Happy Monday! The new week is here and with it comes the chance to delve deep into some fresh culture and fashion. Here’s your latest look at the i-D Guide.
Go to… We Love Green Festival
Been meaning to take a trip to the city of love and light? What if we told you you could experience Paris with a side of Caroline Polachek, Nia Archive and TEMS? Taking over the city’s Bois de Vincennes between 2-4 June, We Love Green boasts not just an impressive line-up (also featuring Yung Lean, Pusha T, Little Simz, Yves Tumor and Skrillex) but also the fact that it’s the world’s leading sustainable festival. The entire event is powered by 100% renewable energy, only vegetarian and vegan food is served on site, and there’s a zero single-use plastic policy. Seriously, they’re laying the groundwork for festivals everywhere. Tickets are available here. FD
Go to… Jack Davison at Photo London
The English literature grad-turned-esteemed British photographer Jack Davison will reveal three new works and artist proofs at Photo London this week, ones that capture what’s been called both “the surreal and the sensual in everyday life”. Catch them at the event from 11-14 May. More information via Cob Gallery here.
Wear… Coperni cargo shorts
Nothing screams summer quite like dressing like you’re going on a fishing trip with the boys. Coperni are helping you do that with a slightly sexier edge to it. Thanks Coperni! Buy your cargo shorts here.
Wear… With Jéan’s Louloúdi collection
The brand, founded by two best friends and popularised by the New York City girls, have just unveiled their next collection inspired by vintage wardrobes. This collection’s highlight is the rose top (pictured above) that EmRata wore recently. Check it all out here.
Buy… VanMoof’s new S4 & X4 e-bikes
We’re huge fans of VanMoof in the i-D office, so much so that we declared the 13-year-old Dutch brand had officially succeeded in making E-bikes cool earlier this year. And we aren’t the only admirers of their beautifully designed, turbo-charged two-wheelers. Chic speed freaks Frank Ocean, Tyler, the Creator and West Coast rapper Aminé were all early adopters, spotted turbo-charging their way around city streets on Van Moof’s iconic S3 model. Brand co-founders Taco and Ties Carlier aren’t resting on their laurels however, today announcing the launch of two new VanMoof models, the S4 and X4 — which are the result of over a decade of years of in-house innovation, expertise, and rider feedback. Focused on simplifying the e-bike experience whilst making their product more accessible and reliable, the S4 and X4 promise riders a fine-tuned upgrade on previous iterations, whilst still retaining the brand’s head-turning design and signature integrated tech, from automatic 2-speed gear shifting and an integrated kick-lock to onboard alarms and built-in location tracking for that extra sense of security for when you leave it outside the pub. Plus, they come in four gorgeous new colours — Evergreen, Sunbeam Yellow, Purple Fog, and Foam Green — to help you stand out from the crowd this summer.
Buy… Naomi Munuo’s artwork
Alongside fashion, fragrance and traditional homewear, Liberty are in their art dealer era. You can buy these original acrylic paintings of strong women by Naomi Munuo directly from their store or website. Check out the selection here.
Stay at… Mondrian Seoul Itaewon
The post-pandemic reopening of the global travel industry has triggered a world’s worth of itchy feet, and one of the cities they all seem to be stampeding towards is Seoul. The epicentre of hallyu – the wave of contemporary Korean culture that has swept the planet in recent years, taking the worlds of music, cinema, television, beauty and cosmetics by storm – the Korean capital is hands down one of the most vibrant, culturally plugged-in cities on the planet. Oh, and the chicest, if Louis Vuitton and Gucci’s choices to stage shows there is anything to go by.
Whenever you do make it over there, if you’re looking for a home away from home while in town, one the most discerning options is without doubt Mondrian Seoul Itaewon, the ritzy hotel chain’s Northeast Asian flagship. Nestled in the hilly, happening neighbourhood of Itaewon – smack bang in the city’s heart – the property offers the perfect jumping-off point for night owls keen to explore the district’s renowned clubs, pubs and bars located along its main drag just a 10 minutes walk away. Shopping fans will be thrilled to hear that you’re only a short cab ride away from Gangnam’s Apgujeong and Cheongdam (think Seoul’s answer to Knightsbridge or 5th Avenue), or Myeongdong, home to two of the city’s most esteemed cathedral-like department stores, not to mention the K-beauty emporiums kitted out with all the snail essence sheet masks and Laneige lip balm flavours you could dream of. Culture vultures only need travel a little further for sights like the Gyeongbokgung Palace, the Dongdaemun Design Plaza and the iconic Gwangjang Market, home to the densest concentration of some of the tastiest (not to mention cheapest!) Korean food you’ll ever come across.
To be honest, though, Mondrian Seoul Itaewon gives you plenty of reasons to never leave its walls. A spacious, playfully designed lobby hosts Cleo, an elegant all-day restaurant, and Blind Spot, a casual lounge that proves ideal for an afternoon tea, a lively happy hour, or an easy nightcap. On the fifth floor, you’ll find Altitude, an infinity pool-side bar perfect for a post-swim sip and sweeping views of the city, while Privilege, its rooftop terrace, offers exquisitely crafted cocktails in a deliciously sultry atmosphere. When you eventually decide to call it a night, whether from traipsing about town or making the most of the hotel’s top-tier amenities, hitting the hay in one of the impeccably furnished rooms and suites will prove an experience in and of itself. Featuring lapis-hued rain shower rooms, multi-zone and USB charging ports, and beds that guarantee a Sleeping Beauty-standard slumber, ample rest to see you through what’s sure to be a high-octane trip is basically guaranteed. Book your stay here. MS
Read… the English edition of FRUiTS
The legendary Japanese fashion title FRUiTS has, to Western fans, been adored for its striking street photography. Now those same fans can read its contents too, with the launch of the English edition of the magazine’s first issue. Check it out digitally here, with more issues set to come later. If we’re lucky, we might even get print editions too.
Listen to… Tiberius b
A signee to Mark Ronson’s Zelig Records (alongside the likes of King Princess), Tiberius b has only been making music for a few short years, after — rumour has it — they were handed a guitar during the pandemic. The results feel lived in: the artist’s latest single “Jetski” (featuring a video by i-D favourite Aidan Zamiri) is the kind of effortless alternative music we crave. Stream it now above before the EP drops on 30 June. Follow Tiberius’ IG here too.
Watch… The Eight Mountains
Director Felix van Groeningen’s last project was the Timothée Chalamet starrer Beautiful Boy; now, he’s collaborated with his partner Charlotte Vandermeersch to create this touching portrait of a decades-spanning friendship between two men in the mountains of Italy. Poignant stuff. The Eight Mountains is in UK cinemas from 12 May.