Gucci Giardino, the fashion house's second bar worldwide, has opened in Umeda, Osaka, fusing Italian and Japanese cultural elements in contemporary sensibility.

From its signature cocktails with a nuanced act of storytelling and exclusive aged sake to Michelin starred dining and Laboratory culinary experiences, Gucci Giardino offers an intersection of mixology, art, cuisine, and fashion.

The menu is created in collaboration with Gucci Osteria da Massimo Bottura Tokyo.

Image credit: Gucci | Sebastian Viguera

Nov 28, 2024

Transparent, the circular audio brand from Stockholm with striking designs, has released a speaker that embeds the bold, geometric forms of 1950s brutalist architecture, designed to stand as a 'monument of sound and design', harnessing a form that contributes to sound performance.

The towering structure encapsulates a vast acoustic volume, the geometric shape disperses sound waves uniformly, the dense material delivers optimal acoustic properties, and the elevated vantage points of tweeters at a 90° angle enrich broader dissemination of an immersive soundscape.

Image credit: Transparent

Nov 27, 2024

Architect Kengo Kuma and Swedish furniture brand Gärsnäs collaborated to create the HidaHida chair, blending Eastern architecture with Scandinavian design.

The chair, with its frame made of steam-bent beech or oak wood and upholstery in fabric or leather with pronounced seams that lend it a hand-sewn feel, exudes haute couture in its structural design.

Image credit: KKAA | Gärsnäs | The Conran Shop Daikanyama | COAD & Materials. PG gallery

Nov 26, 2024

ŌURA, the Finnish smart ring pioneer, is partnering with Dexcom, a leader in glucose sensing, to combine glucose data from Dexcom devices with health metrics collected by the Oura Ring, unlocking comprehensive insights into users' metabolic health, such as how diet, sleep, and activity affect glucose levels.

The partnership signifies a move toward healthcare consumerization, equipping individuals with not only diabetes management but also preventive care.

Image credit: ŌURA | Dexcom

Nov 24, 2024

Bottega Veneta has partnered with the lighting design brand Flos to recreate Gino Sarfatti's Model 600 lamp from 1966, a design that influenced the spirit of experimentation in the 1960s.

The lamp retains its original reflector shield, which swivels to adjust the light's direction and spread, and its flexible base that allows tilting or tumbling without falling, while incorporating Bottega Veneta's signature Intrecciato and Intreccio Foulard leather weaving techniques for the base.

Image credit: Bottega Veneta | Flos | Gino Sarfatti

Nov 23, 2024

Continuing our discussion with Paco Morales, SELENPARC delves deeper into the synthesis of his creations and the pursuit of a culinary dialogue across cultures.

Image credit: Paco Morales | Noor Restaurant

Nov 22, 2024

Delving into culinary's crossroads, SELENPARC is honored to explore the visionary work of Paco Morales, the chef behind Michelin three star restaurant Noor, located in Córdoba, Spain.

Paco Morales, through culinary archaeology, resurrects the essence of past eras by unearthing ingredients only available at each era, reborn in modern lens.

Image credit: Paco Morales | Noor Restaurant

Nov 21, 2024

Audemars Piguet and KAWS unveiled a collaboration that combines horological precision with contemporary art, culminating in a limited edition Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon 'Companion' watch and a sculpture positioned atop the Musée Atelier Audemars Piguet in Switzerland.

The watch, with a new hand-wound movement designed specifically for this model, was developed over two years to merge art with the rigorous design demands, from horological precision to the strictest standards of materials.

Image credit: Audemars Piguet | KAWS

Nov 21, 2024

Jaime Hayon returns to the origins of his creative process with his solo exhibition 'Bestial' at Art Basel Miami, starting December 1, 2024, hosted at the Mindy Solomon Gallery.

The exhibition, which marks a quarter century of Hayon's journey, explores the intersection of nature and humanity, and the intrinsic connection between animalistic instincts and human emotions, continuing his odyssey of fragility, uncertainty, and self-discovery through hyperbolic creatures.

Image credit: Jaime Hayon | HAYONSTUDIO

Nov 20, 2024

Thomas Heatherwick unveils a limited edition hand-blown glassware collection that reflects the architectural ingenuity and biophilic vision behind his design of the Bombay Sapphire distillery at Laverstoke Mill, constructed a decade ago.

The collection presents gin and tonic glasses and decanters hand-blown by UK artisans, characterized by a pleated hourglass silhouette with a striking blue base.

Image credit: Heatherwick Studio | Bombay Sapphire

Nov 20, 2024

Maison Margiela has inaugurated its premiere flagship store in Seoul's Hannam district, revitalizing a 1970s residential structure with architectural elements that embrace the brand's unconventional 'appropriate use of the inappropriate' philosophy and décortiqué technique.

The space includes a garden and a café in partnership with Bonanza Coffee, and hosts an art project, 'Hacking: 5AC Bag', showcasing reinterpretations of its iconic 5AC bag by contemporary artists from Korea and Japan.

Image credit: Maison Margiela | Bonanza Coffee

Nov 19, 2024

Louis Vuitton has opened a five story experiential space in NYC that serves as a flagship during its Fifth Avenue renovation, blending its legacy with modern artistry through spatial designs by Shohei Shigematsu of the architecture firm OMA, as well as the US debut of Le Café Louis Vuitton, a library concept housing nearly 650 books, and Le Chocolat Maxime Frédéric.

Image credit: Louis Vuitton

Nov 17, 2024

Thom Browne has partnered with The Shilla Hotel in Seoul to launch the 'Thom Browne Experience', a first of its kind concept room that introduces Browne's new home collection, available throughout December 2024.

The room, exhibiting high standard craftsmanship and design from collaborations with esteemed brands—Baccarat, Christofle, Frette, and Haviland—is complemented by an exclusive package including a bottle of Thom Browne X Barons de Rothschild Champagne, executive lounge access, and more.

In conjunction with the experience, the hotel opens an ephemeral store for the Thom Browne Home collection.

Image credit: Thom Browne | The Shilla Seoul

Nov 16, 2024

Genki-ro, created by artist Takashi Kuribayashi, is an art installation set in a historic underground quarry that blends natural wellness with art, serving as an herbal steam sauna designed to stimulate all five senses.

The transporting experience, crafted to invigorate both spirit and body, is meant to evolve over time through visitor interaction, becoming a living piece of art.

Image credit: Genkiro No.06

Nov 13, 2024

Alessi, the renowned Italian design house, has launched its first café, Alessi Espresso, at Dosan Park in Seoul, blending coffee culture with its iconic design concept.

The space is designed by Michele de Lucchi, a luminary in Italian architecture and design, with coffee developed in collaboration with Jang Moonkyu, a distinguished finalist in the World Coffee Roasting Championship.

Image credit: Alessi

Nov 12, 2024

The Sun Tower, a multicultural venue designed by OPEN Architecture on the coast of the Yellow Sea in Yantai, serves as a giant sundial, with its alignment and openings precisely calibrated to follow the path of the sun.

The concave design amplifies the sounds absorbed from the ocean, funnels natural light, and optimizes airflow and tunnel cooling, transforming invisible energies into tangible experiences that connect urban life with nature's timeless rhythms.

It houses a library, an observatory, an outdoor theater, exhibition spaces, a café, and a bar, among others.

Image credit: OPEN Architecture | Jonathan Leijonhufvud

Nov 11, 2024

The Macallan Estate in Scotland, an architectural marvel that sculpts into the land as a verdant swell, has unveiled TimeSpirit, a new dining experience created in partnership with the 3 Michelin starred 'El Celler de Can Roca' and designed by David Thulstrup, the renowned architect behind Copenhagen's Noma.

Image credit: The Macallan

Nov 10, 2024

Lake Como’s air is contained in cans, enclosing 400ml of pure air purportedly collected from the lake.

The concept, aimed at providing a tangible memory to carry back home a piece of Lake Como's serene and elegant atmosphere, is intended as a souvenir that repurposes as pen holders, plant pots, or stationery containers once the air is dispensed.

Image credit: Lake Como Air

Nov 7, 2024

Designer and architect Philippe Starck has crafted LA Almazara in Ronda, Spain, a radical and transformative experiential space dedicated to olive oil and serving as a cultural center that encapsulates art, tradition, and gastronomy.

Image credit: LA Almazara | Philippe Starck

Nov 6, 2024

Ryosokuin, a historic temple in Kyoto known for its role in Zen and wellness practices, cultivates spiritual and cultural dimensions through Zen meditation, tea ceremonies, and yoga, as well as serving as a vital platform for contemporary art exhibitions.

The temple, with gardens and tea houses noted for their architectural and natural beauty, currently exhibits '黙: Speaking in Silence', exploring shared themes of nature and spirituality between artists Bosco Sodi and Izumi Kato.

Image credit: Ryosokuin

Nov 5, 2024

Arturel, a Danish design company dedicated to reducing unwanted noise and echoes to create healthy sound atmospheres conducive to relaxation, concentration, and mental wellbeing, specializes in crafting sound absorbing panels that effectively lower reverberation and improve room acoustics.

Through collaborations with Kvadrat, designers, and artists, Arturel integrates sustainable materials, cultural heritage, and artistic design to craft eco-friendly acoustic panels that merge art, heritage, and functionality.

Image credit: Arturel

Nov 4, 2024

Rick Owens has partnered with Moncler to create an off-grid mountain shelter inspired by architects Charlotte Perriand and Jean Prouvé, as well as a clothing line, merging his gothic, avant-garde design with Moncler's utilitarian vision.

The 'refuge', crafted with support from Hugh Broughton Architects for structural design that ensures resilience and efficiency in extreme environments, harnesses advanced technology to meet modern needs for mobility and ecological responsibility.

Image credit: Moncler | Rick Owens

Nov 2, 2024

Stone Island unveils "Stone Island Sound", a music initiative formalizing its longstanding connection to diverse music movements and community ties.

Embracing the mantra of 'sound as a form of research', which reflects the brand's experimental approach, the project is structured into three categories:

_STONE ISLAND SOUND_FACTORY
_STONE ISLAND SOUND_CURATED BY
_STONE ISLAND SOUND_LIVE

Available on Apple Music and Spotify.

Image credit: Stone Island

Nov 1, 2024

Martin Margiela, the elusive icon who stepped away from fashion into art, unveiled his first public sculpture, Blinds, in Antwerp—a surrealist overlay of art and revitalizing urban space.

The sculpture, dialoguing with the curiosity of passers-by, is a thought provoking piece that illuminates the concepts of visibility, privacy, and perception, conjuring the hidden aspects behind the visible world and the concepts of seeing and being seen.

Image credit: Middelheim Museum | Tom Cornille | Maison Margiela

Oct 29, 2024

Marchesi 1824, the historic Milanese patisserie owned by the Prada Group, partnered with Assouline to publish 'Pasticceria Marchesi: Savoring the Spirit of Milan'.

The book captures how Marchesi 1824 merges tradition with evolving recipes, chronicling the storied journey of a passionate Italian taste; from the emblematic panettone to the rituals that elevate a caffeine break to an art form.

Available from both Marchesi and Assouline channels, as a standalone order, and as a set paired with Classic Panettone through Marchesi online.

Image credit: Prada Group | Marchesi 1824 | Assouline

Oct 28, 2024

Jean-Georges Vongerichten, a visionary chef of our times, steps beyond culinary, into creating a residential retreat where 'Taste is Everything'.

Partnering with Terra and Lion Development Group for completion in 2027, Jean-Georges' approach to living spaces influences everything from kitchen designs to culinary experiences that bridge culture and wellness, with the unique concepts brought to life by the acclaimed architects Arquitectonica and design studio Yabu Pushelberg.

Image credit: Jean-Georges Miami Tropic Residences | Jean-Georges

Oct 26, 2024

MM6 Maison Margiela has collaborated with Timex to reimagine the retro T80 timepiece, introducing it in the forms of a wristwatch and a ring watch, a novel concept that miniaturizes T80 into a wearable shape that challenges conventional notions of versatility and how a watch is structurally perceived.

Image credit: Maison Margiela | Timex

Oct 25, 2024

Naoshima, the revered island dedicated to art and architecture, welcomes a new space of artistic dialogues in 2025, designed by architect Tadao Ando, where his harnessing of natural light is captured in a structural flow, and natural elements are integrated to harmonize with the island's landscape.

The museum, directed by Miki Akiko, embraces a shift toward more dynamic perspectives, engaging with contemporary Asian art, with the inaugural exhibition showcasing 11 artists, including Takashi Murakami and Cai Guo-Qiang.

Image credit: Benesse Art Site Naoshima | Hamada Hideaki | Yoshihiro Asada | Mitsuo Matsuoka

Oct 24, 2024

Hyatt and Peloton have designed an experience that incentivize wellness by allowing you to earn Hyatt points for workouts completed on Peloton equipment at over 700 Hyatt hotels globally.

This wellness initiative, the first to merge a hospitality loyalty program with Peloton workouts, broadens practical motivation for fitness and mutual benefits for all parties involved.

Image credit: Hyatt | Peloton

Oct 22, 2024

Designer Giestas introduces "Baking Vegan Slippers", a DIY project that lets individuals craft personalized, biodegradable slippers at home using materials like cork, agar, and algae, which are then baked in an oven.

The freedom to stylize with a personal and creative touch encourages experimentation, signaling broader practical applications in the fashion industry.

Image credit: Giestas

Oct 21, 2024

Nujiang Grand Canyon Bookstore, designed by Trace Architecture Office (TAO) atop the Gaoligong Mountains overlooking the Nujiang River in China, is an architectural ode to the harmony between civilization and the natural world, symbolizing a spiritual bridge that connects the region's ethnic heritage with its spatial journey.

The architect's vision of a forward stretching volume forms a suspended platform enveloped by canyon views, giving readers the sensation of walking in the clouds. The space includes a café, a bookstore, and a theater.

Image credit: Trace Architecture Office | Hua Li | AOGVISION

Oct 17, 2024

Atelier Ace, in collaboration with French architecture firm Ciguë, has inaugurated 'Ace Hotel & Swim Club Athens', its first location in Greece and second under the Swim Club brand.

The hotel, retaining the Brutalist architecture of the former Fenix Hotel and merging Greek modernism with the vibe of a 1970s coastal resort, places art as the central element, anchored by an orchestral art program exhibiting works by 18 local artists across diverse mediums, curated in public areas and rooms.

Image credit: Ace Hotel & Swim Club Athens | DEPASQUALE+MAFFINI | Alex Antoniadis

Oct 16, 2024

Jaeger-LeCoultre has partnered with French scent artist Nicolas Bonneville to create three exclusive fragrances, dialoguing inherent parallels between watchmaking and perfumery.

Merged through precision, avant-garde synthesis, and rarity, the fragrances instill short formulas with fewer, noble ingredients for clearer olfactory profiles, refined by modern extraction and high concentrations for potent scents.

Image credit: Jaeger-LeCoultre

Oct 12, 2024

Finland's Kyrö Distillery has launched the world's first whisky born from sauna, and an ephemeral 'Sauna Bar' designed by the acclaimed Studio Puisto architects, merging whisky culture and sauna experiences.

The unique aging process in a sauna, powered by excess heat from distillation, expedites flavor maturation and 'sweats out' disharmony, giving a distinctive twist to traditional cask aging and enriching the whisky's complexity and flavor profile.

Image credit: Kyrö Distillery Company

Oct 11, 2024

Maison Ruinart, the oldest established Champagne house, collaborated with architect Sou Fujimoto, designer Gwenaël Nicolas, and landscape artist Christophe Gautrand to revitalize and open to the public its iconic address at 4 RUE DES CRAYÈRES.

The space unveils a multi-experiential pavilion amidst biodiversity-rich gardens hosting contemporary artworks by renowned artists and showcases a metamorphosis exhibit of artisan craftsmanship that transforms raw materials into architectural and design elements through a sensory scenographic experience.

Image credit: Ruinart

Oct 8, 2024

Louis Vuitton, in partnership with Michelin starred chef Cyril Lignac and architect Marc Fornes, opened Le Café and the adjoining new store at London Heathrow Airport's Terminal 2.

Marc Fornes' organic architectural identity renders a unique spatial structure, integrated with gastronomic offerings designed for the senses and the spirit of travel.

Image credit: Louis Vuitton | Cyril Lignac | Heathrow Airport

Oct 7, 2024

KAI Yufuin, a modern hot spring ryokan designed by architect Kengo Kuma, is an organic extension of Yufuin's surrounding landscape, a subtle vanish into the natural topography.

The resort, set across cascading rice terraces resembling pebbles rippling a pond, elevates farm-like material into an art experience, with atmospheric baths magnifying the serene onsen escape.

Image credit: KAI Yufuin

Oct 4, 2024

Perrotin Gallery is opening a new space in early 2025 within London's Claridge's Hotel, reputed as the 'annex to Buckingham Palace', marking a full circle in Emmanuel Perrotin's career by reconnecting his deep ties to the UK art scene.

The new gallery will stand adjacent to the hotel's Claridge's ArtSpace Café, designed by renowned architect John Pawson.

Image credit: Perrotin Gallery | Claridge's

Oct 2, 2024

Vitra has partnered with Zurich based natural skincare brand Soeder to create its first self-care product, encapsulating the unique botanical scents and atmosphere of 'Oudolf Garten' at the Vitra Campus, designed by renowned landscape artist Piet Oudolf.

Integral to the VitraHaus experience, the 'Ever Green' liquid soap embodies connections between architecture, design, and nature, designed to transform any space into the sophisticated tranquility of the garden.

Image credit: Vitra | Soeder | Vitra Design Museum | Clemens Poloczek | Tom Licht | Dejan Jovanovic

Sep 28, 2024

L'Abysse Monte Carlo, led by Michelin-starred chef Yannick Alléno and sushi master Yasunari Okazaki, has opened in Monaco’s Hôtel Hermitage, offering an omakase experience that combines French and Japanese culinary artistry.

The space, enveloped in art and craftsmanship at its core, accentuates tactile exploration and movement with artworks and designs by notable creatives, where natural forms and Japanese architectural influences marry form with substance.

Image credit: L'Abysse Monte Carlo | Clémence Sahuc

Sep 25, 2024

teamLab is turning nature into art by transforming the storied rice terraces of Izura, Japan, into a digital landscape, paired with a natural hot spring and glamping experience.

The exhibit, opening on September 30, 2024, blends wellness, art, and nature, probing the co-existence of nature's long continuity and human activity.

Image credit: teamLab | Izura Hot Spring

Sep 24, 2024

Aesop enters into design objects, unveiling a table light with the glow of a candle in partnership with a multidisciplinary design house, Bocci, recreating Aesop's amber hue in handcrafted form.

Reborn from Bocci's first product, a pendant light designed by founder Omer Arbel in 2005, the 14p is rechargeable, wireless, and encased by two hemispheres of molten glass crafted with imprecise edges and air bubbles that give the glass lights a kaleidoscopic effect, resembling flickering candles from afar.

Image credit: Aesop | Bocci 

Sep 21, 2024

The Venice Simplon-Orient Express, a Belmond Train, unveils L'Observatoire, a sleeper carriage designed by artist JR, the visionary 'photograffeur' known for his monumental public artwork.

The suite, inspired by astronomical observatories and Renaissance Europe's cabinets of curiosity, flows through several micro-environments filled with art, bespoke craftsmanship, and hidden surprises at every turn, evoking wonder and mystery curated through JR's vision.

Image credit: Belmond | JR 

Sep 20, 2024

Alain Ducasse has collaborated with crystal brand Baccarat to open a new restaurant and bar, 'Ducasse Baccarat', at the historic Baccarat Mansion in Paris, bringing together haute cuisine and crystal artistry in a setting where art and craftsmanship intersect in thematic coherence, creating a grand yet inviting art gallery atmosphere.

Image credit: Ducasse Baccarat | Alain Ducasse | Baccarat | Prototype Studio | Anna Leonte Loron 

Sep 19, 2024

HUMAN MADE, led by NIGO in partnership with Blue Bottle Coffee, has launched an offline store with a café in Seoul's cultural district, Seongsu-dong, presenting unique coffee blends and exclusive items that draw from HUMAN MADE’s "The Future Is In The Past" motif, and a collaborative showcase with artists KAWS and VERDY.

Image credit: HUMAN MADE | Blue Bottle Coffee 

Sep 18, 2024

Sansiri, a leader in premier real estate in Thailand, introduces 'BuGaan Pattanakarn', a rare luxury residence in Bangkok styled by the world renowned designer Edward Tuttle, known for his legacy designs with Aman Resorts and Park Hyatt Vendome/Milan.

The project, envisioned as Asia's finest masterpiece, is born to merge the essence of living with experience and designed to mirror heritage with modern interpretation.

Valued at 1.45 billion baht with units ranging from 65 to 180 million baht, the project is fully completed and available for viewing by appointment.

Image credit: Sansiri 

Sep 14, 2024

As we continue our conversation with Jaime Hayon, we probe into the reflections of his journey and the inspirations that shape his transformative approach.

Image credit: Jaime Hayon | HAYONSTUDIO 

Sep 5, 2024

Delving into the world where emotional depth redefines the intersections between art and design, SELENPARC was fortunate to speak with the illustrious creative visionary, Jaime Hayon.

Image credit: Jaime Hayon | HAYONSTUDIO 

Sep 4, 2024

Continuing our dialogue in Part 2, SELENPARC exchanges further with Kengo Kuma, a titan of architecture, delving into his dimensions and cultural perspectives.

Image credit:
V&A Dundee: ©Ross Fraser McLean & HuftonCrow / Carouste Gulbenkian Museum: ©Kengo Kuma & Associates / Hiroshige Museum: ©Kengo Kuma & Associates / Audeum (audio museum): ©︎Lee Namsun, ©︎Lee Yongbaek, ©︎Taiki Fukao, ©Kengo Kuma & Associates / Whitestone Gallery Singapore: ©Kengo Kuma & Associates / Dallas Rolex Tower: ©︎Balazs Bognar / Saint-Denis Pleyel Emblematic Train Station: ©Kengo Kuma & Associates / Healthian Wood: ©︎Kawasumi-Kobayashi Kenji Photograph Office / Cidori: ©︎Kengo Kuma & Associates / Yusuhara Wooden Bridge Museum ©︎Takumi Ota

Aug 10, 2024

In pursuit of unraveling the pivotal role of architecture, SELENPARC had the honor of speaking to visionary architect Kengo Kuma, whose impact defines the era.

Image credit:
We Hotel Toya: ©︎Kawasumi-Kobayashi Kenji Photograph Office, ©︎Kengo Kuma & Associates / The Tokyo Edition, Ginza: ©︎Kawasumi-Kobayashi Kenji Photograph Office, ©︎Kengo Kuma & Associates / Kengo Kuma Portrait: ©Designhouse / 1 Hotel Paris: ©LUXIGON / Fendi Kengo Kuma: ©︎Fendi, ©︎Kengo Kuma & Associates / Carouste Gulbenkian Museum: ©︎Kengo Kuma & Associates / Botanical Pavilion: ©︎Earl Carter / Saint-Denis Pleyel Emblematic Train Station: ©Kengo Kuma & Associates / Kibi Kogen N SQUARE: ©︎Kawasumi-Kobayashi Kenji Photograph Office / Breath/ng: ©︎Dassault Systèmes 2018 Sebastien D’Halloy

Aug 8, 2024

Folly Mojave, an off-grid wilderness retreat located at the intersection of the Mojave National Preserve and Joshua Tree National Park, is designed by architect Malek Alqadi to blend seamlessly with the desert, vanishing into the landscape during daylight.

The architecture, in desert hues and textures, incorporates elements of sacred geometry, sustainable practices, and facilities that encourage wellness and connection with nature.

Image credit: Folly Mojave

Jul 31, 2024

Hyatt has partnered with Under Canvas, an upscale outdoor hospitality company, integrating the glamping experience into the Mr & Mrs Smith platform for Hyatt access; thereby allowing Hyatt members to earn and redeem points at 13 Under Canvas safari camping resorts spread across destinations located in key U.S. national parks and monuments.

Image credit: Hyatt | Under Canvas

Jul 30, 2024

The Palazzo dello Strozzino in Florence, built in 1457 and transformed into a cinema in 1922, has been reenvisioned as 'Giunti Odeon', a fusion of cinema and bookshop managed by Giunti, a prominent Florentine publishing house, offering a uniquely intertwined cultural experience with book presentations, films, art exhibitions, concerts, and a restaurant.

The evolution symbolizes a new chapter for the historic space, a testament to cultural resilience, preserving its essence while embracing new horizons.

Image credit: Giunti Odeon | Cafè Odeon

Jul 27, 2024

NOT A HOTEL, a timeshare concept hospitality brand, has announced a collaborative project with NIGO, an influential figure in the fashion and cultural scene.

Envisioned by NIGO, NOT A HOTEL TOKYO will be located in Futtsu City, Chiba.

Image credit: NOT A HOTEL Co., Ltd.

Jul 25, 2024

Le Sirenuse, a historic art boutique hotel in Positano, collaborated with artist Nicolas Party to transform its swimming pool into a mosaic art installation that encapsulates the Amalfi Coast’s landscape through abstract forms and vibrant colors, enriching the hotel's legacy of museum worthy, site specific artworks by international artists through their art program.

A mosaic of blues and greens captures the Amalfi Coast's nature, crowned by a golden sun disc as the centerpiece inviting bathers to 'dive into the sky'.

Image credit: Le Sirenuse | brechenmacher & baumann | Roberto Salomone

Jul 23, 2024

Ananda in the Himalayas, an exceptional wellness retreat in the spiritual foothills of the Himalayas, introduced a Fertility Enhancement Program to improve reproductive health through natural methods, combining Ayurvedic wisdom, Yoga, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Emotional Healing.

The program, designed for individuals and couples dealing with fertility issues, includes Panchakarma detoxification, Shamana restoration, physiotherapy, and a customized Ayurvedic meal plan, tailored through pre-arrival consultations.

Image credit: Ananda in the Himalayas

Jul 18, 2024

Ladbroke Hall, the new flagship of Carpenters Workshop Gallery in Notting Hill, London, embodies 'Gesamtkunstwerk', a total work of art, by integrating art, design, music, and culinary experiences.

The space, with contributions from notable figures, is highlighted by a Jean Prouvé-designed pavilion in the garden landscaped by Luciano Giubbilei, and a restaurant led by award winning chef Emanuele Pollini, blending fine dining in the artistic setting crafted by architect Vincenzo De Cotiis and extended to the garden.

Image credit: Ladbroke Hall

Jul 14, 2024

POUYUENJI, a brand devoted to finely curated teas, has opened POUYUENJI KYOTO, showcasing a deep respect for tea culture and craftsmanship in a reborn Kyoto townhouse designed by Tony Chi.

The boutique houses a tea room for tea ceremonies, a garden designed by landscape architect Yasuo Kitayama, and a library dedicated to tea, art, architecture, and Kyoto culture, all aimed at connecting the spiritual value of tea culture with modern life.

Image credit: POUYUENJI KYOTO

Jul 11, 2024

Mona Athens, a boutique hotel set in 1950s architecture, serves as an art & design showroom conceptualized by photographer Eftihia Stefanidi and entrepreneur Shai Antebi, representing a creation of the Athens based design studio, House of Shila.

This multidisciplinary space, designed for mindfulness and slow living, catalyzes collaborations across diverse fields, hosting soirées, art exhibits, supper clubs, and music sessions.

Image credit: Mona

Jul 10, 2024

Assouline, a premier luxury publisher devoted to elevating cultural appreciation, has opened a new boutique with a café at 696 Madison Avenue, New York, designed to render a full Assouline experience, fusing the art of fine publishing with sensory refinement.

Image credit: Assouline

Jul 5, 2024

Van Cleef & Arpels has inaugurated a new L'ÉCOLE School of Jewelry Arts campus at the historic Hôtel de Mercy-Argenteau in Paris, offering public access to museum quality exhibition spaces, classrooms, a special library, and the first bookstore, 'L’Escarboucle', dedicated to the jewelry arts.

The site, respecting the building's architectural heritage with designs led by Constance Guisset, hosts its inaugural exhibition 'Stage Jewels of the Comédie-Française', curated by Agathe Sanjuan, presenting over 120 historical jewelry pieces used in theater.

Image credit: L'ÉCOLE

Jul 3, 2024

% Arabica, in collaboration with Spanish design studio SelgasCano, unveiled its café in Midtown Manhattan next to MoMA, creating a unique design that integrates the building's original spatial characteristics and imperfections into a harmonious space that magnifies visual contrast and natural light.

Image credit: % Arabica

Jul 1, 2024

On the launch of Aesop's first signature store, 'Aesop WF CENTRAL House 19' in Beijing, SELENPARC had the privilege of speaking with Marianne Lardilleux, Aesop's Director of Global Retail Design, about the inspirations behind the space.

Image credit: Aesop

Jun 26, 2024

Once the residence of the Hermès family, Hôtel Particulier Montmartre is a hidden glimpse into Parisian history, tucked away in a secluded passageway.

With only 5 suites uniquely designed with Pierre Lacroix and set in a serene wild garden crafted by landscape architect Louis Benech, the hotel offers a mystical escape while emphasizing biodiversity, creating a unique blend of history, luxury, and ecological consciousness.

Image credit: Hôtel Particulier Montmartre | Yannick Labrousse | Sophie Gaubert | Isabela Mayer | Alexandrena Parker

Jun 25, 2024

Lancôme has collaborated with Nina Métayer, acclaimed as the world's top pastry chef for 2023 and 2024, to open Café de la Rose at the flagship Champs-Elysées location in Paris, presenting pastries that draw inspiration from the rose, Lancôme's emblematic symbol, as well as reflections of her signature ability to infuse classic French pâtisserie with innovative twists.

Image credit: Lancôme | Nina Métayer | Louise Marinig

Jun 24, 2024

Daniel Arsham has collaborated with Kohler on a design project, the 'Landshapes collection', along with a luxury cabin available for rent starting June 24 at Destination Kohler resort, integrating the collection and artistic furnishings with functional designs.

Arsham's installations are showcased throughout the Kohler property, including six large-scale sculptures placed around the golf course, while he has also collaborated with the golf apparel brand Malbon to create a line of gear that echoes the aesthetic themes of his sculptures.

Image credit: Kohler

Jun 22, 2024

Celine, led by Hedi Slimane, has unveiled a Pilates collection, an everyday workout essentials rendered in materials and designs rarely seen in fitness instruments.

The collection, launching in October, includes a Triomphe reformer, kettlebells, dumbbells, a yoga mat & block, weighted bracelets, and an array of activewear.

Image credit: Celine

Jun 20, 2024

Dior launches "Miss Dior Exhibition: Stories of a Miss", designed by architect Shohei Shigematsu of OMA, taking place at the Roppongi Museum in Tokyo from June 16 to July 15, 2024.

The exhibit celebrates the new Parfum through transformative architectural spaces that capture the sensorial essence of fragrance, showcasing scent’s history and its profound influence. The experience includes a Miss Dior Cafe serving floral desserts by Pierre Hermé, and contributions from various artists and designers sharing their views.

Image credit: Dior | Shohei Shigematsu | OMA

Jun 19, 2024

'Library of the Earth' at Kurkku Fields in Chiba, Japan, designed by Hiroshi Nakamura & NAP, is a library submerged into the earth, avoiding disruption of the cultivated soil layer and coexisting with nature.

The broader site, Kurkku Fields, envisioned by musician Takeshi Kobayashi, is a sustainable farm and park that merges agriculture, food, art, and accommodations, combined with the principle of self-sufficiency and renewable energy practices.

Art installations include works by Yayoi Kusama, David Hockney, and Anish Kapoor, and the site hosts various community events that celebrate seasonal changes.

Image credit: Hiroshi Nakamura & NAP | Koji Fujii / TOREAL | Kurkku Fields | Kohei Omachi | Yuka Yanazume | Shinkenchiku-sha

Jun 17, 2024

In light of Kitsuné's latest venture, Desa Kitsuné in Bali, SELENPARC had the pleasure of speaking with Gildas Loaëc, Co-founder and CEO of Kitsuné.

Image credit: Kitsuné

Jun 13, 2024

Kitsuné, the multi-faceted 'Paris meets Tokyo' brand, has unveiled 'Desa Kitsunè', a new concept of luxury hospitality located in Canggu, Bali, offering a unique village-like experience that merges relaxation, culinary experiences, cultural & musical events, and social interaction.

The expansive 5,000 square meters venue houses Café Kitsuné, a Maison Kitsuné boutique, a pool, and the Mediterranean-Latin fusion restaurant Ina Ré, set within an architecture that honors local Balinese and Japanese aesthetics.

Image credit: Kitsuné

Jun 13, 2024

B1 Rooftop Bistro, located atop the Helvetia Campus in Basel, designed by acclaimed architecture firm Herzog & de Meuron, bathes in the illumination of artist James Turrell's captivating light artistry.

As evening arrives, Turrell's lightworks transform the ordinary into a spectacle, inviting a contemplative engagement with light and spatial perception through his work.

The campus, preserving the mid-century architecture with modern elements, hosts public events and art exhibitions, with areas including an Art Foyer, auditorium, and a park by Vogt Landscape Architects.

Image credit: B1 Rooftop Bistro | Herzog & de Meuron | Häusler Contemporary

Jun 11, 2024

Snow Peak, the camping gear and apparel brand, launched 'Yakei Suite Aburayama Fukuoka', a unique accommodation that blurs the lines between indoor and outdoor living, designed by architect Makoto Tanijiri.

Supported by sustainable practices and local economic enhancements, the retreat offers a culinary experience, 'okamochi', that blends French cuisine with outdoor guest engagement in cooking, led by Michelin star chef Hiroki Yoshitake.

Image credit: Snow Peak YAKEI SUITE

Jun 6, 2024

Audeum, a museum of sound and art designed by architect Kengo Kuma, opens on June 5, 2024, in Seoul, where sound engages with full sensory in a design crafted as a symphony of a forest, with 20,000 aluminum pipes that emulate sunlight filtering through trees, and wood enriching acoustics.

Audeum's curated journey traces the chronicles of sonic evolution, presenting a broad array of significant pieces, and the inaugural exhibition, "Jung Eum (正音): In Search of Sound," explores what constitutes "good sound" through the lens of Hi-Fi.

Image credit: Audeum Audio Museum

Jun 4, 2024

Heatherwick Studio, led by designer Thomas Heatherwick, has been selected to transform Nodeul Island in Seoul into 'Soundscape', a cultural space designed as a multi-layered urban retreat for music and art.

Drawn by the flow and variability of soundwaves, Soundscape interacts with the natural rhythms of tides and seasons, unifying nature with the dramatic aerial contours of floating islets that form a 1.2km skywalk, providing vantage points over the city and events below.

Image credit: Heatherwick Studio | Mir

Jun 3, 2024

Kith has opened its first flagship in Korea, the brand's largest to date, spanning four floors including men's, women's, and kids' lines, along with the first Sadelle's restaurant in Asia, a Kith Treats ice cream bar, a vinyl lounge, and a flower shop.

Kith Seoul
70, Yeonmujang-gil

Image credit: Kith

Jun 1, 2024

OGATA Paris, set within a 17th century hôtel particulier in the Marais, embodies the concept of Sahō, the art of living, as a cultural embassy where the sensory arts of Japanese tea, cuisine, and craft are explored and celebrated.

Created by Shinichiro Ogata, a visionary of design and hospitality, this pivotal destination in Paris bridges East and West, providing a seamless journey through intricately curated environments that engage, educate, and inspire through beauty and thoughtful design.

Image credit: OGATA

May 25, 2024

Zenbo Seinei, perched on Awaji Island in Japan, is a unique meditation/yoga retreat for the mind and body, designed by the illustrious Pritzker Prize architect Shigeru Ban.

The retreat, a 100-meter span of timber suspended over the lush canopy, offers an unbroken bond with the verdant environment, seamlessly integrating architecture with the tranquil practices of meditation, yoga, and plant-based nourishment.

Image credit: Zenbo Seinei | Shigeru Ban - Architects

May 17, 2024

Aesop unveiled its first signature store in Beijing, 'Aesop WF CENTRAL House 19', and concurrently launched 'Aesop Home: A Sensory Voyage', a temporary extension to the space running until June 10, 2024.

Set within a historical mansion area, this introspective sanctuary of senses honors traditional courtyard home architecture from a residence once owned by a cousin of the Qing dynasty's last emperor, preserving the original structure while blending modern elements that reflect a deep respect for craftsmanship and materials including large teak structures inspired by classic step-beds and a summer temporary pavilion featuring a retractable structure draped in waterproof canvas and crimson xiangyunsha tea silk.

At Aesop Home, a realm unfolds in the second courtyard where the senses guide the narrative. From the intimate corners of private courtyards to the communal warmth of each house, every area invites reflection and connection, resonating with the art of living that defines the Aesop experience.

Image credit: Aesop

May 16, 2024

On the occasion of Daniel Arsham's 'Bangkok 3024' exhibition celebrating the 10th anniversary of Central Embassy, SELENPARC spoke to Arsham in an exclusive interview.

Image credit: Daniel Arsham | Central Embassy

May 15, 2024

Central Embassy is celebrating its 10th anniversary with Daniel Arsham's first exhibit in Thailand, 'BANGKOK 3024'. This exhibit transforms the space into an archaeological site, merging past with future, and presents cultural icons as decaying relics that challenge and evoke perceptions of time and culture.

Located in Bangkok's most vibrant district, Central Embassy has served as a nexus for luxury retail and culture since 2014, cementing its reputation over the years as a premier art and fashion destination. In celebration of this milestone, SELENPARC conducted an exclusive interview with Daniel Arsham and Barom Bhicharnchitr, the Managing Director of Central Embassy.

Image credit: Daniel Arsham | Central Embassy

May 15, 2024

Piaule Catskill, a modernist wellness retreat in the Catskill Mountains, New York, has collaborated with Fritz Hansen, integrating the outdoor collection 'Skagerak' into the property, emphasizing minimal ecological impact and natural aging processes.

Skagerak, crafted from sustainably sourced wood, includes 43 product series and encompasses pieces designed by notable architects and designers, including a collaboration with the architectural firm Bjarke Ingels Group. Outdoor pieces at Piaule are designed by:

Anders & Lars Hegelund
Aurélien Barbry
Niels Hvass
Povl B. Eskildsen
Stine Weigelt

Image credit: Fritz Hansen | Piaule Catskill | seandavidson

May 14, 2024

Fabula, the much anticipated summer terrace restaurant at the picturesque Carnavalet Museum in Paris, has returned this year for its third season.

This season, the venue has welcomed Chef Thomas Chisholm, a 12th season 'Top Chef' known for his cross-cultural culinary philosophy at Chocho, and Mixologist Vincent Diener, winner of the Bartenders Challenge 2023, who crafts cocktails inspired by the museum's gardens and incorporates botanical elements.

Image credit: Fabula | Maki Manoukian | Cedric Randriamalala

May 10, 2024

Architect Kengo Kuma is designing 'Kempinski Saigon River,' the hotel's first property in Vietnam on the outskirts of Ho Chi Minh City.

Inspired by the vernacular architecture of rural Vietnam and emphasizing natural beauty as the central component of the experience, the design features a lush ratio of 170 trees per person. The project is slated for completion by 2026.

Image credit: Kempinski | Ecovillage Saigon River

May 8, 2024

Cité Radieuse, visionary architect Le Corbusier's post-war masterpiece in Marseille, stands as seminal modernist architecture that influenced the global Brutalist movement, serving today as both a living area and a center of culture that houses an art gallery, hotel, and restaurant.

Chanel unveiled its Cruise 2024-25 collection at the rooftop MAMO art center, underscoring Le Corbusier's enduring architectural relevance in modern culture.

Image credit: Fondation Le Corbusier | Hôtel Le Corbusier | Chanel | Jamie Hawkesworth | Fabien Dendiével

May 3, 2024

The Gardens of Kerdalo, a remarkable botanical garden with over 40 years of history and acquired by fashion designer Christian Louboutin, have been revitalized with a new tea room 'Cherree on the Cake' set in an Anglo-Breton atmosphere, and a boutique for gardening enthusiasts.

The garden, home to over 5,000 plants in English and Italian styles, is renowned for its artistic landscaping and the natural topography of a hilly farm by the Jaudy river, reflecting Christian Louboutin’s vision as a guardian dedicated to unimpeded growth and beauty in a contemplative space.

Image credit: The Gardens of Kerdalo | Florent Tanet | Enora G.

Apr 30, 2024

Toraya, a historic Japanese confectioner, has transformed its Ginza Building with architect Hiroshi Naito, creating a revitalized space that houses the new Balenciaga flagship store, an esteemed ceramic art gallery, an exclusive gastronomy restaurant, and a bar, both led by Chef Kei Kobayashi, the first Asian in France to receive 3 Michelin stars.

Visit www.maisonkei.jp for restaurant reopening details.

Image credit: Toraya | Balenciaga | Ginza Kuroda Toen | Maison KEI

Apr 29, 2024

180 The Strand, a Brutalist landmark in London transformed into a vibrant cultural hub, houses diverse spaces that support and showcase art, hospitality, and businesses, including 180 Studios, Soho House, the Michelin-starred Ikoyi, along with galleries, studios, and a wellness facility.

The Vinyl Factory, a key component of the 180 The Strand ecosystem, hosts a vast multimedia exhibition, REVERB, exploring the intersection of art and sound with over 100 artists from 22 May to 28 September 2024.

Image credit: 180 Studios | The Vinyl Factory | Soho House | Ikoyi

Apr 22, 2024

AMAHARE, a purveyor of fine crafts and art in Japan, has opened a serene space for a gallery and Sweets & Tea Salon in a restored 130 year old house in Kyoto, where historical integrity meets contemplative space that integrates gardens and a courtyard, interplaying with natural light and shifting seasons.

Shouya Grigg, a renowned photo artist and hospitality innovator deeply connected with nature, is currently holding his exhibition at KYO AMAHARE, running until May 12, 2024.

Image credit: AMAHARE | Satoshi Asakawa | Eri Masuda | Yuka Yanazume | Ayumi Sakuragi | Ayumi Okamoto | Shouya Grigg

Apr 20, 2024

Anderson C, a prominent brand specializing in vintage furniture in Korea, has expanded into Seongsu with a new venue that combines a restaurant and café within a space that blends modern and 1960s architecture, serving as both a showroom and cultural hub.

The location is hosting the "I Remember You" photo exhibit by Apple on April 12-13, showcasing international artists' works captured on iPhone, exploring themes of nostalgia and memory.

Image credit: Anderson C | Karl Hab | Vivien Liu | Khan Jae Hun | Mika Ninagawa

Apr 12, 2024

Jacquemus has announced the opening of a new restaurant, beach, and boutique experience in Saint Tropez, marking a return to gastronomic ventures. 'Jacquemus La Renaissance' revamps the interior of a Riviera café & brasserie, emphasizing a light and refined aesthetic inspired by Southern French ambiance.

Image credit: JACQUEMUS | JACQUEMUS LA RENAISSANCE

Apr 10, 2024

MUJI has launched 'MUJI BASE TESHIMA,' a new Airbnb stay on the art-rich island of Teshima, revitalizing a 90-year-old house with a minimalist aesthetic, vintage Japanese furniture, and artworks/crafts by Setouchi artists.

Image credit: MUJI | Airbnb

Apr 9, 2024

Awon, set against the clouds of Jongnam Mountain and bamboo forest in Korea, is a collective space of 250-year-old 'hanok (Traditional Korean house) hotel' with an art gallery and museum, embracing the architectural philosophy of 'borrowing from nature' for structural balance and the beauty of emptiness and form.

The gallery exhibits renowned ceramic artist Ree Soo Jong until May 26, 2024, showcasing his lifelong mastery of moon jars that reflect the beauty of traditional Korean ceramics and embrace natural imperfections.

Image credit: Awon Museum & Hotel

Apr 2, 2024

The Bourse de Commerce, once a Commodities Exchange, restored and redesigned by Tadao Ando over a decade, stands as a temple of art in Paris, blending modern art with historical architecture, inviting emotional connection and reflection through Ando's minimalist designs.

The current installation by Kimsooja reimagines the dome with an invitation to reflection and levitation, and the hidden restaurant, La Halle aux Grains, led by Michelin-starred chefs Michel and Sébastien Bras, offers gastronomy nodding to the historic origin, with a view of the dome and the city.

Image credit: Bourse de Commerce | Kimsooja | La Halle aux Grains | Delphine Constantini

Mar 27, 2024

LE LABO's new flagship & café in Kyoto, set in a former sake brewery built in 1879, blends its original architectural elements with sustainable aesthetics, offering a sensory domain that includes Japan's first café and a Craftsmanship Room that showcases rotating artisan exhibits.

The inaugural exhibit showcases Manabu Kamo's calligraphy on Kuroya Washi paper, capturing the essence of the Satoyama landscape and daily life complexities, with customers able to personalize their product labels with his work at select sessions.

Image credit: LE LABO | Manabu Kamo | Koujudo Oda

Mar 21, 2024

Phillips, a leading global auction house, has announced the opening of the first-ever Phillips Café, situated within its Asia headquarters in Hong Kong.

The café, operated by The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong, offers Western and Asian cuisine and is designed by the award-winning studio LAAB Architects, in the WKCDA Tower designed by Herzog & de Meuron.

Image credit: Phillips

Mar 19, 2024

Nikolaj Kunsthal, the former St. Nicholas Church in Copenhagen, repurposed as an art space, is notable for its blend of medieval architecture and modern art exhibitions.

The redesigned café & shop led by architect Morten Emil Engel seamlessly unites historical and contemporary elements, earning praise from architecture and design media.

The venue also hosts unique gourmet events like the 'Red Dinner' amidst an exhibition of art & fashion and offers a wine tasting experience high above the city.

Image credit: Nikolaj Kunsthal | Paolo Galgani

Mar 16, 2024

'Donkou / Kissa Fang' in Kyoto, envisioned by book director Yoshitaka Haba and designed by architect Yasushi Horibe, blends a library and café amidst a cypress forest, embodying a desire for serene, slow-paced urban retreats with its unique blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern design.

The 3,000-book collection showcases Haba's 20-year journey in literature, while the café 'Kissa Fang' offers an introspective coffee experience, specializing in dark roasted coffee made with in-house roasted beans and a flannel drip method.

Image credit: Donkou / Kissa Fang

Mar 14, 2024

Jaime Hayon has transformed the ninth floor of The Hyundai Daegu into 'The Forum', a fusion of culture, café, and garden, drawing inspiration from ancient civilizations, notably the Roman Colosseum and Egyptian and Greek art to craft a dream-like, kaleidoscopic world.

Image credit: Jaime Hayon | The Hyundai

Mar 7, 2024

Halo Paris, in a historical building from 1748, offers a unique blend of fashion and dining, where a concept store/gallery showcases emerging designers and a hidden restaurant led by Chef Victor Blanchet from 3 star L'Arpège and Top Chef 2023 serves Basque and Mediterranean-inspired cuisine.

The space, designed by architect Lucie Rosenblatt of the Mur Mur Architects, exhibits a minimalist interior with a high glass roof from the Eiffel era, transitioning from a naturally lit ambiance to a subdued, candlelit atmosphere in the evenings.

Image credit: Halo Paris | Lauren Spitznagel | Yvan Moreau | ilyafoodstories | Clelia Stevenard | PROJECT 213A

Mar 6, 2024