The capital city of Germany dating back to the 13th century Berlin is an veritable wonderland of culture, art, and innovation. Sitting just behind London as the second most populace city in Europe, its a city where centuries of history and the future itself can be felt at once. I was fortunate to be able to travel there for this year's Berlinale spending nearly all of my time strolling the streets and taking in their incredible art scene. The Bauhaus Archive is a must see for all of you Mies fans, as is C/O Berlin a gorgeous space dedicated to international photography. Make sure you spend some time in the areas of Mitte and Neukölln boasting great food and a down town vibe, and stroll along the East Side Gallery - an open-air gallery consisting of a series of murals painted directly on a 14,000 foot long remnant of the Berlin Wall.
Crushing on... Cold Picnic
Whether you are in the market for a rug, throw pillow, or planter, Cold Picnic founding partners Phoebe Sung and Peter Buer have designed perfectly whimsical objects for your home. The duo formed Cold Picnic in 2010 after digging through library book sales for all things 1970s arts & crafts, ancient cave paintings, African textiles, and Native American history. Each piece is made by hand. I am in love with the above throw blanket named Shipwrecked in a gorgeous 80%recycled cotton. Cold Picnic carries on the tradition of storytelling through symbols.
Covetable... Fog Linen Eye Mask
I have written before about my love affair with the Fog Linen brand. From gorgeous frocks and totes to napkins and hand forged scaled-up brass safety pins. But when I saw this buttery soft eye mask in their signature washed linen, I just swooned. Made from linen and leather with a velcro fastening, use this for sleeping or napping any day of the week, and bring it along when you travel for sweet dreams on planes and hotels wherever you roam.
Must See... We The Animals
Film maker Jeremiah Zagar has adapted the groundbreaking debut novel by Justin Torres, We The Animals, that plunges us into the chaotic heart of one family and the intense bonds of three brothers into a singularly original and poetic film. Having just won the NEXT Innovator Award at this year's Sundance Film Festival, We The Animals has been touted as "This Year's MoonLight" in IndieWire, "A Poetic Battle Cry of Childhood" by Screenanarchy, and "Mesmerizing" by the Hollywood reporter. Produced by Paul Mezey (my darling husband) and Andrew Goldman of Cinereach, an extraordinary film company dedicated to vital, artful filmmaking, WTA is the newest of their critically acclaimed must see films from the production house that has brought us Beasts of the Southern Wild, Sorry to Bother You, Beach Rats, Brimstone and Glory, Dina, The Florida Project, Night Comes On, and numerous other award winning narrative and documentary films.
Loving... Hope
HOPE is one of my favorite Swedish fashion brands distinguished by a passion for high-quality garments that inspire individual style. Founded in 2001 by Ann Ringstrand and Stefan Söderberg HOPE’s design aesthetic is honest and direct, with an uncompromising attitude towards craftsmanship. Their collections deliver on the need for unfussy functional garments, seasonal must-haves and elevated basics.
Postcard from... British Columbia
I could wax poetic about Vancouver, B.C. ...the art, the food, architecture, the people, the quality of life... all world class and all noteworthy, but Capilano Suspension Bridge Park took my breath away. High pedestrian suspension bridges and boardwalks weave you through the boughs of 400-800 year old pine forests, lichen gleaming and mist on the rise, it is a sensational experience any day of the year. I trekked the treetops in teaming rain on an unusually cold day, and still the beauty eclipsed the weather.