An Opulent New Way to Put an Egg On It
In today’s culinary landscape, it seems that caviar is being added to just about anything, from fried chicken to hamburgers, effectively diminishing its once-exclusive status and turning it into a mere condiment. However, some chefs are now exploring a more rarefied variation of caviar: albino caviar. Albino caviar comes in hues ranging from alabaster to golden and is the result of rare mutations. While the most coveted variety comes from the beluga sturgeon, it is typically only found on superyachts due to its prohibitive cost. At Les Trois Chevaux in New York, chef Angie Mar serves the eggs of the sterlet, a small sturgeon known as the Acipenser ruthenus, shaped into a quenelle tableside and paired with white asparagus, aerated béchamel, and beurre de baratte-basted brioche. This monochromatic presentation allows diners to fully appreciate the flavors of the albino caviar. Other chefs, such as Rasmus Munk of Alchemist in Copenhagen, are drawn to albino caviar for its rich aroma of butter and creamy texture. The Araki in London showcases albino caviar by placing it on top of slices of white cuttlefish and squid. In addition to albino caviar, snail eggs also offer a similar visual appeal, despite their earthy taste. These delicacies, however, can be even more expensive than traditional caviar. – Lauren Joseph
The Thing: Jewel-Toned Glass Lamps From Hermès
During the 1930s, as Modernism began to influence Scandinavia, Finnish designers gained recognition for their handblown colored glass, which possessed a more substantial and elemental quality compared to the glass produced by their Italian counterparts in Murano. Designers like Alvar Aalto, Kaj Franck, and Tapio Wirkkala embraced a style that prioritized richness of color and geometric dimensions, drawing inspiration from abstract stone sculptors such as Henry Moore and Barbara Hepworth. Helsinki-based designer Harri Koskinen, considered one of their successors, has captured the moody Finnish aesthetic in a series of glass table lamps for Hermès. These 10-inch-high domed fixtures exhibit smoky tones of cassis, fern, and amber, emitting a volcanic light that goes beyond mere illumination. – Souffle d’Hermès lamps, price on request, hermes.com. – Nancy Hass
Photo assistant: Juliette Paulet. Set designer’s assistant: Justine Roussel
A Luxury New York Hotel in a Former Bank
Set to open next month, the Fifth Avenue Hotel is located in a 1907 McKim, Mead & White-designed building at the corner of Fifth Avenue and 28th Street, situated in New York’s constantly evolving NoMad neighborhood. The transformation of the former bank into a luxurious 153-room hotel took ten years and involved the addition of a modern 24-story tower alongside the original neo-Classical structure. From the interior design perspective, Martin Brudnizki, known for his extravagant and colorful style, adorned the elevator landings with ruched pink silk and furnished the rooms with glittering chandeliers and an eclectic mix of custom-made furniture. The two bars, as well as the main restaurant led by Chef Andrew Carmellini, are decorated with tasseled chairs and pagoda lamps, creating a vibrant ambiance. The restaurant will serve French- and Italian-influenced cuisine. Beneath the grand dining room, which features 42-foot-high ceilings, the hotel’s wine cellar occupies the space that was once the vaults. – Rooms from $895, thefifthavenuehotel.com. – Christian L. Wright
Another Thing: A Louis Vuitton Necklace With a Novel Diamond Cut
Four years after the death of Louis Vuitton in 1892, his son Georges introduced a repeating quatrefoil motif to distinguish the brand’s canvas-and-leather goods from imitations. This four-pointed mark combined medieval simplicity, neo-Gothic refinement, and the tasteful Japonisme of the time. The motif continues to adorn Louis Vuitton’s designs today, including collaborations with renowned architects and artists. Now, Francesca Amfitheatrof, the artistic director of watches and jewelry at Louis Vuitton, has infused the symbol with new vitality by creating an elaborate proprietary diamond cut. This dazzling white-gold-and-platinum bejeweled collar showcases the centerpiece emerald surrounded by 51 custom-cut diamonds, resulting in a multifaceted, two-carat flower that signifies the historic house’s refusal to remain stagnant in the ever-changing world of fashion. – Louis Vuitton Spirit High Jewelry Liberty necklace, price on request, louisvuitton.com. – Nancy Hass
Photo assistant: Benjamin Achour. Set designer’s assistant: Camille Pogu
Mini Market: On the Runway, It’s Harvest Season
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