COS and H&M Home

The occasional appearance of deep wine colors in the Autumn/Winter is nothing unusual — but the past few years we have been playing with a much more neutral palette (especially in the minimalism world), a lot of nudes, ‘greyges’, taupes and the sporadic deep brown.

This year on the other hand, we are seeing colors in all their splendor. Making a statement more than an appearance. From vibrant blues, coral oranges, musky greens, deep reds all the way to my favorite color of the season, these almost moody shades of burgundy.

I’ve always loved the power of color. It's classic yet chameleonic. It's pure elegance when it’s treated with honest simplicity.

What is your favorite color of the season? Do tell.

Tom Newton

I’m soon approaching that age in life when women start feeling an urge to splash out on high-end skincare products... and when things that never mattered to me now matter. Things like Alpha Hydroxy Acids, Collagen, Propylene Glycol Hylorounic Acid and lots of other complicated jargon.

Though the thought of being forever young sounds inviting to some, what resonates a lot more with me is the chance to age gracefully and naturally.

Lines of expression are exactly that. Marks on our faces that say we’ve laughed a lot, that we’ve had a full life. That we’ve aged—therefore we’ve had the privilege to LIVE.

The “beauty” industry is there, waiting for us to start questioning how to go about flash-freezing our age (on our faces) so they can fill our minds with more doubt and more worry—making it seem glamorous and necessary to buy the most expensive “miracle” products; products that contain things we cannot even pronounce, let alone pinpoint what it really is that we are putting on our faces.

The one thing they do not tell us, though, is the most important and least glamorous secret... and that is that good skin starts from within. Literally, health starts from your gut. Isn’t that so enticing? I know it isn’t, but that is the honest truth. Your gut is the most responsible for your immune system, where detoxifying enzymes and nutrients are created—so smothering a detoxifying mask on your face every week or spending a ridiculous amount of money on masks containing rich live nutrients serves no purpose if you are not eating well.

Your skin is very telling of how well you eat and how much water you drink. So before you make an appointment with your facialist or ask your dermatologist how many creams, balms, serums etc. to buy, make sure you are battling the war from within:

1. Start your day with lemon I know coffee is a bare necessity or at least it is for me... but do not run to your coffee machine as soon as you wake up. Instead grab a tall, lukewarm cup of water and squeeze in half a lemon. This helps flush your digestive system and re-hydrate your body after your 8 hours (you better be sleeping at least eight!) of sleep.

2. Take it down a notch Have a de-stressing routine daily, whether that’s hardcore exercise, yoga, meditation, a walk through the neighborhood or time of prayer. Look for ways in your day to find balance and peace; this does very well to your soul AND gut.

3. Drink a lot of water (duh!) Like you’ve never heard this before. I know you have but, really, DO IT! Water is the best way to detoxify your system, it hydrates your skin and helps your digestive system—and who doesn’t want that, right?

4. Eat probiotics and lower your sugar intake These 2 go hand-in-hand because sugar depletes good bacteria from your gut... so while you might want to introduce yogurts and some sort of pickled vegetable to your diet in order to produce good bacteria, you may also want to make sure that those are not filled with sugar.

5. Hail to all vegetables! Make sure that the biggest portion of your meals is a good amount of vegetables (preferably steamed or sautéed). Why put a Vitamin C mask on your face when you can be eating delicious berries, tomatoes, baby spinach…

Finally, let me tell you this: Beauty products, in general, should be there to enhance your natural beauty, not to change or mask your best traits. Show off those freckles, be proud of how thin or plush your lips are. Leave those eyebrows alone and please, protect your skin from the sun and clean it with love.

Non-optional to have at your disposal: A mild cleanser, a good balm and sunscreen (always!).
How do you take care of your skin? Care to share?

Giorgos Sfakianakis

A gastronomic experience that brings the French "je ne sais quoi" and unique Greek energy and flavors together. That’s what Bon Bon Fait Maison has aimed to do in the Kythira Islands—where the Ionia, Aegean and Cretan seas meet.

The story behind this project takes place in Paris, where the founders of the place are from. They embarked on what seemed to be a run-of-the-mill trip to Greece—only to fall in love with not only the Island but also the gastronomic scene, the paradisiacal scenery and its people.

Chef, Kriton Minas Poulis, is the brains behind this operation; he embodies the gastronomic philosophy of BON BON Fait Maison—and does it with so much elegance it's hard to believe how laid back the place and its menu can be—including homemade sorbets, French galettes and buckwheat flour crepes (and much more). All made with a beautiful selection of traditional Greek products.

The Interior Design Laboratorium is responsible for the design identity and the result is an obvious home run.

Based in a traditional two-story refurbished building from the 1860's, the design evokes the Greek Summer and the slow pace of life in the Greek islands. The intention of the study was to create a space that subconsciously awakened memories of a childhood Summer vacation within their visitors.

All materials were carefully selected to add to the narrative: from its look to the table, BON BON Fait Maison is truly an emotional and gourmet experience.

Photography via Pierre Yovanovitch

cA sense of sobriety, elegance and uniqueness characterizes Pierre Yovanovitch’s work—since 2001. The French Studio stands out for their refined architectural style. The ultimate perfectionist, Pierre Yovanovitch, approaches each project as a work of art.

Their international debut takes place in the United States under the name "Oops". The installation includes Pierre’s personal creations. The whimsically titled pieces like 'Woody'—A walnut-framed, low and boxy chair named after Woody Allen, the Designer’s signature chair 'Bear Armchairs' in papa, mama and baby sizes give away the prolific imagination of designer, Pierre.

My personal favorites are those stunning Marsha lamps which I can only deem as 'superb'.

You can find the presentation in the R & Company gallery running through October 26th, 2017.

Adidas' newest collaboration is making every minimalist's heart throb. In the company of Tokyo-based brand Hender Scheme, Adidas pays homage to iconic sneaker silhouettes and makes history by collaborating with another footwear brand for the first time.

The shoes show a lot of the intrinsic personality of Hender Scheme and the origins of Adidas. Not to mention the shoes are manually produced in tanned leather with the absolute mastery of Ryo Kashiwazaki—an innate designer and founding father of the brand.

The luxurious re-inventions of the classic MicroPacer, NMD R1 and Superstar are wearable works of art.

Golden is an Aussie interior design Studio founded on true sophistication. One that is exceptional and strikingly comfortable.

What’s not to love about a team which by their own definition is "pedantic about material quality and reveres customization"? I know—they are genius. So much so that picking one project to put under the spotlight was impossible... and not that I didn’t love them all but there are three that tickled my fancy and resonated with me a tad bit more.




In no particular order:

Bob Salon

Located in South Yarra, Melbourne, this minimalists’ dream compliments the salon’s philosophy, based on natural ingredients. A solid reclaimed Ironbark door gives way to a blush of dusty-pink stone left unfinished at its edge. Dusty-pink stone left unfinished gives the design personality—and tan leather recliners an air of luxurious comfort. The final product is a private and cozy minimal space.
















Photograpy ©️ Sean Fennessy

Sum of Us

Based in Prahran, Melbourne. A wellness and physiotherapy center like no other. This studio combines yoga, Pilates and an in-house café. Inspired by the concepts of transformation and connection. This project embraces the Victorian surroundings and details, bringing in a connection to natural light rather than blocking it. The touches of indigo blue in this neutral space flow without appearing displaced.

























Photograpy ©️ Sharyn Cairns

The Penthouse Residential

Located in Hampton, Melbourne. The home is a display of true sea-side glamour. A moody color palette and statement pieces make this a work of art. Materials like natural stone, burnished metals, and dark stained timber offer sophistication and texture. This home has a soul of its own, wrapped in elegance and distinction.





























Photograpy ©️ Brooke Holm

How not to fall absurdly in love with such craftsmanship and on-point creations? All I need now is a cup of warm tea . . . and for you to tell me which one you love the most—if you can decide, that is.