nonprofit that is now going into its eleventh year.
Though that also presented its own challenges. Firstly, the limit of his power to address problems that are much larger in scope, and secondly, hiring the right people to work with.
Speaking of personnel, after 2015, he hired Executive Chefs Matthew Kirkley and Erik Anderson for Coi in succession. He also works with Keith Corbin, the chef and partner at his new ventures Alta Adams and Louella’s. Eventually, he returned to the Coi kitchen in 2019. Then COVID hit.
Since the pandemic, he has spent a lot of time perfecting his recipes for fried chicken and barbecue brisket. He also has a high-level draft of a dish made with charcoal-roasted beets that are marinated in a bright pickled plum-and-miso purée. It would be served with almonds, herbs, yogurt, and lemon.
In general, he thinks that there is a lot of creativity in the food and beverage industry right now. To him, a lot of people desire some kind of connection and they crave a sense of well-being. The public is also interested in authenticity—not from a cultural perspective—but the authenticity of the humans who are making the food, whatever their expression is. He sees a lot of chefs that are communicating themselves in a way that is honest to them.
“The great thing about food is that no matter how long you do it… [it] is like a drop in the ocean. So, it’s constant learning. And it’s very, very complex,” he says. “ And that’s really exciting… because I don’t think there’s anything better than cooking.”
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For those who are addicted to scrolling their Instagram feeds to find the latest in food and dessert trends, mirror glaze cakes are seen everywhere. Impossibly glossy with beautiful designs and all types of patterns, these cakes are the mainstays on many people’s social media diet and have also inspired countless would-be bakers.
Chef Olga Noskova, the pioneer of the technique, has won the hearts, minds, and taste buds of people all over the world. Despite her skill and ability, she did not start her career off as a chef or baker. Instead, she had an Economics degree and worked initially in the fashion industry.
During her maternity leave from being owner of an Italian clothing boutique, she started dreaming of setting up a new business. She wanted it to be something special that would be able to captivate her completely. “I wanted to be excited about it, waking up every morning,” she says.
She had total conviction that it was going to happen, and the inspiration came to her by accident. One day, she came across French macarons and, on a whim, decided to make them herself. She was fascinated by the process. Even though her prior baking experience was limited to “helping” her mother whip up frostings by eating it as a child and baking apple pies as an adult, she came to realize that pastry-making was exactly what she wanted to do.
And so, Chef Noskova started her education in desserts. Among other things, she read countless articles and blogs, and watched hours of cooking shows and online videos. They were all very interesting; but one day, she found out about the gorgeous mousse cakes. That was it. She had found her calling.
Even though they are not as ubiquitous as they are now, she wanted to know what made them so stunning. To that end, she started learning from the best chefs in France, Italy, and Spain. This built a strong foundation of skills. As she finished her training, she continued experimenting by adding vibrant colors to the cakes. She wanted to make sure that these were not only cakes but works of art. She always made sure her creations were unique and different from others.
One such example is her distinct use of colors. It isn’t common to choose blue, purple, or black as the main dessert color nor is it usual to use an entire palette of colors in a single cake. “To me, desserts are about beauty, uniqueness, a deep meaning, and a burst of emotions” for both the creator and the taster, she explained.
She posted her creations online and they started to gain attention. These beautiful
That was it. She had found her calling.
artworks started to go viral as media outlets all over the world took notice. Even Britney Spears commented on Facebook that the cakes are “almost too pretty to eat.”
Chef Noskova, now an internet sensation, became a finalist of the ninth annual Shorty Awards in the US and represented Russia at the International Exhibition of Creativity and Design in Chengdu, China. She also started offering masterclasses in Europe and in the US in 2020.
With a strong desire to experiment with colors, fillings, decoration, and flavors, she often gets her inspiration when she least expects it. “I always notice interesting outlines, themes, stories, and color combinations that I can adopt and recreate in my own work,” she says. Moreover, music, art, and choreography also ignite her passion and help generate new ideas.
She thinks that the most important thing for any baker is to have the self-belief and desire to make a delicious and beautiful cake. With enough practice and the right technical knowledge (like the proper temperature at which to glaze the cake or how to choose the right colors), everything will turn out great.
She is very proud of her creations which successfully combine art and dessert-making. “The airy texture of the desserts, their shapes, and the combinations of colors will not leave anyone indifferent!” she says with a smile—just as she believed from the start!
Rock-star
spray-gun and a hairdryer. They don’t sound like usual tools in the arsenal of a professional chocolatier, but then again, ‘usual’ is not a word anyone who knows or works with Gregory Czarnecki would use to describe him. In fact, the award-winning, French-born chef doesn’t even call himself a chocolatier.
chef Gregory Czarnecki has secret skills that only a select few know about— anyone lucky enough to try his mindblowing, guessthe-flavour bonbons will never go back to eating just any chocolate
“I didn’t study it, it’s not my job,” he explains as he sprays a fine mist of vivid orange cocoa butter into a chocolate mold, occasionally using the hairdryer to warm up the mixture when it becomes too thick. This is how he creates the delicate shells of his bonbons, but he says a home cook could use a small paintbrush to thinly paint the cocoa butter onto the molds, then use a toothpick to create any pattern, zigzag or swirl, followed by a second layer of cocoa butter in another colour to fill in the lines.
So if making chocolate is not his job, it must be a passion then? A calling? Why else would he spend two days a week crafting his astonishing chocolates for diners at The Restaurant at Waterkloof? Gregory has headed up the kitchen for the past ten years, but it was only four years ago that he decided to start making the edible works of art that have since become a fixture at the end of his 15-course degustation menu.
“I was one of the first people to bring the bonbon to this country—I wanted to offer diners something different,” says Gregory. “I am selftaught. Yes, I did work with chocolate when I was an apprentice but now I guess I have more knowledge, more patience, less arrogance. And I decided that if I was going to make chocolates, they
would have to be the best-looking ones I could possibly make. I want to look at them and be proud to have spent so much time on it. For me, it’s the results that matter.”
And it’s the imaginative results of his experiments in colour and flavour that almost defy description. The themed collections of five bonbons per table of two change constantly and can include gleaming black pyramids and gemstones, marble-like stones in neutral hues, or swirls of yellow, turquoise, and purple. Concealed beneath their mirrorlike cocoa butter shells are ganache fillings in some rather way-out flavour combinations.
If for some reason, the hazelnut and parmesan or passion fruit and basil oil do not fascinate you, perhaps the crème fraiche and raspberry vinegar will. What’s more, their creator takes great delight in tricking the senses—the exteriors of Gregory’s bonbons give no clue to what diners’ taste buds will experience. “I always make sure that the colour on the outside doesn’t match the flavour. Why do yellow if it’s lemon, you know? You want
A no-limits attitude, a powerful streak of perfectionism, and using only the bestquality chocolate as the star ingredient— which he works with at precisely controlled temperatures—are the key to his edible works of art. “If you just melt chocolate, like people do when they want to dip strawberries, you’re not going to end up with a snappy chocolate. You have to bring it to a higher temperature, quickly lower it, then warm it up again so that you can work with it. There are specific temperatures, depending on the amount of bitterness, origin, and type of chocolate you are using.”
When the chocolate has been expertly tempered, it is poured into the molds over the set cocoa butter shells. Once the chocolate has had a chance to set, Gregory uses a piping bag to add the ganache filling, taking care not to overfill each mold. The ganache is then left to set at room temperature for 24 hours. Now comes the final touch, a last layer of tempered chocolate to seal the deal.
people to be intrigued, to have to figure it out.”A spray gun is filled with orange cocoa butter, which Gregory uses to spray chocolate molds to form delicate shells.
Gregory’s experiments in flavour have resulted in mindblowing flavour combinations.
“You can go really crazy, like with guava and goat’s cheese, or salted hazelnut and parmesan, where the saltiness comes from infusing parmesan in the cream we use to make the ganache,” he says.
Some of his other famous combinations: Burnt lemon and jasmine, crème fraiche and calamansi, grapefruit and pink peppercorn, clementine and masala, white peach and saffron, mango and piment d’espelette, and blood peach and verbena.
Chef Gregory Czarnecki sprays a thin layer of cocoa butter into the molds. He chooses to work in the wine cellar one floor below the restaurant, where the light and temperature are perfect.The key to achieving the glossiest bonbons with the perfect snap and melt-inthe-mouth texture lies in carefully tempering the chocolate. Chef Gregory Czarnecki shares his tips:
Start with a premier couverture chocolate such as the Valrhona Manjari 64%.
Place the chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a pan of simmering water to create a bain-marie. The base of the bowl should sit above the water without touching it.
Gently melt the chocolate to a temperature of exactly 55˚C. Once you have checked the temperature with a thermometer, remove the bowl containing the chocolate from the bain-marie.
Next, you have to cool it down as quickly as possible. Gregory uses the tabling method: Pour the melted chocolate onto a cool marble surface and use a spatula to work it into an even layer to speed up the process.
Check the temperature continually until it is at 29˚C. Scrape the chocolate back into the mixing bowl. Gently reheat it to a temperature of 32˚C. It’s now ready to use.
Handtempered chocolate will cover the ganache and seal the handcrafted bonbons.
“It takes one hour to temper three kilograms of chocolate,” says chef Gregory Czarnecki.
A spatula is used to smooth the tempered chocolate over the ganache filling.
When the chocolate has been smoothed with the spatula, chef Gregory Czarnecki quickly flips the mold and taps it to remove any air bubbles and let any excess chocolate drizzle out.
The tasting room extends into the awardwinning “glass box” fine-dining restaurant offering mountain, vineyard, and sea views.
The bonbons consist of three components: the cocoa butter shell, hand-tempered couverture chocolate, and a chocolate or fruit ganache filling.
Gregory’s meticulously created bonbons are then de-molded and stored in a special room at 7˚C until two hours before they are to be served, at which point they are transferred to another room at 14˚C—his advice on the perfect temperature at which chocolate should be served for maximum flavour.
Exactly two hours after diners first embark on their culinary journey, they will, at last, receive their bonbons presented in a box bearing Gregory’s logo. “I even bought the machine that makes the thermoplastic sheets they are arranged on. Sure, there are places that can make the sheets for me, but they want you to order thousands and maybe I just want 100. Now that I have the machine, I can do anything with it, you know.”
Indeed he can!
Art on a plate: Some guests have expressed doubt about whether or not the bonbons are edible because they are so beautiful. The gleaming shells appear hard and impenetrable but are, in fact, thin and delicate.
Naturally perfect.
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ONDAY FOUNDER CHRIS BOYD CAME UP WITH THE IDEA FOR THE PRODUCT WHILE CELEBRATING HIS BIRTHDAY AT THE BAR WITH HIS FRIENDS.
“It was Sunday night and the bartender was a magician, serving up some amazing beverages. But after a couple, despite how much I was enjoying the goods, I stopped and switched to water. Everyone wondered why, and I said, ‘because tomorrow is Monday and I’ve got stuff to do that I want to do well.’”
Curiosity sparked at that moment. Why couldn’t he have proper adult cocktails without the alcohol so he could keep drinking and still be sharp in the morning? In his hometown of San Diego, one of the world’s capitals of craft liqueur, he figured he probably could.
Later on, he ran into his friend Ben (now co-founder of Monday) at the gym and shared his idea. Ben’s eyes lit up, as he was a gin fan but also a serial entrepreneur with no time for hangovers. A few weeks later, Monday was born, and was producing small batches of craft alcohol-free liquor. “We’ve been serving the sober curious ever since,” says Boyd. The founders like to go against the grain and do
things like looking forward to and crushing Mondays.
Ben and Chris don’t make any claims about the health benefits of their drink, but believe that the best parts of Monday are all about what’s not in their liquid. In addition to lacking alcohol, the drinks are without sugar, calories, carbs, gluten, or most common allergens but still aim to offer a complex taste. They’re designed for people to drink them straight or mix them into cocktails. You can order individual bottles from their website or subscribe for monthly delivery. They also offer gifts such as cocktail sets, which include Monday spirits and cocktail making supplies, so your sober drink can be ‘shaken, not stirred.’
The founders say the best part of their startup’s journey is being floored by the interest level. “Our customers are eighteen through eighty-five, from all walks of life, but have the common bond of avoiding alcohol, at least for a point in time, but still crave to be in the in-crowd drinking booze at the bar.”
They’ve created a blog on their site that shows off creative recipes and reviews books and products related to virgin cocktails and the trendy yet sober life.
They say that drinking alcohol has remained a part of many cultures around the world because it’s often a communal ritual that brings people together. However, rituals can shift and change over time, as has happened with smoking, jogging, and eating more plantbased foods. Ben and Chris go so far as to suggest that the idea you need to drink alcohol in order to be grown-up is a myth on par with how one’s grandparents walked uphill both ways in the snow to get to and from school.
According to Monday’s website, “a cultural shift is underway—a mindset toward self-care, staying sharp, and living life without compromise. This is not a trend— this is a movement that refuses to choose between good health and great taste.”
Both Chris and Ben receive dozens of emails, texts, social media comments, and other customer feedback daily filled with stories of lives changed for the better by drinking less alcohol. That’s what pushes them forward towards building a world where alcohol is always optional.
“We believe anyone considering their young category [of alcohol-free cocktails] has taken one brave step forward towards better drinking decisions for their health and lifestyle. And we want to reward them for it by offering them something delicious, complex, and familiar.”
Artist Dameon Priestly focuses on times and events of social and cultural change
organ Otagburuagu is originally from Abia State, Nigeria but is now based in Lagos. He has had a Keystone compact camera for as long as he can remember and that inspired and motivated him to produce images without a thought to a career until 2017 when he learned about digital cameras. “All my life I have been into art.”
WRITTEN BY MICHAEL DAKS
PHOTO CREDIT THE GINSTAR PHOTOGRAPHY
His inspiration first came from fashion.
“I was into fashion and also loved styling a lot. It came naturally to me. You can say my fashion background inspired my choice”.
Black women throughout the history of fashion are the basis of his photographic style. From the early work of Richard Avedon and his images of Donyala Luna, the first black supermodel, to Irving Penn, Albert Watson, and Otagburuagu’s own mentor the Nigerian photographer Hakeem Salaam, Otagburuagu sees everything as art and something that could end up in galleries and homes.
PHOTOGRAPHED BY THE GINSTAR PHOTOGRAPHY MODEL: SUPER AMAZING @_QUEENDAMMY MAKEUP: SUPER TALENTED @BEAUTYBYBOLD STYLING: @SAVAGE.AKEEM LOGISTICS: @BADEFUWA CREATIVE DIRECTIONS: #MORGANOTAGBURUAGU ASSISTANTS: @THEREALEMJO @ABDULNONSO @THELADYANITA_
I mentioned Avedon and one of my own favorites, the great French photographer Thierry Le Goues, as they reminded me of Morgan’s work. He responded “Thank you so much, Michael, for that honor, as those two are legends I admire.”
Otagburuagu loves models with distinctive features and Nigeria is blessed with many models who typify the exotic African black skin. Locations here are also part of the artistic journey.
PHOTOGRAPHED BY THE GINSTAR PHOTOGRAPHY @_QUEENDAMMY @MIDEBYMIDE
STYLEDBY @SAVAGE.AKEEM
MAKEUPBY @BEAUTYBYBOLD
We talked a bit about his commercial work and the brands he most likes to work with. “Vicnate is a brand I am most proud of as the Creative Director is a close friend. We all started collaborating when the brand was still an infant.”
Having ticked off quite a lot from his bucket list on the home front recently, he still dreams of photographing the South Sudanese-Australian model Adut Akech in a Vicnate custom dress. And here at TrooRa we’d be honored to have that collaboration grace our cover.
“I love to showcase rich Nigerian landscapes and cityscapes.”
UAE
WRITTEN BY CRISTINA DEPTULAWaleed Shah, an United Arab Emirates chemical engineer turned photographer who has worked with Nike, Toyota, and Patron Tequila, released a new collection earlier this year, Rock Your Ugly: A Middle Finger to Toxic Beauty Standards.
This series includes black and white pictures of over 50 men and women and zeroes in on parts of their body that might otherwise make them insecure. Each photographic subject shares a story about their experience with their body.
Shah’s first photographic subjects were models whom he had to convince to take part. However, as time passed and he spread the word, people began contacting him asking to be photographed. He reflects on how he named the campaign. “Most campaigns are called ‘the beauty of’ or ‘the art of’ which I find too vanilla.
The word ‘ugly’ came from a conversation with Maha Jaafar, someone I shot, and she described how Tyra Banks had a show a long time ago called ‘Rock Your Ugly.’ I loved the name because it takes people by surprise. Most people don’t know how to feel about it and either love it or hate it, which I personally love.”
Participants’ experiences include injuries and illnesses such as cancer, eating disorders, alopecia, and vitiligo, as well as chronic health conditions
such as polycystic ovarian syndrome that can lead to being overweight. Some also discuss colorism, the racist idea that lighter skin is more beautiful. Others have dealt with self-harm, child abuse, and drug addiction. One woman in particular speaks eloquently about being victimblamed and shamed for surviving assault.
The stories highlight mental health issues. Shah believes the anxiety and depression that body insecurity can cause are very real health problems, just as real as diabetes or cancer. Constantly seeing airbrushed and filtered images of people online only makes these problems worse, and Shah pushes back against the trend of ‘perfect’ images with his book.
Shah includes a photo of himself clutching his large belly, as he gained weight after a back injury stopped him from being as athletic as he used to be. This experience inspired this project, the latest of several photographic collections.
“I was unhappy with my body after [my injury] ten years ago. I gave up on my body, stopped working out and ate until I was uncomfortable with my body. I took a portrait of myself and posted it on Instagram and explained the story. People resonated with it, so I decided to explore everyone else’s insecurities. But it wasn’t until my best friend passed away from cancer that I started this actual project as an escape from my grief. The project helped me grieve, as I was comfortable opening up to strangers who opened up to me.”
He talked with his wife about his changing body and about this project and says that her commentary on life opened his eyes to many issues. The book has touched many readers, which makes sense given that body image is a fairly universal issue.
“People have responded very positively to this project. People in it talk about a sense of relief and a weight of their shoulders having come off with the story. People who read it mostly relate although the stories are quite diverse because we all suffer more or less from the same issues. There are a few people who get offended by the imagery thinking it’s sexual exploitation but once they dig deeper they change their mind.”
He would love to see more mainstream media representation in the Arab world about diverse and real human bodies and accepting yourself and others the way we are. As Shah says “We all have things we don’t like about ourselves. But why hide them, when we can rock them?”
WRITTEN BY MICHAEL DAKS PHOTO CREDITS MEHDI SEFRIOUI
This Moroccan-born photographer found fame on the streets of Paris before returning to Tangiers to help redefine how African fashion and fine art photography are perceived by the world at large.
ehdi Sefrioui was born in Tangiers in 1988 before moving to Paris to study for an MA in Business in 2010. Walking the streets of Paris with a camera, he began recording his new life and environment. “Just to get some oxygen away from the business school. It was an exutoire, an escape.”
The photography bug bit deep and he began to reconsider his life goals. He only really knew the street photographers like Robert Doiseau and Henri Cartier-Bresson. He started with the cliche shots of Paris but then, shooting photos of his friends, he began to think more about clothing and styling.
“I love the control that you have in fashion photography. You can prepare your shoot, gather your team, and you know the outcome will be as good as you prepared it.”
He began working on his technique and finding his own style, which took about two years. He wanted to put some of his own identity into the imagery and to tell a story with his pictures. He began to find clients, but lacked the confidence to really go for it directly as a fully fledged fashion photographer.
After an internship in Paris at the famous Art Partner photographer’s agency, Mehdi began to think about his roots and soon started to meet inspiring designers from Africa. In 2013, Africa was not marketed the same way that it is now in the art and fashion field. “Because I am kind of stubborn, I thought, I am going to work with them because nobody else is!”
He signed up for a fashion photography course at Parsons in Paris (later renamed Paris College of Art), which is where I came into his story in my role as professor of photography. There were a lot of very talented photographers at the school, but Mehdi really stood out for his passion and drive to succeed and to learn all aspects of the business of fashion. He even surprised me with how quickly he began to gain really highcaliber clients.
I remember him telling me nervously that he had just been
commissioned to photograph the French Supermodel Noemie Lenoir for the cover of a magazine. I was especially impressed by his INFRA menswear story that he shot on the outskirts of Paris inspired by the infrared photographs of Richard Mosse who covered the conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
After finishing the course in 2014, Medhi was ready to begin his career with new confidence in his ability and a vision to fulfill. Shortly after this, he was invited to the Lagos
Photo Festival as one of the ten best young African photographers. His work began to be published in not only fashion magazines, but also art magazines, and in 2018, he was invited to take over the Instagram account of @fotografiska, the photography museum of Stockholm, before finally returning to Morocco in 2019.
During the last few years, he has begun working on special projects, not just as a photographer, but as an art director and art consultant. “I worked for brands that were not only fashion. It was honestly kind of weird, but with a bit of distance it literally was a salvation. It got me out from just being a fashion photographer. It’s been a chaotic but positive journey.”
He is currently working on his own magazine TAFUST, a Moroccan guide to the future, which will come out in 2022, and he is curating a show of African photographers at The Instituto Cervantes de Tánger.
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Goat Rodeo Capital’s founders Fowler and Pelligrini invest in a variety of businesses, from makers of technology that supports the beverage industry to creators of alcoholic, non-alcoholic, and cannabis drinks. They like to think of themselves as consumer behavior experts.
“Beverage sales are externally motivated. What you drink, whether beer, wine, cocktails, alcohol
substitutes or flavored health drinks, says a lot about you. So you choose beverages based on that.”
Fowler got his start through a business school internship at Gallo, which turned into a job. He always thought he’d become a management consultant, and thought of the beverage industry as an interesting business ecosystem. “It’s a three tiered system. There are the people who make beverages, distributors who get beverages to retailers, and then the retailers who sell them to consumers.”
“For entrepreneurs looking to raise money it is critical to have a clear vision and indomitable will to bring it to life”.
Fowler built out Gallo’s line of spirits, an accomplishment of which he is quite proud.
Pelligrini’s background is in finance and brand development, and Fowler says that they work and mesh quite well together. “In a partnership it’s very important you see the world in similar ways, even if you take different paths to arrive at those conclusions.”
What makes GR unique as investors is their operator backgrounds and deep industry expertise. Fowler and Pelligrini strive to be more than just money and pride themselves on being of
service to the leadership teams that they invest in Depending on the company and its needs that can manifest in many forms - ranging from making distributor introductions to helping sharpen a creative brief and anywhere in between. Ideally GR becomes additional support beyond the executive team. This works best when the entrepreneur has a very clear mission and a vision of a future that WILL be true because they are going to create it. These are the entrepreneurs that we love to supportthe ones who move faster when GR can open the doors that they were going to kick down anyways.
“For entrepreneurs looking to raise money it is critical to have a clear vision and indomitable will to bring it to life. That is the foundation upon which investors can build conviction, and eventually, trust can be established”.
Pre-Covid, the market penetration rate for alcohol sold online was only two percent. Both Fowler and Pellegrini suspected that would increase over time because our phones and technology are changing our behavior. Then, of course, the pandemic drastically increased the share of every consumer behavior that took place online. “Sometimes, it’s better to be lucky than smart,” Fowler says.
During Covid, a number of people also learned how to create craft cocktails at home, providing more consumer demand for bartending supplies. Goat Rodeo invests in technology for the beverage industry, not just in beverage startups and brands.
One firm they’ve funded, Speakeasy, provides an online shopping cart system for any distillery. “Amazon really wants to sell booze online,” says Fowler. “And I don’t see why they can’t. If they can sell a head of lettuce that has to be shipped and preserved, they can sell booze or other drinks that have a lot longer shelf life.”
Now that places are opening up again, some firms are asking Goat Rodeo to help them translate their sudden online business success into success at a physical location. Goat Rodeo distinguishes itself from other
firms by funding earlier in the business life cycle, including series A and B funding. And they pride themselves on providing advice and coaching as well as cash to help a startup get to scale.
“We like to get to a business early, so we can help them avoid as many mistakes as possible. But if they’re already established, we can still work with them so long as they’re willing to listen to us and make changes,” says Fowler.
Their name, Goat Rodeo, comes from the slang phrase ‘goat rodeo’ used to describe a wildly outof-control situation, like herding and roping goats. To Fowler and Pellegrini, many startups have a strong idea and vision and a few things they can do well, but everything else is a goat rodeo.
When deciding whom to fund, Goat Rodeo looks for businesses with a digital component and strong unit economics (making money on each sale). “Lots of people get so excited to have their business up online that they don’t think about profit margins right away, thinking they’ll get customers first and make up lost cash with volume. But if you lose cash with every sale, volume won’t help,” says Fowler.
They get excited about ready-to-drink beverage businesses, about new trends in non-alcoholic beverages that taste like beer, wine, or liquor, and technology platforms that can help other businesses monetize what they offer.
“There’s a consumer awakening going on out there,” says Fowler. “People are looking for healthy food and beverages, for quality in what they ingest. We’re moving away from massproduced food and beverages and towards a more mindful way of consuming.”
They advise prospective entrepreneurs coming to them to not be afraid of the conversation about funding. Also, to have passion, vision, and a solid business plan. “You can’t have fuzzy thinking on an Excel sheet,” says Fowler.
Some businesses they have funded have been quite creative. One firm “DRNXMYTH” attempts to track down the 100 best cocktails from bars around the world and make it possible for customers to order them and have them shipped to their doors. Zero Brewery produces nonalcoholic beer that also contains zero sugar, zero calories.
“These alcohol substitute drinks represent a fabulous new market, and we help startup founders in that space compete with Gatorade, Propel, and other nonalcoholic beverages,” says Fowler.
Another startup’s exciting idea involves harnessing the talents of a whole variety of people, usually women hoping for extra household income, to host miniwine tasting events. “A lot of the beverage industry is built on field representatives, on in-person socializing, on field marketing, more than we realize,” says Fowler.
Goat Rodeo also takes social impact and giving back very seriously. “Most companies aim to donate one percent of their profits to charity, but really, that is such a minuscule portion
of what can be done to make a lasting impact,” Fowler says. “We do our best to invest in femaleled firms that pay everyone a living wage.”
He also mentioned the program One Hope, which allows participants to pick a charity of their choice which will receive ten million dollars, and then they schedule a series of tastings around that cause. All and all, Goat Rodeo is leading the world in the socially conscious way of investing in our futures.
No... seriously, you’ll drink it and crave it, but don’t worry... we can send it to your home or office monthly, so you’re good!
“Someone is sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago.”
— Warren Buffett
Art isn’t necessarily just confined to gallery walls, it can be found in architecture, monuments, and even on the streets themselves. But which are the best cities in the world for art lovers?
From renowned artistic hubs like Paris, New York, and Berlin, to up and coming hotspots, the world’s art landscape is vast and varied, with every city showcasing its own unique scene.
But which arty cities around the world can be crowned the very best? To find out, our mortgage experts analysed a variety of cities known for their art scenes and ranked them on a number of criteria.
As well as looking at the crucial things like the number of galleries, museums, and sculptures, the research also analysed some other factors that contribute to a place’s artistic pedigree, such as street art and highly rated art universities and colleges.
1. Venice, Italy - 6.8 out of 10 Venice takes the top spot and is considered one of the most culturally rich places in the world, shown by its top score for the number of architecturally significant buildings plus monuments and statues. Venice was the home of many Renaissance artists and is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its culturally significant architecture and lagoon.
2. Miami, United States5.15 out of 10
Miami comes in second with its trendy art scene which is very reflective of the diverse and vibrant culture within the city. Miami scored top for three of the factors including number of galleries (113.1 per million people), street art searches (30,391 per million people), and street art Instagram posts (130,949 per million people).
3. Florence, Italy - 4.57 out of 10
Another Italian city comes in third: Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance. As you’d expect, examples of Renaissance art and architecture are everywhere you look in Florence, which is also home to the highest number of museums per person, including the likes of the Uffizi Gallery and Palazzo Pitti.
Art Galleries: Santa Fe (264.9 per million people)
Santa Fe, New Mexico isn’t considered one of the major cities in the USA, but it certainly is amongst the art world and is seen as one of the leading art cities in the world. It is home to a huge number of art galleries and installations, reflecting its multicultural nature. In fact, Santa Fe has been named a UNESCO Creative City in Design, Crafts, and Folk Art.
Museums: Santa Fe (319.3 per million people)
Once again, Santa Fe was the top city when it came to the concentration of museums, particularly around the downtown Santa Fe Plaza and Museum Hill. They include the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, New Mexico Museum of Art, Site Santa Fe, Museum of International Folk Art, and many more.
Architecturally Notable Buildings: Venice (283.6 per million people)
Venice is an undeniably beautiful city and has more architecturally significant buildings per million people than any of the other cities within this study. Venetian architecture is unique for a couple of reasons, such as the relative wealth of the city and the fact that it is on the unstable banks of canals. The city has also remained largely free from conflict for a very long time, helping to preserve the diverse architectural styles.
Universities: Vienna (2.06 per million people)
Vienna is nurturing the new generation of great artistic minds with its high proportion of universities, which are listed amongst some of the best for art and design including the Academy of Fine Arts Vienna.
Street Art Searches and Instagram Posts: Miami (30,391 searches per million people & 130,949 posts per million people)
Miami was the top-scoring city for not just the number of people searching for street art, but also posting about it on social media. Miami has been referred to as America’s most Instagrammable city and is home to its own outdoor street museum (Wynwood Walls).
Venice tops the rankings again, this time when it comes to the number of artistic monuments and statues to take in around the city. Walking through the city can feel like exploring an open-air gallery, with lots of beautiful sights to enjoy, whether they’re in the tourist hotspots such as San Marco, or further away from the centre.
Monuments & Statues: Venice (94 per million people)
First, a number of articles and lists from publications such as The Times, Culture Trip and Hostelworld, were used to compile a shortlist of 40 cities. Each city was then analysed on the following factors, with each being calculated per million people and given a normalised score out of ten for each factor, with the best city in each factor scoring 10, the worst city scoring 1 and the remaining cities calculated relative to those. Finally, an overall average of all eight scores was taken for the final Art Score out of ten.
Art Galleries —The number of art galleries listed on Tripadvisor.
Museums —The number of museums listed on Tripadvisor.
The number of architecturally notable buildings listed on Tripadvisor.
Top Art & Design Universities —The number of universities listed on QS Top Universities’ 2021 World University Rankings for Art & Design.
Monuments & Statues —The number of monuments & statues listed on Tripadvisor.
Street Art Pieces —The number of pieces listed on Street Art Cities.
Street Art Searches —The number of times the city name followed by the term “street art” has been searched on Google between September 2020 and August 2021
according to Google Ads Keyword Planner.
Street Art Instagram Posts —The number of Instagram posts featuring hashtags using the city name followed by the term “street art.”
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The TrooRa Gift Guide is Trooly Unique with meticulously curated exquisite rare gems from our exclusive partners throughout all corners of the globe. Happy Shopping & Gifting!
Wishing you and yours a safe and happy Holiday Season!
FROM THE #TROOCREW & FOUNDER TRYSTANNE C.
For ultimate performance and modern elegance, equip the kitchen with a Hestan CopperBond Induction Copper 10-Piece Set. This carefully curated cookware set features an assortment of pots and pans to accommodate a wide range of recipes and techniques. Pots and pans have been constructed from 5-layers of stainless steel and a 100% copper core for quick, even heating and exceptional temperature control. This durable cookware set features flush rivets for easy cleaning and easy nesting storage. Stainless steel lids are interchangeable to fit the frying pans, while resting on the rims of all items to lock in vital heat for rich flavor. Ergonomic handles have been designed for maximum comfort and control, and are secured with flush rivets for easy cleaning and nesting storage capability. Handcrafted in Italy, this innovative, induction-compatible cookware set is oven safe to 600°F for superior cooking versatility.
REGULAR PRICE $2,150
Luna Sundara by Sergio Davila is our most recent home decor collection, featuring uniquely designed cushion covers and rugs inspired by the llamas that roam freely among the Peruvian mountains. We collaborated with awardwinning designer Sergio Davila to capture the true spirit of the Andes and bring it directly to your living room or bedroom.
Davila is recognized throughout South America for his cutting-edge vision and non-traditional style. He has developed new hand-loomed techniques, styles and knitwear through his work with various local artisans.
This handwoven, 100% Peruvian lambswool area rug is both beautiful and comfortable.
Features a zipper closure.
Dry clean only. Size: 4x6 feet
Color (Habano)
$270.00
This handwoven, 100% Peruvian lambswool cushion cover is both beautiful and comfortable.
Features a zipper closure.
Dry clean only. Cushion not included.
Color (Habano)
$125.00
At Luna Sundara, we utilize wool that is ethically sourced from Peruvian highland sheep, and hand loomed in Lima by artisan women within a fair trade environment. In keeping with the authenticity of our Andean-based products, we collaborate with Peruvian artisans and designers to deliver products that are responsibly manufactured with as little impact to the environment as possible.
Brighten up your space and add some artful intrigue to your walls with this spectacular mirror. Peruvian artisans hand-carved the frame using a centuries-old technique once implemented in the creation of religious sculptures. Exquisitely crafted with a sleek bronze and black finish, this whimsical mirror pairs well with a variety of color palettes, and adds a chic look and feel to any home decor layout.
(Available in sizes 8" 10" 12")
$39.99 - $49.99
This beautiful beaded necklace is made of Palo Santo wood and Huayruro seeds.
The necklace combines the sacred, healing properties of Palo Santo wood together with the colorful Huayruro seeds, which are traditionally used in medicinal rituals and associated with good luck and wealth, to give you a unique and meaningful piece of jewelry.
Each bead is 8mm in size.
Sustainably harvested in Peru. Luna Sundara only works with suppliers who utilize ethical, fair trade and sustainable practices.
$20.00
These long-lasting Palo Santo sticks make perfect smudging tools. Smudging is a ritual through which we cleanse the energy of a physical space, object or person.
These premium sticks of sustainably harvested Palo Santo smudging sticks are handpicked and packaged in 100% recyclable and biodegradable packaging.
When burned, the sticks produce a fresh, aromatic scent. The smoke gives off a purifying, grounding effect that may help promote feelings of tranquility and peace.
To use, light the tip of the stick and allow the wood to burn for under a minute before blowing out the flame. Relight as needed.
Each stick is approximately 10cm (4in) long. Each pack contains 8 smudging sticks.
Sustainably harvested in Ecuador. Luna Sundara only works with suppliers who utilize ethical, fair trade and sustainable practices.
$8.99
Meditate, relax and cleanse to the smoke of these high-quality, hand-rolled sticks, which give off a continuous burn similar to traditional incense. (Available in premium grey copal, myrrh, wiracoa & more)
These incredibly aromatic Palo Santo and Wiracoa incense sticks are hand-rolled by talented Peruvian artisans and made with 100% natural ingredients, including ground high resin Peruvian Palo Santo wood, Wiracoa and natural binding gum from various species of the Acacia tree. Wiracoa is an ancient plant used to lighten and clarify energy within a room. It is also commonly known as the herb of fire.
To use, light the tip of the stick and allow the wood to burn for under a minute before blowing out the flame. Relight as needed.
Contains 6 incense sticks, each with an approximate burn time of 90 minutes.
SERFOR (National Forest Service and Wildlife) certified
Sustainably harvested in Peru. Luna Sundara only works with suppliers who utilize ethical, fair trade and sustainable practices.
$8.99
These essential oils are sustainably extracted through a process known as steam distillation. No chemical solvents are involved. The oil is first extracted by passing a vapor stream through the dry wood, opening its oil gland and allowing the essential oil to mix with steam. Next, the oil is passed through a cooling system to obtain condensation through the plant’s natural essence.
Sustainably harvested in Peru. Luna Sundara works with renowned Peruvian chemists to distill our oils. Our suppliers utilize ethical, fair trade and sustainable practices.
The above information is for informational purposes only, and cannot be considered as expert medical opinion or advice, nor does it compromise our legal responsibility.
(AVAILABLE IN MANY SCENTS)
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The No Tox Life Lip Butters are packed with moisturizing organic cocoa butter and avocado oil. They also use wildcrafted plant wax instead of beeswax, so it’s completely vegan.
$10.00
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Replenish your skin to healthiness with this botanicalinfused whipped body butter. Infused with herbs and plants that are packed with soothing and healing properties, this body butter is eczema and sensitive-skin friendly.
$38.00
Nairi — the embodiment of craftsmanship in the blending of cognac distillates.
Nairi is one of the ancient names of Armenia. We also named our 20-yearold Armenian brandy ARARAT “Nairi”, and it became the pinnacle of taste in the ARARAT range. Its noble blend is rightfully considered the pinnacle of Markar Sedrakyan’s craftsmanship.
Characteristics 0.75 L
Alcohol by vol 40%
Aged 20 years
$125 PER BOTTLE
Aged in oak casks, Erebuni 30 has a silky immersive taste, and strong notes of dried fruits are felt in its noble aroma.
A precious blend of 30-yearold ARARAT “Erebuni” brandy is distinguished by its exquisite aroma and unique generous taste. It bears the name of the ancient Erebuni fortress, erected in 782 BC by order of King Argishti I.
Characteristics 0.75 L
Alcohol by vol 40%
Aged 30 years
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Monday Gin plus premium mixers from FeverTree is a dream gift come true for that certain someone looking for delicious drinks without the alcohol this holiday season.
Our Monday Gin Cocktail Kit Includes: Monday Gin Fever-Tree Club Soda Fever-Tree Indian Tonic Water Fever-Tree Elderflower Tonic Water Custom Recipe Card to put the goods to perfect use
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Monday Whiskey plus Hella Cocktail Co. ensures the Old Fashioned lover in your life will have a ball this holiday season (without alcohol).
Our Monday Old Fashioned Kit Includes: Monday Whiskey Hella Cocktail Co. Orange Bitters Hella Cocktail Co. Aromatic Bitters Hella Cocktail Co. Old Fashioned Premium Mix
Custom Recipe Card to ensure your Old Fashioned is crafted with excellence
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Combine Monday Whiskey with Fever-Tree’s premium offerings to truly impress someone special with a (hangover free) gift they’ll never forget this holiday season.
Our Monday Whiskey Cocktail Kit Includes: Monday Whiskey Fever-Tree Club Soda Fever-Tree Ginger Ale Fever-Tree Ginger Beer Custom Recipe Card to craft a trio of excellent drinks
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The DLISH Risotto Gift Curation allows you to delight in the Italian ritual of ‘fare la scarpetta’, with a duo of charming plates designed for your piece of bread or little shoe to mop up any remaining sauce. Express your feelings of love, gratitude, or simply inspire an evening of stimulating conversation around the dinner table. A truly thoughtful gift for the foodie in your life, the Risotto Box Curation comes stylishly wrapped in a DLISH Signature Collection luxury gift box.
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The DLISH Prosecco Gift Curation includes a lively and refreshing bottle of Prosecco blended by Fiol’s modern-day artisans. Delightful on the palate, enjoy from a statement Ichendorf Kokeshi flute alongside delicious Frisino olives. Ideal for all occasions, the Prosecco Gift Box is a thoughtful way to show your gratitude while encouraging enjoyment.
Elegantly packaged in a DLISH Signature Collection luxury gift box, making it a delight to unwrap before savoring with loved ones.
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The DLISH Wine Gift Curation includes a French wine from Bordeaux in a uniquely illustrated bottle, a pair of stylish wine glasses, and a trio of decadent Swiss chocolate bars designed to inspire world change. An indulgent gift that guarantees a relaxing or romantic night in, the French Wine Gift Box is perfect for birthdays, anniversaries or to simply say thank you. Beautifully packaged in a DLISH Signature Collection luxury gift box, for a special unwrapping experience for those dearest to you.
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The DLISH Balsamic Vinegar Gift Curation allows you to reactivate your senses with gourmet Balsamic Vinegar and an innovative Camere Olfattive by Astrid Luglio. Immerse in a sensory tasting experience by first smelling, then tasting, your ingredient of choice. A unique gift for all kinds of occasions, the Balsamic Vinegar Gift Set inspires sensory enjoyment while showing how much you care.
Exquisitely wrapped in a DLISH Signature Collection luxury gift box, making it a joy to unwrap before drizzling, dipping, and savoring.
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Shop Spanish artisanal & sustainable jewelry maker Lola Mohe’s Unique Pieces Collection. Each piece is unique and Mohe uses a variety of sustainable materials.
lolamohe.com
$40
Shop AYR TAN’s bold, contemporary, minimal statement earrings, created for everyday essentials but elegant enough for upscale events.
This sustainable jewellery developed out of the founder’s strong interest in materials and circular design. The pieces are versatile and inspired by architecture, nature and urban culture. Additional styles available.
PRICES START AT $10
ayrtan.com
Shope these vintage vibes recycled glasses of all shapes for your sunny adventures. Renewed to last with optician certified new lenses.
PRICES START AT $70
Add color and texture to your zero waste home with these beautiful table-top coasters. The upcycled textile is woven from strips of recycled cotton yarns as part of our sustainable production process.
$22 USD
Alpine Meadown Candle. This scent is floral and refreshing. This floral blend with woodsy undertones contains a mixture of essential oils and foraged botanicals including geranium, rose, fir tree, lavender, and marigold. Our essential oil candles with natural botanical elements are each hand-crafted in preloved jars and bowls, and no two are alike. Our candles are entirely plant-based. Some candles contain a mixture of wax from candles that have been up-cycled, batches that use upcycled wax are noted in the description. Otherwise, we use 100% natural soy wax. Available in many scents.
$18 USD
Add texture to your look with this loosely knit chunky neck scarf. This piece is hand-knit from reclaimed jersey yarns as part of our unique zero waste process. Each piece has distinctive variations that highlight the handmade nature of the piece. Comes in a variety of colors.
$135 USD
tonle.com
Shop these exquisitely designed jewels by Stella Fluorescent. They love approaching new collections and materials in novel and innovative unique ways.
PRICES START AT $34 stellafluorescent.com
Handcrafted two compartment wallet. Constructed from supple, smooth Italian pebble-grain leather with an interior coin pouch
$215
Handcrafted zip-around wallet. Constructed from supple Italian pebble-grain leather with two interior compartments
$95
Shop TrooRa Partner Landa Bag’s most desirable bag this season. Landa has reinvented the Teca bag with a new very cool and chic addition, an optional plexiglass chain.
She is a LANDA classic.
Comes in a variety of signature colors. $425 landabags.com
The recycled waxed canvas Hold-All Bag, Tote bag & Wash Kit are your perfect everyday companions made from 100% recycled waste. Transforming undervalued communities, by helping to create sustainable incomes, from waste that would normally end up in landfill or the ocean.
All leather details are upcycled restored horse tack $385
The regal large chunky statement collar necklace is the epitome of statement style, and a definite show stopper. Made from high quality tarnish resistance 18K Gold Stainless Steel. The Tiye necklace named after Queen Tiye was a queen of Egypt of the 18th dynasty, wife of the royal pharaoh. 18K Gold Plated over Stainless Steel
$220
cocoacentric.com
PADA
Now Online New Accessories Capsule Collection
Shop the finest silk button down shirts, pant and shirt sets and carves beautifully designed by Kassim Lassissi
SILK SCARVES START AT $78 alledjo.com
Shop or Gift these one of a kind wood brim hats, Inspired by the 1920s. A revival of sophistication, elegance and confidence in the style of dress. As sole designer, founder Jonathan Thomas aspires to create quality handcrafted goods, that are not only unique but also stand the test of time.
CUSTOM PIECES ARE AVAILABLE AND MADE TO ORDER.
The Kaloud® Krysalis® Calix™️ is more than a Hookah... It’s a Krysalis®. It draws upon more than 500-years of tradition and innovation and emerges reborn as something new; something unknown.
This Krysalis® Calix™️ Bundle comes with The Krysalis® Calix™️ “Portable Adventure Companion”™️, the Krysalis® Edition Samsaris® Vitria® III™️, the best selling bowl in the World that securely fits atop the Calix™️ to hold your shisha, and the highly anticipated Lotus III™️ the most worthy successor to the World’s first Heat Management Device, which fits snuggly onto the all new Samsaris® Vitria® III™️, heating the shisha to create incredible puffs.
Krysalis® Calix™️ Housing is composed of White Silicone, White Plastic Base, Ultra-Clear Scratch Resistant Plastic, Aluminum, and Stainless Steel.
REGULAR PRICE $449.95
The Kaloud® Krysalis® is not a Hookah... It’s a Krysalis®. The world’s first. It draws upon more than 500-years of tradition and innovation and emerges reborn as something new; something unknown.
REGULAR PRICE $3,950.00
Now you can try a selection of our bestsellers in the Discovery Set. This set should last 1-2 weeks depending on how generously you dispense! These make fantastic travel sizes, gifts for friends OR the long-awaited opportunity to give Honua a test run!
Pa’akai Cleansing Cream - 30ml
Hawaiian Beauty Water - 30ml
Aloha Youth Serum - 4ml
‘Ōlena Beauty Oil - 4ml
PRICE $50
honuaskincare.com
Our Honua Ritual Facial Set comes with the four full size products of our core Ritual line.
Experience Aloha Daily and incorporate the HONUA SKINCARE RITUAL into your daily self-love routine. Purchase the complete set and see how they work together to transform your skin!
Step 1: Pa’akai Cleansing Cream; Cleanser and mask (2oz)
Step 2: Hawaiian Beauty Water; Exfoliating liquid toner (2oz)
Step 3: Aloha Youth Serum; Skin transforming serum for all skin types (1oz)
Step 4: ‘Ōlena Oil; Hydrating and skin healing beauty oil (1oz)
PRICE $148
Take self-care to the next level with our CBD bath collection. CBD helps to relieve sore muscles and reduce tension. Each bathing ball contains a natural chakra stone that will reveal itself during your bathing ritual. Once you have all seven, store them in your muslin bag for safe keeping. To regain spiritual vitality and restore balance, place stones in your hand and repeat 11 times “my chakras are aligned.”
Additional inspiration and clear quartz are included to help amplify and align all chakras. Considered the master healing stone, quartz opens channels to facilitate the natural flow of energy.
Floramye is a thoughtfully-sourced product line using ethically grown, certifiedorganic hemp and essential oils. The Floramye team assembles a group of hemp experts who assist with everything from sourcing to formulation. Shop their unique products to unveil a clearer, more radiant complexion with these artisanal essential nutrient-rich formulas to help calm irritation while enhancing skin’s youthful glow.
PRICES RANGE FROM $30-$125
Detoxifying, remineralizing treatment for body, skin, & scalp / Contains one deeply restorative bath with kelp, salt, and organic cotton bag
This, friends, is no ordinary bath. The Ayla Sea Soak is designed to be a profound way to witness the power of individual ingredients in their natural state, at the highest level of quality, and at the peak of freshness — as close to a spa treatment as you can get without having to leave your house.
PRICE $59
Exfoliating foot cream with sea buckthorn and lactic acid / 1.7 oz full size or 3.4 oz deluxe size
Foot Therapy was made just for Ayla by MyHavtorn of Sweden, and we couldn’t be more excited about it. Because, if you use your feet a lot (who doesn’t?) and don’t have time for pedicures as often as you’d like (who does?), you may find that they get a little, well, not-sobaby-soft. But most foot creams out there either don’t exfoliate those rough spots away…
PRICE $39 AYLABEAUTY.COM
EARTHTUFACE.COM
A pure botanical lip balm formulated with plant compounds and bright cold-pressed organic oils to repair, nourish, and plump lips. Housed in natural seashell compacts, these are hand-poured in small batches at our California apothecary.
PRICE $30
Palmarosa + Aloe
WHAT IT IS: The purest form of gentle cleanser made with organic foodgrade oils. This is a naturally lathering gel that will remove impurities and makeup without stripping the skin of moisture. Now sold with a metal cap (or with pump sold separately) to better support our planet.
The first device to hack your metabolism
Enhance fat burn, lose weight & boost energy naturally.
Lumen uses a CO2 sensor and flow meter to determine the CO2 concentration in a single breath. This indicates the type of fuel your body is using to produce energy.
lumen.me
A best-selling manual for leaders, managers, employees of all ages and across industries.
$21.39
Transform your company into workplace magic with the power of rituals!
$17.49
Erica Keswin is a bestselling author, internationally sought-after speaker, and founder of the Spaghetti Project, a roving ritual devoted to sharing the science and stories of relationships at work. She helps top-of-the-class businesses, organizations, and individuals improve their performance by honoring relationships in every context, always with an eye toward hightech for human touch. She was named one of Marshall Goldsmith’s Top 100 Coaches in 2020, as well as one of Business Insider’s most innovative coaches of 2020. Her first book, Bring Your Human to Work: 10 Sure-Fire Ways to Design a Workplace That’s Good for People, Great for Business, and Just Might Change the World was published in 2018 by McGraw Hill. Her second book, Rituals Roadmap: The Human Way to Transform Everyday Routines Into Workplace Magic was published by McGraw Hill in January, 2021. Both books debuted as Wall Street Journal bestsellers.
ericakeswin.com
Passion for travel and exquisite apparels.
« People come, live and go ».
And we are here to celebrate the diversity of the world.
alledjo.com
WRITTEN BY MICHAEL DAKS PHOTO CREDITS
THE GINSTAR PHOTOGRAPHY AANU MACAULAY @AANUMACAULAY WISDOM @SAYCHEESE_HH ADEOLU @CEPIT_IMAGING
ornstar is a Nigerian fashion brand created by Adedamola Adebayo using 90% locally made fabric. It’s a brand that peels down to its African roots, blurring the lines between genders with sustainable and indigenous fashion trends, focusing on styles, colours and fits to flatter the younger generation, but equally appealing to an older generation.
Adedamola grew up as an introvert in the urban setting of Lagos, Nigeria with a dream to stand out and be counted. A dream he had envisioned since the age of eight. Perhaps that is where the name Bornstar was conceived?
He wasn’t privileged enough to afford a fashion school. Instead, he learned fashion design hands-on with twenty-two other apprentices in a shop, where he struggled to balance and relate to the different personalities and characters working there. However, determined to stand out beyond the norm, he expressed his thoughts and personality through his clothing.
He left the shop after eight months, feeling the need to express himself more fully, and developed his own vision through sketching and designing. “One of my greatest traits as a designer is to blur the lines between gender binaries through androgynous pieces and change the narrative for Nigerian designers.”
He started his company officially only a year ago with the intention to leverage its position as a retail fashion brand into becoming a manufacturer of an upscale clothing line targeted at both men and women between the ages of 20 and 60. Adedamola sources his fabric locally with the aim of ensuring each piece portrays the identity of the brand as a sustainable and conscientious brand allied to his androgynous ideals.
His own favourite designs at the moment were for an editorial project he worked on for a magazine entitled Conformity in Disguise. “It’s an ideology
of adhering to one standard or social uniformity in appearance of something on the outside, which masks what’s beneath.”
Recently, one of his mentors and the biggest influencer in the Nigerian fashion industry, Adebayo Okelawal, the founder of Orange Culture (orangeculture.com) showcased his work. It is all happening very fast for this young nineteen-yearold designer.
I asked him whom, in an ideal world, he would choose to dress. Answer? Rihanna. Perhaps there’s no surprise there, but most of the brands he is currently inspired by are also Nigerian, such as Emmy Kasbit (@emmykasmit).
Adedamola says that he is fortunate to have the respect of some of the most talented photographers in Lagos such as Aanu Macaulay, Adediran AdeOluwa, and Tosin Wisdom, and also the support of the Lagos model agencies to create his fashion imagery and enforce his message.
As well as the unisex clothing line, Adedamola also designs bags and sandals, which are hand-made by local artisans in Lagos.
Sustainable jewellery made out of recycled and eco-friendly materials ayrtan.com
Long Jumpsuit modeled by Annie Sol @anniesolyoga Photo by @mimi.kait
Instagram: @khanunbymimi facebook.com/khanunbymimi khanunbymimi.com
WRITTEN BY CRISTINA DEPTULA
BOLD Swim’s founder Tiffany Asamoah describes the brand’s aesthetic as “elevated, timeless and versatile.” Their mission is to empower you for your lifestyle in and out of the water. She views taking her own design path as an outflow of knowing her own worth and value. “Monochromatic styles and exclusive, trendy fabric that will not last are not what I want to be part of,” Asamoah says. Instead, her goal is to create curated pieces that look like art and are well-made enough to last for years and stay in style. She gets inspiration for her designs from her love of couture fashion, functional garments, and timeless style.
ELEVATED,
BOLD values quality products, planning their designs for fit, comfort, and versatility. Intentionally marketing to women with more natural, curvy bodies who might feel awkward shopping for swimwear, Asamoah started the inclusive swimwear movement before it became a trend. She herself had a negative experience shopping for a swimsuit and wanted to make sure that did not happen to anyone else.
Asamoah makes her swimwear with Amni Soul Eco, a biodegradable yarn that disintegrates easily in the landfill. However, it won’t come apart while you’re wearing it, because it requires special conditions without oxygen to disintegrate. They also use recycled materials in all their packaging (and ask their vendors to do the same), offer cruelty-free, vegan, and organic skincare products, and plant trees as a carbon offset.
When asked about how she makes her products affordable while using ecofriendly fabric, she points out that clothing affordability is relative.
“I love this question! Sustainability has its challenges and often gets a bad rap for being expensive. We’ve been taught to follow sales, discounts, etcetera. Some people will spend on known brands regardless of value but will not spend the same on a better-fitting garment. And as our values change we’ll see that we’ll have to buy a five-dollar shirt over and over, adding up to maybe two-hundred dollars, when we could have purchased a fifty-dollar or a one-hundred-fifty-dollar top with better quality that would last.”
Asamoah comments that as you mature, you tend to keep a curated closet of the essential pieces in your wardrobe that never go out of style. She wanted to mimic this as part of her aesthetic and her efforts towards sustainability.
Sustainable designers often purchase materials in low quantities and rely on presale to make it affordable to bring designs to life. This helps keep tight control on supply and demand while ensuring responsiveness to customers.
Asamoah sells BOLD swimwear at BOLDSwim.com and at a variety of stores, which currently include Sense of Shelf, Fox Holt, reFIND Shopping, Storeyline, Made Trade, and Done Good. In the near future, she’s developing the 2022 e-Look Book Collection, which will include more versatile styles, more lingerie, and more skincare products. BOLD’s skincare products are already
selling out quickly and earning five-star reviews.
Asamoah says her business is an ongoing journey, not a destination. “We’ve got a great mission and vision, but we still rely on [people having] disposable income, being in social settings for which they want to dress nicely, and travel to where people wear swimwear.”
All of these factors were affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. Still, BOLD Swim navigated and survived through intentional planning and taking advantage of downtime to rethink priorities, communicate, and tighten and highlight business values. “Also, the African-American community had one of the biggest civil rights movements during Covid-19. So there was also a lot of awareness encouraging people to support Black-owned businesses.”
I was indeed intrigued by the inward purity of Chandler Hamilton, founder of the nonprofit artisan production and training center, Haiti Design Co. “We are all connected. We need each other.” Chandler made a powerful statement in her interview with Forbes in 2016 about her mission to help lighten
the load of Haitians whom she views as brothers and sisters.
Today, seven years after founding the company in 2014 in Port au Prince, Haiti, Chandler and her husband are still working to champion the people and the planet while creating business opportunities for the local community for social good.
“Many hands make light work.”
Nevertheless, Haiti Design Co sees glimmers of hope in the people making beautiful objects out of stone, metal, wood, paper, and bone with creative artisan. They have opened doors for sustainable development with more job creations, providing training and expression through designs.
Haiti Design Co has initiated two programs, namely the “in-house training and development” for personal growth and leadership. While the “Artisan Entrepreneur Program” will help with business training and resources needed to be successful entrepreneurs. They also take pride in their wellness program which focuses on the health and well-being of their designers and makers.
With jewelry, handbags, and homewares, every piece is carefully designed for both men and women. They also craft leather goods. You can expect durable, full-grain, and even vegetable-tanned leather that is primarily sourced from a family-owned tannery within the country. When it comes to jewelry, my favorite is the Katya Leather Earrings. Their signature leather earrings express the geometric art for the ears. They are also ultra-lightweight.
Ethical fashion is a recognition that there are human beings behind the clothes we wear. “At Haiti Design Co, the products you purchase are not just made by one individual, but a team of people working together for their future.”
Not only can you express your unique fashion statement for yourself, but you can also make small contributions that collectively give significant value to the local community to
improve their livelihood from struggles. This is the best time to support the people of Haiti by inspiring them to express their creativity to do what they love.
Haiti Design Co believes that the marriage of design and meaningful purpose will give great value in the rippling effect towards the economic development of Haiti, considering the poverty rate of nearly 60% in 2020, compared to the last official national estimate of 58.5% in 2012. About two-thirds of the poor live in rural areas.
loveiguehi.com
LOVE THE WAY YOU LOOK LOVE THE WAY YOU FEEL.
Desserto founders Adrián López Velarde and Marte Cázarez first showcased their vegan leather in 2019 in Milan. Built from the leaves of nopal (prickly pear) cactus grown on an organic ranch in the state of Zacatecas in the founders’ native Mexico, the vegan leather is designed to be as durable and aesthetically pleasing as cowhide leather.
The founders designed Desserto to have the same functional properties as regular leather. “Thanks to its strong molecular bonding in which cactus plays an important role, Desserto offers high resistance to abrasion, rubbing, tearing, tensile, and a great durability. Although animal leather is very resistant it is permeable
and can even rot or crack if not dried quickly after it gets wet. Desserto has competitive features handling humidity and liquids very well, it’s fully customizable and breathable.” The product is also low-maintenance and easy to clean, only requiring brushing with a dry cloth.
Velarde and Cázarez previously worked in the automotive, furniture, and fashion industries and saw firsthand how much of a problem environmental pollution was. In response, the two of them went into business together to develop this leather alternative that works for shoes, gloves, handbags, and car interiors and seats. They’ve created two kinds of material: Desserto, for consumer products and apparel, and Deserttex, which can be used for industrial purposes anywhere in place of leather.
SOFT LUXURY FROM SUSTAINABLE CACTUS
Deserttex is soft, springy and handles well, much like regular leather.
The cactus they use is quite sustainable. It’s hardy enough to withstand winter cold and does not need to be watered or fertilized. It grows amidst the native flora and fauna of the area, and they did not need to cut down any trees to set up a prickly pear farm. They harvest the mature leaves without damaging the plants, so there is a new harvest every 6-8 months. The leaves are soft and have only very small stickers and so are easier to harvest. And they dry the leaves with renewable energy, leaving them out for three days under the sun.
Faux-leather products already exist, but those are made of plastic, which is not biodegradable, also involves toxic chemicals, and doesn’t ‘breathe’ against your skin the way cowhide leather, or Desserto, does.
Some people wonder why leather production poses environmental problems, because the industry simply makes use of the skins of cows already being killed for meat. But the tanning process involves toxic chemicals such as chromium that can become toxic runoff. Desserto’s leather does not require any toxic chemicals for its production.
Many acres of land in the Amazon rainforest are being cut down to become cattle ranches, and effluent from leather production has polluted India’s Ganges River. In contrast, Desserto’s prickly pear cactus leather plants absorb carbon from the atmosphere and enrich the soil.
Velarde and Cázarez have received coverage for their elegantly sustainable material in Forbes, Vogue, The Economist, The Guardian, Veg News, and other publications. They were recognized by Architectural Digest and PETA, and won the Good Design Award and the Green Product Award for 2020. Their team has expanded to at least the crew of ten featured on their website, and their future seems to be bright.
Inspired by a love of vintage pieces, flowing feminine dresses, florals, and life by the sea.
cobblerslane.com
Designer Elias Gurrola takes inspiration for his designs from various sources. These include his line-drawn portraits of men and the wide open agricultural fields outside of Miami, where he grew up as a farmer’s son.
He studied art at Central St. Martin’s in London and at Parsons New School for Design in New York, and created a line of
custom garments for Henri Bendel in 2013. He competed in Izzue X Tsinghua’s First Annual Fashion Design Award in Beijing and his team won Louis Vuitton’s Technology Award for their dance costumes in a performance during New York Fashion Week.
He showed off his Parsons thesis collection at Pacific Fashion Week in Vladivostok, Russia, which earned him wide media coverage within the country. In 2017, he
created costumes for Francesca Harper’s piece “System,” which was performed nationwide with the Dance Theater of Harlem.
Since then he has designed for several brands, including Anna Sui, Jones New York, and Calvin Klein, and has developed a line of underwear and intimate apparel for men. Nature continues to show up in small ways throughout his work. “I’ve always been inspired by different aspects of nature. The delicate curves of a blossom before harvest, the warm palette of the setting sun, even the beautiful symmetry of bone structure. These have all shaped the way that I think about form, and detail. I used these elements in more obvious ways when I created ready to wear, but that sensibility has never left me, and it’ll show up in the way I cut the back of a bodysuit, so that it just curves and hugs along the wing of someone’s back. One of the first styles I released was my mustard velour brief, and that color always reminds me of the sunflowers my mom would plant at the corner of every crop as good luck for
the season ahead.”
Gurrola has also continued line drawing, and last year he put together a series entitled Blueprint Memory exploring how we construct a memory of another person. “The series explores intimacy and perception through portraits. Every piece has aspects of incompletion, [as we tend to] keep out parts of someone we decide not to remember and then highlight other parts of their personality. This is all in order to build a blueprint of the person you want them to be, whether it’s true or not.”
Gurrola has pioneered the concept of fashion performances, which blur the line between fashion and the performing arts. In these performances, models dance on stage while wearing a succession of different outfits. Both the dancing and the outfits combine to tell a story.
Gurrola says the fashion industry still treats men’s and women’s clothes differently, but it’s beginning to shift.
“We as consumers were convinced [somehow] that men have a uniform, men are structured and clean cut, while women have the opportunity to create a fantasy with their wardrobes. I love the idea of creating a fantastical world that my customers live in, but until relatively recently, I didn’t think I could design that fantasy for men.”
He looks to royal European courts, where kings were dressed just as fabulously as queens, with crowns, capes, fur trims, and gold. More recently, social media gave people a platform to show how they want to dress, which facilitated a more open aesthetic for both men and women with less of a rigid gender binary in fashion.
Any piece of clothing can offer the possibility of creativity, including underwear. Some bodypositive events and costumed gatherings encourage skimpy yet fashionable attire. Gurrola says that in the communities he frequents, including queer people at The Woods campground, underwear is definitely a
form of expression! Even if no one but the wearer sees the underwear, having stylish undergarments can give wearers a sense of being put together and welldressed from head to toe. Dolce and Gabbana agree, as Gurrola points out, and always dress their models in D&G underwear.
Gurrola’s favorite piece is a striped bodysuit he actually no longer sells, because the fabric was only made once. He loves it because it helped bridge his brand’s transition into intimate apparel and because he loves stripes.
In the near future, Gurrola says to get ready for more ‘spice’ in men’s fashion! “Walking around this summer, I saw shorts getting shorter and shirts getting tighter, for gay and straight men. I see a movement towards cheekier cuts and more interesting fabrications, maybe with more cut outs and more prints. And also a cross between underwear and ready-to-wear, just as the bustier was an undergarment turned fashion statement for women.”
Gurrola insists that he’s still learning and growing as a designer. “I know there’s still a long path ahead. Much more to discover, explore, uncover, and I can’t wait!”
Clean Conscious Skin Care
Cruelty Free, Vegan, Organic, Inclusive for all Skin Types Get Your Glow On
Different people will have different meanings for this powerful word. To an entrepreneur, it could mean financially free. To an avid traveler, it could mean freedom to discover and explore. Likewise, the Allëdjo brand speaks to the power and freedom of fabrics and travel, to the diversity of ethics and the preservation of cultures. It’s the deep interconnected feeling from your heart, mind, body, and soul that sets you free.
- KASSIM LASSISSIAllëdjo was founded in 2018 by the visionary entrepreneur Kassim Lassissi, originally from Benin, a small and beautiful west African country. He has been described as an international man of mystery, a dreamer, and a child of Africa. He braves the freedom to forge a unique path on his terms and combine his innate passion and then he shares it with the world through his exquisite apparel designs.
Essentially, Allëdjo is about wearing clothing as a pause in daily life. An escape from routine. An escape from difficulties towards serenity and a peaceful state. They are beautiful and are incredibly pleasant to wear. They caress the skin and move fluidly.
He added that “Allëdjo means traveler and visitor in Yoruba, a West African dialect from Nigeria and Benin. Therefore, the brand promotes a traveling spirit and, on a deeper level, means a visitor of this world since we all come and go. These two aspects are the main principles of Allëdjo.”
What does freedom mean to you?
“People come and go. And we are here to celebrate the diversity of the world.”
Before founding Allëdjo, Kassim explained, “ I have a passion for travel, for cultures, but no job related to it spoke to me. I analyzed the market and thought they were missing a brand that would showcase a variety of silk printed shirts. l couldn’t find a place in anything that existed, so I launched Allëdjo, the fusion of fashion and cultures. Wanting to add a more personal touch, I decided to bet on the human capital of the African continent.”
Kassim mentioned, “I simply wanted to give life to my passion.” And his meaningful mission is to give visibility to African craftsmanship while celebrating the cultures of the world.
Like all other businesses, the global pandemic had disrupted the Allëdjo value chain. The demand from consumers dipped down because people couldn’t go out freely to attend functions and events, resulting in a decline in sales.
However, coincidentally the Black Lives Matter happened, which gave a breath of fresh air to Allëdjo. As a great supporter of this global movement, the brand wanted to see justice for their brothers and sisters of African heritage. Allëdjo didn’t waste any more time. They rose up to build their brand stronger by tapping into social media presence and garnered significant support from the media.
Interestingly, Allëdjo capitalized on the shift of consumer behavior from physical to online platforms during the pandemic lockdown and that gave them the idea to launch the FREELAST collection virtually. It was a meaningful success.
Last year, Allëdjo launched the collection We Shine Through Darkness. It is themed to evoke change in individuals and showcase the collective struggles we face toward success. It is also about breaking the chains of the dark times we go through.
Allëdjo recently launched their firstever accessories capsule collection, PADA*. It is inspired by the Cyclades objects and souvenirs to take with you for cooler temperatures. “We designed silk scarves, in various formats, small, medium, and large, and to amplify our looks we released silver scarf rings,” Kassim explained.
As the festive season is around the corner, it would be a great idea to visit Allëdjo and explore all their collections. You might find something that speaks freedom to you. Better still, share it with someone as a gift, as a representation of you. Perhaps, the winter sun scarf would be a great choice.
Do you know what is too sweet to be kept a secret? Allëdjo is expanding next year. You can expect a complete collection from top to bottom, including accessories too. Stay tuned for more excitement in 2022.
REGENERATIVE AND JUST.
zero-waste, fair fashion tonle.com
WRITTEN BY NEHA SURADKAR
For some people, if they can’t find something that fits their style personality, they create those things. Many well-known names in the fashion world began their journey with the same idea. They gave us new styles and looks, some of which have become classic and iconic. With his brand, Dapper Renaissance, Jonathan Thomas tries to achieve the same with his handcrafted woodbrimmed fedoras.
Thomas was born as a twin to Marine parents in North Carolina. Being a family in service, they moved often, and as a child, he experienced different cultures both in and out of the United States. Being a new kid in most places, Thomas found it hard to connect with people immediately, and he found solace in sports. After that, sports became a form of expression for him. The competition and the team spirit were driving forces for him until he suffered a knee injury in high school and had to bid farewell to his future in sports.
Over a period, Thomas figured out that he enjoyed working with his hands and loved to build things. So, he got certified as a welder and took up various jobs. One thing that he enjoyed the most was dressing up in his personal life. Dressing up innovatively was his way to express his creative style personality without even talking to people. However, he was often not happy with his accessories, especially bow ties, while dressing up. That’s when he decided to take up sewing classes and create accessories independently.
Thomas created his brand, Dapper Renaissance, with handcrafted bow ties, lapel pins, and pocket squares. He also worked on customized brims for fabric hats, women’s clutches, and other personalized gits. Having a fascination for wood and its beauty in imperfections, Thomas started creating wood brims for his favourite accessory—the Fedora. His friends and family appreciated this, and Dapper Renaissance became synonymous with wood-brimmed Fedoras.
Thomas handcrafts each hat of Dapper Renaissance. From selecting the wood to cutting, sanding, and polishing, then selecting fabric and textures, and fitting them all into the client’s taste and personal style—Thomas does it all. As a result, each hat is a unique, wearable piece of art that customers appreciate for its craftsmanship and quality.
Challenges are part and parcel of life and any business. San Diego, being a laid-back city, was not the best market for the innovative and artistic products that Thomas was creating. People are more value-conscious, and as an artist, that limits their creative abilities. Also, being a one-person business, Thomas finds it a little challenging to go out and speak in public about his brand. But running your own business is all about learning to face and overcome challenges, and, as a business owner, Thomas is no different. He is continuously trying to evolve as a person, businessman, and artist.
Dapper Renaissance is the most rewarding thing that has happened for Jonathan Thomas. Being a hard worker and someone who loves to work on his creations day and night, he considers himself fortunate enough to create and watch his dreams turn into reality.
Island existence has always required independence, resourcefulness and innovation. Inis Meáin Knitting Company in the Aran Islands was born into this spirit of independence and resourcefulness.
The collections that we design in Inis Meáin are inspired by the traditional dress of the islanders & our environment — with a touch of luxury.
inismeain.ie
Warmth from the edge of the world
WRITTEN BY NEHA SURADKAR
low fashion is the hottest thing in the fashion world now. Gone are the days when fast fashion or “use and throw” was popular in the fashion world. Today, people have become more conscious, and there is an increased preference for timeless pieces, patterns, and textures which can be worn repeatedly in various ways. Embracing this sustainable and ethical fashion concept is the Irish Designer Monica Walsh with her slow fashion luxury brand Cobbler’s Lane.
Walsh’s mother was a phenomenal designer, so creativity is in her genes, and she experienced the beautiful world of design and fabrics at a very young age. Her mother made all her dresses. She learned sewing from her mother and tried to perfect each piece that she created. She also studied design at the University of Manitoba, Canada and then studied pattern making at Red River College.
Walsh started designing in 2018 for friends and family. When she moved back to Ireland from Canada, she decided to pursue it full time. Cobbler’s Lane is a women’s wear brand based out of Wexford, Ireland. With her passion for vintage fashion, Walsh started the brand in March 2020 with her first collection Countryside Romance. The collection was full of beautiful flowing silhouettes, soft pinks, bright colours, ruffles, and attractive floral prints.
Cobbler’s Lane is known for its elegant pieces meant for romantic, feminine, and modern women. The designs are inspired by the 60s and 70s and have a Bohemian feel. The inspiration is derived from Walsh’s personal experiences and emotions. The idea is to focus on creating timeless pieces that can be worn year after year and season after season and can be passed onto the next generation.
One of Walsh’s collections, Weekend in Morocco, was based on her travel experience, inspired by Morocco’s intricate landscapes and mosaics. The collection is full of beautiful prints, delicate laces, and vibrant colours with gorgeous silhouettes, creating intricate and timeless pieces. A collection called Prairie Sky is inspired by Canadian prairies, where the sky is often burning in shades of orange, pink, and purple. The collection incorporates all the hues of the sky. Blossom is a collection that celebrates nature and its beauty. Cobbler’s Lane’s latest collection, A Postcard Home, is an homage to Walsh’s Australian adventure, and the four prints of the collection showcase her favourite places in Australia.
Her collections are admired and worn by various Irish celebrities and bloggers. In addition, there is a considerable market of handcrafted products in Ireland, which favours Walsh and Cobbler’s Lane.
Walsh is used to working 16 hours a day, and her love for designing keeps her motivated. Creating something new every time keeps her driven. As designs evolve from paper to reality, they become bigger and better. Walsh has found a niche in the slow fashion market with her passion for vintage fashion. She tries to use all the fabric in her designs without creating any waste. She likes to create handcrafted, high quality, timeless pieces which are not bound to any period.
Cobbler’s Lane mindfully creates beautiful pieces by employing ethical manufacturing practices. Their purpose is to infiltrate the client’s wardrobe with beautiful colours, prints, and silhouettes to be worn by present and future generations.
WRITTEN BY TRYSTANNE CUNNINGHAM PRODUCTION WHIMS OF LOVE FOR TROORA MAGAZINE PHOTO CREDIT CLARKE DRAHCE
He defines his style of photography as “Cinematographic; the image continues, alone forever. It’s a freeze frame.”
Photographer and artist Clarke Drahce grew up in Burgundy, France. His love for photography came from his father and grandfather who were both amateur photographers. Real moments of happiness for Drahce were during walks with his elders and their cameras, capturing nature and portraits.
He studied Fine Arts in contemporary art history, focusing on photography, video art, engraving, and painting. He defines his style of photography as “cinematographic; the image continues, alone forever. It’s a freeze frame.”
His passion for the arts includes his love of his favorite musician Jim Morrison, his favorite cocktail the Ritz Pimm, and his favorite attire, a tuxedo, tailor-made with a bow tie. (Although he would prefer something more Napoleonic like Jimi Hendrix’s mythical jacket taken over by Michael Jackson.)
He believes the evolution of fashion Is a movement and a kind of standardization. The masculine and the feminine tend to merge. This cross over does not shock him and he feels he will continue to grow with the continued new trends.
The Whims Of Love photoshoot was produced by Clarke Drahce and his team for TrooRa Magazine in the spring of 2021. This shoot represents the beauty of the love, sensuality, and passion that exist between a man and woman through fashion and the lens of this talented artist and photographer and his dynamic team.
We’d like to take this opportunity to thank you for your support over the years — especially in 2021. We enjoyed sharing our rebranding and celebrating with you during our long awaited launch event gala.
We look forward to continuing to provide you with meticulously curated content through TrooRa Magazine & The Relaunch of TrooRa Living in 2022.
We wish you and yours a very Happy & Safe Holiday Season and a Healthy and Prosperous 2022.
WITH WARM WISHES THE #TROOCREW & FOUNDER TRYSTANNE C.
A revival of sophistication, elegance and confidence in the style of dress. dapperrenaissance.com
