be my guest... issue 63
While you should have been in Paris last week, it's ok if you weren't. Because these four discoveries from the City of Love, are here to stay. (For a few months, at least!)
SOULS and sounds in Paris
There are a few reasons why I went to Paris last week—the new exhibition at the Bourse de Commerce wasn’t one of them. So when I unknowingly squeezed in a visit to Corps et Âmes shortly before my departure, I certainly didn’t expect to be drawn in within seconds. But there I was, standing in the middle of the Pinault Collection’s circular Rotunda, with Arthur Jafa’s video installation Love Is the Message, the Message Is Death (2016) in front of me and Kanye West’s Ultralight Beam in my ears (a critical soundtrack choice, no doubt). I could have spent an hour in that space. And yet, the rest of the exhibition is just as unmissable: Georg Baselitz’s eight hanged men are powerful, Miriam Cahn’s portraits unsettling, Deana Lawson’s photographs captivating. The show as a whole examines the artistic depiction of the body and soul, and that’s precisely where it struck me. On view until August 25.
pinaultcollection.com
Jewelry for the TABLE
A fixed point on the aforementioned trip, however, was the second edition of Matter & Shape. Held annually in the Tuileries Gardens, the salon invites visitors to discover the latest collaborations, projects, and standout newcomers in furniture, product, and object design. One of my favorite discoveries this year? The glassware of Justine Menard, a young creator born in Paris and based in Barcelona. Her mouth-blown glasses, vases, and ashtrays take on fluid, organic shapes so delicate that Menard herself describes them as table jewelry, with each piece «retaining its poetry». Speaking of jewelry—Menard originally trained as a bijouterie designer and offers a few exceptional pieces in her online store. I’m just saying: the brooch!!!
justinemenard.com
© The Oblist / Justine Menard
The COLORFUL journey of Lea Colombo
At just 32 years old, Lea Colombo’s portfolio is already filled with more achievements than most could dream of in a lifetime. As a photographer, she has Vogue covers and Versace campaigns under her belt. As an artist, she’s had solo exhibitions in L.A., Milan, Paris, and her hometown, Cape Town. As a designer, she has created clothing, jewelry, and, in recent years, furniture—which, in turn, was featured in a Bottega Veneta campaign under Matthieu Blazy. The list goes on. The red thread running through all her work is, indeed, often red—or any other bold color, to which Colombo attributes spiritual power and energy. At her Matter & Shape booth, I couldn’t help but fall head over heels for her Twin Flame dining table. Made of stones like quartz, red jasper, and amethyst, each element «holds a depth of ancient wisdom, color, and texture». I’m moonstruck.
leacolombo.com
© Lea Colombo
BODE does it better
For once, the most exciting new opening in Paris wasn’t a restaurant or a natural wine bar, but the flagship store of American fashion brand Bode. Located near Palais Royal in the prestigious 1st arrondissement, it’s a rare example of what a boutique should be in today’s world: a creative extension of the brand and an experience so special that you completely lose track of time. At Bode in Paris—a brand young in age but old in soul—you’ll feel right at home. The lighting is low, the walls are wood-paneled, and the antique furniture, partly sourced from Parisian flea markets, is as chic as it gets. The space is filled with objects and curiosities that the team collected with this specific city in mind, long before the store location was found. A display of family photographs add a personal touch–so does the store’s scent, developed by Buly founder Ramdane Touhami. The fact that Aaron Aujla, the founder’s partner and the designer of the space, was there personally to welcome visitors by the door, only added to the charm. Now that’s class. Bode, 6 rue de Valois, 75001 Paris.
bode.com
© Bode / Cerruti Draime
That’s it for this week, folks. See you soon.
Bisous, Charlotte
Charlotte Fischli
Editor, Arts & Culture
Get in touch: hello@charlottefischli.com.
@charlotte_antonia
www.charlottefischli.com
All images are mine unless stated otherwise.