The Artful Life: 8 Things Galerie Editors Love This Week
From CJ Hendry’s one-of-a-kind flower market at Rockefeller Plaza to a gorgeous new title by Phillip Jeffries showcasing the designs of Alexa Hampton, Corey Damen Jenkins, and other world-renowned talents
1. Phillip Jeffries Compiles 50 Years of Design into Gorgeous New Tome
Over the past five decades, Phillip Jeffries has grown from a small family business into a global purveyor of artisanal wall coverings selected by a vast array of design talents, including Alexa Hampton, Corey Damen Jenkins, Steven Gambrel, Martyn Lawrence Bullard, and more. Now, to further help commemorate the 50-year anniversary of the brand, the brothers at its helm, Philip and Jeffrey Bershad, have authored a volume spotlighting some of the most stunning projects featuring the company’s exuberant and painterly offerings.
From an ethereal office by Ali Budd to a dynamic living room by Noz Nozawa that layers pattern on pattern, the spaces highlighted reveal a creative mix of expressions utilizing the wide range of Phillip Jeffries’ designs that span textured neutrals, graphic prints, transportive murals, and beyond. —Jill Sieracki
2. Astier de Villatte Debuts Paris Boutique Devoted to Fragrance and Stationery
While Astier de Villatte may be most beloved for its distinctive black terracotta ceramics coated in a milky white glaze, the French décor brand continues to expand its universe. The launch of a new Paris boutique devoted solely to fragrance and stationery further cements this evolution. With its distinct green façade on Rue Saint-Honoré just next door to the original shop, this location promises to be a transportive shopping destination, especially with the introduction of Tanger, the maison’s latest fragrance. Coinciding with the opening, the debut of Tanger brings another element to Astier de Villatte’s Destination collection of four fragrances—this one marked by botanical notes, along with bitter orange, lemon, and bergamot.—Jacqueline Terrebonne
3. 50 Remarkable Chairs Are Taking Over Christie’s Beverly Hills
Basic Space is taking over Christie’s Beverly Hills with an ode to the chair in all its guises. On view September 25–30, the exhibition “50 Chairs at Christie’s” gathers rare and singular seats from the shopping platform’s international network, from postwar icons to provocative contemporary works. Among the historic pieces are Charles and Ray Eames’s LCW, which appears in a rare calfskin edition produced in 2002 for a Christie’s auction; a hammered-brass chair from the 1970s by Philippe Hiquily, lent by Kelly Wearstler; and Joe Colombo’s enveloping fiberglass Elda Chair, which adds a Space Age flourish. Newer works explore how designers are pushing the typology into stranger territory. Rick Owens pairs black plywood with natural moose antler for his limited-edition Stag Stool, Sam Klemick translates the fluidity of textiles into solid wood with her Trumpet Dining Chair, and Seoul-based SeungJin Yang traps balloons beneath translucent blue resin to create his playful Lounge Chair 01. —Ryan Waddoups
4. Novak Djokovic Hosts Wellness Retreat at Amanjena in Marrakech
As more and more jetsetters consider wellness opportunities in their travel plans, luxury hotels are responding in turn with innovative spas, longevity clinics, and epic fitness retreats. This December, Aman ambassador Novak Djokovic will host his second gathering with the brand, this time at their picturesque Marrakech resort, Amanjena. During the three-day “Stillness and Strength” event, taking place December 18 through 20, guests will not only enjoy tennis masterclasses with the top-ranking pro, but also partake in exercises that support his overall physical and mental health, including daily moments of mindfulness guided by Amanjena’s wellness experts. Also included in the program are rejuvenating spa treatments, such as a 60-minute hammam and an hour-long therapeutic massage, and meals from a nourishing menu curated by Djokovic. For those more enchanted by atmosphere than athletics, Amanjena offers amenities to spare, including rose-hued villas nestled away from the bustling souks on an Edenic landscape of palm and olive trees with epic views of the Atlas Mountains.—J.S.
5. La Prairie Launches Swiss Pristine Spa Residence at Bloomingdale’s
The home of the Big Brown Bag welcomes a high-tech beauty experience as La Prairie opens a limited-time pop-up that features the glacier-derived Swiss Pristine skincare line, a set of new products engineered to reduce the stress of modern urban life on skin before aging sets in. Bloomingdale’s La Prairie spa space will offer facials featuring the three key ingredients: Swiss Glacial Minerals, the patented HyPower LP52™, and the renowned Exclusive Cellular Complex™. La Prairie’s Bloomingdale’s venture is the latest in the “Hotel Bloomingdale’s” concept, which creates a physical installation inspired by the world of 5-star hotels and wellness stores within the iconic department store. Facials can be booked now through the end of October. —Rena Gross
6. David Yurman Designs Angel Sculpture for High Museum Driskell Prize Gala
On Saturday, September 19, members of the art world and supporters gathered at the High Museum of Art for the annual black-tie Driskell Gala, which honors the legacy of David Driskell while celebrating an honoree for their outstanding contributions to African American art. This year, the David C. Driskell Prize in African American Art and Art History went to Dr. Cheryl Finley, the director of the Atlanta University Center Art History + Curatorial Studies Collective at Spelman. In recognition of her work, Finley received $50,000 to use toward furthering her practice and a coveted David Yurman-designed bronze Angel sculpture. Yurman mastered welding in his early career, noting that he regularly returns to the angel motif as a symbol of optimism. Yurman’s involvement in the ceremony also signifies the house’s long-standing support of the arts.—A.S.
7. Artist CJ Hendry’s Viral Flower Market Returns to Rockefeller Center
Taking over the streets of New York City and everyone’s Instagrams and TikToks last year, artist CJ Hendry’s bouquets of felt flowers made a viral splash through the vast array of varieties and spectrum of colors. This year, the one-of-a-kind flower market returns to Rockefeller Plaza for a four-day takeover from September 24 through September 27. Boasting options ranging from romantic roses to dreamy tulips, visitors can wade through the artistic installation, where each guest can receive one complimentary flower, with each additional flower costing $5 each. In addition to the city-style flower-picking event, offerings including limited-edition merchandise made by Hendry, such as T-shirts, hats, and more, will be available for visitors to purchase. —Shelby Black
8. Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc and Technogym Reimagine Fitness on the French Riviera
The iconic Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc has selected Technogym as its wellness partner, offering guests a reimagined way to incorporate their fitness routines into a French Riviera escape. Inside the fitness area on the property, which features floor-to-ceiling windows that look out onto the tennis courts and surrounding landscape, guests can experience some of Technogym’s most advanced offerings, beginning with the Technogym Checkup, an AI-powered assessment station. Additional equipment includes the Artis, the Technogym Reform for Pilates, the Technogym Ride for cycling, and the Skillrow, all selected in the sophisticated Sand Stone finish. Guests can also personalize their workout further using the Technogym App, creating a truly tailored experience in one of the world’s most serene settings.—A.S.