Latest news with #California-inspired
Eater
20-05-2025
- Business
- Eater
Celebrated Chef April Bloomfield Will Lead a Texas Restaurant Group
One of New York's most famous chefs, April Bloomfield has dazzled critics and diners alike in her soulful cooking at Fort Greene's Sailor from restaurateur Gabe Stulman since it opened in 2023. Now, the chef has announced she is headed to a restaurant group in Austin, Texas while she continues to steer the kitchen in Brooklyn. In Bloomfield's new role, she'll also oversee the McGuire Moorman Lambert Hospitality group, which is behind a collection of restaurants that include an oyster bar, a bakery, a hamburger joint, a sushi spot, a cafe, and a Tex-Mex diner in locations around Austin, Houston, Aspen, Colorado, and San Francisco. Her first focus will be revamping California-inspired Pecan Square Cafe and fifty-year-old fine-dining steakhouse Jeffrey's in Austin, as reported by Texas Monthly . The company also announced that it would be taking over historic Austin hotel the Driskill and its two dining rooms — currently the Driskill Bar and 1886 Cafe & Bakery — which is owned by Hyatt Hotels Corporation. 'April has a true sense of hospitality that's behind the cooking,' McGuire told Texas Monthly . 'It's not just cooking for ego or cooking for what looks good on the plate.' Eater has reached out to Bloomfield and Stulman to learn more about the position and what's next for Sailor. Stulman issued a statement on Tuesday morning. 'This June, Bloomfield joins MML Hospitality, one of the country's most successful and influential hospitality groups, as Executive Chef. In her role, Bloomfield brings exceptional expertise and experience to the group's nationwide operations. Bloomfield will play a pivotal role in upcoming MML projects, including the multi-dimensional development, Sixth & Blanco, designed by Pritzker award-winning firm Herzog & de Meuron, that encompasses luxury retail and hospitality in Austin's Clarksville neighborhood. Longtime admirers of Bloomfield's cooking, MML's partners demonstrate a similar intuition for knowing what diners want. Bloomfield brings her deep understanding of seasonal produce and tip-to-tail butchery to MML, while mentoring its roster of rising culinary talent, initially focusing on Pecan Square Cafe, Jeffrey's, Josephine House, Howard's and Rosie's. Her role as Chef Partner of Happy Cooking Hospitality's celebrated Brooklyn restaurant Sailor will continue and she will remain a presence there. Bloomfield's return to Sailor was a big deal for the New York restaurant world. Known for her memorable meat-centric fare, Bloomfield steered the opening of Sailor — part of Happy Cooking Hospitality, which includes West Village staples like Joseph Leonard, Jeffrey's Grocery, and Fairfax — a lower-key affair than her Manhattan restaurants from years earlier. In opening in Brooklyn, she reemerged on the scene to mostly celebration after being caught in the middle of one of the biggest restaurant scandals of the #MeToo era, leading her to shutter restaurants including the Spotted Pig and others she ran in partnership with Ken Friedman. When Sailor was deemed one of the year's best new restaurants in the country its debut year, Eater noted that 'despite being billed as a simple neighborhood bistro, Brooklyn's Sailor has been a destination since the day it opened: It represents the return of chef April Bloomfield to New York and the British-inflected cooking that made her name.' It's been celebrated for its 'unfussy elegance, coaxing complex flavors from humble ingredients.' In the announcement this week, Texas Monthly wrote 'New York City's April Bloomfield is one of the most talented chefs in the country. Period — no qualification.' Sign up for our newsletter.
Time of India
17-05-2025
- Time of India
Offbeat adventures: Quest for California's hidden treasures
California beckons with hidden gems beyond its famous landmarks, inviting exploration from north to south. Discover unique experiences like moon tears in Lake County, a disguised WWII radar station, and floating campsites on Lake Oroville. Unearth geological wonders, Native American history, and vibrant wildlife preserves, creating unforgettable road trip memories. The Golden Gate Bridge and the Hollywood sign are icons in the Golden State. But beyond the gateway cities, there is a world of hidden gem experiences tucked away in unassuming corners waiting to be explored. The diversity and abundance of options from the north to the south of California are best explored by road with your very own California-inspired playlist. Northern California North Coast A True Hidden Gem- North Coast is home to many off-the-beaten-path treasures alongside epic coastal views and breathtaking redwood forests. Lake County produces 'moon tears' – semi-precious, gem-quality quartz stones that are unique to the area, thanks to the special volcanic soil in the region. You can find your own as a souvenir at Wild Diamonds Vineyard. War Stories- History buffs must head to Del Norte County near Klamath to visit a still-standing WWII radar station disguised as a farm. During the war, it contained some of the most sophisticated early-warning radar defence technology available. Hike to nearby Hidden Beach for a peaceful sunset. Unique Stays- Stay in a yurt at a 50-acre outdoor stone art gallery at the Mendocino Stone Ranch, and enjoy exploring over 30 stone installations on the property. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trending in in 2025: Local network access control [Click Here] Esseps Learn More Undo Or relax and unwind at Orr Hot Spring Resort nestled near the Montgomery Woods. Bigfoot Sightings- The Willow Creek China Flat Museum in Humboldt County is home to the original 1967 sighting caught on film by Patterson Grimlin where you can view casts of the impressive 16' footprints and many original photos and artifacts. Shasta Cascade Region Waterfalls & Volcanoes- Adventurers looking to explore the rugged and remote West Siskiyou region will be rewarded by hiking the trail to Ukonom Twin Falls, a 1.5-mile journey to witness the 25-foot falls dropping into a picturesque pool. Medicine Lake Volcano is the largest volcano in the area with four campgrounds serving as a base for hikers and offering fishing, boating, and hiking experiences. Natural Wonders- Located in Lassen Volcanic National Park, Boiling Springs Lake is one of the largest active hot lakes in the world. The lake is easy to access from Willow Lake Campground or the Devil's Kitchen trailhead. In the Humbug Valley, Soda Springs is a rare, accessible, naturally carbonated groundwater source first used by the native Mountain Maidu and later by European settlers. Floating Campground- Lake Oroville in Butte County offers 10 floating campsites, each with enough room for 15 people and three vessels like personal watercraft. The sites also offer picnic spots, barbecues and, of course, bathrooms. Lake Hikes- The Shasta Cascade region offers lake hiking for every level of fitness. If you are looking for an easy day hike, Lake Eleanor and Trinity Lake fit the bill. For a bit more of a challenge, head to Granite, Hidden Lakes, or Ward Lake. Adventure Seekers- Explore Subway Cave in the town of Old Station, formed 20,000 years ago when an explosion drained away lava and left tube-like caves. For an above-ground adventure, hikers will love the challenge of getting to Potem Falls. Gold Country California Poppies- California is famous for its explosion of poppies and other wildflowers. To see Mother Nature's show, head to Auburn State Recreation Area and hike Windy Point or Stevens Trail. Column of the Giants- Open from May to December, the Columns of the Giants is a geologic site in Stanislaus National Forest featuring hexagonal basalt rock formations created by lava from volcanoes over 100,000 years ago. Today, you can hike to the base of the formation or climb it via routes like Delirious and Spin Doctor. Experienced climbers will love the challenge of The Pygmy Pillars, a 100-foot-tall wall of organ pipes. Soil Born Farms- Soil Born Farms in Rancho Cordova is an urban agriculture and education project that is a thriving hidden gem filled with nature and wellness experiences for all ages. Enjoy outdoor yoga, cooking classes, agriculture lessons, gardening, farmers markets and bird watching. Lake Tahoe The Powerline Trail is known as a mountain bike path, but locals also love it for its trailheads providing panoramic views and a perfect spot to watch the sunset behind Mount Tallac. Also, check out the trail leading hikers to Modjeska Falls behind Glen Alpine Falls. Central California Yosemite- Located 10 minutes from Yosemite National Park, the seasonal Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad takes your family back in time to the days of gold panning and logging with gorgeous rides through the Sierra National Forest. Additionally, the history of Native American Culture awaits at the Sierra Mono Museum & Cultural Center through its interpretive exhibits and tours. Fresno- In the spring and fall, one of the top things to enjoy in Fresno County is hiking the area's tallest waterfall, Stevenson Creek Falls in the Sierra National Forest. Lompoc- Over 100 years ago, the Sybil Marston crashed on the rocks off the coast of Lompoc. When the tide is just right in the winter, the shipwreck is visible from Surf Beach. Even when the wreck is out of sight, Surf Beach is idyllic for surfing, swimming and seashell finding. Southern California Moabi Regional Park- For an aquatic adventure and getaway, the Pirate Cove Resort-operated Moabi Regional Park in Needles on the banks of the Colorado River delivers. Bordering the California and Arizona state lines, fishing, hiking, boating, and off-road driving are popular activities at Moabi. California Route 66 Museum- Celebrate the Mother Road at the interactive California Route 66 Museum in Victorville that follows the growth of the iconic road and the pioneers who travelled on it. Historic artefacts and photographs tell the story of the road and its impact on the country. The Sycamore Inn- Stay on the Route 66 theme with a visit to The Sycamore Inn in Rancho Cucamonga. The Inn dates back to 1848 and sits along the road that was once a simple dirt strip that later became the iconic Route 66. Today, the Inn is a hidden gem steakhouse and wine bar. Diamond Valley Alpacas- Visit the adorable alpacas at Diamond Valley Alpacas in Hemet, learn about them in educational seminars, and shop for impeccably soft alpaca products. Ya'i Heki' Regional Indian Museum- Learn about the history, culture, and tradition of the Native American tribes of the Inland Empire region at the Ya'i Heki' Regional Indian Museum showcasing the experiences and achievements of the local Native American tribal members. Big Bear Dam Keeper's House- Today, the Big Bear Dam Keepers stone cabin is in ruin, but in 1931, it appeared in the iconic Frankenstein movie. During summer and fall, visitors can see the old house and get a great view of Big Bear Dam. Stanfield Marsh Wildlife and Waterfowl Preserve- Birders will enjoy exploring the 145-acre Stanfield Marsh Wildlife and Waterfowl Preserve in Big Bear. The bucolic preserve is a wetland ecosystem teaming with a diversity of birds and other wetland wildlife. Sky's the Limit Observatory- Explore the universe at Sky's the Limit Observatory, an International Dark Sky Park near Joshua Tree National Park, that hosts monthly one-night sky programs when its telescopes are out for public viewing as well as a two-day annual Night Sky Festival. Big Morongo Canyon Preserve- The Big Morongo Canyon Preserve is an important wildlife corridor known for its birds. The Preserve is designated as an Important Bird Area by the American Bird Conservancy, the American Birding Association, and the Watchable Wildlife National Program, and is featured in the National Geographic Guide to Bird Watching Sites. Over 247 species have been recorded at the Preserve. 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Times
06-05-2025
- Times
22 of the best affordable hotels in London under £200
London might be one of the most expensive cities in the world, but there's no need to blow your entire travel budget on a hotel. Forget tatty rooms and shabby surroundings: in recent years, a wave of smart openings across the capital has tapped into the growing realisation that good value shouldn't mean compromising on excellent design. Increasingly, destination restaurants and buzzy, neighbourhood bars (quite rightly) come as standard too. Want to hang out with the creative set in Shoreditch or in the cultural hub of the South Bank; at a sweet, up-and-coming spot in the suburbs or slap bang in the centre of the city? There are plenty of places that won't scrimp on service or style, or dip too heavily into your holiday spending pot. Here are the best affordable places to stay in London, all offering room-only doubles at under £200 a night. This article contains affiliate links, which may earn us revenue Best for a spot of shopping Forget Oxford Street: the newest Hoxton hotel is right by Westfield shopping centre for a spot of retail therapy. A 20-minute stroll takes you to Holland Park (and Notting Hill is one Tube stop further on). You'll want to head back to the hotel for dinner at the Thai-Americana restaurant, Chet's, where you can feast on firecracker lobster noodles or sea bream, coconut and lemongrass fish curry. Stylish rooms have peach-toned walls, scallop-edge headboards, terrazzo-topped bedside tables and copper finishes and eight categories range from Hideout (with no windows but a king-size bed) to Biggy, with a freestanding tub. • Discover our full guide to London Best for a great jumping off point The Australian-born hotel brand TRIBE landed in Canary Wharf in 2022, bringing a smart, wallet-friendly place to stay in the financial district. Brass lamps and funky cityscape artwork add character to the bedrooms while all-day dining happens at California-inspired Feels Like June (tuna steaks, cobb salad, chipotle half chicken), and there's a 24-hour grab-and-go counter for coffee and snacks. Best of all, though, is the buzzy outdoor terrace with canal views for sundowners. Hop on the Jubilee line west to Bermondsey for the Maltby Street food market held on weekends or take the DLR to Cutty Sark to stroll up One Tree Hill for panoramic views of the capital. Best for refinedvillage life The Thames setting — and the restaurant's wraparound balcony overlooking the water — are the biggest draws to this south London hotel and members' club. The executive chef Vanessa Marx (previously a guest judge on Celebrity MasterChef South Africa) emphasises wild, foraged and sustainable ingredients; oyster mushrooms grown from recycled coffee grounds and microgreens such as radishes and rainbow chard cultivated at Rooftop Farm Wimbledon. Rooms are pared-back and neutral with handmade beds and wooden floors; the best have copper baths. Drop into yoga classes, book a guided paddleboard session on the river or a massage in the new treatment room. Richmond Park is on the doorstep and glorious Kew Gardens is a 15-minute drive away. • Best Airbnbs in London Best for soul-soothing stays A calming antidote to the chaos of the outside world (and nearby Paddington station), this Scandi-style haven is centred on wellness — from the plant-centric menu at Kitchen restaurant, curated by the health brand Yeotown, to the noise-free library and wooden boxes in rooms that encourage guests to lock their phones away at night. Plus, there is a changing wellness programme that could include morning meditation, vinyasa yoga and guided runs in Hyde Park. It's a 20-minute walk to the independent boutiques on Marylebone High Street in one direction and Little Venice, where the Grand Union Canal and Regent's Canal meet, in another. • Best boutique hotels in London Best for home-from-home appeal A budget-friendly hotel in upmarket Belgravia? Incredibly, yes, at this long-established, boutique within walking distance of the neighbourhood's fancy delis and galleries, with Buckingham Palace and Sloane Square also nearby. The 26 rooms are split across a pair of Georgian townhouses with bold, feature wallpapers, Pooky lampshades and geometric cushions — downstairs you can tuck into brunch at the Buttery, where the likes of shakshuka and warm beetroot salads are served until 3.30pm, or while away sunny afternoons with a book and an Aperol spritz in the walled garden. • Best things to do in London Best for living like a local With the V&A and the Natural History Museum on the same road, this beautifully designed aparthotel couldn't be better placed for a weekend of culture. There's a mix of art deco and 1960s influences in the rich jewel-like colours and retro tassel lampshades in the rooms, studios and suites; the last come with a kitchen kitted out with a microwave and dishwasher if you want to tuck into a takeaway from restaurants such as Thali, an Indian institution on Old Brompton Road (it's a 15-minute walk or order on Deliveroo). There's also everything you might want on site, from a laundry and gym to a co-working space, garden and EVE, a coffee shop, bar and restaurant rolled into one. Best for smart, contemporary design Fresh from refurbishment at the end of last year, this hotel is a two-minute walk from magnificent St Paul's Cathedral, and less than ten minutes from the Thames. Its location also makes it the perfect place for long weekends, with Spitalfields Market, Brick Lane and Shoreditch just two Tube stops away. Mid-century pop art prints and fluted headboards give nods to the building's postwar heritage while handy touches such as self-check-in iPads save time and there's a co-working space in the Living room for relaxing with coffee or cocktails from the Counter. • Great things to do in London when it rains Best for entertainment valueYou can't miss the bright red lights of the Bedford — just a five-minute walk from Balham station — and you wouldn't want to either. This 15-room pub with boutique rooms charms you with its circus theme downstairs and wows you upstairs in the bedroom: expect bold wallpapers, Instagram-worthy tubs and loud but stylish interiors. A stay here will put you in very good company: the likes of Ed Sheeran, Paolo Nutini and KT Tunstall have all performed in the club room before they hit the big time. It's a hotbed for new comedy talent too, having hosted a young Harry Hill and Frank Skinner. There's always something happening in the five bars, be it a swing dance or an open mic night, and the buzzing pub guarantees a good time, a great meal (food is half-price on a Tuesday) and plenty of tempting cocktails. Best for smart technologyBrilliantly positioned just behind the South Bank and a few minutes' walk from London's renowned Borough Market, this is a smart hotel in both senses of the word. Everything from check-in to browsing menus for the canteen M bar is done on an app. All rooms are the same; compact but with all the necessities you need for a good night's sleep: coloured mood lighting, blackout blinds, king-size beds. There's a help-yourself breakfast and a stylish living room hangout space furnished with Vitra chairs, a curated collection of books, modern art and for a laid-back vibeA pub, restaurant and hotel rolled into one, the Culpeper is a stone's throw from buzzing Spitalfields Market and Liverpool Street. Expect virtually the same menu — comfort classics such as beer-battered fish and chips — in the light-filled pub and the smarter bistro on the first floor. Rooms are rustic-luxe, with wooden bedheads and wicker lights, tree-trunk tables and cosy throws on the beds. In the summer, the best spot for dinner and drinks is the rooftop, where produce for the kitchen is grown in the garden. Best for rooftop garden views Named in homage to the local 19th-century anti-slavery campaigner and social reformer Sir Thomas Fowell Buxton, this characterful pub and hotel sits right on Brick Lane (it's the younger sibling to the Culpeper down the road). The 15 pared-back but functional rooms feature handwoven artworks, rugs and blankets (another nod to Buxton, who also raised money for the weaving community) and a selection of books chosen by the nearby bookshop Libreria. The ground-floor bar serves low-intervention wines, local beers and a bar menu of nibbles such as artichoke hearts, Ortiz sardines on toast and a Mons cheeseboard. There is also a guests-only rooftop garden, which delivers knockout views of the City. Read our full review of the Buxton Best for family weekendersThere's a loose sports theme to Moxy London Stratford — a reference to its location, a ten-minute walk from the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park — from the silhouettes of athletes swimming, skipping and playing table tennis, printed on wood panelling, to a light fitting designed to imitate gymnastic rings. There's also a mural by illustrator and street artist Alex Lucas depicting east London landmarks. Table football, books and board games (as well as the bar) encourage families to stay put, while the 24-hour grab-and-go is perfect for stocking up on provisions before heading out. Best for visiting museumsIt's the convenient location of the Rockwell in west London, close to blockbuster museums and boutique shopping in Chelsea, that makes it a winner. Inside the Victorian townhouse, the look is classic (rooms are furnished with floral wallpapers and oak furniture). Another boon is the walled garden, dotted with pretty plants and ideal for alfresco summer drinks, while the restaurant serves an all-day brunch menu that covers everything from soups and salads to fish and chips and steak. Best for creative typesA social enterprise hotel for the arts opposite Wood Green Tube station (it's just 12 minutes to King's Cross), Green Rooms has discounted rates for artists and creatives. Chairman Kurt Bredenbeck founded the Hoxton in Hackney and advised on the design here: expect original art deco period detailing complemented by a stripped-back, rustic aesthetic in the 24 rooms. Some have shared bathrooms, and there are also 12-bed and 14-bed dorms). The restaurant, Oita, specialises in Japanese food in a relaxed atmosphere. Best for seeing the sights The no-frills, function-first Z Hotel group has 11 outposts dotted around the capital but this one, in a red-brick house that backs onto St Paul's Church behind the Piazza in Covent Garden, stands out for its buzzing, brilliant location. Rooms are compact (some categories have no windows) but come with crisp linens and comfy beds. There's a café for a continental breakfast, toasties and pizza lunches, and wine in the for stylish breaksThis grade II listed Victorian pub with rooms is perfect for those who want a boudoir they'll remember. Forget plain walls and soulless furnishings; the decor here is a tasteful clash of bold wallpapers, velvet curtains and vintage furnishings. Downstairs there's a lively restaurant and well-stocked bar, while every spare wall is covered in a mix of quirky photographs and paintings. Food is a cut above standard pub grub and the Sunday roast is one of the best in London. Here on a summer evening? Tuck in on the terrace: it's perfect for warm evenings with an Aperol in hand. • Best dog-friendly hotels in London Best for an East End escapeHoused in a former textiles factory in Whitechapel, this New York-inspired hotel nods to its industrial past with exposed brick walls and huge metal-framed windows. Even the smallest rooms come with a king-size bed; the best loft room has its own hot tub on the roof. Social spaces include a games room with a pool table, a library and yoga studio, while the menu at Mr White's English Chophouse restaurant, which centres around halal steaks, grills and chops, is devised by the chef Marco Pierre White. Tower Bridge and the Tower of London are within walking for exploring south of the river This hotel, a ten-minute walk from London Bridge Tube station, provides a great base for those who want to explore the South Bank — the Tower of London and Borough Market are both a short stroll away. Rooms are comfortable and surprisingly spacious and the best come with excellent views of the Shard. There's plenty of choice at breakfast and the mood-lit bar is the perfect place to put your feet up after a day of walking around the city. Best for couples getawaysThe design-centric chain Mama Shelter's London outpost is in the heart of Shoreditch so there's no shortage of things to do nearby. But if you're thinking about staying put, the hotel has a busy restaurant and bar serving an eclectic menu ranging from fish and chips to peri peri chicken burger, plus some banging cocktails. Guests can also make use of the gym — and the hotel even has its own karaoke rooms. Bedrooms here are on the cosy side but they have everything you'd need, from a mini-fridge to a desk. A USP for the brand is that free movies are included as part of your stay, even X-rated ones. Best for sustainable stays If you want somewhere to stay with eco-friendly credentials, look no further than Room2. On the roof, there are solar panels as well as 75,000 bees creating local honey and contributing to biodiversity in the area. Inside, all energy comes from renewable sources and the showers use 40 per cent less power (with a promise that they don't scrimp on water pressure). Climate-friendly measures extend to the decor, with pieces made locally wherever possible and carpets created from fishing nets. There's a café serving breakfast and light bites — or you can make use of your room's handy kitchenette. Best for solo travellersThis hotel is housed in a slick, post-war office building, around a courtyard just off Fleet Street, once the home of some of Britain's best newspapers ‚— you'll be less than ten minutes' walk from St Paul's and only a little further from the theatres of Covent Garden. Rooms, decorated in greys and emerald greens, manage to feel both comfy and upmarket and bathrooms are kitted out with Antipodes products. Chambers restaurant, a nod to the courts nearby, serves hearty classics and steaks and spills out into a courtyard during for music loversThis hotel will hit the right note with music lovers. Formerly the Hard Rock Hotel, there's memorabilia everywhere and guests will find vinyl record players and black-and-white shots of big-name rock legends on the walls. Live music takes centre stage each evening — best enjoyed between 5pm and 7pm when the cocktail happy hour is in full flow — and hearty American favourites are dished up at the Sound Bar: sizzling fajitas, stacked burgers and sides of mac and cheese. You'll struggle to find somewhere more central too. The hotel is a few minutes' walk from Marble Arch tube station and Oxford Street is moments away. Additional reporting by Lucy Perrin, Alexandra Whiting and Qin Xie • Most romantic hotels in London• Best London hotels with a view
Fast Company
05-05-2025
- Automotive
- Fast Company
Why it's so hard to picture a Rivian in black or white
When the electric car startup Rivian was set to release its first vehicle in late 2021, the company made the unconventional choice. Instead of a more conventional neutral tone, it manufactured a significant amount of its initial production run in a custom color the company called Launch Green. It was a decision that ran counter to almost every color trend and automotive industry sales report, and one that's come to shape the way the company builds out one of the most unique color palettes in the car business. 'Everybody buys black, white, or gray. Pretty much every single brand, they're going to have that. And it doesn't matter if you're in the U.S., you're in China, you're in Europe, that's what it is,' says Jeff Hammoud, Rivian's chief design officer. 'Those are the ones that people order. But they're not the ones that create the most buzz or excitement.' Launch Green, marketed as a limited run for the company's R1T truck, bucked the trends and rose near the top of color rankings among Rivian fans and buyers. The Rivian forum on Reddit had such a heated debate over Launch Green's merit that its moderator pinned a note to the top of the comments thread stating that it had been reported by some users for 'incorrectly' placing Launch Green in second place. 'I understand that many of you feel personally victimized by Launch Green not being #1. I encourage you to take a break from the internet or talk to a loved one for support,' the note read. Though the company doesn't break down its sales figures publicly, Launch Green was immediately popular. Despite being a limited run, customers still ask for it nearly five years later. Colors that look good dirty Considering the approach validated, the company has since put an uncommon amount of effort into its color palette, not only creating unique custom colors but also making those colors an extension of Rivian's adventure-centric, California-inspired brand. From L.A. Silver to El Cap Granite to Red Canyon to Storm Blue, Rivian's paint options purposely lean into an outdoorsy theme. The company just announced another limited edition paint and trim package, California Dune, a pale sand color that evokes off-roading in the desert. 'We wanted something that like looked crisp and clean and premium,' Hammoud says. 'If it's dirty you can't really tell. It's not this car that you feel like you constantly have to clean, like a black car.' Rivian does offer its vehicles in black—'Midnight' in the company's parlance—but only reluctantly. Hammoud says Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe doesn't like black, which he finds to be 'not an optimistic color' and one that's not exactly on brand. 'But,' Hammoud says, 'customers love it.' For some, Rivian's colors may just look like slightly different versions of a blue or red that any other car company might use. But according to Hammoud, Rivian's colors have been carefully developed to reflect a spirit of adventure, while also being bespoke to the brand. 'We want it to have that warmth that our brand has, and also something that invites you to get it dirty,' he says. That approach to color has become so ingrained in the brand's approach that Rivian hired its own in-house paint specialist, enabling it to develop new color options faster. Even so, adding new colors to the palette—there have been 12 so far—requires a significant investment of time and coordination with suppliers. 'The fascias, the mirrors, the door handles, parts of the liftgates, none of those are actually painted at our plant,' Hammoud says. 'So we have to work with all these different suppliers to essentially take that same color and make sure it matches identical.' Adding a new color can take years, but Hammoud says that limited color runs can happen much faster, since the company's manufacturing facility in Normal, Illinois, can swap a color into the production line for a short time before returning to a more standard color. Bringing a new color like California Dune into the lineup for a limited run is another way for the company to generate some brand buzz. 'It's a fun and I wouldn't say easy but a light lift for us to be able to go and add freshness to the vehicle by offering a new color,' Hammoud says. Rivian is also careful about when to take a color out of the lineup. One discontinued color, Compass Yellow, had consistently high Net Promoter Scores, a measure of how likely a customer is to recommend a product to others. 'People were the most passionate about that color and Red Canyon, which are really low take rates for us,' Hammoud says. Though the yellow was dropped from the lineup, the red is still available. These color choices are partly driven by sales figures and customer demand, but Hammoud says the company's overall approach to color is more closely tied to the adventurous image it's trying to create with its off-road-ready truck and SUV models. The company pays attention to color trends in the automotive world, but isn't concerned with simply keeping pace with competitors. 'Everything we do from a color standpoint is influenced by the types of products that we think align with our brand, align with our customers. And a lot of that starts from outdoor adventure gear, footwear, backpacks,' Hammoud says. This extends to other sides of Rivian design, like the brand's distinctive headlights, which were inspired by a rock climbing carabiner. But Hammoud says color may be one of the most important elements of Rivian's vehicles. 'Color is a big part of purchase consideration for people,' he says. Ultimately the cars are products, and the company is trying to sell them. Color, he argues, helps make the cars more distinctive, which leads to more customer interest, and maybe a foothold in a crowded marketplace. 'Finding inspiration from outside of automotive is a big part of it,' Hammoud says. 'If you don't do that, you're just going to feel like you're every other car brand.'
Daily Mail
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Kaia Gerber strips down for rare family campaign with mom Cindy Crawford as well as her dad and brother
The Gerber family has worked together. Rande Gerber, Cindy Crawford, Presley Gerber and Kaia Gerber all put their modeling hats this week. The photogenic clan is the new face of Vuori, the performance and lifestyle brand known for its coastal California-inspired style. 'The fabric is unlike anything I've ever worn. It's so soft, so versatile, you literally never want to take it off,' said supermodel and entrepreneur Cindy. 'It's the perfect Malibu uniform: from beach walks to workouts to errands, it moves with you effortlessly. 'Every friend I've introduced to it ends up obsessed. That's the magic of Vuori, it's designed by people who truly live this lifestyle, and you feel that quality and authenticity in every stitch, which is why it resonates so deeply with all of us.' The Gerbers are joining forces with Vuori not only for the Spring/Summer 2025 campaign but as long-term collaborators of the brand. It marks the beginning of a multi-faceted partnership grounded in shared values of connection, quality, innovation, and the effortless fusion of style and performance. Photographed by Cass Bird and styled by Geraldine Saglio, the campaign was led creatively by the Gerber family. They picked out their favorite looks from Vuori's 2025 collection. 'It was important to us to collaborate with people who could authentically capture both the spirit of Vuori and our family dynamic. Cass and Geraldine were the perfect partners,' said the Gerber Family. 'This official partnership with the Gerber family marks an exciting milestone for Vuori that's been years in the making,' said Vuori Founder and CEO Joe Kudla. 'It began when Rande Gerber discovered Vuori in a small Malibu boutique and reached out, sharing our passion for what we're building. 'A genuine friendship followed, rooted in mutual respect and shared values, and now we're excited to take that connection even further. 'Kaia and Cindy are natural muses for Vuori's women's collection, embodying strength, style, and modern femininity. And the entire Gerber family reflects a timeless yet modern approach to fashion — effortlessly blending elevated style with an authentic, down-to-earth energy that aligns perfectly with Vuori's core values.' The Gerbers are joining forces with Vuori not only for the Spring/Summer 2025 campaign but as long-term collaborators of the brand 'From the moment I met Joe, it was clear that he's focused and knows exactly what he wants, but above all, he's just a genuinely good person who shares the same values as our family,' said entrepreneur and investor Rande Gerber. 'When we visited Vuori's headquarters, what stood out wasn't just the business, but the real, personal connections we all formed – it wasn't about deals, it was about shared stories and a mutual respect that made Joe say, We need to do something bigger together. 'And that's what sets Vuori apart: no matter how fast they grow, they keep that intimate, ego-free community where people surf at lunch, celebrate each other's wins, and stay true to the soul of Southern California living.' 'Vuori just fits into my life — whether I'm surfing, hanging with friends, or traveling. It's clean-lined, comfortable, and actually feels like me. It's not about trying too hard — it just feels good no matter what kind of day you're having,' said wellness advocate and entrepreneur Presley Gerber. 'Vuori has redefined what everyday style can look and feel like. It undoes the seams between effortless and ease. I love that I can go from a workout to a meeting. It is clothing as a return to self.' said model and actress Kaia Gerber. 'What inspired me most is how fully the Gerbers embody the very principles that define Vuori – living a multidimensional life, staying authentic, fostering genuine connection, and a commitment to making a positive impact,' Kudla said. 'At Vuori, we believe the best partnerships are built on more than just opportunity – they're built on trust, shared vision, and genuine relationships. This is one of those rare collaborations that just feels right, and we can't wait to see what we'll create together.'
