A Bridal Boutique Rooted in Interstellar Minimalism

SHOP
A Warsaw Bridal Boutique, Rooted in Interstellar Minimalism

Balbek Bureau, the design studio behind the Warsaw showroom of Ukrainian bridal brand Milla Nova, looked to an unlikely source for inspiration: Stanley Kubrick. Specifically, the firm was captivated by the late filmmaker’s opus 2001: A Space Odyssey, which informed the “brutal extraterrestrial landscapes” where evening gowns and wedding dresses are displayed. Alongside Faye Toogood’s blush-toned accent chairs and delicate bouclé sofas, gypsum boulders channel the moon’s otherworldly landscapes while steel and silver touches evoke the Space Age. In keeping with Milla Nova’s Ukrainian heritage, 90 percent of the furniture and décor was custom fabricated by Ukrainian contractor C.I.Form. —Jenna Adrian-Diaz

OBSESS
Vivid Majolica Must-Haves Inspired by Deep-Sea Creatures

In Sicily, the hilly inland city of Caltagirone endures as a key production center of majolica and terra cotta pottery. One of its most rebellious practitioners is Nicolò Morales, an intrepid diver who often travels the countryside to collect minerals like manganese, copper, and cobalt oxide so his ceramics can mimic the wondrous seascapes he loves exploring. Their fluid colors and textures form the heart of a vibrant new range of furniture and decorative objects for Italian stalwart Paola Lenti, who happened to be seeking unusual finishes to complement her celebrated indoor-outdoor offerings already known for their exuberant color schemes. She immediately found kinship in Morales’s unorthodox approach.

Across glass-topped tables, ceramic side tables, and decorative majolica structures, the Sicilian ceramist’s discerning touch is deeply felt. The translucent glass-topped Primula and Helico tables are supported by majolica legs reminiscent of primeval sea creatures and ancient trilobites. Ditto for the aptly named Anemone side table, whose hand-sculpted majolica build is adorned with multiple layers of glazes that strew unique ribbons of colors along its ribbed surface. The Stelo system stacks hand-painted majolica elements to form endless variations of jaunty columns. Each color is deliberately fluid, made all the more impressive upon learning that Morales is colorblind—he’s learned to feel each shade’s intrinsic potential. —Ryan Waddoups

SAVOR
Henrietta Hotel Infuses Bistro Henri With a Dash of Nonchalance

On the ground floor of Covent Garden boutique hotel Henrietta, one of the minds behind some of Paris’s most fanciful restaurant and hotel interiors Dorothée Meilichzon tempers the splendor of French-inspired bistro Henri with a dash of pub culture chill. The Franglais setting includes a hunter green bar with wooden wall paneling and a distinct Art Nouveau dining room done up in velvet, leather, and brass. Chef Jackson Boxer brings hearty, French-inspired fare to diners by way of grilled snails served with veal rice, quail eggs dusted with mushroom salt, and a Swaledale bavette steak prepared with cognac and wild peppercorns. For dessert, savor the riz au lait rice pudding served with poached apricots, and marvel at the hand-painted floral murals. —J.A.D.

PLAY
A Tokyo-Inspired Record Bar, Aglow in Sydney

Tucked amid the tram cars and soaring office buildings of Sydney’s Central Business District, JAM Record Bar shines brightest after the area’s nine-to-fivers have clocked out. While it’s open from 12 P.M. daily, its magenta glow is unmistakable after hours thanks to the joint vision of Akin Atelier and founder Justin Hemmes. The haunt stems from a stroke of genius that took root when Hemmes and Akin Atelier’s Kevin Ho traveled together to Tokyo. 

Its record library counts 15,000 vinyls, with serious acoustics to match. Pink fiberglass insulation, left exposed rather than drywalled over, was the jumping-off point for the bar’s monochromatic vibe, and inspired the duo to forge ahead with pink plywood throughout. A mix of vintage lighting and contemporary pieces, like burgundy table lamps by Danish brand &Tradition, sets the scene for a night of inventive cocktails—like the Togarashi Margarita, made with habanero agave—enjoyed over well-spun tunes. —J.A.D.

SEE
These Bus Shelter Ads Might Make You Think Differently About Sitting

Over the past decade, Adrienne Elise Tarver’s vivid paintings have slowly told the story of Vera Otis, a fictional character inspired by an anonymous woman from a vintage photograph the Brooklyn painter saw in a thrift store. Otis has since become a vessel and muse through which Tarver investigates her own family history and complex definitions of belonging, which she’s putting on display through the fall on JCDecaux bus shelters in New York, Chicago, and Boston.

Her first public exhibition, “She Who Sits” (until Nov. 24) spans six portraits depicting Otis in various states of self-affirming rest, recasting leisure as a powerful gesture. Tarver channels actresses Dorothy Dandrige, Eartha Kitt, and Hattie McDaniels in her portraits, and a ghostly silhouette even references a 1951 Ebony Magazine cover of Vera Francis. It nods to the act of sitting in public as a way to enact social change—and, of course, to simply wait for the bus. —R.W.

REFRESH
Oases Brings Wellness to New York’s Restaurant Scene

After cutting her teeth at the likes of Ralph Lauren and Michael Kors, Oases founder Sonam Sangmo set her sights on creating a wellness-minded café, bar and restaurant, and boutique. Now, having brought Oases to life in New York City’s West Village, she’s done just that. The restaurant will open next month, but for now, Oases café offers all-day fare rooted in Sonam’s Himalayan and Buddhist upbringing, and the Ayurvedic medicine of India, where she grew up. Come the chilly season, the Chelsea curry healing bowl with butternut and green squash is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. For a sweeter treat, reach for the brioche french toast with glazed pecans, candied orange, and chantilly cream. Enjoy it all in serene interiors by Studio Rolling, which are rendered in soft shades of cream and ecru with soothing fountains and succulent greenery. —R.W.

STAY
A “Cocooning Experience” at the Lissoni-Designed AKA Nomad

The Japandi interiors of the newly opened Hotel AKA Nomad radiate serenity. Even its statement staircase, a sinuous bronze spiral that commands attention in the lobby, gently dazzles rather than overwhelms thanks to a vision realized by Lissoni & Partners. The peaceful presence continues in the softly backlit mezzanine lounge, as well as into the wine bar. There, herringbone walnut floors, a fluted bar front, and painted brick draw eyes up to soaring ceilings overhead. Upstairs, guests can enjoy Empire State Building views from well-appointed rooms complete with upholstered Porro Shin beds and spa-like bathrooms finished with Moroccan zellige tile and Salvatori stone. —J.A.D.