Latest news with #minimalism
South China Morning Post
a day ago
- Entertainment
- South China Morning Post
Enter the serial world of Japan-born conceptual artist On Kawara at Hong Kong exhibition
On Kawara was part of a cohort of 20th century conceptual artists, including his friends Sol LeWitt and Carl Andre, who adopted a minimalist visual language that left a great deal of room for interpretation. Advertisement Born in Japan, Kawara produced abstract, radically obscure art, including: a 47-year series of paintings of random dates; a 12-year typed ledger, filed in office binders, of people he met called 'I Met'; a similar series called 'I Went' in which he traced his daily itineraries on photocopied maps and filed them; thousands of postcards sent from all over the world stating the time he woke up the day he sent each one, and; bare-bone telegrams with a single message: 'I am still alive.' Kawara was remarkably prescient in recording his life in a way so reminiscent of how people today constantly check in on social media and share moments that will become an archive of their lives, says Ying Kwok, co-curator of an exhibition of his work at Tai Kwun heritage and arts centre in Hong Kong's Central district. It is the first major exhibition of the artist's work sanctioned by his One Million Years Foundation since his death in 2014, and focuses on his best-known mature works. The backs of postcards from Japan-born conceptual artist On Kawara's series 'I Got Up' (1968-1979), He posted them to friends with a simple message noting the time he got up that day. They form part of the exhibition 'On Kawara: Rules of Freedom, Freedom of Rules' at Tai Kwun Contemporary, Hong Kong. Photo: Kitmin Lee Among the items that will be of most interest to Hong Kong visitors to the exhibition are two faded photos of the artist shot from behind as he worked in his room at the Mandarin Oriental hotel during a four-day stay over Christmas in 1978.
Khaleej Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Should your sneakers look chunky or sleek? What fashion week says
There was a time when sneakers didn't just walk into a room — they stormed in. Super-sized soles, exaggerated forms, and unapologetically loud designs turned sidewalks into runways and feet into fashion billboards. If your shoes didn't weigh two kilos and demand a triple take, were you even flexing? Balenciaga's Triple S kicked off the seismic shift, Versace's Chain Reaction brought Greco-Roman bravado to streetwear, Louis Vuitton's Pharell-era LV Trainers looked like they came straight out of a sci-fi sequel, and Balmain's Unicorn sneakers might as well have been prototypes from a galactic fashion lab — part-sneaker, part-spaceship, and all statement. But just as the volume peaked, fashion — as it always does — changed course. Quietly, intentionally, and with the sort of elegance that doesn't need to shout. A quick glance at the front row of fashion week or a scroll through Instagram's most style-savvy feeds reveal it all: the sneaker game has shed its bulk. Sleek, minimalist silhouettes are dominating. The once-loud, maximalist aesthetic has been softened into something more refined, elegant, and — dare we say — feminine. Not in a gendered sense, but in terms of design language: delicate lines, softer forms, and lithe profiles are replacing the hulking shapes of seasons past. Miu Miu's collaboration with New Balance is perhaps the most iconic symbol of this shift. Reworking the 530 into something that felt like part-sneaker, part-ballerina slipper, they injected subversive femininity and ballet-flat grace into a world that once equated size with power. Loewe followed closely, with its Flow Runner and Ballet Runner models that marry featherlight construction with high-craft detailing, signaling that the new flex is quiet and considered. Even Balenciaga — the very house that led the charge into sneaker maximalism — has scaled back with its Monday sneakers. Sleek, almost modest, the silhouette stands in stark contrast to the behemoth Triple S. Where once there was aggressive bulk and oversized branding, there's now restraint. The same holds true across the luxury landscape. The likes of Dior, Hermès, and Louis Vuitton are all slimming down, creating silhouettes that aren't about stomping through the streets but gliding through them. This shift is more than just aesthetic. It's philosophical. Post-pandemic, there's growing consumer appetite for mindfulness, versatility, and timelessness. A sleek sneaker doesn't scream trend — it signals taste. It's a staple, not a seasonal impulse. And with the return of Y2K fashion, this makes perfect sense. The early 2000s weren't defined by mega soles; they celebrated minimalism. Slim, low-rise sneakers ruled the playground — and now, they're back and ruling the pavements. One name has re-emerged as the face of this return: adidas Samba. A shoe once confined to the shadows of football fields and forgotten closets, the Samba is now the epitome of effortless cool. Bella Hadid, Kendall Jenner, and a slew of other street-style icons have cemented its place in the current fashion canon. But what really set it off was the Wales Bonner collaboration. British designer Grace Wales Bonner has reimagined the adidas Samba with Afro-Caribbean influences and refined detailing — creating editions that sell out instantly and command high resale value. This broader move towards sleeker sneakers is also a reflection of the 'quiet luxury' moment sweeping through fashion. While loud logos and overt branding still have their place, there's a growing appreciation for the understated. Hermès has long mastered this with its Day Sneakers — crafted in premium leather with minimal embellishments. They whisper wealth. Louis Vuitton's Sneakerinas push this sensibility further. These hybrid ballet-sneakers exude couture-level elegance while maintaining sporty roots. Bottega Veneta, with its Orbit sneakers, has created a design that feels like a study in modern architecture — futuristic, featherlight, and devoid of all excess. They're sneakers for those who don't need to prove anything, because they already know. Even Dior's sneaker playbook is evolving. Once known for bolder silhouettes like the B22, the maison has pivoted to models like the B27, the flatter and sleeker B33, and more recently, the B01 Match Sneaker — a tennis-inspired low-top that oozes minimalism and monochromatic finesse. It's luxe, lean, and utterly wearable. In similar fashion, brands like Loro Piana — long known for their whisper-soft cashmeres and walk-on-cloud sensibility — are now reaping the rewards of never having followed the chunky sneaker trend in the first place. Their 360 Flexy Walk and Week-End Walk models are having a quiet moment with a whole new generation of buyers. The rise of slim silhouettes has made Loro Piana, suddenly, feel ahead of the curve — without ever changing their pace. What unites these designs is a shift in luxury itself — from showy and immediate to thoughtful and enduring. And, just as importantly, they're far more wearable. Chunky sneakers, as bold as they were, demanded attention and very specific styling. Sleek sneakers? They're democratic. What unites these designs is a shift in luxury itself — from showy and immediate to thoughtful and enduring. And, just as importantly, they're far more wearable. Chunky sneakers, as bold as they were, demanded attention and very specific styling. Sleek sneakers? They're democratic. They slide under slim tailoring, elevate dresses, work with jeans, and feel equally at home in an airport lounge or a gallery opening. This evolution also reflects a maturation of sneaker culture itself. New-age sneaker enthusiasts are older, wiser, and more discerning. They still value drops and collaborations, but they're now looking for craftsmanship, sustainability, and wearability. Brands are responding with recycled materials, refined lines, and silhouettes that are not only fashion-forward but also environmentally and socially conscious. It's no surprise then that archival models are being dusted off and redesigned. From Reebok's Club C to Nike's Killshot and Puma's Speedcat, the spotlight is now on sleek classics that can be reintroduced with purpose. Even performance brands like On Running are betting big on minimalism, merging Swiss engineering with city style. It's a sign of the times — the age of visual noise is making space for visual clarity. In fashion, every shift tells a story. The oversized sneaker era was about rebellion, irreverence, and irony. But this new era of slim silhouettes is about evolution, intention, and identity. It's not about taking up space anymore — it's about fitting perfectly into your world. So no, the chunky sneaker isn't dead. It's just been asked to take a breather while its leaner cousin takes centre stage. Sleek is in, and it's here to stay.
The Independent
3 days ago
- General
- The Independent
Hotel Pilgrim, Paris hotel review
Location On the northern side of the Latin Quarter, Hotel Pilgrim is a five-minute walk from the banks of the Seine. You won't have to walk much further to reach the likes of the Panthéon and Jardin des Plantes either. Set on the eastern edge of Paris' tourist hotspots, the hotel is located in an area that is great for hitting up a multitude of boulangeries and creperies, particularly on the nearby Rue Mouffetard. You will need to stretch your legs or hop on the Metro to reach the Eiffel Tower or Champs-Élysées, though. The vibe Airy and light, the hotel opts for minimalism to ensure guests and particularly families, can enjoy plenty of space for a city-centre stay. The bar/restaurant hits these notes too, with sofas that serve as much as general break-out spaces as somewhere to order a round of drinks, while the rooftop terrace is a spot to enjoy a quiet moment while admiring the view, due to the absence of a bar. Service Warm and helpful, the staff were happy to hold our bags after we arrived early and keep them a little longer on the last day while we enjoyed a final stroll along the Seine. Any questions we had were quickly answered with the staff always on hand at reception. Bed and bath The room was spacious, more so than one might expect for such a central location. The absence of any noise from the street, combined with the minimalist design, worked wonders on our stress levels, and the bathroom allowed for a deep sense of calm to prevail, with brass fittings and grey tones. A Smeg kettle for making coffee and a surprisingly wide array of herbal teas ranked among the elevated touches, along with a rotary telephone and comfy bathrobe. Food and drink The bar serves cocktails, herbal teas, soft drinks and its own signature iced tea, but prices are a little steep. It's a shame the seventh-floor terrace isn't utilised for drinks, however, there is a large outside area on the ground floor. Breakfast includes granola, cereals, cold meats and yoghurts. You will have to head out for dinner, but the Latin Quarter has you covered. Just drop a couple of streets back from the busy banks of the Seine and choose whichever restaurant takes your fancy. Facilities A pool, small gym and sauna are open to guests in the basement – a vital reprieve for those seeking a refreshing morning dip or those in need of a different kind of activity to amuse kids old and young. The room is a little echo-y, however, meaning even the smallest of voice boxes may hinder guests hoping to relax. Accessibility Rooms are available for disabled guests upon request. Pet policy Guests are allowed to bring one pet weighing up to 10 kg for €20 per night. Check in/out? Check-in from 3pm, check-out until 12pm. Family friendly? Yes. At a glance Best thing: A relaxing reprieve on the doorstep of the Seine, offering space and style for sightseers. Perfect for: Young families looking to capitalise on the balance of style, comfort and convenience. Not right for: Young couples on a budget. Instagram from: The flower arch on the rooftop terrace. Address: 11 rue de Poissy, 75005 Paris
Arab News
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Arab News
Book Review: ‘A Shining' by Jon Fosse
Jon Fosse, the 2023 Nobel laureate, delivers a masterclass in existential minimalism with 'A Shining,' a novella that glimmers with metaphysical unease. Translated from Norwegian by Damion Searls, this brief but resonant work lingers like a half-remembered dream, inviting readers to grapple with its haunting ambiguity. An unnamed man drives into a remote forest, seeking isolation. When his car stalls, he abandons it, lured deeper into the trees by an enigmatic light. What begins as a quest for solitude spirals into a disorienting confrontation with the unknown. Strange encounters — a flickering figure, disembodied voices, a persistent glow — blur the boundaries of reality. Is the 'shining' a divine sign, a mental rupture, or something beyond comprehension? Fosse offers no easy answers. Fosse's sparse, rhythmic prose mirrors the protagonist's fractured psyche. Sentences loop and stutter, mimicking the repetitive chatter of a mind unraveling ('I walked, I walked, I walked'). Yet, within this austerity lies startling beauty: Descriptions of moss, shadows and cold air ground the surreal in the realm of the sensory. The novella probes humanity's existential contradictions, particularly the tension between our desire for solitude and our terror of abandonment. It lays bare the futility of seeking meaning in a universe indifferent to human struggles, while questioning how much we can trust our perceptions. Are the protagonist's encounters real, or projections of a mind teetering on the brink of collapse? Fosse leaves readers suspended in that uncertainty. Fosse refuses to cater to conventional narrative appetites. There are no villains or heroic arcs, only a man wrestling with the void within. Fans of Franz Kafka's existential labyrinths or Samuel Beckett's bleak humor will find kinship here. 'A Shining' is not for readers craving action or closure. It is a quiet storm of a book, best absorbed in one sitting under dim light. Perfect for lovers of philosophical fiction, poetry devotees, and anyone who has ever stared into darkness and wondered what stared back.
National Post
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- National Post
Design trends: A party-ready pad
Before designer Valerie Meghory got her hands on it, this two-storey semi in Seaton Village was perfect for a game of hide-and-seek. Article content The front door opened to an enclosed porch followed by a narrow hallway that led to a maze of rooms. Upstairs, a rental apartment's nooks and crannies held more adventure. Article content But the piecemeal layout was the pits for single-family living. The social couple, who have three young kids, couldn't entertain without banging elbows. Plus the 1,800-square-foot century house, nipped and tucked over the years, was dated. Article content Article content So they enlisted the principal designer of Valerie Meghory Interiors for a substantial revamp undertaken over 15 months. This included adding a third-floor sanctuary for the parents, with a swanky spa bathroom, office, walk-in closet and bedroom; the addition increased the house to 2,600 square feet overall. The architect on the project was Justin Sherry of Justin Sherry Design Studio with general contracting by Robert Cuch. Article content In a lucky turn, the designer and the homeowners shared the same taste. 'They like simplicity and minimalism, so our aesthetics aligned,' says Meghory, who filled the home with soothing, easy-to-live-with tones and modern finishes, like oak veneer cabinetry, quartzite countertops and engineered white oak herringbone floors. Article content Article content Meghory's rule of thumb is to prioritize neutrals for tiles, cabinetry and other permanent design elements. 'Then we add colour in other ways that are easier to switch out to get a fresh look when you get bored of it.' Article content Article content But before any decorating, she tackled the main floor. She rejigged it to highlight the most important room in the house: the kitchen, which was built by Hays Woodworking. Article content 'We positioned the kitchen in the middle of the house, so it could be the centre of everything,' she says. 'They host a lot of people for holidays and parties.' Article content Article content For improved flow, Meghory shifted the staircase (formerly in the entranceway) to the back of the house, tucking it along the wall by the loungey new living room. Article content 'We did a long bench [for seating in the living room] to accommodate a lot of people,' says Meghory. The built-in is topped in a grey boucle cushion — perfect for perching with a cocktail — and has storage to keep the area shipshape. Display cubbies, a decorative slatted wall, fun pylon-shaped stair railings and an exposed red brick chimney trailing up to the second floor are embellishments that elevate the home. Article content
