Cinematic designs are on my mind
Luca Guadagnino's foray into interiors and the art of inconvenience.
Hi! I escaped the Miami heat and am spending July at my childhood home in Connecticut before I pack my life into a storage unit at the end of August and move to Brooklyn for a bit.
Mostly everything I know about design, I learned from my parents and the years I spent living in said childhood home, mid-century modern and designed by Elroy Webber, an architect who studied under Le Corbusier. The home was featured in a 1958 issue of House Beautiful in an 8-page spread titled, “An un-average house for the average situation.”
As a kid, I admittedly hated living here, especially when my friends would say visiting my house was like visiting a museum. Now, I love it. I love my museum home. And I think it’s really cool to have grown up in a space that back then I did not realize was my teacher, but today is so much a part of who I am.
That said, design is obviously on my mind (among other things)–
Design that feels cinematic
After I wrote about the art of fantasy building in hospitality in May, I have been itching to write about it even more. It turns out, cinematic design is all around us if you look for it. Some things of note as of late:
This home in Venice, Italy, designed by Luca Guadagnino is proof that we need to let more film directors decorate homes. You should read the World of Interiors story yourself, but I’m obsessed with the fact that the Call Me by Your Name and Challengers director got his start in the field when he mentioned in an interview that he’d like to get into interiors and a man who happened to read the interview took him up on it (note at the time of editing: that ‘man’ was Federico Marchetti, the former CEO of Yoox Net-a-Porter, you can see his home on Lake Como here). This is also proof that we need to talk more about the things we want to do publicly– I am once again saying I would like to design a playground and consult a hotel on guest experience.
Glorious vintage tile bathrooms. I suggest following GLB Properties for this even if you have zero intention of moving to LA. Ivana Rose Bramson took her parents’ real estate business specializing in restoring historic apartments from the 1920s and 1930s and turned it up a notch by sharing it to Instagram growing a following of potential tenants and lurkers. Personally, I resonate as both- always lurking but also always on the brink of fleeing to LA just to live in one of their properties.
From the left: SUPERCHINA, PNY Lyon, PNY Grenoble, When a friend reposted the designs for Paris’ SUPERCHINA restaurant, I thought it was AI (sorry for being so skeptical these days). And then I discovered it was not only real, but also designed by Rudy Guénaire of NIGHTFLIGHT Studio whose very 70s feeling work is inspired by poetry and his travels. He’s the Co-owner and designer of PNY, the most cinematic burger chain I’ve ever seen. At PNY Grenoble, Rudy says he designed everything down to the napkin holders. I haven’t been to any of his restaurants, but when I told my interior designer friend Greg I was writing about Rudy, he said, “But most importantly the burgers and fries are actually good!!” Very important.
Flamingo Estate’s Inconvenience Store. Everything Richard Christiansen touches is thoughtful and intentional, and thankfully it’s not just marketing– I met him at the opening party for the brand’s pop-up in the Hamptons with Mytheresa and he is just as down-to-earth and quick-witted as he appears online. I wrote about the brand in the previously mentioned, art fantasy building in hospitality newsletter. At the Inconvenience Store, there’s nothing you need and yet you need everything. It makes absolutely no sense on paper and every bit of sense as each product comes to life on the shelf (Is this the Toy Story remake we need?). It gets its name from how inconvenient it is to make every product inside the antithesis of your local 7/11– everything is made with great care and in limited batches by artisans around the country. Bison dog treats boast an illustration of Richard’s dogs, Freeway and Daylesford, there is a collection of bar soaps and candles, and this Strawberry Rhubarb Conserve by June Taylor. Richard had originally established her as the “Taylor Swift of Jam,” but has since corrected in an Instagram caption to the Chappell Roan of Jam (who I have been listening to nonstop all summer, anyone else?). One more thing on Flamingo Estate– Are you reading Richard’s Instagram captions? They’re cinematic masterpieces in themselves, perhaps the influence of Chappell or something in that East Hampton air.
My summer rotation
PLASTICANA Sandana Jelly Sandals. I picked these up in LA last summer and they’ve become a staple - perfect for the beach or errands. And much softer than other jelly shoes, apparently because they’re made of hemp plastic (which also makes them more sustainable).
Marni Criss-Cross Fussbett Sandals. I bought these a few years ago and they’re still going strong. I appreciate a versatile shoe that can be dressed up or dressed down.
Still Here Cool Jeans. The perfect summertime pant. And also I just adore the Still Here team and their creative. I interviewed the founder, Sonia, for a story I wrote about chrome for AD earlier this year (she designed their newer shop on Madison Ave). I also own and love their Cowboy jeans. And I want this tank top.
Expandable Longchamp. This is the best travel bag. You can throw it in a suitcase to bring back souvenirs of your travels or use it as a weekend bag. I often use it as my carry-on and expand it on the trip home if needed.
D.S & Durga, I don’t know what. This one is actually a cheat– it’s my year-round fragrance. However, Asia Grant of Redoux took me scent shopping and I’m opening up to the idea of not being a one-scent wonder.
Minu Sunscreen. I’ve been using this gel-based face sunscreen with the slightest tint daily for a few months. It does enough to even my complexion without feeling like I’m wearing anything. And it was developed by dermatologists.
Saie blush. I was never a blush girl until I got this in the shade Chilly.
Ghia spritz on ice with a splash of Yuzuco. Just try it and report back with your thoughts.
Bonbon’s sour elderflower fish. I got a bag of these to bring to a friend’s house and now I have to live with this addiction.
Those blue tiles with the red trim! 😍😍😍