The Chase Sapphire lounge at LaGuardia Airport. Photography by Corgan …
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A New Airport Lounge Evokes Treehouse-in-the-Sky Tranquility
Schlepping around an airport usually isn’t synonymous with words like “warm,” “soothing,” and “indulgent,” but those exactly come to mind with LaGuardia’s new Chase Sapphire lounge designed by Icrave and Corgan. The space channels spa-like bliss with cascading greenery, oak-slatted walls, and plush, enveloping seating in common co-working spaces, lounge areas, and private suites. Giant tree-like sculptures in the bar and dining room relieve the din of travel and forge a more peaceful air—if only until the next boarding call. Also of note: a “secret” vintage arcade gives the chance to blow off steam with a round of pinball or shuffleboard. For the privacy-inclined, bookable Reserve suites offer an enviable environment in the form of exclusive menus, hotel-inspired comfort, and rain showers with towel warmers as a cozy perch. —Jenna Adrian-Diaz
“Images of a Woman” by The Beatles. Image courtesy of Christie’s …
In 1966, during a turbulent visit to Tokyo where The Beatles faced security threats due to their immense popularity, the band members found solace in art. Gifted with high-quality art materials, they collaborated to create a painting titled Images of a Woman, which is up for auction at Christie’s New York. The painting, featuring all four Beatles’ signatures, is estimated to fetch between $400,000 to $600,000. The one-of-a-kind piece is both memorabilia and fine art, encapsulating a moment from 1966 when the band decided on the name Revolver for their critically acclaimed album that would later define their psychedelic sound.
The Rubin Museum of Art in Manhattan, known for its collection of Himalayan Asian art, will close on October 6 after two decades. The museum will sell its building and transition into an institution focused on traveling exhibitions and long-term loans, aiming to redefine the concept of a museum. The move surprised many in the art world, as it’s a rare occurrence for a major museum to close in New York City. While the institution cited evolving definitions of museums and not financial challenges as the reason for the closure, it ran a deficit in 2022, and attendance dropped after the pandemic. The museum plans to sell its prime Chelsea location and deposit the proceeds into its sustaining fund.
The Sorol Art Museum. Photography by Yongbaek Lee, courtesy of Meier Partners…
Meier Partners has announced the completion of the Sorol Art Museum in Gangneung, South Korea, marking the firm’s first project since restructuring in 2021. The 336,500-square-foot museum is designed to facilitate a dialogue between Korean artists and the world, with an internal structure inspired by the aesthetic theory of Korean Confucian philosophy. The design incorporates the hillside’s natural topography to present art on a pedestal while connecting nature and architecture. Curators can control light sources in the main exhibition spaces. The museum aims to offer visitors a spatially pleasing and enriching “personal journey of discovery.”
Italian fashion label Max Mara is venturing into the gaming world with the launch of “Max Mara Coats Adventure” on Roblox, described as an immersive edutainment experience. In this digital space, meadows resemble expanses of fabric, and trees take the form of giant spools. Users can engage in activities like running, jumping, and riding a rollercoaster while exploring buildings with whimsical shapes. The adventure aims to enhance brand awareness and interaction, with users navigating a digital universe where they solve puzzles and interact with each other. Roblox, known as the “Ultimate Virtual Universe,” boasts a large user base, making it an attractive platform for brands to engage with a diverse audience.
Prada has claimed the top spot as the world’s hottest fashion brand, according to the Lyst Index for Q4 2023, taking the position from Miu Miu. The quarterly index ranks the 20 most in-demand fashion brands and the 10 hottest products. Prada’s rise was marked by a 41 percent increase in searches year over year, fueled by the S/S 2024 runway show and celebrity endorsements. Miu Miu dropped to the second spot, followed by Loewe and Bottega Veneta in the top four. The Row, led by Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, made its debut in the top 20, driven by a 93 percent increase in searches, with its Margaux bag named the hottest fashion product of Q4.
Mugler Alien Hypersense and Anok Yai. Photography by Daniel Sannwald, courtesy of Mugler…
