Opame Collective in Chicago. Photo: Chris Mottalini
Opame Collective in Chicago. Photo: Chris Mottalini
“Opame Collective, as we envision it, is a symphony of the soulful narrated through tangible artistry,” says designer Elizabeth Krueger, who spent years working for design powerhouse Holly Hunt and Chicago’s Tracy Hickman of Hickman Design Associates before teaming up with art collector Sid Parakh to open a thoughtfully composed destination filled with custom and vintage furnishings and one-of-a-kind accessories. Here, shoppers can discover the ethereal ceramics of Bridget Johnson, textile works by JG Switzer, and textural wall sculptures by Danish artist Atelier Nue as well as avant garde jewelry, hand-knotted rugs, and other artworks. “Our curations are an orchestration of voices, artists, and artisans who, in their meticulous craft, weave sagas of human sentiment and experience,” adds Krueger. “We are guided by an appreciation for meticulous craftsmanship, an innovative approach, and a deep respect for the materials used. Each piece we feature stands as more than an object; it’s a palpable reflection of the artist’s creative vigor and vision.” —Jill Sieracki
Installation view of Kim Mupangilai's daybed and table. Photo: Luis Corzo
Installation view of Kim Mupangilai's chair and armoire. Photo: Luis Corzo
On view at New York City’s Superhouse Vitrine through August 20, Belgium-born, New York City–based designer Kim Mupangilaï presents her debut furniture collection “Kasaï.” Consisting of seven sculptural pieces made from natural materials including teak, stone, rattan, and banana fiber, Mupangilaï drew inspiration from her father’s Congolese roots with the intention of reconnecting with her African heritage. “Growing up in a small town in Belgium with a Belgian mother and Congolese father, it became my natural instinct to blend in with the Western culture that surrounded me,” designer says about the collection. “This resulted in never fully understanding nor finding my identity. Therefore, I perceive every piece in the collection as a personal cross-cultural experience.” —Shelby Black
The newly reopened Caffè Principe in Tuscany. Photo: Prada group
An iconic stop for visitors and locals alike in the seaside village of Forte dei Marmi, the historic Caffè Principe is showing off the results of a meticulous makeover courtesy of the Prada Group, which enlisted Florentine architect Michele Bonan to bring the famous patisserie back to its former glory. Located adjacent to the Prada Donna boutique in the heart of the Tuscan city, the famous establishment has retained its classic 1950s Italian seaside aesthetic thanks to wicker furnishings, exuberant archival fabrics, and a nautical color scheme that pays homage to its coastal setting. (The towering palm trees don’t hurt, either.) In addition, its attention to the excellent service ensures the cafe will once again be a haven for discerning coffee lovers, gourmands, and art lovers alike. —Geoffrey Montes
Manhattanhenge necklace. Photo: Courtesy of Harry Winston
Manhattanhenge earrings. Photo: Courtesy of Harry Winston
One of the most anticipated summer events in New York is Manhattanhenge, which casts a brilliant orange glow throughout the city sky as day turns to night. That moment is now able to last forever thanks to Harry Winston, which has added a dazzling necklace that recalls the radiance of the setting sun to its New York high jewelry collection. The stunning piece features pear-shaped and round brilliant diamonds interlaced with pear-shaped sessaraties, arranged in a fluid pattern that mimics light beams. A pair of complementing diamond and spessartite earrings complete the suite. The line includes a series of jewels that pay tribute to various aspects of the Big Apple, from its unique architecture to the famous cityscapes. —Lucy Rees
DIOR Debuts Luxury Spa Cruise: A Voyage of Wellness on the Seine. Photo: Courtesy of DIOR
On the eve of Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week, Dior’s Spa Cruise, docked at Port Henri IV, is poised for an extraordinary wellness voyage on the luxury yacht, Excellence. Masterfully refashioned to soothe body and mind, the yacht offers daily customized wellness programs guided by leading specialists and will end its journey on Saturday, July 14. Here, the world of haute couture meets holistic health, presenting guests with a unique blend of meticulously tailored Dior treatments. Against the backdrop of Paris’s iconic skyline, guests unwound on the upper deck, which is complete with a pool and sun loungers. The interiors showcase an elegant Toile de Jouy décor in soft blue and beige tones, accentuated with signature Dior canework. Offering two-hour bespoke retreats that balance luxury with efficacy, this one-of-a-kind experience blends serenity and luxury, encapsulating the spirit of Dior and the enchantment of Paris. —Ben Bonnici
Girl with a Bamboo Earring, 2009 by Awol Erizku. Photo: Awol Erizku, Courtesy of the artist
Arrangement for the Historians Who’ve Recasted Egypt in an African Context , 2018–20 by Awol Erizku. Photo: Awol Erizku, Courtesy of the artist
In anticipation of Awol Erizku’s solo exhibition next spring at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art’s satellite, the Momentary teamed up with Aperture to release the interdisciplinary artist’s first major monograph. Erizku’s influential work spans across media from his primary medium photography, to sculpture, and immersive installations. The book, Awol Erizku: Mystic Parallax, showcases ten years of Erizku’s practice, which celebrates Black cultural icons, art history, and Pan-African symbolism. “I always think about my work as a constellation, and a new piece is just another star within the universe,” recalls Erizku. “This goes back to the idea of a continuum of the Black imagination. When it’s my turn, as an image maker, a visual griot, it is up to me to redefine a concept, give it a new tone, a new look, a new visual form.” —Stefanie Li
Inside the Aston Martin flagship store, Q New York Photo: Courtesy of Aston Martin
Aston Martin has unveiled Q New York, a spectacular flagship on Billionaire’s Row, marking an iconic moment in the high-end automaker’s history. Located at 450 Park Avenue in midtown Manhattan, the cutting-edge space elevates the car-buying experience to unprecedented heights, as the first-of-its-kind North American location to encapsulate the true essence of Aston Martin. Alexander Zilberman of architecture firm AZA Design mastermind the high-tech showroom, which offers clients an unparalleled blend of digital and physical car configuration, all in the service of Aston Martin’s bespoke division, Q. The flagship serves not just as a showroom, but as a venue to launch the brand’s latest offerings, including the debut of the DB12 in North America. For the most bespoke service available, clients can engage directly with the brand’s renowned designers thanks to live video links to Aston Martin’s U.K. design studio. —B.B.
