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Photo: Jason McDonald (Melling)

My Favorite Things

Meredith Melling’s daily uniform is chic, simple, and, well, uniform. After years of trend hopping, the former Vogue editor decided to transcend fads and stick to one timeless wardrobe stable—stripes. Founding La Ligne in 2015 with two friends, Melling realized her vision of “pared down, not fussy, not precious, French-girl dressing, just a striped sweater and a pair of jeans.” With one growing brand, four kids, three rescue dogs, and a politically minded husband all under her watch, Melling keeps it classic and comfortable. She shares her top picks of the moment

Kassatex

From $240

Brushed Flannel Bamboo Duvet

“We have Kassatex bedding throughout the house but this is the first year I discovered their beach towels thanks to Instagram (@kassatex) and Harry Styles.”

Chatham

$250

Blue-Stripe Throw

“When I started having children with an adventurous outdoorsy guy, I realized the importance of an all purpose blanket. We keep these in our apartment and in the back of our SUV and use them for everything - warmth, cushioning, portable “dining table”, dog bed, super hero cape, you name it.”

My Favorite Things

The second of nine children in a dynastic surfing family, Jonathan Paskowitz cut his own impressive line in the sport, winning, among many other titles, the world’s longboard championship in 1987. His accomplishments on the waves led to a successful career at the helm of the surf-adjacent brands Black Flys, an eyewear line; Lightning Bolt, a beachy clothing label; and Blood, a luxury surf shop on N.Y.C.’s Crosby Street. Beyond the retail space, Paskowitz, alongside AIR MAIL Co-Editor Graydon Carter, co-produced the documentary Surfwise, about his acclaimed family. And more recently, having moved to Paris seven years ago, he dove headlong into the metaverse by developing a blockchain-based authentication tool, called DNA. Herewith, the multi-hyphenate athlete—who, with his family, also started two nonprofits, Surfing 4 Peace and Surfers Healing—shares his top picks of the moment

Western Hydrodynamic Research Promotional Hat

$55

“I love the quality of this cap and the unique bungee-cord back. Punker Pat from W.H.R., as it’s referred to, does it right. Caps come and go, but when I saw photographer Mary Frey wearing this one, it became my favorite. S.O.S.—save our seas!”

Tom Sachs

$2

Winnebago Sticker

“I love stickers! I was practically born in a camper. ‘Tom Snacks’ was our favorite eccentric surfer at Paskowitz Surf Camp.”

Pierre Hardy

$395

Planet Cube Box Black White And Orange

“I use this for my necessare travel bag. I love the leather and the quality. its a beautiful object.”

Le Petit Porteur

$828

Cargo Bike

“Living in Paris, one of the joys of life is biking your chores away, and shopping adventures with a dog or small person are always better on a bike. We love our little porter!”

Wahine

$165

Wahine Warriors Jersey

“I was fortunate to be born at the epoch of the commercial surf industry; it was all family all the time. The brands all knew each other and the people were your kindred spirits. Take that ‘old school’ spirit of camaraderie and slap it on the ‘new school’ cool of ledge-skater, surfer, model, and entrepreneur Evan Mock and you get luxe surf brand Wahine.”

Bianca Chadon

$165

Lover Pullover Hooded Sweatshirt

“Words can’t describe my love for my ‘Lover’ hoodie. Alex Olson—known to be the most handsome, balanced man, who can still talk car-crusty talk with bearded men—crushed this masterpiece with his fashion brand Bianca Chandon.”

Blood

$302

Johnny Sunglasses

“Blood surf sunglasses have that quality that I miss from the olden days of Ray-Ban and Cool-Ray. Glass G-15 lenses that really, actually protect your eyes. Hand-made acetate with a heft of luxury I adore. Plus, they are the ‘Jonny’ model!”

Rancho Organics

$60

Sensitive Extra-Strength CBD Relief Salve

“Rancho Organics is the best. Hold-the-presses, slap-your-leg, ring-the-bell best! As a fully grown man who still surfs, skateboards, and is a fanatic of French-style bike riding, my leg aches leave me destroyed—laid out, loins akimbo. This salve really controls muscle pain and is not a stinky balm.”

Cantabria Labs

$26

Heliocare Advanced SPF 50 Cream

“O.K., was I bad at putting on skin-care sun-blockers? Yes! ‘Why,’ you may ask, ‘is a man who has been at the beach his whole life not better at that?’ Well, the texture was greasy and ill-feeling and sometimes the perfumes were really, really bad. Then I discovered Heliocare in Palma de Mallorca a few years ago and now this is all I use. It finishes dry, is nice to touch, and its sublime, mild smell is quite pleasant. I give it five out of five stars.”

Gerry Lopez

$5,000

Classic Bolt Surfboard

“It’s impossible to explain the impact Gerry Lopez had on my life. He was the best surfer, the nicest guy, and a breakthrough athlete that carried the torch of master of style for years—maybe decades. In such a way did he dominate stylish surf perfection that even to this day his world-famous lightning-bolt-symbol surfboard sparks attention. I consider this one of my prized possessions. Aloha uncle Gerry.”

Photo: Corey Tenold (Gohar)

My Favorite Things

Even if Laila Gohar’s name isn’t immediately familiar, you’ve likely come across photos of her cinematic creations. An established artist who uses food as her medium, Gohar is responsible for a spate of high-profile, experiential collaborations with luxury brands. Her specialty? Dreaming up otherworldly dining events—with the likes of LVMH, Tiffany & Co., Comme des Garçons, among others—in unusual, photogenic spots around the globe. Earlier this year, Gohar teamed up with her sister, Nadia, to launch Gohar World, “a tableware universe that embraces craft, time, tradition, and humor.” (Think: intricate chicken slippers, elegant adult bibs, silk lingerie for baguettes.) Gucci took note, inviting the siblings to launch a capsule collection for their Vault platform this summer. Herewith, she shares her summer shopping list

Birkenstock x Proenza Schouler

$420

Arizona Slides

“I wear Birkenstocks almost every day. I also think they do great collabs. I’d love to design a pair of Birks one day.”

Sargadelos

$148

Sargadelos No. 2 Drinking Jug

“Sargadelos is a historic, family-owned ceramic company from Galicia, Spain. I have a few pieces and love the candlesticks and water jug especially.”

Tekla

$100

Striped Organic Cotton-Poplin Pajama Shorts

“I wear these out all summer long. They’re not just pajamas as far as I’m concerned.”

Jean-Paul Droin

$140

Chablis Valmur Grand Cru, 2020

“A classic Chablis that I really enjoy drinking.”

Benefit Cosmetics

$18

Benetint Rose Lip Blush & Cheek Tint

“I’ve been using this since I was a teenager and still love it.”

Gohar World

$139

Apron with Lace Appliqué, Hands

“Right now, my favorite piece on Gohar World is our Helping Hands Apron. It’s a utilitarian, bistro-style apron but with handmade whimsical lace hands stitched onto the belt.”

Maison Margiela

$660

Tabi Leather Ballet Flats

“Love a classic tabi shoe. I have them in a few different colors.”

Rimowa

$1,150

Original Cabin S Suitcase

“Classic. An investment that will stay with you for years.”

My Favorite Things

Igee Okafor, founder and editor in chief of Bond Official, identified the need for an online destination for men like himself, he notes, “with smart and ultramodern minds.” Through opinion pieces, interviews, and a podcast featuring a variety of perspectives, Okafor and his team showcase not only first-rate fashion and tastemakers, but also, he adds, inspiration about what it means to be a “courageous, liberated” gentleman. Okafor—a native of Lagos, Nigeria, who moved to N.Y.C. in 2013 to pursue a career in media—additionally oversees the lifestyle and menswear platform Very Igee Okafor. There, visitors can discover and shop a distilled version of its creator’s taste. Herewith, he offers up the items that have his attention this summer

Tumi

$1,095

19 Degree Aluminum Carry-On Suitcase

“The fluid-looking design got me interested and seeing how, through my travels, it sustained its shape has kept me really fond of it.”

Supergoop!

$34

Every. Single. Face Watery Lotion

“This summer, protecting your skin from sun damage is essential. I’ve found Supergoop’s Watery Lotion to be the lightest and easiest solution. The product settles into the skin so nicely and you’re left with no white cast. I like to reapply every three to five hours.”

Ruffino

$30

Ducale Chianti Classico Riserva

“I like to share this wine with friends on a cool summer night. It’s one-of-a-kind with notes of violet, cherry, cinnamon, and touches of tobacco. Complex yet lush and easy to enjoy with essential dining favorites like pasta.”

Tom Ford

$79

Tom Ford 002

“I was a fan of the first Tom Ford coffee table book and I am an even bigger fan of 002. The white cover stands out on any table and the written and visual storytelling makes for a great conversation starter when hosting guests.”

Diptyque

$40

Orange Blossom Dishwashing Liquid

“I am a fan of scented products, and not too long ago Diptyque launched this dishwashing liquid with the most sustained and delicate orange blossom, mandarin, and basil scent. It makes doing dishes a lot more enjoyable.”

Diptyque

$40

Multi-Surface Vinegar Cleaner

“What I really enjoy about this multi-surface cleaner is that the recycled glass bottles are made to be reused. Scores for sustainability and functionality.”

8Greens

$78

Essential Greens Booster

“Greens are essential and I do my best to have my daily intake. I started off with the booster on days I forgot to eat my fruits or salads. Now, I do it all together. It’s made from real greens like spinach, kale, and barley grass and it tastes great.”

Frédéric Malle

$85

Portrait of a Lady Fragrance

“I originally experienced this fragrance on a friend of mine, who would wear it all the time. It was so signature to her and exuded such grace and sophistication. It was unlike anything I had ever smelled before. Sensual, yet demure and refined. This is what notes of rose, patchouli, sandalwood, and amber can do.”

Christian Louboutin

$595

Men’s Coolraoul Logo Flat Sandals

“I always choose relaxation. We all need simplistic footwear we can lounge around in and this is it. The color variation alongside the color is a great detail, and it can be paired with any neutral, matching sets for summer.”

Master & Dynamics x David Adjaye

$1,200

MA770 Wireless Speaker

“I have used this wireless speaker for the last two years. You’re able to connect it to your phone, Chromecast, or any other device that allows for Bluetooth connection. The clarity on the system is incredible and so is the bass and acoustics. I’m positive anyone could throw a large party with one of these and be pleasantly surprised.”

Photo: Weston Wells (Sersale)

My Favorite Things

Perched above the Mediterranean in the cliffs of Positano, Le Sirenuse hotel is one of those heavenly spots that lingers pleasantly in the mind. Maintaining the destination’s singular atmosphere is a labor of love for Carla Sersale, who, along with her husband, Antonio, and their family, run the Amalfi Coast destination with love and exacting standards. Patrons, in turn, come back for generations. And now anyone can bring a bit of that magic home, thanks to Sersale’s clothing-and-décor label, Emporio Sirenuse, which, celebrated for its colorful prints and breezy designs, “is inspired by the sights, sounds, and sunsets” of the hotel and its sublime setting. Herewith, she reveals the items that she loves most right now.

Vibi Venezia

$86

Whipstitched Velvet Slippers

“The Vibi sisters are my friends and I love them so much. These slippers are the solution found by Venetians to walking everywhere, all day, as one does in Venice! Super glam and easy.”

Emilia Wickstead

$1,050

Jada Denim Pants

“How can you be as stylish as Emilia Wickstead? These are probably the best jeans I have ever worn!”

Stella McCartney

$495

Loop Neoprene and Faux Sneakers

These sneakers are amazingly chic and comfortable, and I wear them with pants every day.”

Emporio Sirenuse

$781

Fiona Cotton-Voile Dress

“I wore this dress at a party in Sicily and it was a great success. It’s feminine and light—both in material and color, as well as in the embroidery.”

Laboratorio Paravicini

$805

Bloom Dessert Plates, Set of 12

“I bought these unbelievable plates, by Laboratorio Paravicini, for my Milan pied-a-terre and I love them very much.”

The Row

$1,590

Park Medium North-South Tote Bag

“I only use large bags, and this one is particularly special as I love suede! It will be my winter tote.”

Fiammettav Home Collection

$380

Carrara Marble Bathroom Set

“I love to use marble glasses for the toothbrushes in my bathroom. They provide a sense of solidity and calm to the entire space.”

Davines

$45

OI Weightless Hair Oil

“I never blow dry my hair. The only solution I’ve found to tame my wild curls has been to apply this oil when I wash or wet my hair, and I don’t touch it again until the next time it gets wet.”

Photo: Brian Bills (Shaftel)

My Favorite Things

With the Wimbledon finals in full swing this weekend, our thoughts naturally turn courtside. And here to indulge us with a dose of tennis-centric style is David Shaftel, editor and co-founder of Racquet, the independent quarterly magazine celebrating tennis art, style, and culture. With ace design, a tongue-in-cheek throwback vibe, and a global perspective, we like to think it has all the right ingredients. And that worldview comes largely courtesy of Shaftel—who has lived and worked in New York, Trinidad, Mumbai, Phnom Penh, and London—bringing a distinctive voice not only to Racquet the magazine (and the 2020 book of the same name) but to his features for publications such as The New York Times, the Financial Times, and The Guardian. Herewith, he serves up his favorite items of the moment.

Solinco

$220

Whiteout 300 Tennis Racquet

“Solinco just released two customizable racquets, the Blackout and Whiteout, one for novices and one for advanced players. They were designed with help from Roman Prokes, the celebrated racquet tech for Andre Agassi. Both have features that were previously expensive and only available to pros. They’re conversation pieces in addition to being great racquets.”

Reigning Champ x Racquet

$145

Embroidered French Terry Sweatshirt

“I love good, simple, high-quality basics and when it comes to basics, Reigning Champ is the…reigning champ. This sweatshirt we collaborated on is super high-quality and super versatile.”

Adidas

$102

Adidas Barricade Tennis Shoe

“Tennis shoes are tough—most just don’t feel right. Adidas re-launched the legendary Barricade last year and the new ones feel comfy right out the box, so no excuses if I play poorly on the first day. Plus, I love the jazzy colorways. I’m obsessed with pink, so the addition of a pink version for men is the clincher.”

Maurice de Mauriac

$2,478

Automatic Classic Stand Smith Signature Watch

“I love this Stan Smith collaboration with the Zurich-based watchmakers founded in 1997 by Daniel Dreifuss. The Dreifusses worked with Stan Smith on this watch for over two years. Smith has won a total of 100 tournaments, in singles and doubles, so they made one hundred each in green, red, and blue, representing the three typical tennis surfaces.”

Awake NY

$215

Lacoste Edition Cotton Lounge Pants

“The pandemic may be winding down, but I’m still committed to sweatpants. Lacoste’s new-ish creative director, Louise Trotter, has transformed the tennis side of the brand and the idea of what modern tennis style can look like–we’re all playing catch-up to her work.”

Palmes Tennis Society

$80

Arrow Heart Canvas Tote

“After years of looking, I’ve concluded there is still no better bag for tennis than a large tote; the purpose-made tennis bags with an excess of pockets and zippers and compartments are too much of a fiddle and stuff gets lost in them. (Trust me, you don’t want to find a sweated-in wristband months after the fact.) I’m currently using this one from a new Danish tennis brand.”

Friedrich Kunath

$700

Friedrich Kunath: I Don’t Worry Anymore

“Our magazine is obsessed with the intersection of art and tennis and we can think of no artist more obsessed with tennis than Friedrich Kunath. This monograph contains loads of paintings with tennis imagery and a fascinating, abstract conversation between Kunath and John McEnroe.”

Casablanca

$481

Multicolor Polyester Jacket

“I want every single item Casablanca’s makes. I’m not sure I can pull off this phantasmagoric jacket, but I’d sure like to give it a try.”

Polaroid

$195

Now+Stater Set

“At Racquet we’ve been collecting Polaroid portraits of all the pro players for years. It’s a fun, easy, and unique way to take photos. And the players are always intrigued by seeing a bulky film camera amid the iPhone-wielding fans and pro equipment in the press box, so we get great shots of them with bemused expressions.”

My Favorite Things

When shopping for summer staples, Maria Dueñas Jacobs asks herself three questions before checking out: “Is it easy? Is it comfortable? Is it chic?” Her process and criteria were mastered during a career as a magazine fashion editor, most recently serving as Elle’s accessories director. But those questions have become even more valuable these days as founder of the children’s brand Super Smalls, which specializes in—and, quite frankly, nails—sparkly, joyful gifts and accessories. Dueñas Jacobs, who likes to combine her love for all things “fun and kid-centric” with refined, ornate objects, says she derives the greatest inspiration from her three young daughters. Herewith, the entrepreneur shines a light on “my list as I gear up for the season!”

Khaite

$840

The Annika Dress

“Everything I’ve ever bought from Khaite has been amortized by wears quite nicely, and becomes a staple in my wardrobe. I think this dress will be super wearable and versatile this summer!”

Glasvin

$84

The Expression Bordeaux Glass, Two Pack

“I’m not a total wine pro, but I know enough to know that wine tastes better in these glasses.”

Maison Me

$37

Malia One-Piece Swimsuit

“I look for shortcuts whenever possible, and dressing my three daughters the same saves me time and anxiety—easier to spot them in crowds! Maisonette is my go-to for kid shopping! I’ll be buying them these retro suits and little dresses for summer for sure.”

Super Smalls

$29

Mermaid in Training Goggles

“These goggles are straight-up magic! They have an airtight seal and may or may not turn your kid into a mermaid!”

Polaroid

$109

i-Type Instant Camera

“I’m a sucker for all things nostalgic, and who doesn’t love a Polaroid? I bought these for my girls and keep them at home to document summer fun. We put the photos in a box, and it’s always a treat to look back on the silly things we’ve snapped.”

Kule

$188

The All-Over Striped Tote in Poppy

“The beach bag dreams are made of and also a go-to gift from me!”

Marni

$490

Knit Printed Buckle Slides

“I’m basically a grown-up kid and a sucker for any shoe that resembles a Birk’. These Marni sandals make me laugh out loud so, naturally, I love them!”

Foundrae

$2,390

Reflection 18-Karat-Gold-Enamel Bracelet

“My sister and I both wear this bracelet as our version of a Best Friend necklace—only much chicer.”

Super Smalls

$35

Lucky Streak Real Four-Leaf Clover Necklace

“I designed and made this for kids, but I wear it every day. I’m still blown away by the fact that it has a real four-leaf clover in it! Apparently, Leprechauns love Super Smalls, so I was able to broker a deal.”

Photo: Nicole Franzen (King)

My Favorite Things

Anyone with more than a passing interest in interior design on social media is likely already familiar with Colin King’s styling oeuvre. Part of that success comes from his ability to imbue spaces with difficult-to-pinpoint dynamism—even when working in his preferred muted palette and without human subjects. This talent has led him to regularly contribute to publications such as Architectural Digest and T and collaborates with brands ranging from West Elm to Roman and Williams Guild. It’s only natural, then, that he’s just launched his own collection, inspired by Milan and Marrakech, with Beni Rugs. Herewith, King shares his favorite items for both home and body

Jacques Adnet

$7,976

1950s Stitched-Leather Table

“I love the variation in texture across this piece, combining patinated leather, a rattan tabletop, and metalwork details. Adnet’s work complements so many different styles—you can’t go wrong.”

Menu

$740

Reverse Table Tamp

“This is a true study in materiality. The travertine base is handsomely paired with a brushed-bronze aluminum shade. However, my favorite feature is the tactile dimmer switch at the top of the fixture. I’ve used this lamp in so many different areas of my own home over the years.”

D.S. & Durga

$210

Cowboy Grass Eau de Parfum

“D.S. & Durga has a catalog of such well-defined scents. This fragrance uses some of my favorite notes in a really distinctive way. Herbal, dry, and green—this takes my mind straight to the natural beauty of the desert out West.”

Beni Rugs

$665

Ancora

“Ancora is one of my favorite new rug designs from Spoken Lines, my second collection with Beni Rugs. Overall, it’s inspired by the convergence of the craftsmanship of Marrakech with the architectural influence of Milan and mid-century Italian design.”

Paul Klee

$56

Paul Klee 1939

“This book of Paul Klee’s work adds a whimsical, eye-catching layer to any table or surface. I’ve always been drawn to his ability to utilize spatial relationships and graphic elements with such a lighthearted hand.”

Loewe

$1,250

Striped Mohair-Blend Blanket

“This blanket makes me want to curl up and binge-watch a new show. With a range of neutrals in a mohair-blend pattern, it’s a great finishing touch to a comfy sofa or lounge chair.”

Bode

$473

Killington Striped Shorts

“Bode continues to cement such a distinctive perspective in menswear. There is an inherent respect for unusual textiles and patterns without forgoing a bit of wit. Combined with the collaborative design work of Green River Project, I’m always intrigued to see where the line heads next.”

Le 17 Septembre

$350

Layered Faille Shirt

“The subtle layers of this shirt add just enough personality and interest without going over the top. I’m often switching out and pairing neutrals across my wardrobe, so I usually look for special, distinctive details like this design.”

Roman & Williams Guild

$112

Linen Napkins, Set of Four

“No one has approached the tabletop category like Roman & Williams Guild. I’ve frequently collaborated with their team and I always find myself coming back to these linen napkins. There’s a detailed simplicity to the light handfeel and frayed edges that adds so much character to a tablescape.”

Frama

$1,055

Aluminum Rivet Box Table

“There’s an industrial elegance to the Rivet Box Table by Frama. The untreated aluminum adds a Donald Judd-esque perspective to the design and it can easily be used as a storage or display, vertically or horizontally. The material continues to develop a beautiful patina over time.”

Smythson

$190

Passport Cover in Panama

“I’ve been lucky enough to travel more and more for work these days. This crossgrain leather passport cover from Smythson has become a travel staple and continues to wear well as I step foot into different countries. Hoping to make some time to travel for pleasure someday soon!”

Flexfit

$12

Athletic Baseball Cap

“Everyone always asks where I get my baseball caps. My secret is this Flexfit cap from Amazon. They have some great colorways and this is my go-to hat to throw on while traveling or after a long day on set.”

Photo: Caroline Owens (Fargo)

My Favorite Things

With her elegant mien, bold style, and recognizable platinum bob, Linda Fargo has reigned as a paragon of the New York fashion world for decades. Her established tenure as S.V.P. and director of women’s fashion at Bergdorf Goodman showcases her inimitable knack for eyeing faraway trends and, in an impressive number of cases, setting them. Not surprisingly, the Midwestern native—who, as the spirit and muse of the Bergdorf brand, now has her own shop within, “which is like my fantasy closet of all my current season favorites”—also has peerless shopping insights. Herewith, Fargo shines a light on the top 12 pieces that have won her attention this summer.

Respoke

$297

Ampara Floral-Print Espadrilles

“​​What to do when you have an obsessive collection of iconic Hermès and Pucci scarves, and you’ve run out of ways to tie them? Make them into one-of-a-kind, handmade espadrilles and let your feet have all the stylish fun. Now that’s a re-purpose with a purpose I like!”

La DoubleJ

$420

Hazzard Tie-Shoulder Swimsuit

“Anyone who has the pleasure of meeting the ultra charming J.J. Martin falls under her colorful and playful spell. I’ve seen her grow this brand from a few floral frocks shown in her friend’s Milan flower shop to an entire “World of J.J.”—from beach to tablescapes to innerlife dressing, too. The places this fiesta one-piece and I could go together? Borderless anywhere!”

1st Dibs

$5,300

Midcentury Rattan Wicker Bar Cart

“Don’t know why, but I’m loco for rattan! My dream house is a tiki hut or a stilted-bamboo apartment in Bali’s Bamboo Village. Short of that, I’ll roll out this whimsical bar cart and knock you out poolside with my Planters Double Punch!”

Balenciaga

$5,950

Pleated-Drape Crepe Midi Dress

“I mean! Have you ever seen a dress that can instantly transform you into the Goddess of Sunshine like this radiant, packable, plisse beauty from Balenciaga. Thanks, Demna Gvasalia!”

Joanna Czech Skincare

$1,320

The Kit

“And thank you, Joanna! We all want a piece of you! Our skin is thirsty for your years of expertise, and at last we have you in chic handy little bottles. The wait is over—#quenched.”

Khaite

$1,520

Evi Stripe Collared Sweater

“If you’re not hip to Khaite’s sweaters with the hand-hider sleeves, the sumptuous and gorgeous yarns, sailor-chic stripes, and casually sexy necklines, then get with it!”

Dries Van Noten

$1,765

Firework-Print Belted Coat

Oooh, aaaah! Nothing says summer or celebration—or whatever, whenever—like this fantastical sparkler from our favorite mix-master, Dries. Will someone kiss me under the falling stars in this?”

Spinelli Kilcollin

$1,700

Hyancinth MX-4 Link Ring

“Classics aren’t born everyday, but behold! I can’t think of someone who wouldn’t rock and love one the many variations on this versatile Eighth Wonder of the World. Think: one for me and one for you.”

Loewe x Paula’s Ibiza

$990

Small Elephant Anagram Basket Tote

“O.K., O.K.! Nothing says summer like a raffia tote bag, but add jazzy T-shirt stripes and a why-not elephant, and your day just has to be more fun. Leave it to Loewe—and all their artisanal collabs—to dream this one up.”

Moke

$21,975

eMoke

“If a car were fashion, this would be my summer pick. It’s cute. I only need it for the season. It starts conversations. I’ll change into something else in the Fall!”

Hermès

$43

Lipstick

“While these jaunty lipsticks may transform your lips into hypnotizing colors, the enameled, striped cases with snappy magnetic closures are art-object worthy. Sights for sore eyes!”

Fornasetti

$1,285

Face-Stripes Tray

“My lean is always a classic or legacy something-or-other with a fresh spin. This summery tray checks my personal boxes. Great gift or keepable.”

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

“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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