The Artful Life: 6 Things Galerie Editors Love This Week

1. Bode’s First Overseas Boutique Reels in French Elegance

France is embedded in Emily Adams Bode Aujla’s sensibilities—the American fashion designer made shirting from French linens in college, dreamed up her menswear label Bode’s 2018 spring collection about her uncle Franck’s childhood home on the French Riviera, and was even recognized as an LVMH Prize finalist. So it felt natural for Bode’s first overseas outpost to land in the first arrondissement of Paris, a quick jaunt from Palais Royal. Designed top-to-bottom by Bode Aujla’s husband, Aaron Aujla of the furniture studio Green River Project, the 2,000-square-foot boutique is animated by the life and charms of a famous French hotelier known for his affinity toward fly-fishing and the American outdoors. Those motifs are felt up to the eaves, where antique nine-foot bamboo fly rods made by French manufacturer Pezon et Michel—where the hotelier once worked as a technical advisor—take pride of place. 

Much like the label’s storefront on Manhattan’s Lower East Side, a rustic atmosphere pervades owing to dark oak flooring, ample faux bois, burnt orange English waxed cotton, and turn-of-the-century stained glass. But there are no shortage of Francophile accents, from tasseled fixtures evoking classic Parisian opulence to Green River Project sofas upholstered in French silk. They join American antiques reminiscent of Sister Parish’s ‘60s-era redecoration of the White House and pieces deaccessioned from the National Bank of France.  The boutique will feature a selection of exclusive products, including neckties studded with hand-tied flies, one-of-a-kind pieces cut from century-old French textiles, women’s intimates with Eiffel Tower appliqués, and berets made with a heritage French milliner. —Ryan Waddoups

2. Celebrated Italian Artist and Filmmaker Francesco Vezzoli Presents Striking Exhibition, “Divas,” at the Modern Art Museum (MAM) in Shanghai 

A fascinating exploration of the legacy of European and American cinema and the weight of stardom in the 20th-century, this exhibition presents an alternate version of the fantasy of movie stars and opera primadonnas by revealing the delicate reality that lies beneath the glittery surface. Curated by Nancy Spector and Shai Baitel and on view through June 2, the show features 25 years of Vezzoli’s “embroidery” works. Each one is paired side by side with a film poster featuring the actor portrayed, including the likes of Anna Magnani, Sophia Loren, and Silvana Mangano. Visitors will gain a deeper understanding of the fetishization surrounding the movie industry’s star system and  the various cinematic styles such as Italian Neorealism, the French New Wave, and Spanish Surrealism. “It is with great enthusiasm that I present Divas at MAM Shanghai,”says the artist. “The exhibition unfolds along two interwoven trajectories: a historical narrative and a deeply personal reflection—both aesthetic and emotional—on cinema and its enduring legacies.” —Lucy Rees

3. Michelin-Starred Chef Michael White Opens Levant Restaurant in San Juan

Very few chefs have garnered as many stars and accolades as Michael White, the famed toque behind such culinary bastions as Marea, Osteria Morini, and Nicoletta. As cofounder of the hospitality group BBianco Hospitality, White has delivered his inspired interpretation of Italian cuisine to unique resort destinations around the world, shaping such decadent outposts as Paranza, a melding of Mediterranean and Bahamian flavors at Atlantis Paradise Island, and Mirabella, a tantalizing taste of coastal Italian cooking at Fontainebleau Miami Beach. Now, the Michelin-starred gourmand has opened Levant, his first location in Puerto Rico at San Juan’s La Concha Resort. Tucked pearl-like into the unmistakable shell space first designed by renowned architect Mario Salvatori in 1958, Levant serves mouthwatering dishes that balance hearty fare like fusilli with red wine-braised octopus and rack of lamb with more refreshing flavors such as crudo del dia with grapefruit, basil, and olive oil tapenade or a succulent grouper with citrus vinaigrette. Paired with a craft cocktail and a exquisite dessert like baklava with pistachio and orange zest pastry cream, Levant is a unparalleled treat for all the senses.—Jill Sieracki

4. West Haddon Hall Unveils New Heirloom-Quality Furniture

Since establishing her interiors firm West Haddon Hall nearly 15 years ago, Kate Driver often outfits her breezy residential projects with charming custom furniture that reflects her abiding love for Art Deco, postmodern, and midcentury modern influences. Designers rejoiced last year when she finally made her pieces available to the public with Collection I, a versatile 14-piece group of furnishings made to order in Los Angeles. She now returns with Collection II, which takes the familiar silhouettes of its predecessor but imbues them with her signature reverence for classicism and organicism. Each piece in the collection, which spans lounge chairs and ottomans to a handsome wall-mounted credenza, is intended as a future heirloom to be passed down through generations. They utilize natural materials like wood and caning, old-world techniques like straw marquetry, and fabrics animated with lively depictions of flora and fauna. They look naturally at home in a preserved Spanish-style house built by architect Francis Pierpont Davis, where Laure Joliet photographed the pieces among cherished antiques and books. —R.W.

5. Dior’s Cordelia de Castellane Inspires with Book on Gardening, Flower Arranging, and More

For Cordelia de Castellane’s second book release, the tastemaker renowned for her contributes to French lifestyle and design took inspiration from her own home life. Filling the stunning pages of Flower Couture: From My Garden to My House are thoughtful secrets and ideas for gardening, flower arranging, and entertaining inspired by nature. The perfect way to usher in spring, Dior’s artistic director of Baby Dior and Dior Maison invites readers to discover the gorgeous garden of her own private residence to offer insight into how she makes nature her muse. Each chapter refers to a color of de Castellane’s favorite flowers, complimented by tips for crafting the perfect tablescapes, bouquets, and more. The book serves as a sequel to her best-seller, Life in a French Country House.—Alexandria Sillo

6. Kelly Wearstler Teams Up with Johnnie Walker for Exclusive New Blend

Not a stranger to crafting libations whose very ethos represent history and innovation, beloved whiskey house Johnnie Walker has welcomed a new chapter to their storied legacy. In celebration of the launch of Johnnie Walker Vault, a new program which introduces carefully crafted blends inspired by individual narratives, Master Blender Dr. Emma Walker has created an exclusive new addition in collaboration with renowned designer Kelly Wearstler. Influenced by her travels in Costa Rica, this special libation boasts rare island malts including Brora and Port Ellen expressions. In addition to this collaboration with Wearstler, the brand will also feature special creations inspired by photographer and filmmaker Gabriel Moses and entrepreneur Yoyo Cao, where pieces of their identity and memory will be transformed into one smooth tasting delicacy. — Shelby Black