Guest Edits
Isolde Brielmaier is nothing short of an art-world force. A former professor of critical studies in Tisch’s Department of Photography, Imaging and Emerging Media at NYU, the author, curator, and historian’s singular sensibility is on display at such institutions as the New Museum, where she’s served as deputy director since 2021, and the International Center of Photography, where she’s mounted ground-breaking exhibitions, including a solo show for photographer Tyler Mitchell and a collection of five emerging Black artists whose work had never before been seen in a museum. As if that wasn’t enough, she also has her hand in fashion, thanks to a position on the board of the sustainable brand Another Tomorrow—and a whimsical wardrobe brimming with statement-making finds. Here, she reveals her sartorial must-haves and more.
Photo: Mangue Banzima (Brielmaier)
After co-founding Industrie magazine, Erik Torstensson launched Frame in 2012 with a single aim: to create the perfect pair of skinny jeans. Now, as the supermodel-beloved brand celebrates its 10th anniversary (with a first-of-its-kind collaboration with the Ritz Paris, no less), it’s safe to say that Torstensson—who oversees collections, photographs campaigns, and even designs the furniture found in stores—has achieved his vision in spades. And yet, the Swedish farm boy-turned-New York creative powerhouse shows no signs of slowing down: in addition to Frame, he and his partner, Jens Grede, helm 12 companies, touching everything from sales to art direction and public relations. In the rare moments he pauses, he can be found at the English estate he shares with Net-a-Porter founder Natalie Massenet and their four-year-old son. Here, he spotlights the items that fill their home—and more of his must-haves
Photo: Guy Aroch (Torstensson)
Stephanie Nass wanted to be a chef since she was a little girl, called “Chefanie” by friends. She has since transformed her childhood passion and nickname into a business, developing a culinary-driven lifestyle company. Now 31, Nass has spent the last eight years building out a following as a culinary influencer, inspiring with her picture-perfect dinner setups
Photo: Chefanie (Nass)
Bronson van Wyck knows how to throw a party. The legendary events planner’s client list includes Madonna, Beyonce, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Alicia Keys. He also knows how to party. In both roles, van Wyck believes there is no underestimating the importance of a good drink. This summer, he launched a “less-guilt” canned cocktail and mixer company, DIO, naturally an ode to Dionysus, the O.G. party god. Herewith are the creative council to the soirée’s top picks of the moment
Photo: Hannah Thomson (Van Wyck)
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
Photo: Jason McDonald (Melling)
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
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
Photo: Corey Tenold (Gohar)
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
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.
Photo: Weston Wells (Sersale)
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.
Photo: Brian Bills (Shaftel)
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