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Persona: The French Deception


Over 18 months in the mid-aughts, Gilbert Chikli swindled nearly $100 million from big companies and people with big bank accounts. One of his go-to techniques: convince his target he was Jean-Yves Le Drian (then France’s minister of defense, now its foreign minister) and enlist the unsuspecting person in some secret, James Bond–style scheme. Flattered and excited to be embroiled in a matter of geopolitical significance, the targets usually forked over the cash. Hosted by journalist Evan Ratliff, the show dives into Chikli’s careful planning of plots so elaborate that his former lawyer calls them “fairy tales.” Unlike most podcasts covering fraudsters, Ratliff’s isn’t self-serious. Plus, the soundtrack includes Françoise Hardy. (podcasts.apple.com) —Jensen Davis

Accessorize

Celine


Until a certain English cocker spaniel came into my life, I failed to adequately understand the fervor for canine accessories. Now that my dear Minty is a Central Park regular, it is imperative that her outfits are as stylish as can be. Hedi Slimane to the rescue. Inspired by his dog, Elvis, the Celine creative director dreamed up a collection of leashes, collars, feeding bowls, and even a rubber toy in the shape of the brand’s logo, the Triomphe. Like the rest of us, Minty will be much happier in Celine. She is already eyeing the adjustable leash and studded collar, and is quite relieved to discover, at last, a discreet case for those dreaded little dog-dropping bags. (Starting at $175, celine.com) —Ashley Baker

Carry

Loro Piana


Loro Piana is known for its second-to-none fabrics—cashmere, most notably. This season, the Italian luxury house is introducing La Dolce Vita, a collection of swimwear made of yarn crafted from marine and aquatic jersey. The fabric provides both resilience and comfort as well as the promise of a very long life. Before we buy a swimsuit, we’ll be picking up this Panier Tote Bag. The shape is distinctly 70s—a very good thing—and it’s made of regenerated organic cotton, which has been handwoven using the technique of braid stitching. It’s finished with calfskin handles and comes in two sizes, but we’re partial to the smaller one. Wait—maybe the larger one. It’s probably best to get one for the beach and one for town … ($2,075; us.loropiana.com) —Ashley Baker

Light

Joya


There are many big names in the candle industry that people turn to, especially when in need of a last-minute gift. But it’s the lesser-known brands that often make more interesting options. In 2006, Frederick Bouchardy launched Joya, a fragrance company and design studio, in a 19th-century rigging garage in Brooklyn. Productions of soaps, candles, perfumes, and diffusers are still done there, from start to finish. They specialize in niche collaborations, with partners from Lucali pizzeria (don’t turn your nose up at a garlic-scented candle) to the Sunset Tower Hotel, to the film-production company A24. If you’re still looking for a Father’s Day gift, their recent collaboration with the Grateful Dead is a perfect present for any Deadhead. The candles are shaped like the bears from their 1973 album History of the Grateful Dead, Volume One (Bear’s Choice) and come in fun scents, such as Lemon Drop and Sour Strawberry. ($88, joyastudio.com) —Gracie Wiener

Watch

Minx


Everyone who works in media loves TV shows and films about media. While I don’t work at a porn magazine, there’s still a voyeuristic charm in watching elements of my day-to-day brought to life in Nixon-era Technicolor. Set in 1970s Southern California, Minx, on HBO Max, follows Joyce Prigger (Ophelia Lovibond), an inexperienced but ardent second-wave feminist who finds herself at the helm of an erotic magazine for women. Her foil, and business partner, is porn publisher Doug Renetti (Jake Johnson). The show’s soft-core title isn’t based on a real magazine from that era but is inspired by Viva and Playgirl. Don’t be distracted by the many—many—male parts; creator Ellen Rapoport and executive producer Paul Feig have something incisive to say about gender politics, sexuality, and emancipation. (hbomax.com) —Bridget Arsenault

Set

Gohar World


A few weeks ago, the artist and chef Laila Gohar—she has designed pearl-adorned egg towers for Simone Rocha—launched a tableware brand with her little sister, Nadia. Gohar World’s first collection—40 handmade pieces, from lace coasters to black satin baguette bags, to champagne coupes—is beautiful but not precious. “Humor is really important for us,” Laila says. “Sometimes objects are so beautiful, but when they’re too chic for their own good, I kind of think it’s vulgar.” I’ve fantasized about eating my morning oatmeal with their quartet of mother-of-pearl dessert spoons. (Starting at $32, gohar.world) —Jensen Davis

Issue No. 153
June 18, 2022
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Issue No. 153
June 18, 2022