Creativity and existence, according to RICK RUBIN

What’s a recent gift you've given? Mine was a book called «The Creative Act: A Way of Being» by legendary music producer Rick Rubin. I gave it to my sister for her birthday and had to buy a second copy for myself. Last year, a good friend sent me a podcast featuring an interview with Rubin and I have been in awe of his approach to life ever since. For those who don’t know him: he co-founded the iconic record labels Def Jam and American Recordings and has produced Johnny Cash, Metallica, Eminem, Lana Del Rey, Adele and Red Hot Chilli Peppers, among many others. Perfectly humble and with a singular yet universal vision, he examines the root of creativity and concludes that being an artist isn’t about your specific output, but rather your relationship to the world. Truth be told, this book isn’t for everyone, but to say it in Rubin’s words: «Some ideas may resonate, others may not. Use what’s helpful. Let go of the rest.»
Orellfuessli.ch
© Orell Füssli

«White Lotus» revisited–the Indian BRAND on the rise

«The White Lotus» was without a doubt one of the most visually pleasing series I saw last year. (If you disagree, you simply didn’t pay attention.) It’s set in stunning locations, sure, and then there’s Albie, duh, but also, the fashion? Not too bad. Whoever loved the vibrant shirts Cameron & Co. were pulling off in season two might be interested to know that they’re from Perte D’ego, a young Indian fashion brand that you, too, can get your hands on for your next little getaway. If you’re brave enough to wear designer Utkarsh Mithas’ creations, that is: his fabrics are wildly patterned, mostly colorful, sometimes embroidered. A former finance student at the University of Maryland, it was in 2018 that Mithas launched Perte D’ego («ego loss») following his true passion for textiles. Funnily enough, it’s still his LinkedIn profile that pops up on top when googling his name. Having received Vogue coverage, I expect that to change soon.
Pertedego.com
© Perte D’ego

The two hotel OPENINGS I’m awaiting this year

When it comes to travel recommendations, there are those places that I feel everyone should know, and then there are others that I discover and… well, I hope no one (but me) ever hears about. But, I do want you to Be My Guest. So here we go, I’m spilling the travel tea!
The first destination to watch is Hotel Corazón, a «farm, hotel, restaurant and shop made by artists» in Sollèr, on the island of Mallorca. The owners are Aussie chef and multi-skilled Magnus Reid and his photographer-and-wife Kate Bellm. It’s safe to say that it will become the melting pot of the island’s most creative.
Second: Rosemary Marrakech. The city’s favorite homeware designer, Laurence Leenaert of LRNCE (a brand you should check out if you haven’t already) is opening the doors to a new Riad this year, and it will most likely turn out to be an incredibly tasteful guesthouse.
Hotelcorazon.com
@rosemarymarrakech
© Hotel Corazon

An invite-only APP that’s basically Instagram for travelers

Wait, we’re not done with the travel recs. Because right when I started to get into Instagram travel guides (see mine for Zurich and Sri Lanka), my friend urged me to download AmiGO. I signed up yesterday, and I already love what I see: it’s a platform for «travelers and tastemakers», so pretty much like the big «I», just more places and less people. To my surprise, numerous cool kids are already on there: @samyoukilis has created 16 different city guides already, @piariverola, one of my favorite travel photographers, has shared her preferred spots in Japan, and @alicemoireau, the French creative to know, has covered Rome, Paris and Barcelona. The catch? It’s invite-only. There’s an option to join the waiting list, but otherwise prospective users must rely on a friend or SoMe connection to provide a code. That being said: Thanks, K., for getting me in. If I stop responding to your messages, I’m out there plotting my next trip.
Apple.com
© Pia Riverola