Red Jane, a unique bakery located in the heart of Chania, a vibrant port city on the Greek island of Crete, stands out with its unconventional exterior. Adorned with graffiti and without a prominent sign, the bakery resembles a trendy Berlin nightclub. However, upon entering, one is transported to the atmosphere of an elegant New York boutique. The interior boasts Italian tiles on the floor, an exposed-brick ceiling, and a long red marble counter illuminated by minimalist pendant lamps. The pastries, meticulously displayed like precious gems, are showcased in a glass vitrine.
The brain behind Red Jane is Nikos Tsepetis, the hotelier responsible for the popular beach resort Ammos, which is frequented by the art and design community. Partnering with London-based lighting and furniture designer Michael Anastassiades, Tsepetis has successfully created a space that is a testament to their combined expertise. Eyal Schwartz, the former head baker and co-owner of London’s famous E5 Bakehouse, has crafted an exquisite menu for Red Jane.
Since its opening, Red Jane has taken the neighborhood by storm. On its very first day, the bakery sold out of its delectable chocolate-filled croissants, traditional Greek sesame-topped bagels known as koulouri, and baklava swirls by noon. Despite the fact that Tsepetis and Anastassiades deliberately omitted tables from the design, locals found themselves captivated by the space and lingered for an extra hour.
To experience the unique ambiance and mouthwatering treats Red Jane has to offer, visit their website at redjaneproject.com.
In Chicago, art enthusiasts have the rare opportunity to marvel at the mesmerizing Surrealist paintings of Remedios Varo. Born in Catalonia, Varo drew inspiration from the Virgen de los Remedios, a revered figure believed to have protected and healed Spanish conquistadores during their conquest of Tenochtitlán, now Mexico City. In 1941, as a young artist living in Paris, Varo fled the Nazi invasion by journeying to Mexico City. It was there that she produced her most celebrated works.
The Art Institute of Chicago is currently hosting an exhibition titled “Remedios Varo: Science Fictions,” which showcases dozens of Varo’s paintings, drawings, and ephemera from her prolific period in Mexico. Varo collaborated with fellow Surrealist expatriates Leonora Carrington and Kati Horna in the vibrant Colonia Roma neighborhood of Mexico City, earning them the nickname “the three witches.” Varo’s paintings, such as “Star Catcher,” beautifully blend medieval portraiture and cosmic fantasy, reflecting her fascination with alchemy, pseudoscience, and theosophy.
“Remedios Varo: Science Fictions” can be viewed at the Art Institute of Chicago from July 29 to November 27. For more information, visit artic.edu.
French jewelry designer Charlotte Chesnais once created handblown glass bangles for Balenciaga’s runway show under the creative direction of Nicolas Ghesquière. Now, as the founder of her own jewelry label, Chesnais has revived this concept with a new summer collection featuring 50 limited-edition miniature glass hoops she affectionately refers to as “doughnuts.” Each doughnut is individually handblown by the same artisan who created the original glass bangles in a studio near Lille, France. These exquisite pieces come in a variety of iridescent colors and can be hung from hoop earrings or threaded onto necklaces and bracelets as charms. Chesnais describes them as resembling crystallized water or small ice cubes, showcasing her signature sculptural style with elegant arcs and spirals.
With the purchase of Chesnais’s lacquered Petit Wave earrings, customers will receive one complimentary doughnut. The earrings are available for purchase online, at the brand’s two Parisian stores, and at a monthlong pop-up opening on July 28 at Pepa, a fashion boutique in Cadaqués, Spain. Cadaqués holds a special significance, as it was a favorite destination of renowned Surrealist artist Salvador Dalí, who continues to inspire Chesnais. Prices for the doughnuts start at approximately $390. Visit charlottechesnais.com for more details.
Nestled in the city of Querétaro, Mexico, the Hércules Textile Factory once stood as a testament to Mexico’s industrial prowess. However, as time passed, the factory fell into disrepair and closed its doors for good in 2019. In its place, Luis Gonzalez established Cervecera Hércules, a craft brewery that began occupying sections of the old factory floor. Over the years, the brewery expanded its footprint, creating a thriving community with a beer garden, bakeries, coffee roasters, textile designers, and the architectural firm Goma.
Goma recently embarked on a major transformation of the mill owner’s residence within the factory, resulting in the opening of Hotel Hércules. This elegant hotel features 40 rooms meticulously restored with a delicate touch, preserving the brick arches and chipped plaster walls that give the space its distinctive charm. To add a touch of modern glamour, Goma sourced midcentury furniture from antique markets in Mexico City. With a spa, two restaurants, an olive grove, and a swimming pool situated in an unroofed section of the factory, Hotel Hércules offers a complete experience for guests. The hotel, which opened on July 20, serves as the guesthouse for Cervecera Hércules, akin to the lodges found in vineyards worldwide. Room rates start at $150 per night. Visit hotelhercules.com for reservations.
In New York, the National Museum of the American Indian is hosting an awe-inspiring exhibition of artist Shelley Niro’s work titled “500 Year Itch.” Niro, a Mohawk artist and filmmaker, employs various mediums such as beadwork, oil painting, and photography to explore the experiences of being a Native American woman. Her artwork beautifully balances modern life and ancient traditions while delving into themes of resilience, memory, and identity. Niro’s work sheds light on the lasting impact of historical traumas that are often forgotten or ignored.
One of Niro’s most notable works is a short film called “The Shirt” (2003). In this film, an Indigenous woman dons jeans, aviator sunglasses, and an American flag bandanna with a white shirt adorned with messages highlighting the annihilation and massacres suffered by her ancestors. Niro also embraces humor in the face of adversity. In her 1992 work, “500 Year Itch,” she is depicted dressed as Marilyn Monroe, radiating joy and representing endurance throughout centuries of oppression.
Don’t miss the opportunity to witness the profound artistry of Shelley Niro at “500 Year Itch,” on display at the National Museum of the American Indian in New York until January 1, 2024. For more information, visit americanindian.si.edu.
Maison Madeleine, a Los Angeles-based furniture company, has joined forces with the esteemed American brand Sister Parish to create an unexpected piece: the daybed. Founder Leah Cumming of Maison Madeleine explains that daybeds are commonly found in old-world French homes, throughout Europe, and even in sun-drenched porched rooms on the East Coast. Maison Madeleine’s solid oak daybeds feature elegant scalloped details and upholstery available in a selection of four fabrics from Sister Parish.
The textiles, carefully curated by Susan Crater and Eliza Crater Harris, the granddaughter and great-granddaughter of Sister Parish, pay homage to the iconic designer and her firm, Parish Hadley. “Mahalo,” a woven check pattern, draws inspiration from one of Parish’s canopy beds. To ensure durability, the fabric is woven from recycled polyester that repels water and resists mold, mildew, and staining. “Dolly,” a flower and stripe design, showcases one of Parish’s beloved patterns. The collection also includes “Parish Stripe,” a classic blue ticking, and “Sintra,” a botanical print from the Parish Hadley archives. Look forward to an expanded collection in the fall, featuring dining chairs with a woven floral jacquard called “Georgina,” produced at a mill in Pennsylvania.
Despite its seemingly unconventional nature, the daybed offers versatility that goes beyond mere functionality. Harris emphasizes its multifaceted use, suggesting it can be utilized for houseguests, leisurely reading, enjoying the sun with your dog, or simply unwinding with a glass of wine. Experience the timeless appeal of Maison Madeleine and Sister Parish’s collaboration by visiting their website at maisonmadeleine.com.
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