A perfect Thursday in Milano

October 03, 2024 in Travel

A couple of Thursdays ago, I woke up in Milano to the sound of a soprano practicing an opera aria across the courtyard. I was supposed to have boarded a flight back home the night before…but then I would not have woken up to the sound of a soprano practicing an opera aria across the courtyard. And I would not have had the pleasure of what turned out to be a most perfect Thursday of fashion, art, architecture, lingerie and lasagne (in that order). I thought I’d share my itinerary with you, just in case you ever find yourself in Milano on a Wednesday and need convincing to stay at least one more day.

Letters from Calabria

August 15, 2024 in Travel

Sottovalutata…sottovalutata…that’s the word you most often hear in Calabria, arguably — and I now believe, truly — one of Italy’s most underrated destinations. It has nothing of the artful nobility of Florence, the jet set glitz and influencer appeal of Capri, or the minimal masserias of Puglia. But I don’t know…I did take over 2,000 pictures which none of these other destinations have yet inspired me to do. I loved and edited about 200 of them. And then I set myself the difficult task of selecting only 12 to put here.

Sacred Modern; Architectural Chapels and Places of Worship from Around the World

August 02, 2024 in Art and Design, Travel

The idea of getting married in a church has never really felt like me, but long rectangular windows, solemn concrete structures, sleek oakwood pews, downright heavenly skylights, and breathtaking views of nature most certainly do. Add to that the signature of modernist gods like Le Corbusier, Matisse, or Rothko and I’m basically sold. Here is a curated collection of chapels and other spiritual spaces from around the world to which and in which I’d gladly say I do. And if you do find yourself booking one of these for your wedding - call me, I know exactly what the invitations should look like.

I’ve borrowed most of the text below from various design magazines and blogs because I realized that writing about architecture isn’t really my forte, but I’ve linked to each of the articles at the end. I’d recommend reading them all as there are lots of interesting details and stories behind each project. Like the 10cm gap Le Corbusier left between the structure and the roof to allow a sliver of light in. Or the little shrine to the patron saint of winemakers that was included in the open air chapel in Uruguay. Or the vestments designed by Matisse that I’d petition to be adopted by priests and preachers worldwide.

Stay inspired and stay spiritual, or spirited —

Turn Panic into Magic; Amsterdam in 27 Photos

December 06, 2023 in Travel, Art and Design

When I was going through immigration at Schipol airport, the young woman leafing through my passport looked up at me and asked, what are you in Amsterdam for? My first thought was, isn’t everyone here…to get a little high? Do a little dance…make a little love…you know, get down tonight? I then thought to try and give her the short version of the truth - which is that I live in Belgrade and my future husband lives in Paris and we occasionally like to spend a weekend somewhere where neither one of us has to do the dishes. We’re not married yet, but I’m fairly certain I’ve already figured out that one of the great secrets to a happy marriage is a third person who does the housekeeping.

But what’s the short version? By this point I’m overcome with panic. I’m one of those people who is inclined to believe they’re guilty of something whenever approached by someone in uniform. Quick! Say something, say anything. (Except for tourism. You are actually a tourist, but everyone hates tourists, and you need to be liked by everyone everywhere so you cannot admit to being a tourist.) And so I blurted out the noblest, most concise, and most above-board response I could think of. One word, three letters, I didn’t even bother putting it into a sentence. ART.

Vienna Art Book Fair #1

October 10, 2019 in Travel, Art and Design

A postcard on the table at the entrance to the Vienna Art Book Fair #1 reads “It’s an artists’ book if an artist made it or if an artist says it is.” As good a definition as any really, telling you everything and nothing at all…ironically mocking this infamously hard to define art form.

To me, artist books are single-handedly the best and most underrated source of inspiration for any form of print media design. Through their highly intentional and sophisticated approach to (and seamless marriage of) concept, paper, print, finishing, typography and design, they challenge and push the boundaries (envelope!?) of everything you had ever imagined was possible.

I’ve always felt that your creation isn’t worthwhile if your printer doesn’t look at your idea initially and say, “this is impossible.” And basically, an artist book fair is a room full of people who share that view. These are precisely the artists, designers, thinkers, writers, printers, and publishers who take what’s seemingly impossible and say, cool, let’s try it.

Think complex folds that tell a story, strategically placed holes playing hide and seek, layers upon layers that lure you in…the words “art” or “design” don’t even seem appropriate, some pieces are purely architectural. And I’m not even getting into the content. Whether its poetic, abstract, personal, political or comical…its always clear that a lot of thinking went into the process.

Needless to say, when I discovered that my dear friend and exceptional book artist Ximena Perez Grobet was exhibiting at the first ever Vienna Art Book Fair (in one of my favourite cities!)…it only took me a matter of minutes to book my flight. Below are some of photos I took…they’re hardly representative as I was clearly busy and overwhelmed enough taking it all in without the lens…but I do genuinely hope they’ll inspire you to look up the next artist book fair near you, and I without reservations, not only recommend, but urge you, to go.

A perfect Thursday in Milano

Letters from Calabria

Sacred Modern; Architectural Chapels and Places of Worship from Around the World

Turn Panic into Magic; Amsterdam in 27 Photos

Vienna Art Book Fair #1

LTRST Journal

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