PRECIOUS CARGO: Beauty, Books, Vinyl

Dr Dennis Gross DRx SpectraLite™ FaceWare Pro
Dr Dennis Gross DRx SpectraLite™ FaceWare Pro

EDITOR’S PICK: Dr. Dennis Gross DRx SpectraLite FaceWear Pro Light Mask $455 If you’re on a quest for flawless skin, look no further than this glam rose gold contraption, which harnesses the power of LED lights to address multiple skin concerns, including wrinkles and breakouts. FDA-cleared technology takes center stage, boasting a dynamic duo of 100 red lights and 62 blue lights — the red light sets the stage for natural collagen production, visibly diminishing fine lines, scars, and discoloration, while the blue light swoops in to banish acne-causing bacteria and prevent future breakouts. For those multitasking mavens, the mask offers three settings – red, blue, and a tantalizing combination of both. Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: the strap. While some have voiced concerns, we found it to be a perfect fit. Once properly set up, it snugly holds the mask in place, allowing you to go about your daily tasks with ease. But here’s the real magic – the results are nearly instant. Feel your skin tighten and redness reduce as you indulge in just 3 minutes of daily LED therapy. With Dr. Dennis Gross, radiant skin has never been so attainable, and it’s as easy as flipping a switch! Worth it? Every penny! www.drdennisgross.com

The English (Soundtrack) By Federico Jusid (Silva Screen Records) The soundtrack for the Hugo Blick mini-series is a sonic masterpiece, delivering sweeping and lush compositions that beckon for a vinyl listening experience. Nominated for a prestigious BAFTA award, this score by Spanish composer, Jusid, evokes the grandeur of legendary composers like John Barry and Ryuichi Sakamoto, as is apparent in tracks like “And Yet Here We Are” and “Soon Has Come,” which are adorned with melodious leitmotifs that resonate deeply with the narrative. Adding to its allure, this vinyl is presented in a deluxe set of two vinyl in transparent blue and yellow, making it not only a feast for the ears but a visual delight for collectors and music enthusiasts alike. www.SilvaScreen.com

IRIS (Soundtrack) By James Horner (MOV) A standout score by the late composer with an intimate and classical tapestry. Horner’s compositions transcend traditional cues, opting instead to convey emotions through rich moods and textures, creating a nuanced emotional journey for the listener. Collaborating with virtuoso violinist Joshua Bell, the music achieves moments of transcendence, gently tugging at the heartstrings while maintaining a pastoral serenity throughout, which truly enhances the vinyl listening experience. Presented in a Limited edition of 500 individually numbered copies on crystal clear vinyl. www.musiconvinyl.com

Gloria Estefan – Cuts Both Ways (MOV) takes us on a nostalgic journey through her solo career, though Miami Sound Machine still played a pivotal role as her steadfast backing band. The addition of Jon Secada’s background vocals adds a layer of richness to this musical gem. The album’s standout track, “Don’t Wanna Lose You,” catapulted Estefan to new heights, securing its well-deserved spot at the summit of the US Billboard Hot 100. But the treasures don’t stop there. This is a treasure trove of Estefan’s best work, including the heartfelt ballad “Here We Are” and the infectious Latin-infused rhythms of “Get On Your Feet” and “Oye Mi Canto.” Presented as a limited edition release of only 2000 individually numbered copies on silver-colored vinyl. www.musiconvinyl.com

Jean-Michel Wilmotte: Design By Wimotte, Anne Bony (Skira Paris) $95 This groundbreaking publication explores the prolific career of French architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte (born 1948). From his Parisian firm’s inception in 1975, Wilmotte emerged as a seminal figure in interior design, renowned for prestigious projects like François Mitterrand’s Elysée Palace apartment (1982). Spanning nearly five decades, the catalogue raisonné showcases Wilmotte’s meticulous approach, featuring nearly 1,500 objects and illuminating his enduring dedication to design in architecture, interiors, products, museology, and urbanism. www.skira.net

Fantasies: Carine Roitfeld Fashion Book (Rizzoli) $150 Enter CR Fashion Book, a daring celebration of avant-garde style and culture. Initiated by Roitfeld, the style authority, post-Vogue Paris, it fuses fashion, photography, and the creative realms of art, music, film, and style. This opulent tome, housed in an elegant cloth slipcase, embodies Roitfeld’s signature aesthetic, featuring provocative imagery redefining fashion through celebrity, religion, cinema, sex, music, and inclusivity. With striking photography of icons like Lady Gaga and Beyoncé, plus revealing interviews with Roitfeld and collaborators such as Riccardo Tisci and Gigi Hadid, this is a must-have for fashion and culture enthusiasts. www.rizzoliusa.com

Earth & Fire: Modern Ceramicists, Their Tools, Techniques, and Practice By Kylie Johnson, Tiffany Johnson (Thames & Hudson) $50 Delves into the intricate world of ceramics, chronicling the techniques and processes of over forty-five skilled ceramicists who craft an array of objects, from wood-fired porcelain to everyday pottery and jewelry, each reflecting their unique style and medium. Authors, Kylie and Tiffany meticulously capture the diverse beauty and practicality of ceramics in 337 vivid illustrations, revealing that working with clay is not merely a craft; it’s a profound and humbling journey. www.thamesandhudsonusa.com

Queen Elizabeth II – A Photographic Portrait By Philip Ziegler (Thames & Hudson) $55 A captivating visual odyssey through the life of a truly extraordinary monarch. From her earliest photograph as a baby in 1926 to the grandeur of her Platinum Jubilee in 2022, this collection presents the queen’s evolution on the global stage. Renowned royal photographers, including Cecil Beaton, Lord Snowdon, and Rankin, have contributed over two hundred images capturing her in diverse settings – from formal, working monarch portraits to intimate moments with her family at Balmoral and Windsor. Each chapter, introduced by historian Philip Ziegler, illuminates key royal and historical events, creating a rich tapestry of her reign. www.thamesandhudsonusa.com

Robert Motherwell: Pure Painting By Robert Motherwell et al (Hatje Cantz) $55 Explores Motherwell’s artistic legacy, marking the first comprehensive study in quite some time. Esteemed experts in the art world, including Jennifer Cohen, Susan Davidson, Simon Kelly, Monica McTighe, and Sarah Rich, scrutinize Motherwell’s artistic evolution from Surrealism to the abstract, meticulously dissecting the various pivotal series that spanned his illustrious half-century career. This catalog ventures into the captivating interplay between Motherwell’s oeuvre and the venerable 19th-century French painting tradition, unraveling the intricate threads of his artistic kinship with Spanish painting techniques and methodologies. www.hatjecantz.com

Kehinde Wiley: An Archaeology of Silence By Claudia Schmuckli, Kehinde Wiley (DelMonico Books/Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco) $50 Unveils a fresh series of paintings and sculptures by American artist Kehinde Wiley. With a profound exploration of colonialism’s legacies, Wiley takes on the visual language of fallen figures, offering a haunting meditation on the violence endured by black and brown bodies. Building upon his 2008 series “Down,” inspired by Hans Holbein the Younger’s “The Dead Christ in the Tomb,” the exhibit broadens its scope, paying tribute to individuals worldwide whose senseless deaths, often silenced, become a global elegy of resistance against state-sanctioned violence. www.delmonicobooks.com

Chaumet – Drawing from Nature (Thames & Hudson) $85 A dazzling homage to the Parisian high jewelry house, spanning from the 18th century to today. Each generation of Chaumet jewelers draws inspiration from the natural world, giving rise to a stunning array of jewelry, from ruby orchids to diamond starbursts and captivating creatures like birds and butterflies.These drawings, unveiled for the first time, serve as both research tools and presentation pieces for bespoke designs. Thematic chapters delve into the creative process, covering “Flowers,” “Trees and Plants,” “Bestiary,” and “Universe.” Curator Gaëlle Rio’s essays provide an art-historical perspective. 300 captivating illustrations. www.thamesandhudsonusa.com

Islamic Architecture – A World History By Eric Broug (Thames & Hudson) $75 Presents a visually immersive history and sourcebook encompassing the vast realm of Islamic architectural diversity spanning over 1,400 years. From iconic masterpieces to hidden treasures, it offers a rich tapestry of building types, regional styles, and architectural intricacies. Broug unveils the captivating art of geometry and pattern within Islamic architecture, emphasizing elements tailored to regional, environmental, and climatic considerations. This book not only provides valuable insights into historical and cultural contexts but also offers a captivating visual resource, making it indispensable for artists, designers, architects, and students exploring the world of Islamic culture. Featuring 327 color illustrations. www.thamesandhudsonusa.com

Simone Leigh By Eva Respini et al (DelMonico Books/Institute of Contemporary Art, Boston) $75 A groundbreaking monograph delving into Simone Leigh’s multimedia artistry, exploring themes of community, Black feminism, and African diaspora traditions. This publication, coinciding with her museum survey and national tour, offers fresh scholarship from both longtime collaborators and new scholars, providing diverse insights. Lushly illustrated plates showcase her acclaimed work, including pieces from the 59th Venice Biennale, spanning her 20-year career. A special section unveils Leigh’s research methods, inviting readers to immerse themselves in her artistic process. With its comprehensive approach, this monograph invites a deeper understanding of Leigh’s work and its profound cultural significance. www.delmonicobooks.com

Lady Tan’s Circle of Women: A Novel By Lisa See (Scribner) $28 A a mesmerizing historical novel that brings to life the remarkable journey of real historical figure, Lady Tan, born into aristocracy in 15th century China. Seamlessly blending fact and fiction, See paints a vivid portrait of Lady Tan’s transformation from privileged child to accomplished physician. The novel immerses readers in the intricacies of ancient Chinese society, delving into traditions like the haunting practice of footbinding and the secrets of Chinese healing. Yet, at its heart, the book is a celebration of the enduring bond of friendship between Lady Tan (Yunxian) and Meiling, two women from vastly different backgrounds who find common ground and support each other through life’s challenges. www.lisasee.com

Spain – The Monocle Handbook (Thames & Hudson) $50 In this meticulously crafted guide, Monocle uncovers Spain’s diverse experiences, from Costa Brava’s pristine beaches to Andalucía’s heartwarming tapas joints. Explore vibrant cultural hubs like Barcelona, Valencia, Bilbao, and Madrid, where fashion, art, and gastronomy redefine Spain’s essence. The book offers insights into investment-worthy cities, architects, and interior design, making it an essential companion with colorful illustrations and curated recommendations. www.thamesandhudsonusa.com