After stumbling upon artist Phoebe Wahl‘s work last night, I was overcome with nostalgia, comfort and utter joy. Her watercolors and collages depict a simple and modest kind of utopia. It’s impossible not to get lost in these sentimental scenes, especially with Christmas just a couple of days away!
Finnish designer Samu-Jussi Koski incorporated the same rich, saturated colors, as seen in Johannes Vermeer’s masterpieces, into his latest collection. Even the silhouettes, from the sky blue mohair coat to the navy trench worn over an ivory full circle skirt to the burgundy dress with pleats, were reminiscent of Vermeer’s works. We love Samu-Jussi’s modern take on old world influences and can’t to see what he dreams up next . . .
The name says it all – it’s all about the landscape at the Juvet Landscape Hotel. Nested along the river in the rural Norwegian town of Valldal, modest and modern cabins are spread out among the topography – each with at least one wall of glass, designed specifically so that guests can be at one with nature. The views look spectacular and I can only imagine how incredibly peaceful it would be to experience this stunning retreat first hand.
This is a sweater you would definitely recognize as it was famously worn by The Dude. But did you know that it is actually a celebrated item of Canada’s heritage? Cowichan sweaters have been hand-spun and woven in the Cowichan Valley since the turn of the 20th century. Authentic Cowichans use virgin wool from local sheep, relying on the aging of the sheep for the variance in color. The natural oils aren’t washed out, making all authentic Cowichans not only warm, but water resistant. Coast Salish knitters wash, dry, hand tease and card the wool, before spinning and weaving them into a one-of-a-kind sweaters. And since no two are alike, spotting these sweaters up and down the west coast is like taking a glimpse into the history of the Pacific Northwest tribes. So cool.
