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Interview: vowels Creative Director, Yuki Yagi

Insight from the Japanese designer on his debut NYC store and its on-site research library

David Graver

23 October 2024

Japanese designer Yuki Yagi’s brand, vowels, recently landed in NYC and has become a haven for those looking not just to be inspired by archival fashion, architecture, design and media, but by the well-curated and tailored selection of pieces he has designed for the community. vowels specializes in high-quality pieces—and craftsmanship and attention to detail set their garments apart. Serving as both showroom and library, vowels New York has redefined the modern shopping experience. We sat down with Yagi to chat about how he brought this vision to life. 

Can you tell us what made Bowery the perfect location for vowels’ first US store?

We chose Bowery as a good balance between SoHo and the LES for building up a community. We wanted to be downtown as a lot of our community and collaborators are based in that area so Bowery was the perfect place to connect with new consumers and our existing community.

We’re intrigued by your in-store research library concept. Can you tell us more about the vision behind it and what types of materials you’ve curated for it?

The concept is to provide a space where people can dive deep into creative inspiration and knowledge. It’s meant to be a resource for anyone but especially those in the fashion, design and art worlds where customers and creators alike can explore and refine their style and ideas. We’ve curated materials like vintage fashion magazines, rare design catalogs, historical photography books and art publications that reflect the brand’s unique perspective and concepts. We also include contemporary resources related to current creators and trends, ensuring the library is always a place of fresh discoveries.

The idea of incorporating a research library into a streetwear store feels so innovative. What role does research play in the creative direction of your collections?

For my designs, I often begin by delving into the materials available in our research library. When people come into the store, they can see that many of the books are marked with notes that show exactly which books I used to design pieces in our collections.

Do you see this library as a space for customers to explore and be inspired, or is it more of a resource for the design team? Perhaps both?

The research library is a place for customers to explore and to be inspired. The office in Tokyo has its own selection of books used for seasonal design inspiration. As a team, we use the library to enhance our designs and grow on the method of Shu Ha Ri (守破 離), where one must master the fundamentals of a creative practice before breaking those rules and reconceiving the form.

With sustainability becoming a key focus in fashion, does your research library include any special focus on sustainable materials or design practices? How is vowels approaching sustainability within your collections?

Our approach to sustainability, particularly is rooted in supporting local economies and craftsmanship. By working with local manufacturers and artisans in Japan, we are not only ensuring high-quality production but also helping sustain the economic ecosystem of these regions. This, in itself, is a form of sustainability—one that preserves traditional methods, provides jobs, and keeps communities thriving. Additionally, the high quality of the products ensures they last much longer, reducing the need for frequent replacements. This longevity contributes to sustainability, as well-made garments not only have a smaller environmental footprint but also offer lasting value to the customer. By combining craftsmanship with durability, we focus on creating pieces that stand the test of time. 

Many streetwear brands cater to a specific subculture or community. How would you describe the community you’re building through vowels, both in Japan and now here in New York?

We’re creating a brand that hasn’t really existed before, shaping it as we go, and discovering what it means to us and those who resonate with it, both in Japan and now in New York. It’s an evolving journey that reflects the uniqueness of this moment.

As someone who straddles two vibrant cities—Tokyo and NYC—how do you see these two worlds influencing one another within the streetwear scene?

I think that Tokyo and New York each have their own vibe, but they influence each other in a natural flow. Tokyo’s precision and detail mix with New York’s bold creativity, creating something fresh. Both cities are all about self-expression, and that constant exchange keeps streetwear evolving, with each taking and reworking what they find from the other.

What do you hope people will take away from visiting your Bowery store? Are there any special experiences or exclusive collections in store for those who come by?

I hope people will frequent vowels, given that we are continuing to build out programming efforts for the space. That said, we’ve hosted lectures and screenings tied to the library’s contents, the architects behind the design of our space ANY [Michael Abel + Nile Greenberg[, and more casual record listenings and hang outs.

Finally, if you could sum up vowels’ philosophy in three words, what would they be?

 Never stop learning.

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Interview: Sabyasachi Opens in New York City

The acclaimed designer on how he continues to share Indian culture and couture through his own lens

David Graver

11 October 2024

In the summer of 1999, a young Bengali student named Sabyasachi Mukherjee graduated from the National Institute of Fashion Technology India and four months later founded his eponymous brand. Since, he has come to dress not just some of the biggest actors in Bollywood (an industry that eclipses the American movie industry in revenue) but expand his reach across the globe with flagship stores and distribution in the various fashion capitals of the world, most recently opening one of New York City’s most opulent and glamorous stores. 

Thanks to his incredibly elegant designs, which seamlessly blend traditional Indian craftsmanship with contemporary fashion, Mukherjee landed the attention of an ever-developing audience. As Western fashion culture opens its doors to new participants, it’s no surprise that Mukherjee continues to make such a significant impact, having already dressed various celebrities for some of the top fashion events of the year including the Met Gala and Oscars—while remaining fiercely loyal to his Indian roots. Recently, he hosted an event for the Great Elephant Migration in his West Village store, and opened his doors not just to 100 life-sized elephant sculptures but to New York’s fashion, elite including Carolina Herrera, Waris Ahluwalia, Martha Stewart and countless others. 

We sat down recently with Mukherjee to discuss not just his design ethos and perspective, but how he continues to share Indian culture and couture through his own lens. 

Your work effortlessly blends traditional Indian craftsmanship with contemporary fashion sensibilities. How do you maintain that delicate balance?

Being a global traveler, I get to see the best the world has to offer. I understand the talent and skill our local communities possess, and realize my Indian roots make my designs unique. My success comes from an ability to synthesize the DNA of our local artisans with the needs of the global consumer. Before I was a designer, I worked as a stylist. That background of understanding how people dress has helped me create collections that bridge the gap between local craft and international style.

Your designs are often a celebration of opulence, yet they carry a softer elegance. What inspires this juxtaposition of grandeur and subtlety in your creations?

The center of my sensibility has always been Calcutta, a city that reigns supreme in opulence and cerebral sophistication. I think the city’s intellectual heart is manifested in the multitude of creative individuals from here. As a Bengali, I’ve had access to this great mixing of hedonism with the sophistication of culture. This is how I grew up; it has shaped my consciousness.  

You’ve spoken about the importance of nostalgia in your work. Can you share how your personal memories or cultural heritage influence your design process?

I have grown up in a beautiful city, Calcutta, that has been the heartbeat of a glorious culture that inspired exceptional poets, philosophers, Nobel Laureates, writers, artists, filmmakers and designers. When your life is surrounded by such richness and history, you carry it into the future. Nostalgia automatically becomes a part of your creative language.

Your collections often feature a strong narrative. How important is storytelling in your design philosophy, and how do you weave it into the fabrics, colors,and embellishments of your pieces?

I don’t think people buy products anymore. We buy philosophy, culture and values. Through our purchases, the mind is able to travel into a greater human community. It is important for luxury to tell stories about provenance: the communities and history that bring about creation. By using traditional fabrics, heritage embroideries and generational crafts we are telling the story of local artisans and the many lifetimes of dedication embodied in each stitch.

Collaborations like your recent partnership with Morgenthal Frederics have expanded your global reach. How do you approach maintaining your Indian identity while working with other brands? 

A collaboration is only successful if there is mutual respect between both parties. If each company upholds its traditions and stays true to its identity, the sum will be greater than the individual parts. If Sabyasachi cannot tell an Indian story, then I will not enter into the agreement. With Morgenthal Frederics, the common theme was traditional hand craftsmanship: their frames are developed using the same heritage techniques as Sabyasachi jewelry. We wanted to create something together that was precious, timeless and classic, which is the ethos of the brand.

Your brand is not just about clothes, but about an entire lifestyle—whether it’s interiors or jewelry and all your stores, especially the NYC store, exhibit this. How do you continue to build the world of Sabyasachi in a three-dimensional way across the board and making each place feel unique but also part of the larger brand story?

I have always maintained that Sabyasachi is not just a fashion brand, but a lifestyle brand. In their attempt to scale, modern companies have lost the very essence that made fashion work: the sensorial and the atmospheric. I combine those experiences in all of my stores, in the stories we tell, and in how we service our clients, even down to our packaging. What people are buying today is not just a product, but a philosophy. Everything we do reflects our commitment to upholding the heritage, sophistication, and quality of India.

You’ve cultivated a strong community of artisans who are integral to your creations. How do you view your role in preserving and promoting Indian craftsmanship in the global market?

I am unique in the market because I am Indian, and I have always said that India is not a third-world economy but a first-world civilization. We have many age-old techniques and crafts that are superlative. India has so many stories to tell; we have just forgotten how to tell them. We must take a page from the French and market them. In my lifetime, I want to create India’s first global luxury brand by using Indian craftsmanship. I truly believe it’s the best in the world, and you can only preserve that knowledge by creating a strong sense of commerce around it. 

How do you stay ahead of trends while still holding onto the timelessness that defines Sabyasachi?

Early in my career, I told myself that if I had to choose between financial growth and greater value, I would choose value. The quest for top-line revenue often leads to short-term decisions that spark business but eventually fade away. If you are chasing value, the business becomes timeless. We rarely do runway shows; I don’t follow fashion seasons. We bring out collections when there is something important to say to the market; otherwise, our product remains timeless and classic. By swimming against the tide of greed within the fashion industry, we have built a business of integrity—one that gives value and pride to our consumers.

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Interview: Raul Lopez, Founder and Creative Director of LUAR

We sat down with the fashion designer ahead of his SS25 show

David Graver

11 September 2024

Raul Lopez has been tirelessly designing since the age of 12 but over the last ten years, his namesake brand, LUAR (Raul spelled backward), has captured the attention of the fashion and cultural communities. Lopez’s eye-catching designs weave in personal topics—whether that’s religion, his upbringing in New York City or the joyful nature of Dominican heritage. Lopez has become an inspiration to young creatives across the globe, as well, through not just his clothing but also his messaging.

In February of this year, Beyonce graced LUAR’s Bushwick, Brooklyn runway show—and her support only heightened interested in Lopez. This season, in advance of his SS25 show, the designer teamed up with American Express, long known for their patronage of the arts and culture, for a limited edition version of one of his iconic silhouettes, the Ana bag. We sat down with Lopez in anticipation of the show, to chat all things NYC, culture and design.

How does your background and history as a native New Yorker play into your work and collection? 

I love that I’m able to partner with brands to put together amazing runway shows and after parties. I’m always told that there’s such a New York energy at my shows, and I think it’s because my community is so involved in our brand identity. The kids that are a part of our world remind me so much of who I was at their age—the defiance, the boldness. 

What’s your ideal night out in NYC? 

Fine dining with my friends at a restaurant that we know and love.

What do you see at the intersection of food and fashion?

It’s about presentation. There’s creativity in food just like in fashion. The same way you can decorate a plate and be moved by the flavors in a dish, you can be moved by seeing a fab look go down the runway.

What do you hope young kids likely sneaking into your show take away from your work and message? 

Don’t let your circumstances define you. Never lose your resourcefulness, because you can create something really great and be an inspiration for the next generation.

How did this partnership with Amex come about and how did it feel like a natural extension for your brand? 

I had been wanting to make a gold version of the Ana bag for a while, so when American Express approached me, there was no hesitation.

What are the design elements that make the Ana bag so recognizable?

The Ana bag comes from references of my grandmother’s bags from the ’60s. When approaching my collaboration with American Express Gold Card, it made sense for me to highlight the different colors that the card comes in: Signature Gold, Rose Gold and the newly released White Gold. Also, for the first time, we added charms to the bag that also reflect the different benefits of the card including travel and food. 

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Nespresso’s New Pantone Color and Iced Coffee Releases

Insight on the brand’s new limited edition collection that aims to capture the spirit of the summer season

David Graver

15 July 2024

Despite the varied ways that people take their coffee, the fundamentals of coffee culture remain the same: delicious, aromatic beans transformed into a flavorful beverage. That said, people have very personal ideas on how they take their coffee and why. For nearly 40 years, Nespresso has helped people make their ideal cup of coffee at home. Having already offered dozens of flavors from across the world each year, this season Nespresso is taking their fans to the Mediterranean as part of their limited edition summer collection featuring their iced coffee-centric flavors. We sat down with Stephen Kill, Nespresso’s Director of Brand Communications, to dive not only into the brand’s new colorway and design, but also the launch of their new flavors. 

 Nespresso has a new, distinct Pantone color. How did this come about?

Every summer, Nespresso unveils a limited edition collection of products and coffee blends designed to capture the essence of the season. This year, we aimed to transport consumers to the Mediterranean’s spectacular beachside destinations by creating a vibrant collection with the expertise of Pantone Institute. The Pantone Mandarin Orange color anchors much of the collection and is complemented by shades of Pantone blue, gold and cream, allowing consumers to savor Mediterranean vibes no matter where they are enjoying their Nespresso coffee. 

How does the new color bring the heritage and spirit of Nespresso to life?

Working with Pantone to develop a bright, distinct color was a natural fit for Nespresso. Color and innovative design are central to our brand, coming to life in the diverse rich hues of our capsules and machines. This focus on color not only elevates the aesthetic appeal in consumers’ homes but also plays a crucial role in how people interact with their coffee experience. Each coffee capsule features a unique color or pattern, creating an emotional and sensory connection with a particular coffee. This approach helps people navigate our portfolio easily, with many of our passionate consumers using color as shorthand to describe their favorites, such as “The Purple One” or “The Yellow One.”

Coffee is a complex product, with intricate blends and flavors that Nespresso takes seriously. However, color allows us to offer simplicity and approachability, making it easier for everyone to enjoy the perfect cup of coffee.

Along with the new color, you’re releasing new flavors, with an emphasis on brewing at-home iced coffee. Tell us a little bit more about the flavors and the push for iced coffee?

At Nespresso, we focus on versatility and meeting our customers’ needs, which is why we’re emphasizing at-home iced coffee in our offerings during the hotter months. Recognizing its growing popularity, we’ve included iced coffee in our portfolio for more than five years and continue to introduce new, limited edition flavors such as Liminha (Lemon + Mint), Watermelon, and this year, Vanilla Almond.

How is the new machine better equipped for creating at home iced coffee?

Consistency and quality are crucial for being the go-to iced coffee solution. Unlike other in-home machines, Nespresso’s Vertuo system brews double espressos, which are optimal for great-tasting iced coffee. The 2.7oz double espresso brewed over ice melts just enough to maintain the integrity of the coffee flavor and aromatics without diluting the drink. The Vertuo system’s versatility is its standout feature, capable of brewing a variety of sizes and styles of coffee. Smaller capsules brew espresso, while larger capsules brew full cups of coffee.

For a perfect double espresso over ice, simply select a double espresso capsule, press the brew button and enjoy. Additionally, our new “Coffee Creations Mode” is a game-changer for our loyal coffee drinkers. By pressing the brew button twice, you can activate this mode to brew our larger capsules as double espressos. We like to say, “Click Twice for Ice,” as this feature creates a more concentrated flavor profile that holds up when more water is added from the melting ice.

How do you go about sourcing your coffee flavors and beans?   

The Nespresso promise is a perfect coffee, cup after cup, at the touch of a button. To deliver this promise, we rely on a stable supply of the world’s highest-quality coffees. To ensure this, we focus on making coffee farming sustainable, respecting both the environment and the people involved. This commitment is central to our business strategy and forms the basis of our unique approach to coffee sourcing: the Nespresso AAA Sustainable Quality Program. We partner with world-leading sustainability experts, including Rainforest Alliance and Fairtrade, to ensure the AAA Program creates a real and lasting impact.

Can we expect more of these types of developments in the future?

We will continue to push the boundaries of our technology to provide unique and breakthrough ways to enjoy iced coffee.  We have a strong pipeline of products and partnerships that we’re confident our consumers will enjoy. Stay tuned.

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Interview: Sake ONO’s CEO, Lana Buchanan

A flavorful liquid from a brand on a mission to redefine the category

David Graver

2 July 2024

Rarely, outside of Japan and other Asian nations, do people consider sake as something to be enjoyed casually or even outside of a culinary or omakase experience—let alone as a mixer for a cocktail. Enter Sake ONO and their debut Junmai Daiginjo. On a mission to redefine the alcohol category, Sake ONO has set out to create the first international “modern lifestyle” sake brand while introducing new consumers to the world of this versatile liquid. We sat down with Lana Buchanan, the CEO at Sake ONO, who is steering the brand toward their mission to make sake everyone’s favorite drink.

What differentiates Sake ONO from other premium sakes on the market? 

Sake is truly an art form; we believe that each brewery and sake is unique in its offering. For our core offering, we partnered with Yoshi No Gawa, a brewery from Niigata, Japan that was founded in 1548. They kindly created a Junmai Daiginjo for us that delivered on the key profile expected of the style—honeydew, lemon peel, white flower and green apple—notes with an umami backbone. There’s also our unique twist, a crisp and clean finish without any residual sweetness. It creates a liquid that pairs beautifully with everything from oysters to charcuterie. That same finish is what allows for Sake ONO to stand out in classic cocktails like a Martini or a Negroni.

What type of emotions are you trying to evoke in enthusiasts and what’s your favorite way to drink it?

We want to be a nice surprise. There is nothing more exciting than seeing someone try our product neat in a white wine glass or in a cocktail. The moment they taste and say “I never thought of sake like this” is one of the best reactions we can have. To be part of a moment of discovery is rare, and something that connects you to the consumer. My favorite way to drink it is chilled in a white wine glass. The tapered shape concentrates the aromas, so you get the full impact of the notes as well as a great way to experience the color and clarity of the sake. 

What does it mean to create the first “modern lifestyle” sake brand?  

Our goal is to build a brand that connects. It’s every brand’s mission to mean more to their consumer than just the basic offering, to become something they are proud to share with friends and think of as part of their repertoire. This takes time, consistency and dedication. You have to show up across your consumer’s ecosystem in both expected and unexpected ways and deliver a great experience each time. So, our focus right now is offering an award-winning product, surprising consumers with great cocktails and pairings, and overall bringing our sake to a new audience across our markets.

How do you see sake continuing to expand across the world? 

Sake already has a global presence driven by the popularity of Japanese cuisine. What we see is an evolution of sake beyond the traditional sushi bar, driven by the popularity of fusion concepts and trade interest in lower ABV alternatives for white spirit-based cocktails. This opens the door for sake to enter new restaurant concepts and bars. While growth continues in developed markets outside of Asia—like the US, Canada and the UK—we believe that there will be more opportunity in Europe and South America in the future.

Tell us a little more about the history of the brand and how you came to be involved. 

The brand was the dream of our founding families for over 10 years. They spent a lot of time thinking about the opportunity and how they could bring the amazing experiences that they had in Japan to a broader audience in the US. I was introduced to the founders several years ago through a former colleague and we proceeded to talk every few months about their progress and ideas. With every conversation, I grew more and more excited about the idea and their vision. After 17 years in the industry, to be part of something that can redefine a space or bring innovation is rare. Last fall, we decided that I would join the team to lead the company and develop the launch—which finally happened this April. It’s been a fast paced nine months, but we are all very excited for the brand to finally be in front of consumers and for the team that we are building at Sake ONO.

What can we expect from Sake ONO in the future?

We are going to stay focused on driving trial with our consumers across top bars and restaurants across our markets this summer. From The Lobster Club in New York to the Mayborne in Los Angeles. We are working on some great events and brand partnerships where we plan to pour Sake ONO for guests and surprise them with frozen serves that my team has been developing. In the coming year, we hope to bring another one or two styles to our portfolio that will continue to build on the Sake ONO experience. 

Your website has many strong cocktail recommendations. Which one is your favorite? 

Our team loves creating new cocktails. Would you believe we have over 50 more developed that aren’t up yet? I am a martini girl, so the Crisp Wit is definitely a personal favorite. It pairs perfectly with a steak or oysters and has approximately half the ABV of a classic martini, a perfect alternative for after work.

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Interview: Noma’s Chef Rene Redzepi

From thoughts on a welcome return to Kyoto to musings on a partnership with American Express and Resy

David Graver

16 May 2024

Whether it’s wildly popular depictions of life in the kitchen in award-winning shows like The Bear or reservations at the top restaurants being all but unattainable without planning months in advance, the simple act of going out to dinner has become anything but. Now, it seems more so than ever, people are chasing fine dining destinations and immersive culinary experiences. It’s with this in mind that we sat down with Noma‘s chef extraordinaire, Rene Redzepi, and Bess Spaeth, SVP of Premium Products at American Express, following an exclusive pop-up dinner hosted within Centurion New York in partnership with Resy. Noma is a dream for many, and American Express made it possible for some of their members.

Let’s begin with the origins of this partnership.

Rene Redzepi: Our long-standing partnership with Amex, our only collaboration of this kind, has significantly impacted noma. This relationship has enabled us to plan further ahead and dream bigger than ever before, sharing noma beyond our restaurant in Copenhagen. It has also expanded our network, allowing us to meet new guests in a way that has been incredibly fruitful and beneficial for both our team and our organization.

Bess Spaeth: American Express has a relationship with noma going back 14 years. For the last seven, Amex and Resy have partnered with noma to create special dining moments for Card Members around the world, including a 5-night dinner series in Brooklyn in 2021 and dedicated nights for Card Members at Noma’s Kyoto pop-up last year. When Noma returns to Kyoto this year, Card Members will again have access to reservations through American Express.

What can people expect from Kyoto?

RR: It feels like we’re going back home—except that this time, we get to explore the astonishing array of ingredients that fall in the region: wonders that grow in the forest, beautiful seafood and a variety of game. On our second journey around Kyoto, I believe we can create something even better than before. Japan is a country deeply rooted in connections and relationships, and what we’ve built in Kyoto over the last three years will greatly benefit us this time around. For our guests, the experience will be entirely different, thanks to a new season and a fresh set of ingredients. I can’t wait to be back.

How do you go about figuring the menus and flavors for future seasons given the limitations on ingredients available in Noma’s native Denmark?

RR: After nearly 21 years at Noma, living through the Danish seasons has given us a robust understanding of our ingredients and a unique method of cooking. There’s no hesitation in doing what we need to do today. The initial five to 10 years were challenging, but now, with tools like fermentation and preservation, we can capture the best of spring, summer and autumn. During winter, when not much grows on land, we turn to the ocean, which is at its peak season. We’ve adapted to this seasonal approach, and it really works for us.

What’s one thing you hope people learn about Noma and your practice from this experience and partnership?

RR:  I hope that Noma reminds people of how incredibly rewarding it can be to try new things.

How does amex plan to continue this type of partnership and experience and will there be other restaurants you work with? 

BS: This collaboration is part of the unparalleled access to unique people, places and VIP experiences that only American Express Centurion can provide for its members. Noma at Centurion New York is the latest in a distinctive line-up of member-exclusive events. We’re excited to continue curating moments throughout the rest of the year that connect our members with the things they love. We work with many top restaurants in the US and around the globe. Between Daniel Boulud’s creation of the menu at Centurion New York and Global Dining Access by Resy, we are fortunate and excited to continue partnering with a breadth of amazing restaurants and chefs to create memorable moments for card members.

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A Taste of Clase Azul’s San Luis Potosí

The beloved brand’s new mezcal is made from luscious, regional Agave Verde

David Graver

6 May 2024

Clase Azul has had a busy couple of months. From their enigmatic Dia De Los Muertos blend that launched at their new destination in Mexico City last fall to new, exclusive blends such as their recently released San Luis Potosí Mezcal, the brand’s master blender and friend to Cool Hunting, Viridiana Tinoco, has not slowed down. Carefully and methodically, Tinoco has led Clase Azul’s portfolio expansion in nuanced and delicious ways, creating expressions that evoke feelings from the different facets of Mexican culture and cuisine. We sat down with her to discuss her latest expression hailing from San Luis Potosi and celebrating the essence of the state’s desert slopes and valleys. 

Tell us a little about this latest expression and how it came to be. It’s fairly unique compared to some of the other editions Clase Azul has.  

With each mezcal expression in our portfolio, we look to highlight Mexico’s best kept secrets. With our latest offering, we looked to pay tribute to the state of San Luis Potosí. For this mezcal we used Agave Verde, a variety that is native to the region. We worked with a small local community of Estación Ipiña, adopting their processes to create a product unique to the area. This process involves steam cooking in vaulted stone ovens, milling in a Chilean mill, extracting the juice from the cooked agave with tahona and a double distillation in copper stills, that occurs simultaneously in separate stills, each contributing its own profile. These are all traditional methods that contributed to the uniqueness of the spirit.

How does the San Luis Potosí terrain differ from those of Durango and Guerrero? 

San Luis Potosí’s terrain is very dry with very few visible wildlife at first glance. The agave we use grows on the semi-desert slopes of the area at an elevation of around 6,500 feet above sea level. When we compare it to our other mezcals, we see a terrain in Guerrero that is very humid and a terrain in Durango that is semi-arid. This along with the three different agaves used and the different distillation processes, produce three mezcals that are completely unique in profiles because of the agave, the production processes and the terroir of each region.

Walk us through some of the flavors on the palette and nose that people can expect

Clase Azul Mezcal San Luis Potosí features aromatic notes of cooked agave, caramel, green chile, sweet fruit, freshly cut grass and wildflowers, with herbal flavors featuring hints of caramel, lime zest and clove, with a mineral and spiced aftertaste.

What does this pair best with? 

We recommend pairing it with aged or fresh goat cheese, whey cheese and green olive. If you are looking for something sweet, we recommend red plum, lychee and white or ruby chocolate.

Each bottle is created to complement the amazing elixir inside. Can you tell us a little bit about it? 

For this decanter we were inspired by the legends of the Huachichil, nomads of the region whose name means “heads painted in red,” as they were known to adorn themselves with red dye, emulating the plumage of the red finch. The carvings in the decanter represent the plains and mountains they called home, along with green agave plants native to the region and of course, the red finch who was considered a guardian of their tribe.

Each bottle top is created by artisans. Can you tell us about the woven cap, colors and how that came to be?

The cap is handmade by Mexican artisans using a technique that creates intricate designs using colored yarn and represents the mythical red finch in light under a starry sky, keeping vigil over the dreamlike landscape of the desert mountains and valleys where the Huachichil people used to wander.

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Silencio Founder Arnaud Frisch on Opening in NYC

There’s an opulent new outpost of the storied French club and cultural hub

David Graver

20 February 2024

Sandwiched between a dollar pizza spot and a legal cannabis dispensary in Hell’s Kitchen, you’ll find a door that leads down a flight of stairs to an alley that comes to another door. When you enter, you’re greeted by opulence. This is Silencio, the latest French nightlife export to land in NYC. Known for their late-night parties in Paris, Silencio has opened up outposts in Ibiza and a second in the City of Lights, while only dipping their toes in the US market (with an Art Basel pop-up almost 10 years ago). While the original location credits filmmaker David Lynch as the designer, the brand new spot was richly imagined by Crosby Studios‘ founder Harry Nuriev.

On Silencio’s opening night, you could see Swizz Beats holding court, drinking Tres Generaciones tequila, to celebrate his personal art collection, known as The Dean Collection, being displayed at the iconic Brooklyn Museum. On another night, Olivier Zahm—under a plume of smoke and his eponymous baseball hat and sunglasses—was chatting French cinema and the new edition of Purple Fashion Magazine. In between parties, we sat down with bon vivant Arnaud Frisch, Silencio’s founder, to talk all about his NYC plans and what revelers can expect in this hidden gem. 

Location is crucial in NYC, so why did you choose to open in Midtown West rather than a more fashion-forward area?

The Hell’s Kitchen/Midtown area is rich in history and legends. We think of the Studio 54 era and a time when celebration thrived here. For Silencio, the historical dimension of the location is significant, just as it is in Paris, situated in the heart of the second arrondissement in the former offices of L’Aurore newspaper, where J’Accuse from Émile Zola was printed. The location was a gamble. No one thought this area could welcome the likes of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, The Weeknd or Dua Lipa. This concept extends to Silencio des Pres in the former cultural hub of Saint Germain des Pres. In New York, the aim is to embody this unique spirit of celebration and cultural openness and establish a presence in a vibrant cultural ecosystem. We consider our neighbors iconic cultural hubs, places like MoMA, the Met Museum, Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall and Broadway.

What type of clientele are you hoping will become regulars here?

At launch, the club will open three times a week, from Thursday to Saturday. Our project is to create parties in collaboration with artists and DJs, fashion designers, galleries and film studios. We hope to attract a clientele seeking enjoyment and a connection.

The original Paris location has rich cultural programming for members. Can we expect something similar in NYC?

Our current members cultural programming includes weekly premieres with directors like Ruben Ostlund or Damien Chazelle, literary conversations with writers like Bret Easton Ellis or Roberto Saviano, live music with musicians like Lana Del Rey or Kendrick Lamar, performances with artists like Takashi Murakami or Björk, dinners with chefs like Massimo Bottura or Mauro Colagreco and private openings or launches. We also have access to a co-working space in Saint Germain des Pres and in our international network of partner clubs, priority access to the club and pop-ups at the Cannes Film Festival, the Venice Biennale and exclusive programs for Paris+ by Art Basel. We extended it to Ibiza, and aspire to offer a similarly rich program in New York.

Speaking of membership, the Paris location is technically members-only. Can we expect something similar in NYC?

Silencio clubs and restaurants are open to non-members who appreciate music and the arts.

You’ve had a star-studded launch with The Dean Collection and Purple Magazine. Can we expect more events with your other French collaborators and friends in the future?

We had the chance to host amazing events for the opening, such as The Dean Collection, Purple Magazine and the after-party for the premiere of “One Love” with Rohan Marley and an exclusive YG Marley show. We are planning to host our Parisian collaborators, with 99Ginger and Harry Nuriev this week, as well as international and local talent.

The room itself looks beautiful, with red velvet and gold. Can you speak a little more about the design direction and the feeling you’re looking to evoke among patrons?

The design, created by Harry Nuriev from Crosby Studios, who is a fan of David Lynch, draws inspiration from the original club on rue Montmartre. The idea is to provide an environment where people feel comfortable, can be themselves and enjoy themselves in a sumptuous setting.

How about the cocktail menu? New York is a city known for its cocktails. Do you have favorite spirits and drinks that made their way here?

We collaborated with Remy Savage, one of the world’s best mixologists, across all our establishments. The menu is articulated around the contrast between the approachability associated with disco cocktails (echoing the Studio 54 era) and the elegance often associated with French products. 

You’ve opened Silencio in various parts of the world. How do you make them feel distinct but still part of the same family? How does NYC fit into this?

Silencio is fundamentally about bringing creative communities together, offering spaces designed for that purpose—our brand’s identity. Each project is designed around the history of the town and the location with David Lynch and Raphael Navot in the right bank of Paris, Studio KO in the left bank, balearic designers More Design in Ibiza and Harry Nuriev, who is based between New York and Paris, for our latest location. 

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Interview: Scott Mescudi (aka Kid Cudi) on His New Clothing Line, Members of the Rage

A new commitment to pushing the boundaries of fashion

David Graver

20 December 2023

Scott Ramon Seguro Mescudi is a man of extraordinary talent—whether he’s applying it to writing, directing, acting, or as many throughout the world have seen, performing on stage under the moniker Kid Cudi. Now, Mescudi adds designer to his growing list of accomplishments. Further, Mescudi recently earned an honorary masters degree from the Istituto Marangoni Miami (IMM), one of the top fashion and design schools in the world, thanks to his recently launched collection, Members of the Rage (MOTR). Much to the joy of his mother, who was sitting in the front row, Mescudi joined the long list of distinguished graduates from the IMM, with a degree that doesn’t just reflect his accomplishments in the world of fashion and design, but also his commitment to the next generation and to pushing the boundaries of fashion. 

We were able to sit down with the recent graduate to chat about Members of the Rage and what the future holds for this enigmatic artist. 

Tell us a little about Members of The Rage. How’d it come to be and what was the inspiration?

Members of the Rage kind of started around 2016. That was when I first attempted to get it started, and the samples I sent out came back terrible. I got discouraged for four or five years. It wasn’t until 2021, when I was in New Zealand working on a movie, and I was in quarantine for two weeks. I was like, I can’t be just sitting in this room not doing anything. I have to do something. I think I finally need to conjure up my clothing line and concept and figure out what it is.

During that time that two weeks, Members of the Rage was fully formed. I came up with the name and I reached out to Nigo at the time to help me out with the logo. It was truly just me wanting to do everything that encompasses Scott Mescudi; it’s everything that I’m about. I’m a 39-year-old man. I was raised in the nineties. I love that era. I kind of wanted to do something that fit along those lines and in that realm and mix it up with some new twists and put a new futurism stamp on it and just try to make it fun and playful.

We’re here celebrating your partnership with the incredible Istituto Marangoni Miami. What are you most excited about with this partnership?

Oh man, it is really crazy because when I walked off the stage after I got my master’s, the first thing the president of IMM says to me is that we have to do something else. He was like, “maybe we can come up with a scholarship in your name.” I was like, “holy shit. Yes. That’s perfect.” There are plenty of opportunities for me to come back to the school, connect with the kids, talk to them, maybe incorporate some of the designs into MOTR. There are so many different opportunities to connect with the youth. 

What are you hoping a new generation will take away from this experience and Members of the Rage?

I want people to really understand that this is all passion. Everything I do is built off of passion. And if you’re really passionate about something, you’re willing to put in the work and the time to learn and grow, it will be so successful. I think that’s what a lot of young kids need to understand. There’s nothing better than betting on yourself—so bet on yourself. Really rise above all bullshit and show up and execute. That’s one thing that people have a problem doing: executing. People dream all day, but they don’t know how to execute a dream. That’s my skill set: I’m a master at executing a dream. I got here just working on that for over a decade. 

You have such an amazing body of work outside of just music. Is this a new, distinct chapter of the Scott Mescudi universe that we know and love? 

It’s a new distinct chapter, I would say, but it is definitely in a whole nother space than the music and film. It’s almost like I’m tapping into a new fan base, a new demographic.

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Interview: Artist Kumkum Fernando

A detailed conversation from PLAY, the nostalgic exhibition held during Miami Art Week

David Graver

15 December 2023

Hosted on the sand at the Miami Beach EDITION hotel during Miami Art Week, the immersive gallery PLAY by American Express Platinum indulged in nostalgia as a force of inspiration. Unlike at traditional galleries, guests visiting PLAY were encouraged to touch the artwork within the exhibit—thanks to the fact that the participating artists had been tasked with reimagining toys from their past and bring them to life as stand-alone art pieces that were available to purchase. Among the talent involved, Kumkum Fernando, a Sri Lanka-born sculptural artist represented by Jonathan Levine Projects, created special pieces that encouraged guests to explore the ephemeral nature of art and nostalgia. “His ‘Tomorrow’ is a toy robot that sits at the intersection of art and play, with colorful hand-silk screened patterns and wooden shapes fastened together by magnets, inviting guests to play and assemble the robot in myriad ways,” explains Bess Spaeth, SVP, US Premium Products and Membership Rewards at American Express. We were able to sit down with Fernando for an exclusive conversation during art week to dive further into his piece “Tomorrow” and learn more about what the future holds. 

How did you get into this type of sculpting and art? What was the genesis for this all?

In short, my artistic journey began with mixed media collages. During one project, I explored the patterns of antique window grills documented on Saigon’s streets. As I arranged these elements, the shapes evolved into a figurative form. Witnessing this transformation, I turned a flat object into a three-dimensional shape, giving birth to one of my first characters. I named it “Lotus Face,” inspired by the lotus flower pattern adorning its face. Inspired by this, I made a conscious decision to infuse more figurative elements into my work. Since then, my focus has shifted to creating geometric sci-fi characters.

You’ve worked on huge installation pieces for the likes of Coachella, how was it recreating your work in a much smaller form that is available for sale?

Before Coachella, my artwork was typically small, and everything I created was available for sale. However, I had never undertaken such a large edition before. Preparing for all 50 editions posed a challenge because all my pieces are handmade. I didn’t want to cast or make the toy in resin; I wanted to stay true to my process and keep all editions handmade just like my previous work. To meet this demand, I collaborated with lacquer artisans from Vietnam who I worked closely with to produce all the editions for PLAY by American Express Platinum.

How did your partnership with American Express Platinum come to be?

It was great to be part of PLAY by American Express Platinum at Miami Art Week. Both American Express and PlayLab, Inc. granted me complete creative freedom to create “Tomorrow,” and I loved seeing the interactive installation that was inspired by my toy. When I first started out as an artist, it was my dream to work on projects where I have complete artistic freedom to bring my ideas to life. Being a part of this allowed me to do just that and it’s been something I used to only daydream about.

What do you think people took away from your art?

I think people had various interpretations; during the event a lot of them told me that they felt like a child playing around with the wooden magnetic blocks. They loved the fact that you could keep changing the shape of the robot. For me the intention was exactly that: every time you play with it, you can transform it into a different character, symbolizing a fresh start for the toy whenever you change its persona. That’s why I named it “Tomorrow.” Personally it’s a symbol for new beginnings. 

What’s next for you in the future?

I have a few releases lined up and a few projects and shows down the pipeline; however, they are not set in stone. I will be in touch to share with you the new developments as they unfold.