The humdrums of summer
I watched this film without any pretense as to what the story will be, but it may have captured the essence of a quintessential summer film so far. With costumes by Miyako Bellizi, worn no other than the bodies of Chloe Sevigny and Lily McInerny, they graced the screen of Durga Chew Bose’s first directorial debut as if it belonged in the 90s. It framed an indulgent type of summer where it leads us in a hazy memory that changes us forever.

I’ve come to a point especially this year of expanding my taste and ability to enjoy different kinds of things outside my usual interests. I think it’s only fitting that appreciating K-Pop is one of them, especially this rookie boy group, Cortis. Not saying that they fit the mold of nostalgic boy bands, (although this song makes you feel warm and remind of you that) they persisted on being fresh debuted artists and performers of their own right by coloring outside the lines of what a typical K-Pop group should be. From writing their own songs, producing their own music videos and creating their own concepts, it remains a breath of fresh air that makes you stay on the loop of what these kids are up to next.

As with all things fragrance that boomed from the past few years and this ongoing appetite for perfumes, I’m always intrigued by the world-building of it based on this simple ability of smell and creativity. Similar to brands like Tamburins, Jouissance,  Gorgeous Nothings and Troy Sivan’s Tsu Lange Yor, this scent specifically captured by curiousity of the brand’s line of hand crafted fragrances that celebrate Asian cultures.

I’ve been following Kiko Mizuhara’s beauty and health brand kiiks for a while now and it never lost its spark of how refreshing her approach to this industry is in the sea of brand noise and labels everywhere. The impact of her image as a veteran model and it girl-ness hasn’t tainted the brand’s essence and story of how it came to be, but rather encourages younger generations to become responsible, radical entrepreneurs and creatives if they choose to be.

Image makers like Aya Fujioka hold a special place in my personal library of references as a masterclass of ‘seeing,’ and being this tastemaker to weave stories so subtely and organic as breathing. I appreciate bodies of work that make you reflect and move you as you unravel or experience the sequence of images on the page. More than serving as an account of her life, family and going back to her hometown, you get a familiar sense of what it means to see the things you we’re constantly exposed to in a different way.

I’ve been a long fan of Colleen Allen’s work for a while and the way her pieces speak a certain type of femininity, witchcraft and lived in-ess altogether. As much as the rich, darker and witchier pieces are my favorites, her Spring/Summer 2026 collection still holds an air of ease, intrigue and the sweet spot of her own references of feminist literature to curiosities found in antique markets, as well as the spirit of fearless contemporary women.

In Their Words

‘I’ve been obsessed with witches since I was a little kid. When I was trying to define who I am as a woman and what I resonate with, that’s always what it came back to. I return again and again to the archetype of the witch and how she shows up in culture. Sometimes it’s in a literal sense, other times it’s a woman from history or a fictional character who carries that spirit – someone who goes against the grain.

‘Initially, I didn’t really know why I was so drawn to the Victorian era, but I think it’s because the silhouettes for women at the time were these incredibly complex tailored shapes that geometrically mould around the female body. With historical dressing, it’s about building a silhouette: a bloomer, a petticoat, a corset, a coverlet, all coming together to create an overall experience. I think that’s something contemporary womenswear has lost. It’s not that I want dressing to feel restrictive or formal, but rather that conversation between underwear and outerwear is something I’m constantly playing with.’

Pawson’s ramble from the start and throughout the video felt meditative to how he approaches his work and the essence of what he does as an architect. I don’t think I can get enough or get tired of seeing his own house when publications and media platforms feature it or just seeing photos of the space itself. His practice and the way he reflects on life and its complexities move and inspire me in thinking about how we also move through our own paths. In taking up space, what we leave behind or how we live through the everyday.  

A book of eleven stories about getting dressed and a photo series from Jennifer Park, its reminiscent of the time I had with my sister and cousin during the summer of spending afternoons daydreaming and making messes of trying clothes and coming up with scenarios or playing make believe scripts. The intimacy of going through a closet feels vulnerable as I go into my 20s now, knowing that going through mine, I have compiled some stories myself with garments I own. Having summer come around again, its always been the unspoken time for a closet purge or revisiting and seeing these anew.

“I don’t have children, but I have books”

Perrin Drumm, Head of Publishing at A24, joins Vowels Research Library for the second episode of Vowels References. I've always admired A24's approach to things and believe they value creativity unlike any other platform out there right now. Putting a face to a name like hers has never felt more satisfying, especially after years of stalking the credits and mastheads of A24's book releases.

Wallpaper* features creative director and designer Veronica Ditting in 'In The Stuff That Surrounds,' exploring a life through objects. As a nosy person, I find the spaces people occupy intriguing and inherently interesting because I know how much thought goes into the items we acquire and how they can be like books in themselves, storing memories and stories. Veronica has been the mastermind behind The Gentlewoman's visual voice, and I've always considered it a masterclass in restraint and in creating a nuanced artifact with such enduring appeal as a magazine.

The emancipating approach of Isabella Burley's Climax Books is nothing short of revolutionary in a sea of all things 'curated.' The appeal of her bookstore lies in knowing the power of the Edit and staying completely obsessed with an idea until it breathes life on its own. I'm inspired by her stories of starting Climax (before it was even a bookstore) because it proves that staying true to your style and personal interests can open up entirely new spaces like this. Allowing a domino effect on community and a space to constantly stratch an idea of unhibited creativity and inspiration.

I've always been an oogling fan of Hannah O'Neill's ballet-related posts, so it's refreshing for Chanel's series to offer a different perspective on individuals like her. I honestly believe books offer a snapshot of who a person is through the things they find interesting or what they choose to read. This is fitting for anyone curious to snoop the titles from these visionaries and discover what makes them exceptional in their craft or how they simply view the world.

Having consistently heard reviews and recommendations about McNally Jackson, I wasn't surprised to learn that they are behind the striking, almost editorial-style graphic covers I've frequently seen in book clubs over the years. Though I've yet to acquire one, I love how Mcnally Editions champion writers and offer readers a unique opportunity to delve into and discover new works, presenting these books as beautifully framed pieces of art. 

The Print is Dead, Long Live Print podcast couldn't have come at a better time; it perfectly serves an audience who enjoys hearing about magazines and the people make them talk for hours. Podcasts, as a medium, already offer a generous way to pick the brains of fascinating people and satisfy curious listeners alike and I’m glad it found this platform that suits this topic like a glove. From weighty names in the industry to emerging indie publishers, the podcast becomes a valuable resource and refuge for anyone in solidarity with the form.

I could never run out of spots to save when it comes to bookstores, concept stores or ‘retail therapy’ alike, and discovering Owl Bureau through Chandelier Creative has made it even more special. Having been a fan of personal projects and endeavours, (but also Chandelier as a creative agency),  I personally admire how even in the midst of deadlines and projects, creatives will always long for community in every shape and form. I’m gutted it ceased operations and didn’t survive, it would’ve enjoyed breathing the post pandemic world!

I've forgotten how I discovered this audiobook/e-book app, but I've always enjoyed subscribing to Alexander for a truly distinct reading experience. I'm not sure how they manage to retain a printed charm akin to an actual book, but expect a meticulously crafted universe where users can immerse themselves in exclusive stories narrated by acclaimed actors, paired with conceptual visuals and video clips to enrich the narratives.

Combining a relentless creative vision with a medium that knows no borders, the portfolio Balboste Paris has been putting out remains to spark joy from start to end. The way they were able to flesh out an idea and stick to the intention of bringing something new to the table has been inspiring while also keeping in mind that an idea is only as good as the collaborators you’re working with who also respect the process of the craft. Unsurprisingly, fashion powerhouses are tapping this opportunity to involve food in the overall experience of telling a brand’s story. 

I stumbled upon Homefries during the pandemic, which I deemed fitting, and it has had an energy and lasting impression on me to this day. During a time when it brought about the most creative itches from everyone, it remains a project that was so refreshing and what we needed at that time and wished I thought of (or become a part of haha). Starring Iris Law, the second issue combined an editorial take of the modern Barefoot Contessa with a dash of an ‘It girl’ wink. Law, known not just for her taste aesthetically but also for her eye for indulging in snacks that hit the right spot that you’re craving, captured the essence of the fanzine/cookzine as a whole.

I learned about Brianna Capozzi through her photobook, Well Behaved Women, and I figured she had this collaborative art project of painted plates for a good cause. Like her work and photography, it felt like peering into an artist’s sketchbook and this interesting POV of a different medium by the same artist. As the plates were one-offs, they all felt like canvases, and she treated them just like the images she created. The same energy of a free, dreamlike take of fictional stories on ceramics all feel like the women who portrays a character in her photos, which leaves the same impression and sandbox feel to her creative practice.

I still have to go through my issue of Sexy Cake, the initial issue of Cake Zine, but just like every sweet tooth like me out there, one can appreciate the tone of voice they have set out from the beginning, which still felt as fresh as when I saw them launch their first issue. “An independent print magazine exploring society through sweets,” they managed to choose a name that allowed them to zoom in on stories, recipes, and interesting rabbit holes that can’t be read elsewhere. 

It’s such a rare treat to witness the craft alone, but I also appreciate the maker of this one-man band sandwich shop. Salvos, an Italian lunch business run by Salvatore La Rosa, happens to do all the prepping, cooking, packing, delivering, dispatching, customer services, and creative side of it all, is nothing short of inspiring. It is a small and mighty sandwich shop that doesn’t seem to scrimp on quality, thoughtfulness, and attention to detail. From the blue tape he uses for the packaging that hints at his family background to the intention of using the best ingredients to make a sandwich, he’d also enjoy eating. When asked why he does everything on his own, it’s surprising to say that the key takeaway of being able to create something like this is sometimes being an outsider and enjoying the process of just the making without being tainted by the standards and usual roads of such a competitive industry.

A sweep of some titles I've seen and selected from book recommendations. It's always so interesting to stumble upon books that seem to have a 'read me' quality to it, but also knowing that food as a topic and theme is ever in its exhaustible form. From Le Corbuffet, a satirical book that welds humor, art, photography, and a pre-existing knowledge of architecture to a compendium of dishes that have made a mark across cultures today from Phaidon. There is so much to unpack about food and how we experience it today; even image makers like Martin Parr are no exception and can't seem to get enough of it, too. Since there is much to see and to cater to one’s taste in literature, Sqirl's book of personally selected dishes and their recipes is also a giftable piece one can indulge in.

Seeing Suki order a grilled cheese sandwich and a peanut butter banana shake while asking the person filming her if they should also order fries to share has been ingrained in my mind ever since. The effervescent quality of diners and its appeal to touch the comfort of any person who wishes to dine is such an iconic setting and can also be seen in films. It’s a food concept that remains to be democratic enough for anyone to enjoy a meal or two, either with someone or just alone. Because let’s face it, you’re really after the comfort food it offers that you can’t necessarily get in fine dining or in super commercialized fast food restaurants today. The cherry on top of the video is Suki toying around with a jukebox before proceeding to a Moschino show, which she will be opening with a play on 90’s horror movies that have been a classic mainstay just like a mom & pop diner. 

Being both Charlie and Willy Wonka himself, I don’t only enjoy eating it, but I’m also intrigued by the array of chocolate available in the market or how up-and-coming chocolate brands choose to innovate and push them even further. From Pump Street’s Bakery Series, which combines fresh bakery ingredients in different bar flavors, to these gold wrapped Italian chocolates, which are basically like solid Nutella from Bon Appetit. For an artful take, Casa Bosques has their chocolate brand that springs from their creative pools of having a studio running and a bookstore based in Mexico. 



The Frankenstein of Cold Treats

This Aussie-based shop has been on my places to go to ever since I saw them post about their gelato concoctions and collaborations. It is only fitting that they’ve set up a new flagship store that doubles as a lab and test kitchen for ‘future flavors that may or may not make it onto the menu at all of their stores.’ The designed uniforms and fish bowl quality of the interiors wouldn’t be amiss for a complete Dexter’s Lab-esque gelato experience churning out one new creation to another. 

A rare sit down with the eponymous photographer we all either love or hate today. It caught me off guard how little I knew about him, but I eventually grasped who he is and how his unique POV and influence on so many people made so much sense towards the end. Such an intimate and raw profile we need more of!

I have been meaning to watch A Real Pain for a while now, so reading Jesse Eisenberg's profile on The New Yorker will suffice. In my head, Jesse Eisenberg and Michael Cera are one person or genre, but in a way, they're just different fonts (haha). This is not to discredit the name and work they've built and done so well separately, but something about who they are as actors forces you to notice more like it's your first time doing it. Throwing in casting Kieran Culkin as Jesse's cousin is already a perfect recipe for a less pretentious mumblecore film. It feels less indulgent to self-ponder and question the weight of Life because of the sharp humor and nuances they bring to the table and their choices. 

I stumbled upon this unique gifting suggestion from The New York Times, which I didn’t expect to exist elsewhere. It’s basically a personalized keepsake folio for anyone born between 1974 and 2014 on every front page. Had such a full-stop moment with the whole idea just thinking about being transported back in time to revisit the headlines, stories, articles, and photos at a specific point in history and how culture has shaped today. Such a big brain move to conceptualize a conversation starter and a treasure trove of information!

I have such vivid early memories of when I first started watching The Untalkative Bunny when I was a kid in grade school. Something about this almost philosophical take on a show targeted at kids feels so meditative even before then, with all the tongue-in-cheek and enlightened plotlines within a 4-5 minute episode. Fast forward to now, I've found a YouTube channel that uploaded all of the episodes, and I tend to watch it to shut my brain off (on the rare times my day isn't filled) and before I go to sleep. It's not at arm's length like rubbish television but keeps you sat enough to see what happens to a facially expressive yellow rabbit and its life in the big city.

I have a soft spot for artists who use words to convey their art: Jenny Holzer, Barbar Kruger, Lawrence Weiner, and Tracy Emin, to name a few, with the intent that there is more than what the literal messages usually are (for which I totally agree and totally on the same page with). On a more contemporary take, I’ve always admired Charlotte Le Bon’s eye, cheekiness, and wink, which she brings to her creative practice. From her self-directed film, Falcon Lake, and art through sculpture and photography, even her drawings and paintings all feel like extensions of each other, always in conversation and alive. This piece is no exception, with strokes of humor akin to Rene Magritte,  who already pushed the boundaries of what art could be and the many ways we see.

Jenny Slate, who I know from roles in films (see Everything Everywhere All At Once and Marcel the Shell) and her stand-up, has caught my attention for a while now, ever since her collaboration with Cat Bird and eventually discovering she's a newly minted writer too. Something about her sense of humor and quirks makes it hard not to notice and be intrigued by what she has to say. With the promise of a dazzling, impossible-to-categorize debut, the book channels the pain and beauty of life in writing that feels fresh, new, and burstingly alive. With a summary from the author herself:

Hello and welcome to my book. Inside you will find:
× The smell of honeysuckle
× Heartbreak
× A French-kissing rabbit
× A haunted house
× Death
× A vagina singing sad old songs
× Young geraniums in an ancient castle
× Birth
× A dog who appears in dreams as a spiritual guide
× Divorce
× Electromagnetic energy fields
× Emotional horniness
× The ghost of a sea captain
× And more

I hope you enjoy these little weirds.

Love,
Jenny Slate

I’d like to think a person’s favorite vlogger represents themselves and their essence in a completely aspirational way. ‘Tell me your favorite vlogger, and I can tell who you are’ kind of thing. Or ‘you are who you really watch.’ The evolution of YouTube and content on the platform has led us to paths where we can have front seats in the lives of people we might not even imagine we’ll ever come across. Or better yet, have a scoop on their schedules and what’s going on in their lives, which eventually leads us to develop pseudo relationships as if we know them in real life with the amount of access and information given to the public. I don’t have a definitive judgment on whether this is a good or bad thing just yet because, for the most part, it builds community and a sense of self (similar to having a friend or a chic big sister); it’s tough not to turn a blind eye to the negative and dark sides it sheds on too. 

I have been enjoying and staying entertained with Devon Lee Carlson’s vlogs for a while now. I just think she wears her coolness on her sleeve so lightly and has this knack for staying true to her personal style, which remains to be so inspiring.

 All this time, I had this black hole feeling about social classes (where I stand, how to cope, and survival of it all), especially belonging to an industry that influences and somehow depends on it so much. The success part mostly. Whether you’re looking at it in a relationship, friendship, career, and future trajectory kind of a way, it’s an odd feeling to be perceived, for starters, what more if classes are involved? Wherein it can affect the projects you get, the friends or people you attract, but also how you relate to the world and how you show up as.

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Sound Lounges in a period of Pop Uprisings 

The vibe of Khan Jamal’s free spirtual jazz feels respiteful and like a watercooler break from bops the music industry has been dropping since the year began. Listen as ambient noise or if you’re just looking into a different genre cleanse.

I recently downloaded Substack on my phone and plan to get back to reading newsletters first thing in the morning. Ever since -ber months crept in, I’ve been so behind this and my 7,000+ mail count has been piling up. Going through my inbox feels like wiping out the guilt I sweep under the rug when it comes to my screentime and doomscrolling on my phone. I don’t think I can compare the feeling of reading newsletters and discovering new things along the way because it feels like having gems in my pockets and having a post purge glow. 

As a creature of habit, I devour substacks like The Pleasure Lists and other similar formats, but have also been a paid subscriber to Substack’s hall of fame queen Emily Sundberg for a while now. The yearning for analog and slow media has never been stronger and I’m glad I get to be in the crux of this reckoning.

 
Leaning towards her actual bloodlines and the British cheekiness that can also be seen in her clothing line, Bella Freud launched a fashion podcast with a ‘free association-esque’ theme, but less of the cringey therapy speak we’ve probably seen everywhere (even in podcast platforms). Each guest is to 'lie on the couch' and explore the connection between fashion and identity, going deeper in engaging conversations that goes far beyond what we wear: diving into the unspoken language of clothing and the ways in which we use style to navigate and communicate in the world.

I recently bought an Abode Set from Saan Saan as a birthday gift for myself and have been sorting through my saved shop lists and Carousell for a nice container to house them. The cleansing set meant to protect spaces or put a protective shield around your home includes a black tourmaline, pyrite pyramid, desert rose selenite and a palo santo stick originally consigned from Woo Woo Ritual Goods. I’m gutted but also glad I got to save this cup and saucer from the Salvador Dali Surreal World collection from a now defunct local Instagram biz that used to sell these along with other artful goods. It reminded me of some Gohar World pieces by Monica Magsanoc, a Filipina illustrator and designer that became a zeitgeist mainstay.

I discovered this brand from a NYC based ballerina I follow on Instagram and immediately fell inlove with how the garments were styled and how she wore them IRL when teaching a Pilates class. Their take on their Collections with a fashion-forward eye is so refreshing and makes you look forward to styling them in endless ways, coining the pieces as ‘evolutionary activewear.’ Because if there’s an activewear recommendation I’d trust, it would be from a ballerina. 

Actual Source is ahead of the publishing game in many ways, so it’s hard not to browse their shop without adding something to your wishlist. They managed to create the secret sauce of what it means to create meaningful work they want to do, but also function as a studio doing groundbreaking work for A24, Atmos, and Popeye (to name a few). This photobook by Jacob Haupt, which captures scenes from his haunted apartment, is no exception to the other titles they’ve produced via their publishing arm, which are equally unique and a ‘can’t get anywhere else’ piece.