The Candle Project by House of Today.
Photo: Elie Abi Hanna
The Artful Life: 5 Things Galerie Editors Love This Week
From a new Lugano Diamonds boutique in Connecticut to a line of sculptural candles by ten renowned Lebanese designers
The new Lugano Diamonds boutique in Greenwich, Connecticut. Photo: Courtesy of Lugano Diamonds
1. Lugano Diamonds Opens Stunning Boutique in Greenwich, Connecticut
Lugano Diamonds has opened an elegant new store in Greenwich, Connecticut, housed in a historic building dating to 1916. Revamped by Studio 43D with interior design by Lugano COO and co-founder Idit Ferder, the 3,500-square-foot space conjures a warm and inviting atmosphere to view the incredible jewels on display. Design highlights include a dazzling light sculpture by Andreea Braescu, furnishings by Ceccotti Collezioni, Adrianna Hoyos, Porada, and Barbara Barry, as well as artwork by America Martin. With roots in Newport Beach, California, Lugano Diamonds was founded in 2004 by husband and wife Moti and Idit Ferder before expanding to multiple locations across the country. Hailing from his family’s rough diamond business in Antwerp, Belgium, Moti’s vision for Lugano Diamonds was to create “one-of-a-kind wearable works of art.” In line with its strong philanthropic mission, Lugano is also working with local organizations including the Bruce Museum, Greenwich Country Day School, Greenwich Hospital, Junior League of Greenwich, and the Greenwich International Film Festival. —Lucy Rees
Mixed media set. Photo: Courtesy of Carran D'Ache
2. Caran d’Ache Launches Keith Haring Art Set
Prestigious Swiss art company Caran D’Ache has launched a special line of stationery supplies that feature designs from famed New York Pop artist Keith Haring. Capturing the spirit of the late artist, the collection plunges art lovers into the universe of Haring with his celebrated silhouettes and symbols. The two new sets include one featuring ten watercolor pencils and a black Fibralo Brush felt-tip pen, while the other has 40 watercolor pencils and 42 watercolor wax pastels. A dotted-page notebook and coloring pad round out the artful range. —L.R.
Tigre. Photo: Eric Medsker
3. Glamorous Cocktail Lounge Tigre Debuts on the Lower East Side
Tucked away on Manhattan’s Lower East Side, chic new cocktail lounge Tigre is bringing a dash of glam to the trendy neighborhood. Created by Premiere Enterprises, known for its popular oyster and cocktail bar Maison Premiere, the luminous space—designed by Studio Tre—is complete with golden mirrors, chainmail curtains, and caramel-colored banquettes. Don’t miss the eye-catching collection of Jean-Paul Goude photographs featuring the iconic Grace Jones, which can be admired while sipping on one of the spot’s creative cocktails, such as the Rolls Royce or Mister Softee. Guests can also order a martini by the ratio and enjoy the groovy beats from the custom hi-fi sound system by Ojas. —Stefanie Li
A René Lalique necklace design depicting nine graduated blossoming roses, each pendant from a semi-circular section edged by rose buds. Each section intersected by jewel design. Photo: Courtesy of A La Vielle Russie
René Lalique drawing of a butterfly hand mirror design, the outstretched wings clasping the lower mirrored section, the butterfly body tapering downwards to form the handle. An original Boudoir Mirror Papillons, most likely executed from this design, is known to be in a private collection in London, England. Photo: Courtesy of A La Vielle Russie
4. Drawings by René Lalique Go on Display at A La Vieille Russie
The jewelry and glassware produced by famed designer René Lalique are so majestic they’re known to cause a bidding frenzy when, on the rare occurrence, a museum-caliber piece does come across the auction block. However, what most forget is that each exceptional work of bijoux started with an equally exceptional sketch. Now, the largest collection of those drawings outside of France will be displayed at A La Vieille Russie, the 172-year-old New York art and antiques dealer known for its unique selection of silver, jewelry, and decorative objets, including a curated selection of pieces by Faberge. Made between 1894 and 1910, these ink and pencil artworks by Lalique himself were the designer’s way of demonstrating to his clients the intricate details of planned commissions. Many feature annotations and geometries introduced to convey his precise measurements to goldsmiths and jewelry makers. On display (and available for sale) are 40 Lalique artworks as well as a selection of jewelry, all of which will on display from November 16 through March 30, 2024. It’s a rare opportunity to see the thought process behind these truly astounding works of wearable art. —Jill Sieracki
Aline Asmar d’Amman’s Aspiration candle. Photo: Elie Abi Hanna
Sayar & Garibeh’s Flaws candle. Photo: Elie Abi Hanna
5. Lebanon’s House of Today Unveils Candle Collection by Ten Buzzy Designers
Founded by Galerie Creative Mind Cherine Magrabi Tayeb in 2012 as a way of fostering the Lebanese design ecosystem, House of Today has announced a covetable candle collection crafted by ten of the Middle Eastern country’s most acclaimed designers, launching November 20. Among the talents are Aline Asmar d’Amman, Nada Debs, Carla Baz, david/nicolas, and Flavie Audi—none of whom have worked with wax as a primary medium prior to this collaboration, dubbed The Candle Project. The meticulous process for creating these illuminative wonders involved seven steps including sketching and making 3D molds—all of which was overseen in conjunction with the Beit Chabeb, a hospital for the disabled that includes artisanal workshops.“I love the idea of this debut happening hand in hand with Lebanese artisans thanks to the bridge created by House of Today and the skilled wax makers of Beit Chebab,” says Aline Asmar d’Amman. “My design, Aspiration, is a nod to the eternal hopes for a brighter Lebanon, birth land of myths and legends, fragmented yet molten together in solid grounds.” —Geoffrey Montes
Cover: The Candle Project by House of Today.
Photo: Elie Abi Hanna
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