modernist beirut
beirut: the ever-elusive city of contradiction, a city where urban planning is not exactly planned but somehow results in a unique mix of heritage and haphazard developments. "modernist beirut" provides a captivating visual journey through its architectural marvels. with meticulous attention to detail, the book celebrates the city's modernist heritage while reflecting on its evolution. through stunning photography and insightful commentary, this volume offers a compelling narrative of beirut's architectural identity.
sofia coppola archive
archive is sofia coppola’s first book, giving a behind-the-scenes look at her most iconic films from 1999 to date. beautiful on-set images, behind-the-scenes documentation, and reference collages from marie antoinette (2006), the virgin suicides (1999), lost in translation (2003), and priscilla (2023). perhaps not everyone is a fan of coppola as a director, but we can all agree she’s an incredible visual artist. this book highlights the filmmaker's impeccable set design, costumes and art direction. a visual treat.
le chouchou martin parr
the 3rd self-published title by the house of jacquemus. following the release of images (2020) and marseille je t’aime (2017) this book is the result of an interesting pairing: jacquemus’s perfectly art-directed world meets martin parr’s unorthodox photography. it provides a behind-the-scenes look at the house’s fall/winter 2024 show that took place in versailles through parr's distinctive lens. an aesthetic exercise in style, composition and color to the opulent backdrop of versailles.
eli rezkallah life in plastik
a book about the artist’s journey through photographs and essays. this deeply personal exploration dives into rezkallah’s unorthodox career, the inception of plastik magazine, and his coming of age, all to a backdrop of a war-torn lebanon and repressed trauma. the book ponders on the coping mechanisms of artists and the thirst for beauty in an uncertain world.
the gilded age
the sets are grand, the costumes are fantastic, and the characters are dripping with venom: all components of a great flamboyant show. although the gilded age is set in a bygone era, the parallels with our day and age make it entertaining. you realize that social inequality and corruption are still ruling, and things haven’t changed much since the gilded age. is it more playful than profound? yes, and that’s welcomed!
high and low: john galliano
what do you do when you reach the highest of highs and the lowest of lows? one of our time’s stand-out fashion designers would know. after rightfully being canceled, galiano took corrective measures and continued working on the down low. he delivered one of the most memorable runways for maison margiela ss24’ since the house’s inception. we can’t wait to see what more the designer has in store from his groundbreaking career. will it be enough for public redemption?
ramy youssef: more feelings
arab representation in hollywood is not representationing (sic), so ramy youssef is a refreshing addition to mainstream television shows. in his debut stand-up, he tackles arab issues, the casual racism he faces, and the rise of islamophobia. comedic relief is much needed to talk about these pressing matters, youssef does it brilliantly.
stanley tucci: searching for italy
a series about the best food across italy by the lovely stanley tucci? yes please. the beloved actor travels across italy tasting the land and sea flavors, discovering the history, secrets, and delights of the country's regional cuisines. the show is an intimate reflection on the intersection of food and life, filled with anecdotes, featuring stanley's signature wry humor and nostalgia to the gorgeous backdrops of italy.
the new look
a story about the birth of contemporary fashion to the backdrop of world war ii, this thrilling series reveals the shocking story of how fashion icon christian dior and his contemporaries including coco chanel, pierre balmain, and cristóbal balenciaga navigated the horrors of war and launched modern couture.
the comeback
a classic. if you haven’t seen the comeback, and have a snarky sense of humor, do yourself a favor and go watch it. lisa kudrow is hilarious, ingeniously capturing the desperation, vulnerability, and entitlement of a “star” making her comeback. the in-your-face cringe comedy and pathos kudrow brings to the role make it her best role ever. season 1 and 2 are almost 10 years apart and we are begging for a season 3.
bruler le feu
juliette armanet
instant coup de coeur for this artist and album. armanet is great at pop bangers and ballads, making this an easy listen from start to finish. the lip sync to “le dernier jour de disco” on season 2 of drag race france is one of our favorites. imaginer l’amour is lyrically beautiful and is perfect for sunday blues.
miguele
eponymous
discover the captivating world of miguele, where playful and sensual lyrics are expertly weaved into a rich & dreamy electro-pop universe. great summer album co-conceived & produced by veteran lebanese musician etyen.
come around and love me
jalen ngonda
jalen ngonda rich and nuanced voice sets him miles apart from the crowd. come around and love me reveals how he creates a classic approach rooted in the sounds of revered pioneers without falling into imitation, and leaving no doubt that jalen will continue to shine within the superlative and timeless musical tradition. one of the finest soul albums of the the decade.
from gaza with love
saint levant
saint levant, one of the few palestinian artists with international acclaim. on this ep, he explores his roots and generational pain. the early-2000s r&b sound, and franco-arabic rap are delivered with multicultural soul. the project invites global listeners to embrace the sensuous riches of his middle eastern culture, all packaged in a sexy way.
sometimes i might be a little introverted
little simz
little simz is one of the most exciting talents on the rap scene. on her fourth album, the uk rapper wrestles with the split between her public persona and private self, thus raising broadly relatable questions about the craving for validation.
bury the hatchet
jayjay johanson
considered from its beginnings in the late 90s as one of the pioneers of the trip-hop scene, jay-jay johanson interpreted in a soft voice, reminiscent of chet baker, sensitive texts on an immediately recognizable melodic leg.