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Claridge’s Newest Brasserie Is a Lesson in Art Deco Decadence
London’s Mayfair neighborhood is often described as posh, thanks in part to the palpable elegance imparted by the 168 year-old Art Deco landmark building that houses the Claridge’s hotel. But the question of how to fashion new interiors for a structure with such deep roots is a big one—recently answered by the expertise of Bryan O’Sullivan Studio. A veteran Claridge’s collaborator, the New York–based firm recently imbued Claridge’s Restaurant with a modern take on an Art Deco brasserie, informed by a deep dive into the hotel’s archive and the restaurant space’s many past lives.
The result is breathtaking: historic glass partitions from Victorian-era architect Basil Ionides greet guests in the foyer. Painted wall paneling throughout—care of artist Sam Wood—pops against an abundance of Calacatta Viola marble and stained glass skylights. For good measure, forest green leather banquettes add a delicious contrast to ample warm tones. Survey the scene over classic brasserie fare, including a preponderance of oysters, caviar, and foie gras. —Jenna Adrian-Diaz
Tiger Woods is launching his new lifestyle brand, Sun Day Red, which features a collection of golf, training, and lifestyle apparel and accessories, set to go public this Wednesday. The brand, a collaboration with TaylorMade following Woods’ departure from Nike, focuses on high-end “athluxury” items available exclusively on SunDayRed.com, with key pieces like the Training Dry Hoodie and 3D Lightweight Hoodie retailing for $150. The line, which reflects Woods’ career achievements and features designs like a logo of a leaping tiger with 15 stripes, will expand into womenswear and children’s lines in the future, alongside plans for global wholesale expansion.
Paris police arrested two individuals at the Musée d’Orsay entrance on Sunday morning, suspecting them of attempting to damage classified property with a white liquid and wearing “Food Response” T-shirts. Despite carrying materials typically used in protests and their prior involvement in traffic obstruction, their affiliation with the environmental group Food Response remains unconfirmed by authorities. The group, known for high-profile actions like splashing artworks with soup to highlight climate change issues, represents a growing trend of environmental activism targeting cultural institutions in Europe.
Manica Architecture, in collaboration with the Chicago Bears, has revealed plans for a new multi-purpose stadium along Lake Michigan, designed to replace Soldier Field featuring a translucent roof and extensive green spaces. The project, estimated to cost around $4.2 billion, is one of the largest construction projects in Illinois history, with funding expected from the Bears, NFL, Illinois Sports Facilities Authority, and potentially taxpayer contributions. While the architecture firm touts the stadium as a boost for local tourism and economic development, preservationists and community members have raised concerns about its necessity, the use of public funds, and the impact on Chicago’s historic lakefront and Soldier Field.
Kristen Visbal, the artist behind the Fearless Girl sculpture, has settled a lawsuit with State Street Global Advisors, the financial firm that commissioned the artwork, which originally faced the Charging Bull near the New York Stock Exchange to advocate for gender diversity in the corporate sector. The legal dispute, initiated by State Street in 2019, accused Visbal of breach of contract and trademark infringement for selling replicas of the statue, claims she countered by alleging the firm hindered her efforts to promote the sculpture’s message. While details of the settlement remain undisclosed, the future of Fearless Girl is still uncertain, pending a proposal review by the city’s Public Design Commission after the current permit expired.
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration plans to reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous drug, moving it from Schedule I to Schedule III, acknowledging its medical uses and lower abuse potential. This historic policy shift, which is still under review by the White House Office of Management and Budget, follows a push by President Joe Biden and broader acceptance of marijuana, especially among younger demographics. Critics caution against the reclassification, noting it could still impose significant regulatory burdens and may not align with international treaty obligations, while proponents see it as a step toward correcting past harms of drug policy.
The pool by Nicolas Party at La Sirenuse. Photography by Roberto Salomone, courtesy the artist and Galerie Gregor Staiger…
