Sexy Fish.
Photo: Courtesy of Martin Brudnizki Design Studio
The Artful Life: 5 Things Galerie Editors Love This Week
From a chic Chanel pop-up in Aspen to a journey through the history of Veuve Clicquot, these are inspiring the Galerie team now
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express Belmond Photo: Courtesy of Belmond
1. Veuve Clicquot Celebrates 250 Years with Special Trip from Reims to Venice
In celebration of the historic champagne house’s 250th anniversary, Veuve Clicquot is launching an immersive experience of travel this summer. From June 5-7, guests are invited to board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, a Belmond train, for a specially curated itinerary that kicks off with an exclusive visit to the Veuve Clicquot wine cellars in Reims, the white limestone quarries, known as crayères, which are located under Saint-Nicaise Hill on the outskirts of the city. Through the winding alpine mountains and hills, the trip ends with a sunset experience at the Cipriani hotel in Venice. While traveling, pairings of Veuve Clicquot cuvees with decadent meals will be offered, plus live musicians and entertainment throughout. Tickets are now on sale. —Lucy Rees
Asprey x Flowerbx limited-edition rose vase set. Photo: Courtesy of Flowerbx
2. Asprey x Flowerbx Limited-Editon Valentine’s Day Vase Set
Take the traditional Valentine’s Day bouquet to an exceptional new level with Flowerbx’s limited-edition collaboration with iconic British brand Asprey. Founded in 1781, Asprey creates sophisticated jewelry, silver goods, crystal, and other luxurious collectibles. For Valentine’s Day, they’re offering their large Four Season vase filled with 50 long-stem roses from Flowerbx, the fashionable floral delivery service started by former fashion executive, Whitney Bromberg Hawkings. Asprey’s exquisite vessel is layered with various enamel colors during the glassblowing phase, then intricately hand-carved with motifs depicting each of the seasons. Available exclusively through February 15, this swoon-worthy gift pairs the berry colored Autumn design with one of Flowerbx’s various roses, such as crimson Red Naomi, playful Pink Sweet, creamy Ivory Avalanche, or seductive Balthazar. —Jill Sieracki
Chanel ephemeral boutique in Aspen.
3. Chanel Opens Ephemeral Boutique in Aspen
No need to pack all those cumbersome ski accessories for your next trip to Aspen. Chanel has you covered (and how!) with its new ephemeral boutique open now through April 22. The just-opened, intimate setting features the house’s Coco Neige collection of quilted puffers and salopettes perfect for on and off the slopes—along with goggles, gloves, skis, and snow boots—as well as pieces from Cruise 2021/2022 more suited for après-ski cocktails. The design of the space, located in the landmarked Benton Building, celebrates the house’s signature motifs through a cozy alpine lens: tweed couches and faux fur pillows in a palette of beige, cream, black, and gold. So, with thanks to the inimitable maison, whether you’re hitting the bunny slopes or barreling down a double black diamond, everyone will now take note. —Jacqueline Terrebonne
Sexy Fish. Photo: Courtesy of Martin Brudnizki Design Studio
4. London Restaurant Sexy Fish Debuts in Miami with Works by Frank Gehry and Damien Hirst
Sexy Fish, an Asian-inspired restaurant, known for its fantastic sushi and even more fantastic setting, opens its first outpost outside of its original London’s Mayfair address in downtown Miami’s Brickell neighborhood. A collaboration between Martin Brudnizki Design Studio and restaurateur Richard Caring, the glamorous, fish-themed brasserie does not hold back. Although it may be difficult to pinpoint the most striking element, the 26 custom fish lamps by architect Frank Gehry floating above the pink onyx bar in a luminous dance are certainly worth admiring. The artful, under-the-sea atmosphere is continued with a grand frieze relief by Damien Hirst that extends over two walls. The artist also created 10 unique sculptures for the space. Other design elements include an illuminated agate floor, coral-colored leather seating, and 10-foot-tall mermaids. As for the menu, all the signature dishes that Berkeley Square regulars clamor for will be available—from the duck salad to the smoked tuna belly. Naturally, an interior this spirited comes with an adventurous signature cocktail list as well—including Elderflower & Yuzu, Chocolate & Wine, and Lime & Meringue. And all of that is before it’s late-night entertainment with surreal performances get started. –J.T.
Nicolas Party: L’heure mauve Photo: MMFA, Jean-François Brière
5. Nicolas Party Transforms a Museum in Montreal with his Vivid Murals
In his premiere exhibition in Canada, Nicolas Party has transformed the galleries of the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (MMFA) with his signature vivid pastels and fantastical murals. The Swiss-born artist had his pick of the MMFA’s collection, selecting 50 works drawing on the theme of the natural world to curate alongside over 100 original artworks— almost a quarter of which have never before been exhibited. “In this gallery design created by Party, these works that previously seemed anchored to a distant, well-trodden part of art history, suddenly reveal their critical relevance to today’s world,” said the director of the MMFA, Stéphane Aquin, in a press statement. To add yet another layer to this immersive exhibition, visitors are welcome to listen to a soundtrack composed by Pierre Lapointe while surveying Party’s vibrant works. “Nicolas Party: L’heure mauve” is on view from February 12 until October 16 and Phaidon will release the artist’s first monograph on February 16. –Stefanie Li
Cover: Sexy Fish.
Photo: Courtesy of Martin Brudnizki Design Studio
