Culture | Mar. 2024
THE BUZZ: MARCH 2024
By Michelle Crowe
MAGNIFICENT MEDUSA
Medusa is Versace’s most powerful and instantly recognizable symbol—one of elevated beauty, rebellion, and female empowerment. The Medusa ’95 House code is featured across a new Versace bag line for Spring-Summer 2024. Introduced at the collection fashion show in Milan, the theme centers on a unique horizontal tote bag and a handbag that takes inspiration from the Versace handbag carried by Diana, Princess of Wales. Each is crafted from calf leather that is sourced in France for its particular and luxurious powder-like finish with a soft and warm sensation to the touch. The naturally grained leather has a semi-matte sheen, and its innate character matures and enhances with wear, becoming more supple with a unique patina. The styles are also featured in a crocodile motif made through a hot-emboss technique onto soft calf leather that recreates the richness and depth of real crocodile skin. Interiors are lined with rich lamb leather and edges are hand-painted in tonal colors for an overall harmonious finish. For more information, visit versace.com.
A HOUSE THAT MADE HISTORY
In an extraordinary restoration project, Michael S. Smith, interior designer for the Obama White House, redecorated the Illinois Governor’s Mansion in collaboration with M.K. Pritzker, the first lady of Illinois. The project allowed the mansion’s prodigious history, exceptional decorative arts, and superb art to shine by using the best of Illinois’ long tradition of fine craftsmanship to enhance the rooms with sophisticated color palettes, gorgeous fabrics, wallpapers, and bespoke furniture. A House That Made History: The Illinois Governor’s Mansion, Legacy of an Architectural Treasure not only celebrates the updating of the Italianate–Greek Revival mansion but also tells the story of the house’s evolution since 1855, of the lives and times of the renowned personages who inhabited it, and of the illustrious visitors, including Abraham Lincoln and Franklin Delano Roosevelt. This book is ideal for those who love architecture, antiques, and learning about the lives of prominent Americans. For more information, visit rizzoliusa.com.
WALLPAPER
Introducing a vibrant new chapter, Lake Forest artist Katie Powell Brickman unveils her latest masterpiece—a captivating wallpaper collection inspired by her popular abstract artwork. Renowned both locally and nationwide for her daring use of color and striking compositions, Brickman’s creative journey has culminated in a much-anticipated line of wallpapers that promise to infuse any space with unparalleled energy and elegance. Drawing on her celebrated and bold design patterns, the collection showcases ten distinct motifs, each available in a multitude of colors. Transform your surroundings with the spirit of Brickman’s artistry, and let your walls tell a story of dynamic creativity and contemporary flair. For more information, visit katiepowellbrickman.com.
COZY UP
March is tricky. Blissfully warm one day, reminiscent of a blustery island off the coast of Scotland the next. Reach for this mohair throw while reading or binge watching in the evening. Made in France by Brun de Vian-Tiran, the manufacture of noble fibers since 1808, it’s gorgeous and practical thanks to the vaporous effect of the mohair, a wonderfully sensual fiber. A true decorative accessory, the mohair throw gives a simple touch of elegance to your sofa, armchair or the end of your bed. A warm and extremely soft piece it will surround you with caring comfort. This elegant pink is irresistible, and it also comes in black for the color phobic. ligne-roset.com, 312.846.1080
SWEET SPOT
One way to be certain the party is a-list involves cookies. If the treats being served or in the goodie bags are from Swedish Girl bakery, the host is in the know. This bespoke bakery is a labor of love for owner Kirsten Legner, who set out to make delicious food for her son after he was diagnosed with Celiac Disease. She’s accomplished that and more, developing recipes that shatter the expectations of what allergy-friendly cakes, cookies, and even bread can be. Everything is gluten and nut free, and the bakery happily works with guests who need dairy-free, egg-free, and vegan choices. Swedish Girl Bakery excels at custom orders of cakes, cupcakes, and cookies for celebrations and special occasions. Hint: place Easter and graduation orders early. If the craving for something yummy strikes while out and about, the newly opened store is stocked with goodies several days a week. Swedish Girl Bakery, 38 63rd Street, Willowbrook, swedishgirlbakery.com, 630.590.5252
TRUNK SHOWS
Spring on the North Shore means a full schedule of philanthropic events, from lunches and cocktail parties to evening galas. If your going out wardrobe needs a refresh, The Lake Forest Shop will be hosting eight trunk shows throughout March and April, featuring lines from designers Lourdes Chavez, Frascara, and VERDAVAINNE, among others. The boutique maintains a full-time staff of skilled seamstresses to ensure custom fit and convenient alterations, so you won’t need to lift a finger to look your absolute best this spring. Visit thelakeforestshop.com for the complete trunk show schedule.
SPRING CLEANING & COLLECTING
There’s no time like spring to purge your space and refresh your surroundings. Trading Treasures accepts everything from sectionals and desks to lamps and more—and how great to get some money for what is sold! On the other end, if you are looking for the perfect piece but don’t want to pay custom prices, Trading Treasures probably has something you’ll love. Designers come from all over the Chicago area to shop for their clients at Trading Treasures and they never leave empty handed. Follow their lead and pop into Trading Treasures on Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. or by appointment. trading-treasures.com
MODERN HERITAGE
Phoebe Dickinson is keeping alive the tradition of portrait painting in a refreshingly current way. The celebrated British artist’s portraits have been described as having a style “reminiscent of John Singer Sargent’s later years, although in a cool fresh palette which is the young artist’s own.” The artist has held six successful solo shows in London and New York and exhibited in the Royal Society of Portrait Painters annual exhibition five times. Dickinson’s recent solo show Great Houses and Gardens of England documented some of Britain’s most iconic houses and the people who live in them, exploring how these houses function in the modern day. Simply fascinating. Her work can be found in the collections of Houghton Hall, the private collection of Mrs. Frick, Woburn Abbey, Badminton House, Balcarres, and the private collection of Ronald Perelman. To learn more about Dickinson’s work and awards, visit phoebedickinson.com/portfolio. For available works or to commission a portrait, direct all inquiries to [email protected].
TUSCANY OR BLOOMINGTON, INDIANA?
Always dreamed of truffle hunting in Italy? Why not forgo the passport and hone your foraging skills this spring while hunting for prized morel mushrooms in nearby Bloomington, Indiana? Morels are only found from late March to May in certain parts of the country. Fortunately for fungi fans, Bloomington has become known for its hidden foraging spots, prized morel mushroom menus, and restaurants featuring the delicacy. The hunt is so beloved that some locals prefer to keep their sourcing spots secret. While it’s all quite “hush-hush” and no roadmap for foraging is provided, consider this your first step to truffle hunting success. Insider tip: morel hunting is fair game in the Morgan-Monroe State Forest. visitbloomington.com
LAMBORGHINI: WHERE WHY WHO WHEN WHAT BY ANTONIO GHINI
This lavishly produced volume, newly published this month, features the complete collection of all the models produced by Lamborghini from 1963 to the present day, including special editions, unreleased models, and those that underwent significant evolutions. Stunning photography highlights the exquisite lines and lavish details of the vehicles, along with spectacular archival images and technical information celebrating the glamour and excellence of Italian automotive design. The book also includes information about the prominent designers, including Filippo Perini, Walter de Silva, Mitja Borkert, and Marcello Gandini, who created some of the company’s most iconic models, such as the Miura, Countach, Aventador, Huracán, and the new Urus as well as astonishing prototypes such as the Marzal, Egoista, and the Terzo Millenni. rizzoliusa.com
