Culture

V Things — Our Body Cream Obsession, Shopping Vintage, and the Most Inspiring Read

Courtesy of The Wallace Collection and Manolo Blahnik

Every week, our editors will be rounding up highlights that stand out to us in the worlds of art, beauty, fashion, technology and culture in our column V Things. If we wouldn’t do it, try it, use it, we won’t recommend it. So think of it as your personalized, edited guide direct from us to you. And as autumn kicks off, it’s time to get back into the swing of things. A good read, a visit to a museum, checking out the latest television series that we’ll all be binge-watching. However, with endless options, it can be a bit daunting trying to figure out where to spend one’s time.

But don’t fret, below, our top picks of the week that will have you entertained and in the know. And let us know what you are discovering and you may see it appear in an upcoming edition.

1.

V Read

Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson.

After VB's tech tour in San Francisco that saw her meet with the leaders of Silicon Valley’s establishment, we couldn’t put down Isaacson’s definitive take on the Apple genius. In-depth interviews with key figures that were in Jobs’s orbit lend additional insights into the visionary leader’s process providing a complete picture of one of the most influential men in the world.

2.

V Shop

Collector Square’s Paris Pop-Up.

Some might be familiar with the digital-only, second-hand retailer whose curated goods include vintage Hermès Birkin and Kelly bags and limited edition pieces from Patek Philippe and Rolex. But starting this week, Collector Square is bringing their astute eye to one of Paris’s most iconic shopping streets, 69 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré. Open through the end of January, shoppers will be able to immerse themselves in a stylish setting directly opposite another Parisian landmark, the Bristol Hotel. But, if something catches your eye, act fast as each piece is one-of-a-kind.

3.

V Try

Augustinus Bader: The Body Cream.

VB is a fan of Bader’s face Cream for it’s science-driven, self-healing properties and this latest launch is equally covet worthy. Like the face creams, the Body Cream contains Professor Bader's proprietary technology to rejuvenate and improve skin texture. We suggest mixing with coconut oil—like VB—for a truly rich experience providing firmer, smoother, and more hydrated skin with a reduction in cellulite and stretch marks over time.

4.

V Visit

An Enquiring Mind: Manolo Blahnik at the Wallace Collection.

While Dior and Mary Quant at the V&A Museum are worth the visit, there is another gem within London’s cultural institutions. At the Wallace Collection lies one of the world’s most comprehensive collections of old masters from the 14th to late 19th-century. And shoe master Manolo Blahnik has teamed up with Wallace Collection director Dr. Xavier Bray to curate a lavish exhibition juxtaposing the designer’s elaborate confections alongside some of the most fantastical paintings, sculptures, and furniture. “The exhibition is reflective of my imagination and my inspiration,” says Blahnik. “Each room studies how the shoes resonate with the fabulous artwork. The shoes I designed for Sofia Coppola’s Marie Antoinette are paired with Fragonard’s The Swing—how divine!” But does the master of heels have any favourites? “I adore The Laughing Cavalier by Frans Hals!” The exhibition is on view through October 27.

5.

V Watch

The Morning Show.

The first Apple original program will debut on the tech giant’s Apple TV+ streaming network this fall. Starring (and executive produced by) Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon—both of whom appeared at Apple’s last conference at their headquarters in March—the show chronicles two women at different stages in their professional life and how they navigate office politics in the media age. With a standout cast that also features Steve Carell, Billy Crudup, Mark Duplass, and Gugu Mbatha-Raw, the buzz around Apple’s debut television effort seems warranted.