Introducing The Best Things We Saw column, a monthly roundup of places, spaces, and things that stopped GRAY staffers in their tracks. Herewith, our picks for the best of the best in February.
“Moncler launched its collaboration with Valentino’s Pierpaolo Piccioli and Ethiopian model-designer Liya Kebede’s artisan collective, LemLem, during Milan Fashion Week earlier in February. Reimagining the utilitarian puffer coat, Piccioli and Kebede incorporated patterns inspired by African textiles. The intricate, stacked design offered a compelling contrast to the exaggerated silhouettes that made up each coat. Such a fabulous example of a luxury fashion house offering both a platform for global, emerging artists and the aspirational ensembles that fashion (month!) is all about.”
Kim Keever, Abstract 39154b, 2018 | Courtesy of Winston Wächter Fine Art
“New York-based photographer Kim Keever has developed an ingenious way to produce his otherworldly images: He drops colored paint into a 200-gallon aquarium and photographs the results, which recall elegant plumes of candy-colored clouds. A collection of his work is on view at Winston Wächter’s Seattle outpost through March 16.”
Photo by Christian Horan
“Located at the top of Seattle’s recently opened Graduate Hotel, The Mountaineering Club is the brainchild of Marc Rose and Med Abrous, the restaurateur behind LA’s The Spare Room, Winsome, and Genghis Cohen (spoiler alert: a second location is coming to Seattle this fall). With panoramic views of the city and regional-inspired decor—think wooden skis, snowshoes, vintage maps, and a moody palette—this new spot raises the bar on places to drink in its student-centric neighborhood. Aside from locavore cocktails, TMC offers small plates (try the skillet cucumbers, which are not as strange as they sound) inspired by regional fare. The rooftop deck will be an added bonus when the warm weather finally rolls around.”
Courtesy of Civilization.
“Graphic designer Na Kim’s SET series showcases a collection of her work from 2006–2015. The Seoul- and Berlin-based artist works to blur the line between art and design, experimenting with new forms and arranging them based on geometric standards. The installation is a reflection of Kim’s book by the same name, which acts as a guide for the exhibition. SET is on display at Civilization’s exhibition gallery, Non-Breaking Space, through April 9.”
Pink Rabbit in Portland’s Pearl District
“With plenty of pink neon, blue velvet banquettes, and patterned wallcoverings, this new Portland cocktail spot is just the ’80s kitsch-inspired bar I’ve been needing in my life. It’s dark, a little dramatic, and on a recent Saturday night visit, I got to jam to two old-school faves: “The Boys of Summer” by Don Henley and “Love My Way,” by the Psychedelic Furs. Bonus: An upturned umbrella in my very tropical drink.”
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