Take Five - March
Beautiful rugs, fake bananas, genuine gelato and a cosy attic room in Amsterdam - just some of the things that have caught my eye this month.
1. Kasthall Stockholm
If you’re the kind of person who swoons over exquisite rugs and textiles in natural materials, you’ll want to step inside Kasthall’s newly opened store in Stockholm. Together with textile company Astrid, the Swedish heritage brand, known for its hand-tufted and woven masterpieces, has created a space that invites design lovers to explore materials, textile techniques and creative solutions. It’s all about tactility – wool, linen, hemp in intricate patterns, begging to be touched. A treat for textile lovers and anyone in need of a serious dose of Swedish craftsmanship. Store design by design agency Fyra.
Ingmar Bergmans Gata 4, Stockholm. kasthall.com
2. Fotografiska’s ToiletFotoPaperGrafiska exhibition
Born out of a shared passion for photography, absurdism, and creativity, artist Maurizio Cattelan and photographer Pierpaolo Ferrari founded TOILETPAPER Magazine in 2010 as a bold counterpoint to the conservative art world. Known for their striking, colorful, and often provocative images, TOILETPAPER blends glossy visuals inspired by advertising and consumerism with satire and social commentary. This exhibition at Fotografiska Stockholm transforms the magazine into a three-dimensional experience. No danger of conservatism here, just an immersive dive into a bizarre labyrinth of art installations, videos, and photographs. And a pool filled with thousands of fake bananas. Exactly what we need right now.
Stadsgårdshamnen 22, Stockholm. fotografiska.com. Until June 8.
3. Lisa Nilsson’s New Album
After a long hiatus, Lisa Nilsson – one of Sweden’s best voices – is back with a new album, and it’s worth the wait. Her voice, deep and rich, carries an emotional depth that few can match. My favorite track is Kvinnan som är jag.
Lisa Nilsson: Uteblivna vi
4. The Hoxton Lloyd in Amsterdam
The Hoxton Lloyd has made itself at home in a gorgeous, historic building that was originally commissioned by the Royal Holland Lloyd Shipping Company in 1921. If you’re looking for the cosiest stay, book the attic studio. It’s all slanted ceilings, exposed beams, warm wood tones and a window sill you can sit on, sipping a coffee with a stroopwafel or taking pictures or all the stylish people biking by. The hotel mixes old-world charm with Hoxton’s signature buzz – great food, design-forward spaces, and the kind of vibe that makes you want to stay longer than planned.
Oostelijke Handelskade 34, Amsterdam. thehoxton.com/amsterdam/lloyd/
5. Venchi Gelato
Venchi’s gelato? A revelation. On a recent trip to Milan, a friend introduced me to this amazing treat, and I’ll definitely be having some more when I return for the Salone del Mobile the second week of April. A scoop (or three) of their nocciola or extra-dark chocolate is the perfect way to take a break between exhibitions, fashion shopping, and aperitivos.
Via Dante 5, Milan. venchi.com
