Irina Stark
Director, David Kordansky Gallery
“I’ve become accustomed to springtime in China, having traveled to Art Basel Hong Kong (March 23-25) since Art Basel took over the local Art Hong Kong fair, in 2013. When I arrive on March 18, I’ll head straight to the nearest Happy Foot, a spa franchise with locations around Hong Kong, for a traditional Chinese foot massage. Come evening, I’ll meet local friends at Isola Bar & Grill. It’s located on the highest floor of IFC Mall, and has a rooftop terrace overlooking Victoria Harbor. Art collector and food devotee Alan Lo has a restaurant I love called Fish School, and he and his wife, Yenn Wong, recently opened a Thai eatery called Mak Mak—I’d like to revisit both. For after-dinner drinks, The Pawn is a classic. For art outside the fair, Para Site consistently delivers thought-provoking exhibitions. Founded in 1996, it’s also one of the oldest nonprofit art institutions in the city. I always stop by Spring, which hosts artist residencies alongside its curatorial program. But, before I can get to any of this, I will swing by Shanghai for the opening of a group show at Leo Xu Projects that David Kordansky Gallery is cocurating (March 17-April 30). The idea behind it is to address the anxieties of the current political and social climate.”
Above: The view from Isola Bar & Grill. (Photo: Courtesy Gaia Group)
Anna Teurnell
Creative Director, Marimekko
“I’m currently based in between Stockholm and Helsinki. While my family has settled into Stockholm, I’m still getting to know Helsinki, where I work at the Marimekko headquarters. It’s an exciting place right now, with new restaurants opening all the time. Some of my favorites include Sushibar + Wine, The Cock, and Savoy—all very different, but each delicious and beautiful. Marimekko will take part in Paris Fashion Week again, so I’ll be in Paris by early March. I used to live there, so I have my go-to places. I like to stroll across the Seine to the area around Rue Saint Honoré. For shopping, I always visit Le Bon Marché, Atelier Scandinave, The Broken Arm, and, of course, Colette, for their great selection of contemporary fashion, publications, and other objects. Ice cream at Grom is a must, as is dinner at Café de Flore. Elsewhere, I often dine at Graff, near where I used to live, on rue de Bellechasse. After fashion week, I will head to the medieval hilltop village of Grottazzolina, in Italy, where my friend is opening a luxury bed-and-breakfast called Il Figi. I’ve heard it will have five individually decorated rooms with wonderful views of the valley and an infinity pool overlooking the rolling hills and palm trees. The building was constructed out of Italian stone, and the décor is from my friend’s travels around the world. It sounds magical!”
Above: Inside Sushibar + Wine in Helsinki. (Photo: Courtesy Sushibar Restaurants)
