Design Escapism


Happy Valentine’s Day!!!

I hope you're having a wonderful week.

photo credits: Ermanno Scervino, Free People, Valentino, Laetita Rouget, Lirika Matoshi, Azalea Drive, Patricia Bustos, TheSittingPrettyPodcast, DIFF, Gauchere, Lollyworld


Enjoy a Valentine to guide you to the most pertinent Design, Technology, Arts, Music, and Cultural Events in 2024. Your complimentary Interactive Tradeshow + Events Calendar is available to download in the main website navigation!

I recently came across an article about the luxury down jacket brand Raxxy, and it was LOVE at first puffer! The Puffer possibilities are endless - you'll be immersed in (PUFFY) eye candy! .

Are you curious about AI? I've been dabbling in it a bit, and have made some pretty fun artwork utilizing the AI tool on H&M's Creator Studio. I've included the link in the most recent Design Escapism if you'd like to try it. I warn you- it's addicting! If you have a brand, Creator Studio offers one of a kind Augmented Reality customization experiences for customer interaction, and co-creation of original merchandise.

The topics of Antoni Gaudi, 3D Printed Clothing, and the Experimental Designers in the latest Design Escapism particularly resonate with me, and they may with you as well. Enjoy the Happy Dance below - Spring is on the Horizon!

Wishing you limitless creativity and endless adventure!

-Anne

VALENTINO

Spring 2024

CREATOR STUDIO

The Future of Merch

ANTONI GAUDI

His Catalan Influences in Design

Raxxy, a luxury down jacket brand with new futurist aesthetics.

MATHIEW LEHANNER

Meet This Neo-Survivalist

RAXXY

A Luxury Down Jacket Brand With New Futurist Aesthetics

PATRICIA BUSTOS

A Visual Utopia

SARA REGAL

Intuitive and Experimental, Specialized in Material Research and Sustainable Practices

ZELLERFELD

Now, Anyone Can Be A Sneaker Designer

PYN BURGER

Restoring the Image of The Burger Thoughout France

APPLE VISION PRO

The Future of Experiences

CAROLINA HERRERA

Fall 2024

TOUR THE NEW EAMES ARCHIVES

Guided by Their Granddaughter

SKETCH LONDON

Might Just Be The Prettiest In All Of London

MONIQUE LHUILLIER

Fall 2024

AMAGANSETTS STONY HILL

A Contemporary Homage to History and Nature

From set-up to sundown, get an inside look at what it takes to create a colossal hologram of BOSSes #GiseleBundchen and #LeeMinho within an iconic view of London’s Tower Bridge. Unlock your power and #BeYourOwnBOSS

OPENAI

A Date Who Never Forgets The Details

SWATCHBOOK

The Leading Platform for Material Digitization and Sourcing Has Added a Tangible Dimension to Digital Creativity

SUSTAINABLE FASHION

Textile Legislation Impacts the Clothing Industry

SIBLING REVELRY

Podcast Explores the Sibling Bond, and Much More


Design Escapism


2024 has arrived!!!

I hope you've had a wonderful holiday season.

photo credits: Johanna Ortiz, Gucci, Golden Goose, Zimmermann, Fazeek, La Prairie, Balmain, Self-Portrait, Dean Norton, Gauchere, Bottega Veneta


I was fortunate to discover music producer Rick Rubin’s book ‘The Creative Act’ under the tree over the holidays. Which no doubt is because I was so taken with Rick Rubin while listening to my new favorite podcast ‘Founders’ (episode #245), as well as reading a recent interview with him by Rachel Martin. Rick Rubin’s thoughts around not setting goals particularly resonated with me, and they may with you as well. As many of you know, I thrive on juggling multiple projects at once. Whether it be completing both a Bachelors of Architecture and a Bachelors in Fashion Design in tandem during my college years, or juggling multiple clients and creative projects simultaneously while consulting, or even taking on a copious amount of design categories concurrently while working within corporate design teams. I truly enjoy the creative juggle, and gain both energy and inspiration throughout the process. Working with fellow creatives and amazing clients is the icing on the cake!

With this continuous motion came a need to set goals whether it be minutes, days, overall project scale, and of course the end result (hopefully positive). Deadlines are often a necessity, however those goals that at times I had drilled down to 5 minute increments (or less) may not have been so necessary. Below is the excerpt from Rick Rubin’s interview where he and Rachel Martin were discussing mastering a new piece of music, and setting creative goals, or lack thereof:

'Rubin: Absolutely, and I don't know that setting a goal is the way to do it.

Martin: Hmm, yeah, a lot of our culture is structured around that, huh?

Rubin: Yeah, I tend not to set goals. I feel like a goal could be a limitation. Like, I can remember a big successful artist, a singer in a band saying to me, "I'm excited about our next album. We haven't started writing any songs yet, but we want it to be this kind of sci-fi punk rock thing." And I was like, OK, I'm listening. And then I said, "What happens if the best songs you write turn out to be more like Neil Young's Harvest?" And he's like, "Oh, that'd be great."

So then it's like, having the goal — that's not going to help you get there. It's more like, start finger painting and see what happens.'

This initiated a bit of self-reflection over the holidays. Though I’m fortunate to create visuals on a daily basis, I sometimes miss those creative days spent in college with their loose parameters. While studying fine arts during a semester in Paris, I could be spending time working on a clay visage with an elderly sculptor on the outskirts of the city on one day, energetically creating 30 second sketches of a male gymnast doing seemingly impossible contortions (tout nu) in a tiny studio by Pere Lechaise cemetery the next, or find myself having an amazing conversation with a person I’d just met while sketching quietly at Luxembourg Gardens. Never mind the incredible weekend train adventures throughout Europe seeing the amazing architecture and taking in the culture (along with the pastries) with a few fellow students and travel friends. One has since become a best-selling author, and I feel so fortunate to have had a front row seat to her free-flowing spooky bedtime stories while we bunked together at various hostels. While spending time at my mother’s house on Christmas Eve, I came across some old photos of clothing I had created during my 20’s. I had forgotten most of the ensembles, but do remember how much I enjoyed hand beading those gowns all night into the wee hours of the morning. It was both rewarding, and a way to lose myself completely in the creative process.

With that thought in mind, I’m not going to set any grand goals for 2024, but I will begin finger painting again - and hope you do too!

Wishing you limitless creativity and endless adventure in 2024!

-Anne

FAZEEK

Hand-crafted Homewares

BEYOND CHAMPAGNE

A Guide to Sparkling Wines This Festive Season

BOTTEGA VENETA

Spring 2024

MOST ANTICIPATED

Hotel Openings

GUCCI

Spring 2024

TECH EDEN

Explore a re-enchanted future

ZIMMERMANN

Spring 2024

EXPLORE

A New City

RICK RUBIN

‘on taking communion with Johnny Cash and not rushing creativity’

GALETTE DES ROIS

Learn all the techniques and secrets behind this festive French pastry

SELF-PORTRAIT

Resort 2024

BALMAIN

Spring 2024

GAUCHERE

Spring 2024

2023 YEAR IN REVIEW

Circular By Design

WHAT TO WEAR

On New Year’s Eve

HAVE 10 HOURS?

IBM will train you in AI fundamentals - for free


Design Escapism


PINK is always a good idea!

Scroll below for AUTUMN lifestyle inspiration.

photo credits: Valentino, Hanna Hansdotter, Cult Gaia, Erin Fetherston for Anthropologie, Kenzo, The Row, Zimmermann, Cornelia James, Dries Van Noten, Dior, Loeffler Randall, Andre Reisinger


VALENTINO

The Pink Collection

ZIMMERMANN

Resort RTW 2024

ERIN FETHERSTON

Shop the drop at Anthropologie Home

ANDRES REISINGER

‘Take Over’ reimagines major cities with fluffy, flossy, and fancy pink drapes

DRIES VAN NOTEN

AW23

HANNA HANSDOTTER

Hypnotic Glass Sculptures

CULT GAIA

Fall 2023 Collection

DSQUARED2

Spring 2024

LOEFFLER RANDALL

Fall 2023

STINE GOYA

Spring 2024

THE ROW

Spring 2023 RTW

DIOR

Autumn-Winter 2023-2024

CORNELIA JAMES

‘Clemence’ - THE Luxury Long Leather Gloves

ACNE STUDIOS

Fall 2023

LUMEN NATURE RETREAT

Luxury Glamping & Cabins Experience

KENZO

Spring 2024

CAP D’ANTIBES BEACH HOTEL

is getting a makeover

THE ZEN OF KEN

What A Plastic Doll Can Teach Us About Life And Manhood

FANDANGOE DISCOTECA

A mini disco cube created by artist Annie Frost Nicholson

Wishing you many Autumn adventures!

-Anne


Design Escapism


Break out the SPARKLERS & make some WAVES this Fourth of July!

Scroll below for celebration vacation inspiration.

photo credits: Maeve, Verishop, Amanda Lindroth, Vacation, Emma Cline, Lilly Pulitzer, Lorna Murray, Zimmermann, Corey Lynn Calter, Tops Malibu, Velvet, Mother, Sunnylife, Matches, Frank & Eileen


It’s Sunny Somewhere - https://www.coreylynncalter.com/collections/sea-shop

MAGGIE MARILYN

Resort 2024

4TH OF JULY FIREWORKS

Cape Cod

MAC’S CHATHAM

A perfect Cape Cod dining experience!

CAROLINA HERRERA

Resort 2024

15 BOOKS FOR THE 4TH OF JULY

‘Celebrate Independence Day with a bang by reading one of these patriotic-colored books. Barbecue and fireworks not included.’

ZIMMERMANN

Resort 2024

2023 TOP PUBLIC BEACH SPOTS

17 Best Beaches in New England

BEACH BLANKET TIME

THE FOURTH OF JULY

The History of Independence Day

COREY LYNN CALTER

AWESOME CAPE COD WATERFRONT RESTAURANTS

‘A guide to all the best Cape Cod waterfront restaurants that offer amazing views with your meal!’

RED, WHITE & BLUE FOR THE MINIS

4TH OF JULY

Celebrations in the USA

THE ALL-AMERICAN TENNIS & GOLF COLLECTION

TUCKERNUCK

EVENTS

New England 2023 4th of July Events

MILLIE’S RESTAURANT

Nantucket

Millie’s is a proud sponsor of a short film about light tackle fishing on Nantucket. This film tells the story of good friends and fishing guides coming together to share with others their passion for the water and the sport they love.

REFORMATION

Perfectly Picnic Ready

GET CRACKIN’

Fourth of July Picnic Wares

MARION’S PIE SHOP

Old school pies, baked goods & savory treats that sell out fast!

YOU CAN NEVER HAVE ENOUGH SPARKLE!

AUTOCAMP

‘one of the best New England destinations for making memories with your loved ones’

CHATHAM CANDY MANOR

Delicious Hand Dipped Chocolates and Homemade Fudge - one of my lifelong happy places!

MOST BEAUTIFUL ISLANDS

In New England

SUNDAE SCHOOL

Remember when they had make your own sundaes?!!!

Katy Perry ‘Firework’

Miley Cyrus ‘Party in the USA’

Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers ‘American Girl’

Fireworks Playlist

Wishing you many Independence Day adventures!

-Anne


Design Escapism


Planning a summer holiday? Scroll below for a little vacation inspiration.

Enjoy a summer full of sunshine and new adventures!

-Anne

photo credits: Zimmermann, Johanna Ortiz, Kelly Wearstler, Artel, Cult Gaia, Les Ottomans, Society Social, Maeve


ZIMMERMANN

Spring 2023

IAN COLLINGS

‘An American Sculptor, whose work can be viewed as a conversation between an artist and the environment’

JOHANNA ORTIZ

Spring 2023 Ready to Wear

CULT GAIA

Summer 2023

BEST NEW HOTELS 2023

‘The best openings of the past year, from sprawling eco resorts to design-focused boutique options’

FALSE BANANA PAVILLION

‘The pavilion is one of five temporary installations created for the summer programme at Wakehurst's wild botanic gardens’

TRIPPIN

Martinique

THE ICONIC COLONY HOTEL

‘Reimagines Its Guest Rooms in Honor of Its 75th Anniversary’

Nils Bakker

‘It’s like having your personal 3D tour guide on a magical paper airplane ride!’

Hillsideout

'“Murano waste” features side-tables that emphasize visually the importance of recycling the precious Murano glass from Venice’

DIOR BEAUTY’S NEW SPA

at Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc in Antibes

KELLY WEARSLER

‘With a timeless allure and palpable cool, this art piece captures the spirit of California in iconic style.’

BEST NEW RESTAURANTS 2023

From a Cape Town spot serving up contemporary Zulu cuisine to a Californian cafe honouring Ohlone recipes, these are the 21 best new restaurants in the world

ARE WE THERE YET?

Luxury Kid-Friendly Vacations For Adventurous Families

MINNOW SWIM

‘Swim to playtime, on repeat!’

CAPE COD BOUTIQUE HOTELS

‘for the quintessential New England summer escape’

2023 SUMMER TRAVEL GUIDE

Best of Massachusetts

THE WANDERER COTTAGES

‘Designed to look like the high-end surf camps of the 70’s’

THE SURF LODGE

A Montauk Hotel & Restaurant

MIDTOWN MANHATTAN

‘Discover playful hotel rooms, excellent tacos, and an interactive history of Broadway’

THE FRENCH RIVIERA

‘Côte d'Azur resident Lanie Goodman shares her address book of secret places to eat and sleep’

WHERE TO DINE OUT IN PARIS

With Silencios' Guillaume Sanchez

DIOR CRUISE 2024

That butterfly necklace!

LONDON’S BEST HIDDEN RESTAURANTS

SILO - The World’s First Zero Waste Restaurant

THE BEST SPAS IN LONDON

where to find the ultimate spa treatments and have the best spa days in London

HENRY HOLLAND

Nobody Cares How Good You Used To Be

SUMMER ADVENTURE READY?

Expand your sneaker collection

WELLNESS RETREATS FOR MEN

‘8 spots across the globe helping men spiritually, physically and mentally’

BEAUTIFUL REPURPOSED BUILDINGS

‘These innovative structures honor their past lives while serving new needs’

BRING THE OUTDOORS INSIDE

The Terrace Apartment incorporates biophilic design and new digital technologies

STUDIO FLORIS WUBBEN

‘Large-Scale Ceramics That Are Both Eye-Catching + Functional’

SPA HOTELS

‘With the total ZEN package’

SERENBE

‘A rural and urban utopia developed by the principles of biophilic design, hosts the 2023 Biophilic Leadership Summit’

VIRTUAL INTERIORS

‘MARCEL WANDERS - exploring new avenues for creativity and pushing the boundaries of design’

DISCOVER THE DESIGN DREAMS PODCAST

‘Where creatives talk about their creative philosophies, where they get their inspiration and creativity from, how they envision the future’

The Go-Go’s

Holiday Rap MC Miker G & DJ Sven

Cliff Richard & The Shadows


Enjoy your summer holiday!

-Anne

Design Escapism


Let the FESTIVITIES begin!

Wishing you and yours a fun-filled holiday season, and a 2023 full of spectacular new adventures!

-Anne

photo credits: Alexander McQueen, Dior, Samaritaine, Bon Appetit, Harrods, Carolina Herrera


DIOR

Dior transforms Harrods into a giant glittering gingerbread house!

CAROLINA HERRERA

Pre-Fall 2023

SAMARITAINE

Ready to shimmy and shake?

GINGERBREAD HOUSE COOOKIES WITH ROYAL ICING

Merrily bake along with this video from ‘Call Me Cupcake’!

ALEXANDER MCQUEEN

Resort 2023

ENZA BAR

The new restaurant at the Charles Hotel in Cambridge

BALMAIN

Resort 2023

CHRISTMAS PUNCH

It’s time to dust off that punch bowl!

WHERE TO GO FOR A SKI SEASON ESCAPE

Take in the views and reconnect with nature at l'Alpaga in Megève

TRAILS & ALES

The winter edition

THE PARTY EYE

You can never have too much sparkle!

HOLIDAY PARTY LOOKS

Straight from the Runways

HVERDAGEN

RESTAURANT

All the furniture in the Hverdagen restaurant has been entirely designed by hand from a single Douglas fir tree

FERRAGAMO

Pre-Fall 2023

ON THE DANCE FLOOR

‘An interesting moment to reflect on what dance floors really mean to us, and what they have meant to us. And what they can mean to us in the future.’

NEW YEAR 2023

23 popular places in the world to ring in the new year


Wishing you peace and happiness,

-Anne

Design Escapism


If you’re looking for ways to support Ukraine, here are a few links to organizations that I’ve used to provide assistance.

photo credits: Ukrainian Designers Elena Burenina, 91Lab, Paskal, Chereshnivska, Kachorovska, Vitakin, Frolov, and Baum und Pferdgarten (Finland).


WORLD CENTRAL KITCHEN

In support of refugees escaping the violence, WCK began serving hot, nourishing meals in Poland within a day of the initial attack and are now set up at eight border crossings, as well in Przemyśl—a city receiving many refugee families.

UNICEF

The crisis in Ukraine, now in it’s second week, is taking a terrible toll on children’s lives and well-being.

DOCTORS WITHOUT BORDERS

Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is working to set up emergency response activities in the country and dispatching teams to Poland, Moldova, Hungary, Romania, and Slovakia. Teams are also ready to respond in Russia and Belarus.

ELENA BURENINA

Contemporary fashion brand based in Kyiv

KACHOROVSKA

Ukrainian footwear, clothing & accesories brand
since 1957

PASKAL

Ukrainian brand Paskal is renowned for delicate silhouettes and minimalistic shapes, which are reminiscent of innovative architecture and nature.

91LAB

Ukrainian contemporary knitwear brand


Wishing you peace and happiness,

-Anne

Design Escapism


Embracing the comforts of autumn, while looking ahead to a renewed Spring 2022 with the start of NYC Fashion Week

photo credits: Veronica Beard, Designboom.com (Tribe Studio Architects Bundeena House), Sea New York, Haus.me (Microhaus), The Row (micro wallets), EmilyHenderson.com (lettuce bowls), Schoolhouse.com (Wingate Home), Rebecca Taylor, Sarah Espeute (embroidered table linens), Dwell.com (Olive the houseboat)


VERONICA BEARD

‘RE-EMERGING’ RESORT 2022

TELLER

A NEW MULTI-LABEL WOMEN’S STORE IN LOS ANGELES BRINGING TOGETHER SINGULAR, INDEPENDENT BRANDS FROM AROUND THE WORLD

MICROHAUS

THE MOST ADVANCED MICRO HOME IN THE WORLD

STAND

‘THE LURE OF BRIGHTS’ STOCKHOLM SPRING 2022

FOOD PORN

WHO SAYS YOU CAN'T PLAY WITH FOOD?

TRINA TURK

‘PALM SPRINGS CELEBRATION’ READY TO WEAR SPRING 2022

“HAVE I LOST MY ACTUAL MIND?”

EXPLORING THE RETURN OF REAL WHIMSY

REESE COOPER

‘FRESH AIR’ SPRING 2022 READY TO WEAR

REBECCA TAYLOR

‘MOMENTS OF DECADENCE’ RESORT 2022

TRIBE STUDIO'S 'BUNDEENA HOUSE'

THE MODULAR GARDEN HOME IN AUSTRALIA

GROWING MATERIALS

MYCELIUM LEATHER GERMINATES IN FASHION


The Mysterious Benedict Society’s playfully colorful set design and costuming by Catherine Adair is a must see! I began watching the series with my daughter, and now I’m the one who can’t get enough of its 60’s modernist kitsch!

12 DESIGN PODCASTS TO KEEP YOU INSPIRED AT HOME

Home52’s team shares their favorite home and design shows—and what makes each special.

https___hypebeast.com_image_2021_05_Snow-Peak-Opens-Bonfire-Inspired-Restaurant-Takibi-in-Portland-C.jpg

PORTLAND’S TAKIBI RESTAURANT

COMBINING CAMPFIRE, FOOD, AND COCKTAILS

Emerson Fry

IT IS OUR ONGOING GOAL TO BE AS CLOSE TO ZERO WASTE AS WE CAN GET

INSIDE OUT COLOURS

ZARA HOME’S NEWEST EDITORIAL

PLEATED EFFECTS

THE FOLDS PLAY WITH THE MATERIALS

IT’S BACK TO SCHOOL!

THE VINTAGE-CHIC TREND

PARIS ART EXHIBITIONS TO VISIT THIS MONTH

SEA NEW YORK

‘EXPLORATION OF HANDCRAFT’ RESORT 2022

BEHIND THE SCENES

The Wingate Home in Portland, Oregon

THE ROW

‘EARTHY DETAILS’ SPRING 2022 READY TO WEAR

SALONE DEL MOBILE

ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT MILAN DESIGN WEEK 2021

Have you taken in the newly reopened La Samaritaine yet? It looks absolutely stunning- I know it will be my first stop the next time I adventure in Paris (even before I seek out my first macaron of the day)!

THIS YEAR’S MUST-SEE MOVIES TO ADD TO YOUR WATCH LIST

TINY HOMES

When ecological awareness is awakened, the entire habitat is redesigned, upset.

SNOW PEAK CELEBRATES LIFE OUTDOORS

CONTINUING ITS “LIVE WITH LOVED ONES IN PLACES YOU LOVE” THEME

japanesemags_desktop.jpg

DIVERSIONS

THE CULT-LOVED JAPANESE MAGAZINES YOU SHOULD BE READING

AN ADORABLE HOUSEBOAT NAMED OLIVE IS LOOKING FOR A NEW OWNER IN LONDON

THE 59-FOOT ABODE WAS DESIGNED BY ITS ARCHITECT OWNERS

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WINDSOR

SPRING 2022 READY TO WEAR

IS MINIMALISM FASHION MAKING A COMEBACK?

AWKWAFINA IS THE MOMENT

(WHETHER SHE LIKES IT OR NOT)

CASABLANCA

‘MASAO SAN’ SPRING 2022 READY TO WEAR

Y/PROJECT

EXPERIMENTAL GARMENTS THAT ALLOW THE CONSUMER TO BE JUST AS CREATIVE AS THE PRODUCER

‘LOOK GOOD WITH A CLEAR CONSCIENCE’

FAVORITE SUSTAINABLE BRANDS BY JESSICA DAVIS

DESIGNER STEPHEN BURKS

UNVEILS A COLLECTION CREATED WITH BEREA COLLEGE’S STUDENT CRAFT INITIATIVE, A SERIES OF HOME ACCESSORIES THAT EXPLORE THE POSSIBILITIES OF CRAFT AND DESIGN THROUGH COLLABORATION

252801_BLOX_havnen_Foto_BLOX_Rasmus-Hjortshj.jpg

COPENHAGEN’S CULTURAL INSTITUTIONS

GOLDEN DAYS FESTIVAL, 3 DAYS OF DESIGN, AND COPENHAGEN ART WEEK TAKE PLACE DURING THE FOLLOWING WEEKS

NEW YORK FASHION WEEK

OFFICIAL NEW YORK FASHION WEEK SCHEDULE SPRING/SUMMER 2022, SEPTEMBER 7 - 12

MONIQUE LHUILLIER

‘IT’S A NEW DAY’ SPRING 2022 READY TO WEAR

WATCH THE 2021 MET GALA LIVE

HERE’S HOW

MASSART,

A LITTLE TIME, A LOT OF ART!

FALL 2021 WORKSHOPS

MATE-MONO

CHANGING THE FABRIC OF JAPAN’S TEXTILE INDUSTRY

IKEA OFFERS AN EXPRESS NAP

AND DELIVERS IT ALL OVER PARIS

VALENTINO

‘WHAT THE WOLD NEEDS NOW’ FALL 2021 COUTURE

BOAT OR ROCK? A MOVING ROCK FORMATION IS SEEN OFF THE COAST OF MARSEILLE. Artist Julien Berthier built a hyper-realistic rock with epoxy resin placing it on top of a worn-out found boat. l’invisible takes shape as an artificial rock that modestly intrudes the environment of marseille’s coast and gently modifies its landscape. the rock can be driven and cruises around, creating the awkward vision of a drifting landscape.


After that whirlwind summer, who’s up for some apple picking?

May the fun be with you,

Anne