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Photo: Alberto Zanetti (Martin)

My Favorite Things

When J.J. Martin, the founder of lifestyle brand La DoubleJ, moved from her native California to Milan more than 20 years ago, she brought with her both a sense of spirituality and a maximalist aesthetic. Ultimately those would both come to define the company that she later launched, in 2015, with the goal of encouraging “women to seek joy both inside and out.” In so doing, she relied on her curatorial eye and long-standing friendships with Milan’s leading creative minds, establishing immersive retail experiences and novel collaborations. Many of Martin’s devotees also borrow from her roadmap on how to live fully through spiritual practice. Herewith, the incurable optimist and tastemaker highlights her picks of the moment.

La DoubleJ

$1,250

Boudoir Belted Maxi Dress

“This is the kind of thing I fantasize myself floating around my Milan apartment in, but really I’ll probably wear it to Passalacqua, which is a new 25 room villa in Lake Como that you must all visit— we designed the pool and solarium areas in a La DoubleJ print explosion, so this feels pretty appropriate.”

Smythson

$40

Bulldog-Motif Correspondence Cards

“So I couldn’t find pug paper in honor of my dog, Pepper, but this bulldog is a very close second. We love scrunched up faces of all kinds!”

Fiat

Price Upon Request

1958 Jolly 750 Abarth

“I drive a vintage fiat Cinquecento in Milan, but the convertible rattan version takes it to a totally new level. I actually have a friend who lives in Puglia with this exact car and there is no better way to experience the Italian summer coastline. It’s the dream!”

Brajak Vitberg

$8,725

Brass Sculpted Floor Lamp

“I was introduced to the magic of very simple, sharp, clean, mid-century Italian brass lamps the minute I dropped down into Milan 20 years ago. They do an especially great job at cutting through all of the pattern and color that I inevitably use in my interiors. I hate prissy lamps—they immediately dumb down your space.”

La DoubleJ

$555

Gold-Plated Porcelain Espresso Cups and Saucers, Set of Six

“You can’t go wrong with these La DoubleJ porcelain espresso cups. Trust me—everyone likes them. Perfect summer time hostess gift!”

Michael Kneebone

$4,800

Labradorite Archaic-Style Ring

“Labradorite is a very special stone that has incredibly strong energetic properties. In a nutshell, it helps you embody your spirit inside your physical shell. I have been wearing one around my neck daily for the last three years. So when I saw this big-daddy ring, my stomach did a few backflips.”

La DoubleJ

$420

Scarlett Swimsuit

“I’m a big fan of the bathing suit doing double duty as ready-to-wear—i.e., put that baby on with a pair of hot pants or a swinging skirt and you are cocktail ready! This one is in an amazing stretch pique that I love.”

Charles Horner Scarab

$650

Art Deco Brooch, Circa 1920

“I’m nuts about Egypt, and after spending two weeks there in April, my meditation room is now packed with statues of Isis, Anubis, scarabs, ankhs, etc. Oftentimes, I will buy items that are meant to be worn as jewelry but that I place on my altar next to crystals instead. That’s what I’ll do with this scarab. Love the design.”

Alana Fairchild

$16

Angelic Lightwork: Magic and Manifestation with the Angels

“I have many spiritual books and oracle cards—I like the Isis Oracle pack!—by Alana Fairchild. Here’s one I haven’t read yet but want to buy.”

Westman Atelier

$62

Eye Love You Mascara in Clean Black

“I’m not much of a makeup wearer to be honest, but when I do wear it, I like Gucci Westman’s products. Not only are they fabulous on the skin, but the design is chicisimo and Gucci is the nicest, coolest woman in the beauty business, so let’s support her!”

Westman Atelier

$62

Eye Love You Mascara

“I’m not much of a makeup wearer to be honest, but when I do wear it, I like Gucci Westman’s products. Not only are they fabulous on the skin, but the design is chicisimo and Gucci is the nicest, coolest woman in the beauty business, so let’s support her!”

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