Interior of the new Upper East Side restaurant Chez Fifi, designed by Joyn Studio.
Photo: Alex Krauss
The Artful Life: 5 Things Galerie Editors Love This Week
From a Bay Area office with a secret Pierre Paulin room to a Manhattan restaurant that perfectly captures the glamour of 1930s Parisian style
Dogpatch office by Obata Noblin Office. Photo: Bruce Damonte
A Pierre Paulin Dune Sofa in the party room. Photo: Bruce Damonte
1. A Bay Area Office With a Secret Pierre Paulin Room
Tech juggernauts in Silicon Valley can be notorious for the secrecy of their headquarters—and the over-the-top perks waiting inside. While most stop at kombucha on tap and ping pong tables, one corporation based in a nondescript warehouse in San Francisco’s historic Dogpatch neighborhood has taken things a step further. Local firm Obata Noblin Office arranged the cavernous office to seamlessly transform into an open space for evening activities like roller derbies and piano recitals, but the real surprise lies behind an unassuming plywood wall. A perfectly square-shaped chamber houses a sumptuous Pierre Paulin Dune Sofa that takes up the entire room. Once the day’s final emails are sent, the employer is free to crawl around on the sofa and unwind—the secluded room features a full surround light and sound system, minibar, retractable projector screen, and a color-changing ceiling oculus that nods to James Turrell and emanates a meditative glow. —Ryan Waddoups
French bistro Chez Fifi. Photo: Alex Krauss
La Cantatrice Chauve by Joan Miró, installed at new Upper East Side restaurant Chez Fifi. Photo: Alex Krauss
2. This New Manhattan Restaurant Captures the Glamour of 1930s Parisian Style
Swedish interiors firm Joyn Studios just unveiled their first Manhattan restaurant project on the city’s Upper East Side. The cozy French bistro Chez Fifi, located within a historic East 74th Street townhouse, is the brainchild of Sushi Noz restaurateurs Joshua and David Foulquier, who drew inspiration from their French heritage for the destination that serves elevated bistro fare. On the main level, deep curved banquettes are surrounded by rich mahogany paneling while the upstairs dining spaces take on the flavor of a sumptuous Parisian living room with high ceilings, ornate chandeliers, curated selection of art including an enchanting work by Joan Miró, and a welcoming fireplace. “This project perfectly encapsulates our philosophy of creating spaces that put people in the right mood through a deep understanding of culture, behavior, and sensory elements,” says Helena Eliason, cofounder of Joyn Studio. Adds Joshua Foulquier, “Working with Joyn Studio allowed us to create something deeply meaningful and unique. They didn’t just design a space; they created an experience.”—Jill Sieracki
Èclat Fallingwater Chocolate Bars. Photo: Brett Thomas
3. Èclat Chocolate Unveils Delectable Treats Inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater
Chocolate lovers and architecture aficionados will both delight in this new partnership between Éclat Chocolate and Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater. The collaboration has resulted in two new chocolate bars, each inspired by and paying homage to the Pennsylvania architectural marvel. Available in both 49% milk chocolate and 65% dark chocolate, the packaging is reflective of the house’s signature colors, with the dark chocolate available in “Fallingwater Red,” which nods to the metal framing of the windows and doors, while the milk chocolate is available in “Covered Wagon,” which parallels with the exterior color reminiscent of autumn rhododendrons and other elements of the landscape.—Alexandria Sillo
Manuel Mathieu's debut fragrance line will feature three unique scents. Photo: Michael Kazik
The collection will be available for preorder in January 2025. Photo: Michael Kazik
4. Artist Manuel Mathieu Presents First Fragrance Line
Known for his abstract works which draw viewers into another dimension, artist Manuel Mathieu yet again showcases the breadth of his multidisciplinary practice by stepping into the fragrance world. His debut collection, which features three unique scents made in collaboration with International Flavors & Fragrances (IFF), was inspired by his recent trip to Paris where he was introduced the intricate art of perfumery. Enclosed in sculptural vessels, which were crafted in his ceramic studio and inspired by his homeland of Haiti, the three scents île noire, Dsire, and Eccco each unfold of the artist’s history. The first scent île noire is one of Mathieu’s personal fragrances, where notes of jasmine and tobacco are reminiscent of his days of his childhood memories in Haiti. Eccco, the second scent, is inspired by the country’s evolution by bringing together smells of sandalwood, vanilla, citrus, and leather. Finally, Dsire’s combination of vetiver and musk complement the whiff of the frangipani flower, which was a regular fixture the artist’s childhood garden. This one-of-a-kind line will be available for pre-order in early 2025, and found internationally starting in Spring. — Shelby Black
Tinsel Tea Service. Photo: Courtesy of Baccarat Hotel
5. Baccarat Hotel Welcomes 2025 with Tinsel Tea Service
Baccarat Hotel has reimagined their signature afternoon tea service to warmly welcome the holiday spirit and toast to the new year ahead. Available through Jan. 5, adult guests can indulge in the spirited Tinsel Tea service while younger patrons may opt for the whimsical Little Elves offerings. Each menu showcases seasonal flavors while honoring the legendary Baccarat crystal’s storied heritage. The experience promises a unique immersion in the fine art of tea through celebration of historical personalities, with a menu curated under Culinary Director Gabriel Kreuther, a Michelin-starred and James Beard-award winning chef. Reservations are required. —A.S.
Cover: Interior of the new Upper East Side restaurant Chez Fifi, designed by Joyn Studio.
Photo: Alex Krauss
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