editorial works by marsha reid

Demetria Hotel _originally published on wejetset,...

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 22:46:21 -0500

Demetria Hotel

_originally published on wejetset, 1.12.12

Industrial design gets us every time. It’s understated. It’s uncluttered. And Demetria Hotel does an impressive job of combining these virtues into one classic accommodation. By combining concrete and stained wood, the hotel’s exterior is softened with massive glass panels, allowing for light to easily shine through. Also, keeping with their industrial-earthy aesthetic, the suites are decorated with colorful accents and bedding that brighten up the space. One of our favorite features are the contemporary oversized tubs and rainfall shower heads. Plus the floor to ceiling windows offer the best of both worlds by eliminating the separation of the outside from the interior. We have a few photos posted below for a closer look at Mexico’s Demetria Hotel.

Location: Demetria Hotel, Avenida La Paz 2219, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico

Sampan Philadelphia _originally published on wejetset,...

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 22:44:34 -0500

Sampan Philadelphia

_originally published on wejetset, 7.28.11

Philadelphia’s Sampan restaurant manifests a hypnotic appeal with its stunning architecture and tasty food. Offering Midtown Village something different, its menu serves modest sized plates of contemporary Asian cuisine. Shrimp dumplings, crab wonton, lobster gazpacho and roasted broccoli are just a few of the dishes that have our mouths watering. Dine al fresco or enjoy the interior’s comfortable and unpretentious environment. We highly recommend visiting Sampan next time your in Philadelphia.

Location: Sampan – 124 South 13th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107

High Line Roller Rink _originally published on wejetset,...

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 22:43:12 -0500

High Line Roller Rink

_originally published on wejetset, 7.28.11

New York’s High Line Park is making a run to stay top of mind for visitors and locals alike. Its deluge of creative art and community events is impressive. In a short amount of time, the park has become a must see destination. And more recently, they’ve partnered with Uniqlo – the Japanese clothing company – to open an outdoor roller skating rink. It’s the only venue of its kind in Manhattan and occupies 8,000 sq-ft of pure enjoyment. Admission and skate rentals are reasonably priced at $12 for adults and $10 for kids under 13. It’s open daily till September 26th. So get to Manhattan on a nice day to enjoy the beautiful park and a little rink time with friends and family. Freshness Magazine has a terrific gallery of photographs from the opening event.

Location: High Line Rink – West 30th Street and 10th Avenue, New York, NY 10001

Pied a Terre _originally published on wejetset,...

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 22:39:17 -0500

Pied a Terre

_originally published on wejetset, 10.29.11

Restaurant design plays a pivotal role in the experience. You can’t underestimate it. Sometimes it’s as important as the food served. Rather then settling with the typical modern aesthetic, Pied à Terre goes a step beyond. The Central London restaurant merges the artistry of cooking with an unexpected and creative project entitled Artist in Restaurant. This clever initiative aims to give emerging artists a platform to showcase their talents in one of the most highly regarded London restaurants around. Through a collaborative relationship with Pied à Terre, artists use the dining area as inspiration to create one of a kind pieces of art that are then displayed in the restaurant.

Currently, ten sculptural installations by Elpida Hadzi-Vasileva are on display. Using raw and unusual materials from the restaurant’s kitchen like scallop skirts, quail carcasses, fish skins and bones, the exhibition is all about the balance of opposing forces – ‘the beautiful and the brutal, recomposing decomposition into beautiful forms’. Click Read More for additional information and to view photos from the exhibit.

Location: Pied à Terre 34 Charlotte Street, London W1T 2NH

Maison Moschino _originally published on wejetset, 11.22.11 ...

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 22:35:00 -0500

Maison Moschino

_originally published on wejetset, 11.22.11

Maison Moschino is imaginative and quirky. A converted railway station from the mid-1800’s, the Italian hotel is ideal for those with an affinity for children’s tales and a kid-at-heart spirit. Far from the understated accommodations that seem to always grab our eye, Maison Moschino incorporates a fairytale theme throughout the individually styled 65-room dwelling.

Rooms run the gamut of being over the top eccentric, while others have a more subdued aesthetic. If you’re in the mood to experience a fairytale, then stay in the Little Red Riding Hood room where you’ll be greeted by an oversized flowered growling wolf in the bed. For those wanting something more soothing to ease you into a restful sleep, the Clouds room is all white and decorated with hanging clouds and a giant sheep by your bed. Maison Moschino has a little something for the imaginative side in all of us. Click Read More for additional information.

Location: Maison Moschino, Viale Monte Grappa, 12b 20124 Milan, Italy

Tokyo Bear Pond _originally published on wejetset, 1.12.12 We...

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 22:32:00 -0500

Tokyo Bear Pond

_originally published on wejetset, 1.12.12

We have a serious coffee addiction. We’ll travel anywhere, no matter how far, to experience delicious coffee and espresso. So when we heard about Tokyo’s Bear Pond Espresso we were elated. After 18 years of being a certified barista in New York, Katsu enlisted the help of his wife Chisa to open Bear Pond in 2009. Housed in a small unassuming building, Bear Pond is all about serving the best coffee and espresso possible. There’s a skillful artistry to growing coffee beans, roasting them and ultimately preparing the drink that is thoughtfully planned and perfectly executed by the owners. To ensure consistent taste, Bear Pond not only works closely with roaster Noriaki Yoshime, but the espresso is only made by Katsu – no one else – and is served only during the hours of 10am to 2pm. Bear Pond’s espresso has a distinctive taste with a hint of chocolate, spice and salt that is raved about by many. Not for the faint at heart, the taste is bold and hits you like a ton of bricks.

Bear Pond Espresso 2-36-12 Kitazawa Setagaya-ku, Tokyo

Play Time _originally published on Uptown Magazine’s Uptown...

Sat, 23 Jul 2011 14:24:00 -0400

Play Time

_originally published on Uptown Magazine’s Uptown Social, 7.21.11

For some—ourselves included—the inner child never goes away.

Fortunately one of our favorite art toy shops, Kidrobot, understands. They’ve collaborated with iconic watch brand Swatch on a collection of watches and corresponding toys that help us marry the efficiency of a timepiece with the folly of a plaything.

Each Gent watch was designed by artists—among them, Tara McPherson,Tilt, Gary Baseman, and Joe Ledbetter—whose liberal use of color and patterns make for captivating works of art that just so happen to be watches.

The matching toy is Kidrobot’s iconic and collectible vinyl, the Dunny, with the bunny-like character elaborately decorated to complement its corresponding watch.

Just as we expected, they play well together.

The Kidrobot for Swatch Collection will be available online and in stores starting September 1, and retails for $70.

Museum of the African Diaspora _originally published on Uptown...

Sat, 23 Jul 2011 14:20:52 -0400

Museum of the African Diaspora

_originally published on Uptown Magazine’s Uptown Social, 7.19.11

We love San Francisco for its rich history of serving as the cultural center for diverse communities.

Its Chinatown is the oldest in North America, the city still has the highest percentage of LGBT residents in the U.S., and we still remember how hippies flocked to Haight-Ashbury.

That’s why we shouldn’t have been surprised when theMuseum of the African Diaspora opened there in 2005, and became one of the few museums in the world solely focused on showcasing the rich African Diasporan culture.

Through traditional and innovative exhibitions, educational programs, and workshops for adults and kids, MoAD offers myriad opportunities to learn and enjoy the culture and history of the African Diaspora and communities of people of African descent across the world. That unique approach is evinced in one of our favorite exhibits, a powerful two-story-high image of a little girl created from 2,000 separate photographs.

We’re also really excited about “Soulful Stitching: Patchwork Quilts by Africans (Siddis) in India.” Through the presentation of 32 patchwork quilts made by Siddi women, the exhibition offers a look at the African Diaspora in the Indian Ocean, and shows how cultural form and traditions have been adapted throughout the Diaspora.

Soulful Stitching is on display now through September 18.

Address: 685 Mission St.; San Francisco, Calif. 94105. 415.358.7200

Mexico’s Urban Oasis _originally published on Uptown...

Sat, 23 Jul 2011 14:19:00 -0400

Mexico’s Urban Oasis

_originally published on Uptown Magazine’s Uptown Social, 7.21.11

Industrial design never looked so sexy.

Guadalajara, Mexico, may be the last place you’d think to find it, but Demetria Hotel does an impressive job of mixing concrete, which can often feel cold and unfinished, with richly colored woods and generous amounts of glass. The result is a look that feels both inviting and not out of place.

The hotel’s exterior is softened with massive glass panels, allowing for light to easily shine through. The outdoor deck and pool areas have an ultra-sleek look that beautifully highlights the contrasting elements of water, concrete, wood, and nature.

The suites at Demetria Hotel are just as magical. Keeping with the industrial-earthy aesthetic, decorative accents and bedding inject color to brighten up the space. One of our favorite features are the contemporary oversized tubs (perfect for a cozy bubble bath) and rainfall shower heads. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer the best of both worlds: separation between the outside and the interior feels almost nonexistent—but in a good way. The lower level suites offer views of gorgeous green trees that make for a natural barrier, while those in the higher level suites proved an incredible view of the city.

Now, that’s what we call an urban oasis.

Address: Avenida La Paz 2219, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico

A Working (Out) Vacation _originally published on Uptown...

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 00:31:00 -0400

A Working (Out) Vacation

_originally published on Uptown Magazine’s Uptown Social, 6.23.11

The choices didn’t seem fair.

Spend the summer in the gym sweating off those extra five (or 10) pounds you picked up over the winter and avoiding the beach like the plague. Or, throw caution to the wind and proudly don that swimsuit, jiggles and all, and pray that you don’t end up plastered on the pages of some mag as that month’s “Don’t.”

Lucky for you, we found a happy medium: the “work-out vacation.”

Our pick is in Hawaii, with its laid-back culture, gorgeous beaches, delicious cuisine, and location thousands of miles from the mainland. Even better, the upscale Waikiki Edition Hotel in Honolulu has introduced a fitness package, giving you an opportunity to soak up the Hawaiian sun while sweating off those pounds.

The Surf & Bikini Boot Camp packs in loads of exhilarating activities to help you regain (or develop) that healthy physique. Along with learning how to surf, which is an intense workout all on its own, the camp offers cardio and core classes, kayaking, yoga, and hikes through the jungle. The variety in activities and level of physically intensity keeps working out fun and interesting. When you’re done with all that, Waikiki Edition’s uncluttered modern design, cozy layout, poolside lounge, and private lagoon-side beach club offer the perfect setting for winding down after a workout.

The all-inclusive package starts at $3,100, and covers four nights in an ocean-view room and spa service that includes a 60-minute massage and 75-minute body scrub.

Now if we can only turn that happy medium into an even happier small.

LaCie Porsche Design p’9230 _originally published on...

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 00:27:53 -0400

LaCie Porsche Design p’9230

_originally published on Uptown Magazine’s Uptown Social, 7.5.11

One day you’re happily listening to music, making slideshows of your latest trip to Punta del Este, and putting the final touches on tomorrow’s presentation. Without warning, the wheel of death appears and in the blink of an eye, the screen fades to black. Your computer is kaput – and you haven’t backed up your files.

We’ve all been there…and don’t ever want to go back.

To avoid future agony, let us introduce you to the newest armor-clad superhero to save the day - LaCie Porsche Design p’9230.

It’s a beast. Holding up to 1TB ($120) and 2TB ($160) of data, the external hard drive has a USB 3.0 interface allowing you to transfer a 700MB video file in 6 seconds and back up your files with minimal wait time.

All that power is beautifully encased in a sleek, space age-like metal box with just a sliver of light peeking through. Simple yet ruggedly sophisticated, this piece of equipment is not only a functional desk accessory but is also an attractive protector for your body of work.

As all bodyguards should be.

Arnold Scaasi Exhibit At Boston’s Museum Of Fine...

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 00:23:00 -0400

Arnold Scaasi Exhibit At Boston’s Museum Of Fine Arts

_originally published on Uptown Magazine’s Uptown Social, 5.31.11

The Valentino retrospective on tour. Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty at the Met. Balenciaga at San Francisco’s de Young Museum.

Fashion exhibitions at museums have become de rigueur of late, and we couldn’t be happier. The most recent object of our affection? Scaasi: American Couturier at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. Scaasi’s name may not be as familiar as Valentino’s or McQueen’s, but the legendary fashion designer’s artistry and accomplishments are just as important.

Born Arnold Isaacs, the Canadian fashion designer started his fashion career in the mid-1950’s and was one of the few designers in the U.S. to focus solely on couture during a time when it was suffering, especially in Paris. After proving his credibility and skillfulness, Scaasi debuted his ready-to-wear line in 1956 to much critical acclaim and success.

Scaasi’s couture designs were known for their brilliant execution, luxurious fabrics, and punchy colors, which reflected a sense of sophisticated glamour. He’s won the Coty American Fashion Critics Award, and his pieces have graced has countless covers of Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar. The Boston exhibition will feature more than 100 Scaasi originals, and is open through June 19, 2011.

We can’t to see what the museum/fashion trend turns up next.

New Kid On The Design Block _originally published on Uptown...

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 00:20:00 -0400

New Kid On The Design Block

_originally published on Uptown Magazine’s Uptown Social, 6.28.11

David Adjaye is the wunderkind of the architecture world. Historically a field heavily occupied by older white males, the 44 year old British architect of Ghanaian descent has taken the design world by storm.

His body of work is varied and spans across the world. He has designed the Noble Peace Center in Oslo, the Moscow School of Management, and the home of a Noble Peace Prize winner in Ghana. Already making a name for himself in the UK by designing homes, galleries and studios for a number of British artists as well as public buildings, Adjaye’s popularity in the US has been growing feverishly.

He completed projects for Brad Pitt’s Make It Right Foundation by designing flood-resistant houses and has designed Denver’s Museum of Contemporary Art. His current, and likely his most important project is designing the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African-American History and Culture in Washington, DC.

In addition to his architectural accomplishments, Adjaye can add author to the list. David Adjaye: A House for an Art Collector ($32) documents his Manhattan residential project for art enthusiasts and collector Adam Lindenmann and Amalia Dayan. With vibrant photographs, essays, floor plans and conversations between the designer and homeowner, the book offers a glimpse into Adjaye’s process for creating a balanced space that could be comfortably lived in while showcasing art - however you define it.

Tall Tales On Canvas _originally published on Uptown Magazine’s...

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 00:16:00 -0400

Tall Tales On Canvas

_originally published on Uptown Magazine’s Uptown Social, 6.14.11

The best storytellers know how to paint a picture with words.

Beautifully strung together similes and metaphors, a well-placed verb or adjective, can help create such visually descriptive tales that the listener can almost see them.

That craft is even more evident in hip hop. So, it’s no wonder that San Francisco-based artist Jeremy Fish called upon one of the best lyricists around, Snoop Dogg, to help him with his latest exhibition, “Listen and Learn.”

The exhibition aims to showcase the timeless beauty of storytelling in popular culture. “In this era of email, texting, and blogging, we are losing a grasp on the concept of sitting around the campfire and exchanging life experiences through the telling of tall tales,” Fish explains. “I want to remind people of the importance of storytelling.”

Fish culled personal stories from a wildly diverse group of hip-hop artists, historians, skateboarders, athletes, a police officer, a stripper, and visual artists. He then created art inspired by each anecdote using vibrantly colored paints, dark bold lines, and zany looking characters. The result is an exhibition that ranges from introspective to downright hilarious—the piece that captures Snoop’s tale humorously recounts his being reprimanded by the school principle after “pulling out his worm” to a girl.

Each story was recorded and can be listened to via headphones mounted next to its coordinating work of art for an integrated audio-visual experience.

“Listen and Learn” is at the Joshua Liner Gallery in NYC from June 21 to July 16, 2011.

Address: 548 West 28th St.; 3rd Fl.; New York, NY, 10001. 212.244.7415

The Power of Swoon _originally published on Uptown Magazine’s...

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 00:13:00 -0400

The Power of Swoon

_originally published on Uptown Magazine’s Uptown Social, 6.21.11

Years ago, we eagerly photographed any and every piece of Swoon art we could find in New York City. Her depictions of women and children conveyed conflicting emotions of intensity and calm, and really drew us in.

While Swoon’s street art is powerful, its impact is only intensified in her latest exhibit. The New Orleans Museum of Art transformed its Great Hall to display Swoon’s large scale “Thalassa,” on view through September 25. Named after the Greek goddess of the sea and inspired by the connection between New Orleans and the sea, the strategically positioned 20-feet-high installation hangs from the ceiling. Multicolored fabric extends from beneath and represents tentacles rising from the waters, heightening the impact and making the sculpture appear to be floating overhead.

If you find yourself in New Orleans anytime soon—maybe for a certain major music festival—“Thalassa” is an installation you won’t want to miss.

So Close Yet So Spa _originally published on Uptown Magazine’s...

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 00:10:00 -0400

So Close Yet So Spa

_originally published on Uptown Magazine’s Uptown Social, 6.2.11

Toppers Spa & Salon’s motto is, “A World Away, Right Around The Corner.”

And they’re not kidding.

Located in Center City Philadelphia, Toppers offers four floors of tranquil bliss and rejuvenation and a wide assortment of spa services. From a relaxing mani/pedi to a full body massage and everything in between, Toppers makes sure that once you enter its doors you’ll forget the day’s stresses.

After checking in, take a quick elevator ride upstairs and exit on a dimly lit floor to the bubbling sounds of a waterfall. The surprisingly expansive interior opens to multi-level floors and a never-ending maze of hallways. All that could make for a space that feels cold and distant, but a great design and well-placed furniture help to create cozy nooks for relaxing as you wait between treatments. For a more intimate and tranquil setting, unwind in Topper’s garden- filled solarium.

If you don’t have much time but are in the mood for a quick pampering, the Signature Manicure ($29) or Pedicure ($55) will do the trick. Ask for Mila—she is amazing. But if you can spare just two hours out of your day, we highly recommended the Classic Hot Stone Massage ($127) with Kalayla. She’s knowledgeable and caters the treatment to your individual needs. The stones’ heat combined with the pressure of your masseuse’s fingers makes for an absolutely heavenly experience and a complete mind-and-body escape right in the neighborhood.

Other locations include Devon & Bucks County (Pennsylvania), Marlton, N.J., and Dover, Del.

Book your escape today at ToppersSpa.com.

Room for Color _originally published on Uptown Magazine’s...

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 00:06:00 -0400

Room for Color

_originally published on Uptown Magazine’s Uptown Social, 7.14.11

Whenever it was time for a little color splash to liven things up in the abode, we’d always play it safe.

A few print-heavy pillows here, some colorful coffee mugs there, punchy bedsheets that pop.

Our go-to guy for said decor? Jonathan Adler, of course. But now, inspired by his latest furniture release — the Collector’s Claude Special Edition — we’re ready to go bold.

The Special Edition line, which features an etagere set, gossip bench set, and two-drawer, four-drawer, and eight-drawer units, takes the original Claude Collection up a notch by incorporating electrifying colors. Witness the white-stained ash wood set, with its polished nickel handles and sea blue and turquoise drawers, or the walnut set, with brushed brass handles and canary yellow and chartreuse drawers.

What we love about this collection is Adler’s daring and unexpected use of color. Though some of the choices may initially feel more appropriate for a children’s room, they somehow work. Each piece can stand beautifully alone or serve as the foundation for a richly colored space.

Extra pillows optional.

Prices range from $995 to $4,095.

Colorful Jewels By Mallary Marks _originally published on...

Sun, 05 Jun 2011 01:54:00 -0400

Colorful Jewels By Mallary Marks

_originally published on Luxist, 11.17.10

Who says you have to succumb to darker hues in your wardrobe just because the fall season is here? If you’re missing the warmth of sunshine against your skin, impromptu water gun battles and eating ice cream in the park like I am, perhaps wearing some candy colored jewels by Mallary Marks will brighten up your mood – and your attire.

With over 10 years of jewelry making under her belt, Mallary Marks continues to design well crafted pieces that playfully experiment with color and shape all the while maintaining a timeless sense of style and broad appeal. Overall her work includes pieces that are adventurous in her choice of color and stone selection against a subdued and understated backdrop of commonly used design patterns.The result? Marks’ jewelry will last a lifetime and could easily be passed from one generation to the next.

Black & Gold Jewels Shine Bright for the...

Sun, 05 Jun 2011 01:44:37 -0400

Black & Gold Jewels Shine Bright for the Holidays

_originally published on Luxist, 11.23.10

Black and gold is a striking combination. The contrasting colors and subtle golden shimmer produce a rocker’s edge aesthetic with a dash of sexiness. The color palette allows for versatility and complements a wide array of outfits from casual to formal.

With the onslaught of upcoming holiday dinners and parties, it’s the perfect time to showcase some of our favorite black and gold jewels that will complement your holiday attire.

First up is a gorgeous angular dark wooden ring ($2070) by Fern Freeman. This impressive statement ring has a large base and is adorned with a golden sun shaped overlay underneath rhodium silver and a sparkling pave diamond dome. Freeman’s ring would be a head turning and dramatic finish to casual chic and formal outfits.

Marc Jacobs Castoro Ash Satchel Bag _originally published on...

Sun, 05 Jun 2011 01:23:35 -0400

Marc Jacobs Castoro Ash Satchel Bag

_originally published on Luxist, 11.26.10

A frame satchel bag is such a gorgeous lady like bag. It posses a classic shape that allows for many items to be stored without any added bulkiness all the while looking oh so chic and modern – regardless of the era.

Marc Jacobs has taken the ever appealing and versatile frame satchel and transformed it into an ultra luxurious and perhaps a tad bit ostentatious accessory. I’m not sure what to make of this handbag. The Castoro Ash Satchel ($3,895) is fully covered in soft and supple beaver fur and is minimally accented with chocolate brown leather handles and flap with a touch of gold studs. The interior is lined with leather and offers a zipper pocket and other compartments.

While I admire the shape, size, colorway and minimally adornment, I would have loved to see this in leather or even brocade to create a more wearable bag.