Vivienne Westwood, Andreas Kronthaler, Juergen Teller

The designer, Vivienne Westwood, has been a pioneer giving punk culture potential as couture.

Re-branding and fashion striving to stay fresh is infectious this year, yet Dame Vivienne decides to go retrospective, displaying decades of past work, which has held onto an attitude and adaptive aesthetic— a feat for artists she has conquered through collaboration.

Creative Director Andreas Kronthaler, her partner, and photographer Juergen Teller have the personal perspective and professional prowess that has taken her brand through twenty years that offered us campaigns completely counter to a sensical standard in the industry.

Their reactive and radical relationship has upheld an intimacy through images that decontextualize design, finding humor and anger in aesthetics and environment, taking style standards somewhere surreal.

Culture

A Heavenly Retreat

The name Kilolani, meaning "to look up to the heavens and reach out," perfectly encapsulates the ethos of this sanctuary for the body, mind, and soul as well as the resort's genuine commitment to nurturing and preserving Hawaiian culture and reverence for the land. As I entered the spa, I was immediately struck by its design, seamlessly blending modern luxury with traditional Hawaiian elements. From the soothing sounds of flowing water to the fragrant aroma of indigenous flowers, every detail was well-curated to create a space that transcends the ordinary and invites guests to embark on a profound journey of self-discovery and renewal.

I began my journey with the Kilolani signature massage, a technique deeply rooted in ancient healing practices. As skilled hands worked their magic, I felt tension melt away from my muscles, leaving me in a state of blissful relaxation. The rhythmic movements and gentle pressure of the massage not only eased physical aches and pains but also seemed to soothe my soul, transporting me to a place of profound peace and serenity. Next, I indulged in a series of hydrotherapy treatments, including a luxurious soak in a thermal mineral pool and a refreshing dip in a cold plunge. As I shifted between the soothing warmth and invigorating coolness of the waters (there were also several cold showers and a cold bucket) I felt a sense of purification wash over me, cleansing both body and mind of toxins and negativity.

Throughout my time at the Kilolani Spa, I was struck by the genuine passion and dedication of the staff, who went above and beyond to ensure that every aspect of my experience was nothing short of perfect. From personalized wellness consultations to thoughtful touches like fresh fruit and herbal teas, their attention to detail truly set the spa apart from previous experiences.

As I reluctantly bid farewell to the Kilolani Spa and the idyllic paradise of Hotel Grand Wailea, I carried with me not only memories of an unforgettable experience but also a profound sense of gratitude for the opportunity. In a world filled with stress and uncertainty, places like Kilolani Spa serve as sanctuaries of healing and hope, reminding us to always look up to the heavens and reach out for the beauty and wonder that surrounds us.

Culture

Fcukers Pack the Pool

April 09, 2024

My entire week was filled with people asking me, “Are you going to the pool on Saturday?” But we weren’t talking about swimming. One of the best bands to party with and some of the best music to party to, Fcukers filled an empty pool with bass, drums, a soccer ball, and a little bit of cardio. Shanny Wise floats around on psychedelic vocals, Ben Scharf holds it down on the drums, and Jackson Walker Lewis hammers on bass and keys (sometimes simultaneously), tying everything together to create club classics in the making. Scantily clad city kids came “dressed for a pool party” and superfans somehow knew all the words to unreleased tracks. Fcukers has a well-earned diehard fanbase. You have to really love a band to ride 45 minutes on the L train wearing nothing but a bathing suit and fur coat.

By Izzy Capulong
Photos by Izzy Capulong, Michelle Paradis, Matt Weinberger

The sold-out Fcukers gig had security stressed and militant. Even with only three released tracks, Fcukers is one of the most sought-after bands in the city, selling out shows through word of mouth or a single Instagram flyer alone — whether it be their Baby’s All Right debut or their Market Hotel show that brought an earplug-wearing Beck to Brooklyn. Having already played worldwide and collaborated with James Murphy, their Saturday show had a real lineup. Produced by SAA and Matte Projects, the party was supported by local heroes UMFANG, Kilopatrah Jones, Ivan Berko, and Tommy Gold.

We could barely get a hold of Jackson Walker Lewis, producer, bassist, keys, and composer. Yelling over the bass, our interview was quick and mediated by the fans, to say the least.

What did you think of the show?

Jackson Walker Lewis — I thought it was cool. I couldn’t really see but I thought it was cool from what I could see.

How did it feel?

JWL — I mean, we did the thing

Michelle Paradis — You have to be more passionate!

Angelina Hazzouri — Fcukers is it!

MP — It was great, it was nasty, it was dirty…

JWL — For the record that wasn’t my quote

People knew your songs!

JWL — Debatable.

At least with “Mothers,” people were singing along.

JWL — That’s the one that’s released and people did know that one.

What do you want people to know about Fcukers?

JWL — Nothing.

AH — No, Jackson-

MP — You can’t say that!

No, that’s good.

Culture

Vans Skate and Anthony Van Engelen: AVE 2.0 Release & Gallery Tour in LA

Marking a special moment in their twenty-year-long relationship, the AVE 2.0 is Van Engelen’s latest signature shoe. Commemorating the release, Vans presented the inaugural installment of its “Commitment to Progression” gallery tour with an archival AVE exhibition and talk with Catherine Acosta (Vans Chief Archivist and Historian) and Neal Shoemakers (Director of Design, Vans Skate), followed by a Vans Skate team demo, and an open-call, cash-for-tricks session at the brand's DTLA flagship.