Erin Wasson
HURS CURATORS
ERIN WASSON
The model, activist and designer shares her favorite brands, products and places
As one of the most iconic models of her generation, Erin Wasson has put her stamp on the fashion industry in more ways than one. Over the course of her career Wasson has worked with renowned photographers including Richard Avedon, Peter Lindbergh and Steven Meisel, and has been the muse of numerous designers including Karl Lagerfeld and Nicholas Ghesquière. But Texan-born, Marseille-based Wasson is much more than a pretty face. She’s designed ready-to-wear, jewelry and accessories for various brands for nearly 15 years, and is a dedicated advocate for animal rights.
A CREATIVE SANCTUARY IN MARSEILLE
Founded in 2013 by artist, curator and art historian Emmanuelle Luciani, Southway Studio is hard to box in. Based in a late 19th century home, Southway Studio connects art and everyday life. The studio represents various artists including Jenna Kaës and the French American sculptors Bella Hunt & Ddc, hosts exhibitions and organizes artist’s residencies. Additionally, the property has two rooms available to book for travelers, elegantly furnished and decorated by the artists with the possibility of adding on guided tours of key places in Marseille.
“What Emmanuelle Luciani has done with Southway is an immersive delight. One part art residency, one part gallery, all parts a land of depth and discovery. Emmanuelle's references of gothic history and deep TANGIBLE objects lends itself to feeling both old and something brand new. Visits are by appointment only or you can rent a room to stay on the property itself. Ceilings and walls are painted with inspired murals that feel like they fell out from another time and place. Every time I visit, I see something in a new way. The garden and home is a dream of sculptures and objects by Emmanuelle herself as well as artists such as Jenn Akaes and Étienne Marc, all selected by the curator and owner's beautiful mind to create a narrative that is truly special.”
“From the moment you arrive off the busy streets of Marrakech the world quietens. The owners have not only CURATED a sublime space but also create amazing candles, scents and even clothing for their bespoke shop. Past the pool you find the store and are greeted by their lovely store mascot, a delicious Akita. The cafe serves gorgeous foods and teas and very special chocolate treats. All is felt to be coming from a place of love and deep intention. Wander around to discover small designers and leather goods. Be seduced by the smells permitting from every corner and if you wish: Stay the night or two and enjoy the pool. The owners are absolutely dreamy. “
A HOTEL, BOUTIQUE AND RESTAURANT IN MARRAKECH
A stone’s throw away from Yves Saint Laurent’s old home and the Majorelle Garden, you’ll find Moro. Owned by the founders behind skincare brand The Moroccans, the buzzy boutique stocks ready-to-wear, jewelry, fragrances and homeware. In addition, Moro is home to a beautifully designed boutique hotel with a swimming pool and wellness center as well as a restaurant serving authentic, local dishes.
A CULINARY VISIT TO TOKYO BY WAY OF PARIS
Restaurant Sola by Chef Kosuke Nabeta is a gateway to Japan in the heart of Paris. Nabeta seamlessly merges classic French cooking with Japanese cuisine. Celebrating the best ingredients from rural France fused with the precision of Japanese cooking. The restaurant is divided over two levels, a formal dining room and a more traditional Japanese table setting downstairs. Apart from plating up the most refined dishes – the restaurant was awarded a Michelin star – Nabeta doubles as a ceramist. The chef crafts all serveware for the restaurant, creating a holistic experience between what you eat and the plate you eat from.
“Sola in St Germain is housed in an old prison. Upon arrival you’re taken downstairs to remove your shoes and place slippers on your feet (make sure to book the Japanese room downstairs). The chef at hand is from Kyoto and PLAYS with so many levels and layers of Japanese cuisine with French influences. The space itself is truly church-like. The chef also makes the pottery of which you experience his intellectual dishes. It truly makes you feel as if you’ve left Paris for the night.”
“La Horde dance collective is a DREAM dance troupe led by Marine Brutti, Jonathan Debrouwer and Arthur Harel. Immersive and provocative in choreography. All of their shows are elevated in nature with modern dance but with a deep sense of classical training and subversive political statements. Shows are always sold out well in advance so book as soon as you possibly can. I can’t wait to see their upcoming show "Room With A View.”
A DANCE COLLECTIVE LED BY THREE ARTISTS
Artists Marine Brutti, Jonathan Debrouwer and Arthur Harel founded collective (LA)HORDE, developing choreographies for films, video installations and performances. (LA)Horde has worked with British luxury brand Burberry, artist Sam Smith and La Biennale di Venezia. Brutti, Debrouwer and Harel are constantly blurring the lines between various artistic disciples, with a focus on live art and performing art. Since September 2019, the trio also sits at the head of Ballet National de Marseille
IN LA, A COLLECTION OF CURATED CURIOSITIES
LA-based floral design studio Pretend Plants & Flowers arranges some of the most beautiful bouquets and centerpieces. There’s little to find about this floral studio which will soon be launching Pretend by Appointment, where you can view jewelry, art and collectible design. We’ll let Erin tell you more about it.