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Olivia Lonsdale

HURS CURATORS

OLIVIA LONSDALE

The director and actor shares her favorite brands, products and places

Olivia Lonsdale lights up the screen. Whether it’s in front or behind the camera, the British-Dutch director and actor is one of the most exciting up and coming talents of our generation. Lonsdale started her career at the age of 18 with her debut role in the feature film 'Prince’. Roles in numerous celebrated films and tv series followed, before directing her first short film 'Almost Grown.' With Lonsdale’s distinct point of view and exceptional understanding of culture today, it’s no surprise the stylish director and actor has quickly been embraced as one of the ones to watch. Today, Lonsdale creates standout short films and videos for brands including Chanel, Kye Intimates and Salomon.

THE GRANDE DAME OF MODERNIST ARCHITECTURE 

Lina Bo Bardi’s exploration of the social and cultural impact of design has made her one of the most prolific modernist architects of her time. The Italian-born Brazilian architect, furniture designer, set designer, journalist and activist work is celebrated for its simplicity and deep consideration as to how architecture can reflect the common, the vernacular, and the artisanal as an intrinsic part of a contemporary culture. Through her work, Bo Bardi showcased that design can both be beautiful and thoughtful. Some of Bo Bardi’s most famous works include the Casa de Vidro (Glass House) – a home she built for her and her husband on a 7,000-square-meter lot that had formerly been a tea farm on the side of a hill in the Morumbi neighborhood of São Paulo - Museu de Arte São Paulo and SESC Pompéia – a community center that included gymnasiums, a swimming pool, community areas, galleries, theaters, and workshops led through the lens of simplicity and by using everyday inexpensive materials. But Bo Bardi put it best herself: “There is a pleasure in the victory and wonder of being simple.”

“Coming from an architect family, I've always admired ICONIC structures worldwide. Surrounded by architectural books since my childhood, there was one that left a lasting impression: Lina Bo Bardi's work. As I looked through this book I saw these wonderful buildings like Lina’s home, Casa de Vidro and the SESC Pompéia, a cultural center she designed for people to practice sports. On the top floor there are a few big gaps in the concrete walls framing the gray or blue sky of São Paulo. I love seeing her designs every time I visit.” 

“De Uitkijk is a small cinema located on the canals in the center of Amsterdam. They still have the old red chairs, and in the spring of 2023, I premiered my FIRST short film 'Almost Grown' here alongside friends and family, which was very special. It’s the oldest avant-garde cinema in the Netherlands, dating back to 1912. They screen a selection of excellent old and newer movies and have super cozy seating.”

A CHARMING CINEMA IN THE HEART OF AMSTERDAM 

Since opening its doors in 1929, De Uitkijk has remained one of Amsterdam’s most important cinemas. Located at the iconic Prinsengracht, the historic cinema is led with the intention to conserve classic film culture, while equally remaining at the forefront of innovation. Seamlessly merging the old and the new, the classic and the emerging. As the first avant-garde cinema in the Netherlands, De Uitkijk screened some of the most iconic and important works of film such as Pile of Joris Ivens, Rain and Jardin du Luxembourg and La Passion de Jeanne d'Arc. With it, creating a space that aligned with what was on show at some of Europe’s most forward thinking cinemas. Today, De Uitkijk is still a favorite amongst locals. Even if you’re not much of a film buff, its classic 1920s interior is also worth the visit.

A QUIET RETREAT CELEBRATING SIMPLICITY 

Disconnecting is the new luxury. In a world that continues to move at a faster pace, we crave simplicity. Set within its own meadows and oak woodbanks, this newly restored two-bedroom Northumbrian stone cottage is the kind of place where you can truly unwind. The house has been built following ecological principles, creating a space that supports body and mind. From the hand-crafted built-in furniture using locally sourced and natural materials to the idyllic wood burning stove, this is thoughtful design at its best. Paired with the nearby Hadrian's Wall and Northumberland National Park, this home offers the quiet, secluded environment so many of us long for. But as Olivia’s father designed the house, we’ll let her do the talking. 

 “I’m half British, and this cottage, designed by my father John Lonsdale—a landscape architect—and his architect wife Caroline Bos, is my second home. They're currently building their own home next to it to live in. The big contrast between city life and these green fields stretching out as far as I can see brings a sense of calm, providing the PERFECT environment for tuning out, writing, editing, watching films, cooking and clearing my head through on walks. Also this area is perfect for car-boot sales and second hand or vintage shops and it’s my absolute favorite place to celebrate a real British Christmas.”

“This is one of my favorite places in Rio, my favorite city in the world. Maybe the best memory is coming here before a bloco during carnaval. They do the best pastel de camarão, the portions are big and they’re set under a tree which gives good shade when sitting outside in the Brazilian summer season. Last November I directed my first video in Rio and we had lunch here during the shoot. I love this place, it’s very casual, and for any time of the day.”

A BELOVED SEAFOOD RESTAURANT IN RIO DE JANEIRO

This laid-back bar and seafood restaurant in Copacabana serves standout plates. From its famous empanadas packed with shrimp and Portuguese olives to fresh lobster claws served with tartar sauce, Caranguejo is unpretentious and excellent. It makes it the perfect spot for those looking for simple yet delicious seafood in a casual setting. What we mostly like about Caranguejo – “crab” – in Portuguese, is how little there is to find about this establishment online. That’s why we’ll let Olivia take it from here. 

FOR THOSE WHO APPRECIATE THE ART OF FILM

There’s no shortage of things to watch, but where do you go for the classics, the unexpected or the under the radar films and stories? Since 1984, the Criterion Collection has been dedicated to publishing important films the way its maker would want it seen. Over the years, the company has built a reputation for being a trustworthy partner for filmmakers and lovers and with it creating the opportunity for viewer’s to deepen their appreciation and understanding of cinema. With its digital streaming platform The Criterion Channel, Criterion has brought an important catalogue of classic and contemporary films into the 21st century. The platform’s eclectic mix of films from Hollywood and beyond, features more than 1,500 films from the Criterion Collection and Janus Films’ celebrated library alongside feature titles from numerous studios and independent licensors exclusive to the service. Those looking to dive even deeper can enjoy 500 shorts and 5,000 supplementary features, including trailers, introductions, behind-the-scenes documentaries, interviews, video essays, commentary tracks, and rare archival footage.

“I watch many films on the Criterion Channel because of its excellent selection across various genres. I really enjoy exploring a director's early and previous work, as it provides valuable insight into their ARTISTIC journey and development. Also, I love revisiting my favorite films again and again, as it allows me to notice new details and aspects of the story with each viewing. I just love love love diving into this.”