BEAUTY

EDITOR’S PICK: KRIGLER BOUDOIR RENAISSANCE 223 Indulge in the timeless allure of Krigler’s new scent — a masterclass in opulence and sophistication. Picture a fragrance that transcends borders, fusing the East, West, and the Middle East. Boudoir Renaissance boasts a heart of priceless Oud and Patchouli, enveloped by rose, raspberry, tobacco, and a malt blend, creating an aroma that’s an intoxicating journey in itself. Crafted by a perfume house with a history spanning nearly 120 years, each signature bottle is a numbered testament to its birth year, making it a literal olfactory time capsule. And when it comes to celebrity appeal, stars like Grace Kelly, Cary Grant, and Leo DiCaprio have all fallen for Krigler’s charms. The secret? Krigler distills their own ingredients, treating perfume-making like the art of crafting fine wine. Available from 2ml to 100ml ranging from $50 to $1,215 www.Krigler.com

EDITOR’S PICK: The Light Salon Boost LED Mask isn’t just FDA-approved—it’s a skincare game-changer. Its unparalleled bendable flexibility sets it apart, ensuring portability that’s unmatched. Ideal for jet setters, it even comes with adapters for different voltages, making it a globetrotter’s dream. Powered by clinically-proven Red 633nm and Near-Infrared 830nm wavelengths, this mask is a powerhouse. It’s not just about skincare; it’s about transformation. Say goodbye to inflammation, and hello to brighter, plumper skin. Plus, it’s a hydration maestro, boosting collagen to tackle fine wrinkles like a pro. Just 10 minutes a day is all it takes to unlock this magic, though using it 3 to 5 times weekly delivers visible skin enhancements. $495 www.thelight-salon.com/en-us

OOTD Hydrating Essence Sheet Masks Enter the K-beauty revolution with OOTD – a vegan skincare line that’s turning heads nationwide, and for all the right reasons. In a market saturated with sheet masks, OOTD emerges victorious in quality and visible efficacy. Tear open one of these masks, and despite its storage at room temperature, experience the immediate cooling, indulgent richness that sets these apart. The 30-piece box isn’t just a bundle; it’s a treasure trove housing three distinct mask types, each meticulously formulated with active ingredients designed to hydrate, soothe, firm, brighten, and calm your skin. We are particularly fond of their Glycolic Exfoliating Toner as well! $34 www.ootdbeauty.com

Blunt Metro Umbrella Looking for an umbrella that’s as versatile as your daily adventures? Enter Metro, the ultimate companion for those unpredictable weather days. Sized to slip seamlessly into your handbag, tote, or backpack, this compact wonder ensures you’re always ready, rain or shine. One press of the auto-open button unleashes the canopy, instantly shielding you from the elements. Its unique 360° spinning technology makes maneuvering through tight spots a breeze, elegantly tackling unexpected bumps and jostles without a hitch. With its pioneering design elements, featuring sturdier struts set in an intricately redundant and fortified structure, it guarantees a level of resilience that outshines the standard fare. Available in stunning shades like yellow, pink, and mint. $89 www.bluntumbrellas.com

IN THE SPIRIT

Empress 1908 Elderflower Rose Gin captivates both the eyes and the palate with its divine blend of red rose petals and black carrots. Its fusion with premium tonic and a hint of orange delivers a refreshing twist, shining brightly in classics like Negroni or French 75. Inspired by Victoria, BC’s gardens, its subtle floral essence evokes rich aromas and a delightful tasting journey. www.EmpressGin.com Dulce Vida Pineapple Jalapeno Tequila, crafted from 100% blue agave and featuring real pineapple and jalapeño, offers a flavorful twist. Under 100 calories per 1.5 oz serving and gluten-free, its sweet yet subtly spicy profile avoids being overly cloying. Perfect for margaritas or mixed with club soda, this tequila promises an exciting balance of sweet and heat in every sip. www.dulcevidaspirits.com Farmer’s Botanical Organic Gin, USDA-certified and housed in a stunning etched bottle, is a standout choice. Its distinctive flavor is achieved through a blend of botanicals including hemp seed, resulting in a nutty, savory note. It has bagged many awards including the 2022 TAG Global Spirits Awards’ Double Gold, and scoring 92 Points on the Ultimate Spirits Challenge. www.farmersgin.com Michter’s Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Rye Crafted from select American rye grain, this versatile spirit is ideal for sipping neat or enhancing classics like the Old Fashioned and Sazerac. Offering a palate rich in peppery spice, citrus zest, butterscotch, and oak, it presents a complex interplay of spice and subtle sweetness. Notably, each exceptional bottle is drawn from a single barrel, accentuating the exceptional quality and dedication to craft. www.Michters.com Tensley Wine Their Syrahs hail from a family-owned winery and boast an impressive track record. Recognized in Wine Spectator’s Top 100, earning a remarkable 99 points from Robert Parker, and securing Food and Wine Magazine’s prestigious award for the ‘Top Syrah in America over $20,’ these wines are exemplary. For enthusiasts in Los Angeles, a visit to their tasting room in Brentwood promises a firsthand taste of their acclaimed offerings. www.tensleywines.com Heritage Distilling Co. Lavender Vodka offers a delicate floral aroma complemented by hints of vanilla, mint, and woody undertones. Naturally gluten-free and a recipient of numerous awards, including the prestigious Best of Category: Flavored Vodka from the American Distilling Institute in 2023, this vodka promises a delightful and acclaimed drinking experience whether on the rocks, or a Bee’s Knees. www.heritagedistilling.com

BOOKS

Street Diaries – New York By Phil Penman (teNeues) $80 Phil Penman’s “New York Street Diaries” unveils an uncharted facet of the Big Apple, captivating coffee table book enthusiasts. Through serene lenses, Penman depicts NYC’s seldom-seen tranquility amidst chaos. Amidst the snowstorm and pandemic lockdown, his poignant photographs encapsulate the city’s transformation. Penman’s adeptness at capturing New York’s raw essence in monochrome unveils intimate, subdued moments, steering clear of its usual commotion, showcasing a side seldom beheld. These snapshots serve as poignant testament to a city in flux. www.teNeues.com

A World of Yoga By Leo Lourdes (Rizzoli) $75 Compiles an array of meticulously captured yoga elements—asanas, mudras, affirmations, yantras, mandalas, and more. These diverse practices, captured worldwide from serene beaches to bustling cityscapes, form a visual tapestry. Structured around yoga’s varied benefits, from enhancing vitality to stress alleviation and inner alignment, each section features a spectrum of poses. Lourdes introduces unique, unexplored asanas promoting muscle mobility and mind-body connectivity across 600 muscles. And the gorgeous large format will be a real stunner on your coffee table too! www.rizzoliusa.com

The Watch Book: Compendium By Gisbert Brunner (teNeues) $110 For aficionados of timepieces, collectors, and devoted watch connoisseurs, behold the revamped gem: The Watch Book, a stellar edition eclipsing its predecessors. Gisbert L. Brunner, the esteemed author, unveils an enriched journey into wristwatch history, presenting over 1,000 vivid images. This comprehensive tome merges The Watch Book I and II, boasting 40+ esteemed watch brands in unparalleled detail. Renowned as an expert’s cornerstone, Brunner’s opus transcends mere catalogs, delving deeper to showcase these exquisite luxury watches from myriad angles, far surpassing the norm. www.teNeues.com

Patek Philippe Museum: Treasures from The Patek Philippe Collection / The Quest for the Perfect Watch (teNeues) $85 Bring the essence of the “Temple to Watchmaking” into your abode with these exclusive volumes. Patek Philippe, an epitome of innovation and elegance, dedicates itself to the impeccable craft of timepieces. Delve into lavishly illustrated pages that unveil select masterpieces from over 3,000 watches showcased at the esteemed Patek Philippe Museum in Geneva. Curated over 40 years by Philippe Stern, the company’s Honorary President, these volumes offer a glimpse into the chronicles of watchmaking, spotlighting invaluable treasures steeped in history. www.teNeues.com

The Drawings of Vincent Van Gogh By Christopher Lloyd (Thames & Hudson) $50 Vincent van Gogh’s belief in drawing as the foundation of artistic expression resonates in his legacy of over a thousand graphic works. These profound creations, crafted during his tumultuous existence, encapsulate personal reflections on the evolving modern era. “The Drawings of Vincent van Gogh” is an all-encompassing tribute to his unparalleled accomplishments in this realm. Christopher Lloyd, a distinguished art historian, organizes these drawings thematically, spanning from humble harvesters to exquisitely depicted landscapes. www.thamesandhudson.com

Louis Vuitton Yayoi Kusama: Creating Infinity (Rizzoli) $85 Within this significant volume unveiling a dynamic collaboration, the avant-garde artwork of Yayoi Kusama converges with her groundbreaking Louis Vuitton fashion collection. Organized around the core artistic motifs that ignited this venture, the book illuminates Kusama’s creative synergy. It interweaves insights from contemporary luminaries including Arca, Katherine Bradford, Anne Imhoff, and more, celebrating Kusama’s influence and her knack for crafting whimsical realms with her iconic polka dots and mirror balls. These joyous manifestations encapsulate her profound philosophy, melding artistry and the cosmos in a deeply contemplative manner. www.rizzoliusa.com

The Japanese House Since 1945 By Naomi Pollock (Thames & Hudson) $85 The post-World War II housing creations in Japan stand as a testament to their unorthodox, experimental, and captivating nature, doubling as familial sanctuaries. “The Japanese House Since 1945” meticulously traces the evolution of ninety-seven iconic Japanese homes, showcasing architecturally innovative dwellings that delineate progressions in structure, materiality, design, and domestic life across nearly eight decades. www.thamesandhudson.com

The Iconic British House: Modern Architectural Masterworks Since 1900 By Dominic Bradbury et al (Thames & Hudson) $65 This extensive exploration unveils fifty architecturally momentous British houses spanning 1900 to the contemporary era. Encompassing pivotal design movements like art deco, modernism, and postmodernism, the book transcends mere architectural history, offering a unique lens into evolving British domestic preferences and attitudes over 120 years. The featured homes encompass diverse architectural legacies, including works by luminaries such as Charles Rennie Mackintosh, Edwin Lutyens, Berthold Lubetkin, Serge Chermayeff, among others. With 350 color illustrations. www.thamesandhudson.com

Dolce & Gabbana Alta Gioielleria – Masterpieces of High Jewellery By Carol Woolton (Rizzoli) Dolce & Gabbana’s Alta Gioielleria made its grand debut in Taormina back in 2012. A decade since that remarkable moment, the esteemed fashion house commemorates this realm of art, beauty, and wisdom in its inaugural book. Within this kaleidoscope of creativity, the book showcases miniature marvels, enamels, corals, and exquisite gems sourced from the world’s premier deposits. Magnificent diamonds, some boasting Dolce & Gabbana’s unprecedented cut, take center stage, illuminating the pages with unparalleled splendor. www.rizzoliusa.com

Francesca Amfitheatrof: Fantastical Jewels By Stefania Amfitheatrof (Rizzoli) $115 A captivating journey exploring four exceptional jewelry collections, delving into the designer’s intricate alchemy from raw materials to resplendent jewels. This sumptuous journal-style book unveils the creative process through unique sketches, gouaches, collages, and intimate photographs, spotlighting Amfitheatrof and Louis Vuitton’s modern reinterpretation of the timeless craft of jewelry-making. www.rizzoliusa.com

The Wind Among The Leaves By Luis Vallejo (Turner) $120 This volume encapsulates the splendor of Europe’s exceptional bonsai collection curated by Vallejo, the visionary behind the Luis Vallejo Bonsai Museum in Alcobendas, Spain. Through stunning color photography by Fernando Maquieira, delve into Vallejo’s celebrated assembly, a blend of his own native designs alongside revered specimens by Japanese masters like Masahiko Kimura, Saburo Kato, Hiroshi Takeyama, and Shinji Suzuki. Rather than a mere taxonomical catalog, the book adopts a poetic lens, contemplating the era these bonsai were cultivated in. www.artbook.com

Earthly Delights – A History of the Renaissance By Jonathan Jones (Thames & Hudson) $39.95 In a compelling narrative spanning thirteen chapters, art critic Jonathan Jones unravels the Renaissance artists’ tales as daring pioneers and self-proclaimed “geniuses.” Adorned with 170 vibrant illustrations, this endlessly fascinating book showcases the brilliance of luminaries like Leonardo da Vinci, Hieronymus Bosch, Pieter Bruegel, and Titian. It’s an enthralling exploration into the artistic journey and discoveries that shaped the Renaissance, capturing the essence of these visionary creators as intrepid explorers of their era. www.thamesandhudson.com

Venice – City of Pictures By Martin Gayford (Thames & Hudson) A visual odyssey through five centuries of Venice, the enchanting city long hailed as “La Serenissima.” Martin Gayford’s eloquent narrative unveils a compelling tale, catering to both admirers of Venice and devotees of its art. The brilliance of Bellini brothers, Vittore Carpaccio, Giorgione, Titian, Tintoretto, and Paolo Veronese forms the crux of this narrative, illuminating the city’s artistic zenith. Gayford’s elegant volume, adorned with 186 color illustrations and insightful text, navigates through the city’s rich tapestry of artistry over the centuries. www.thamesandhudson.com

Deborah Turbeville: Photocollage By Nathalie Herschdorfer (Thames & Hudson) $75 Enter a world of haunting beauty within the retrospective monograph of an innovative image creator whose feminine perspective revolutionized fashion photography. This publication delves into the artistic realm of Turbeville, spotlighting her genius within the realm of photocollage as she embraced a deliberate playfulness with her images — xeroxing, cutting, scraping, and skillfully pinning prints together. This volume serves as a testament to her distinctive approach, showcasing her unparalleled ability to transform fashion photography through a deeply artistic and narrative-driven lens. www.thamesandhudson.com

Cecil Beaton: The Royal Portraits By Claudia Acott Williams (Thames & Hudson) $50 offers a contemporary narrative by delving into the past, unraveling the intricacies of image construction. It presents a fresh perspective on Beaton’s portrayal of the British royal family, not merely showcasing the final images but peering into the intimate sittings that birthed these portraits. Organized chronologically across four chapters spanning from the 1930s to the 1970s, each section comprises insightful essays, plates with detailed captions, and in-depth analyses of specific sittings. Featuring 224 illustrations. www.thamesandhudson.com

Ideal Beauty – The Life and Times of Greta Garbo By Lois W. Banner (Rutgers University Press) $29.95 an intimate glimpse into the enigmatic persona of Garbo, unveiling a woman who transcended a challenging upbringing to ascend as a student at the Swedish Royal Dramatic Academy, carve her niche in European cinema, and eventually rise as a Hollywood luminary. This narrative chronicles her tenacious negotiations with Louis B. Mayer at MGM, illustrating how Garbo wielded influence to shape a pioneering feminist portrayal in films like “Queen Christina.” Banner’s account, drawing from a decade of exhaustive archival research across Sweden, Germany, France, and the United States, illuminates a Garbo beyond the cinematic spotlight. www.rutgersuniversitypress.com

Looking at Picasso By Pepe Karmel (Thames & Hudson) $60 This groundbreaking survey delves into the artistic genius of Picasso, offering fresh insights on the maestro’s work through the lens of a prominent authority in the field. Exploring Picasso’s evolution across seven decades, Karmel navigates the artist’s diverse styles, introducing innovative visual languages and narratives that redefined the landscape of modern art. Organized chronologically by themes and movements, the book presents a profusion of illustrations, showcasing iconic masterpieces such as the provocative “Les Demoiselles d’Avignon” and the monumental war depiction “Guernica.” Additionally, lesser-known yet equally compelling works, including Picasso’s animal sculptures and his dynamic reinterpretation of Velázquez’s masterpiece “Las Meninas,” are unveiled. www.thamesandhudson.com