The Notebook
A personal notebook on luxury, fashion, design and craftsmanship. Reflections on materials, heritage and the cultural meaning of objects.
What is castor oil?
Castor oil comes from a plant. Castoreum is an animal-derived perfume material whose scent can also be reconstructed. A closer look at cosmetic labels and fragrance notes.
What are the must-have wardrobe essentials? The women’s edition
Choosing women’s wardrobe essentials through complete outfits, comfort, fit and the care needed to keep wearing them.
Why the penny loafer feels right now
The penny loafer's current appeal seems closely tied to practical dressing and restrained elegance.
The Patterns We Keep Reinventing
Toile de Jouy, Liberty florals and paisley invite a personal reflection on how familiar patterns accommodate changing tastes.
Why We Keep Returning to Familiar Designs
Personal reflections on luxury reissues, nostalgia and the creative space left for unfamiliar designs.
When luxury becomes ordinary
Continuous visibility can make luxury feel routine. A personal reflection on desirability, scarcity and editorial restraint.
Can a Perfume Capture a Place?
A fragrance can evoke a destination through memory and imagination, then gather new meanings as we wear it.
Can an ordinary material become precious?
Rebecca Nardi, Chanel and Margiela offer different perspectives on how design changes the value we attribute to materials.