DESIGN DISPATCH

Chanel Bets Big on Rowing, and Other News

Plus, artifacts from the Sistine Chapel make their U.S. debut in Virginia, and the Getty Trust brings back bonds.

Courtesy of Chanel

With Britain’s Oxford v. Cambridge regatta, Chanel dips its toe into the posh world of rowing.

Chanel’s decision to sponsor the Oxford-Cambridge Boat Race signals a deliberate move into the world of elite sport, aligning the brand with rowing’s tradition of excellence and exclusivity. With the race now rebranded as the Chanel J12 Boat Race, the collaboration reinforces the maison’s presence in Britain while underscoring its nuanced approach to brand storytelling.

Sotheby’s Charles Stewart reveals that ADQ holds around 30 percent of the auction house.

Sotheby’s CEO Charles Stewart confirmed in a recent interview that Abu Dhabi’s ADQ acquired a 25 to 30 percent stake in the auction house, clarifying details of last year’s billion-dollar investment. The deal restructured Sotheby’s board, giving ADQ three seats, as the house navigates a sluggish market and increasing competition from Christie’s. 

Courtesy of Muscarelle Museum of Art

Previously unseen artifacts from the planning of the Sistine Chapel are on view in Virginia.

The Muscarelle Museum of Art’s latest exhibition, “Michelangelo: The Genesis of the Sistine,” offers a rare look at the Renaissance master’s creative process, featuring 38 objects tied to the planning of the Sistine Chapel. Seven preparatory sketches, never before shown in the U.S., and a newly uncovered letter from Michelangelo’s assistant provide fresh insight into the artist’s vision and challenges. A digital projection of the completed frescoes enhances the experience.

Amazon and the founder of OnlyFans are among those who have placed a bid on TikTok.

With TikTok facing an April 5 deadline to secure a U.S. buyer or risk being banned, Amazon and a group led by OnlyFans founder Tim Stokely have emerged as late-stage bidders. The platform’s Chinese ownership has drawn scrutiny from U.S. officials, prompting various acquisition proposals, including one involving Blackstone and ByteDance’s non-Chinese shareholders. Despite Amazon’s bid, reports suggest industry insiders remain skeptical about its viability.

The Getty Trust is bringing back bonds in the name of protecting its institutions.

The J. Paul Getty Trust is issuing $500 million in bonds to fortify its defenses against California wildfires while funding education and infrastructure upgrades. Proceeds will support firefighting equipment, irrigation systems, and structural reinforcements to protect the Getty Center and Villa, which previously withstood severe fires due to meticulous planning. With an $8.8 billion endowment, the institution remains financially robust, ensuring the preservation of its world-class collection amid increasing climate risks.

Courtesy of Max

Today’s attractive distractions:

Everyone’s favorite HBO show has watches and wonders of its own to behold

Inside the “barking mad” world of London’s premium doggie daycares. 

Not even James Gunn’s Superman can escape the “TikTok fuck boy haircut.

Jeremy Scott’s next venture? Creating 500 costumes for a Berlin cabaret. 

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