Les Deux Opens Paris Retail With Plan For A Community Basketball Court

The Pigalle Duperré basketball court in Paris has transformed from a mere sports facility into a cultural landmark and social media phenomenon. Located in a formerly grey neighborhood between the ninth and 18th arrondissements, near the Moulin Rouge, this 600-square-meter outdoor space, once a carpark, is now a vibrant community hub and a significant tourist attraction. Its aesthetic appeal, characterized by constantly evolving colorful patterns and designs, has earned it a 4.5-star rating on Google Maps and a reputation as one of the most visually striking basketball courts globally. The court's creation was spearheaded by Parisian designer Stéphane Ashpool in collaboration with creative brands Pigalle and Ill-Studio. Ashpool initiated the project in 2009, with the motivation to provide young people in the neighborhood a safe and engaging place to play. Over the years, the court has undergone five distinct design iterations, each meticulously planned and executed. The design process for each iteration is elaborate, taking approximately six months and involving up to 20 people working on various aspects, including design, production, and specialized flooring. The choice of rubber panels made from recycled shoe soles ensures durability and playability in all weather conditions, addressing the challenges of its uneven ground and narrow strip layout. Financial backing from Nike has significantly supported the development and regular redesigns of the court. The court's global recognition is evident from the diverse array of visitors it attracts, ranging from local basketball enthusiasts to international tourists and even celebrities like actor Adam Sandler and NBA stars such as LeBron James and Kevin Durant, as well as rappers Central Cee and Skepta. The court's Instagram page boasts nearly 26,000 followers, highlighting its immense popularity and influence in the digital sphere. This widespread appeal underscores its role as a blend of sports, art, and urban regeneration. Ashpool acknowledges the viral trend of colorful courts that followed Pigalle Duperré's success, emphasizing the importance of not just aesthetics but also functional design to ensure a safe and healthy environment for players. Beyond its visual and recreational aspects, Pigalle Duperré fosters a strong sense of community. Ashpool, who has a long-standing affiliation with basketball, including playing in a French youth academy and coaching young players, emphasizes that the community is paramount. The court serves as a positive influence, offering a healthy outlet for teenagers and shaping the lives of many locals who have grown up with the court. The area around Pigalle Duperré has also experienced gentrification, with new businesses emerging, contributing to increased housing prices and attracting young professionals. Ashpool's design influence extends beyond Paris, with courts designed in Mexico City and Beijing, all sharing the distinctive blend of global appeal and unique colorways. His involvement in fashion is equally significant; he designed uniforms for Team France at the 2024 Paris Olympics and Paralympics and will do so for the upcoming Winter Olympics in Italy. This cross-pollination of sports and fashion highlights basketball's unique position at the intersection of these two industries, with players often setting trends. The growing popularity of basketball in France, spurred by figures like NBA Rookie of the Year Victor Wembanyama and the national teams' Olympic successes, further solidifies Pigalle Duperré's cultural significance as a colorful beacon in an otherwise grey urban landscape, bringing positive energy and fostering a healthy lifestyle within its community. #PigalleDuperre #BasketballCourt #ParisCulture #UrbanRegeneration #StephaneAshpool #SportsArt #CommunityHub #SocialMediaSensation #BasketballFashion

The newly opened 1.3.5_c store, located in Amsterdam's Canal District, offers a unique retail experience focused on olfactive treasures. Situated in a listed 1930s red brick building designed by architect Henk van Kempen, the ground floor has been transformed by Amsterdam-based interior design practice Carbon Studio. The building previously housed a tobacco firm's offices and later a boutique for renowned jewelry designer Hans Appenzeller. The store is divided into two distinct spaces. The first, dubbed 'The Lobby,' is a lofty, light-filled area dedicated to the ZENOLOGY collection, a brand co-founded by seasoned fragrance professional Jeroen Oude Sogtoen. This space pays homage to ZENOLOGY's roots in hospitality, featuring understated yet inviting interiors with lacquered oak surfaces, whitewashed walls, and terrazzo tiles. A prominent square cushioned bench with a circular backrest, flanked by recessed and stainless steel shelving units, anchors the space. The material palette and immersive ambiance of 'The Lobby' aim to balance nature and science, reflecting ZENOLOGY’s brand philosophy. Here, customers can explore ZENOLOGY's full range of home, skin, and hair care products, along with body skincare and home fragrances. Beyond ZENOLOGY products, 'The Lobby' also curates a selection of lifestyle offerings. These include exclusive teas from Mariage Frères, handcrafted suitcases by FPM, and various accessories. Additionally, the space features immersive travel stories from the iconic Holiday Magazine, appealing to a discerning demographic seeking more than traditional retail. The second space, 'Backstage,' is semi-concealed behind a draped velvet curtain and is dedicated to PANTOMIME fragrances, also co-founded by Jeroen Oude Sogtoen. This boudoir-inspired room is characterized by full pleated splendor, theatrically presented, and is overlaid on one side by a sizable minimalist display unit. A Brutalist oak display table firmly anchors the setting, its robust form balanced by more delicate objects such as glass and ceramic artworks. The use of similar terrazzo tile flooring in both 'The Lobby' and 'Backstage' subtly connects the two distinctly designed areas. 1.3.5_c aims to provide an elevated shopping experience through its design-led premises and tightly curated merchandise. The store plans to feature a rotating selection of artworks, vintage objects, design pieces, rare books, photography, and exclusive lifestyle products. This approach is intended to resonate with a savvy clientele, offering them not just products but also an enriching cultural and aesthetic experience. The store is located at Grimburgwal 1-3-5C in the Canal District of Amsterdam and is open from Wednesday to Saturday. #Amsterdam #StoreOpening #InteriorDesign #CarbonStudio #ZENOLOGY #PANTOMIME #Fragrance #RetailExperience #LifestyleProducts

Fifth Group Restaurants, known for establishments like La Tavola and Ecco, is set to transform its Midtown seafood restaurant, Lure, into Lure Saltwater Kitchen and Bar. The original Lure will close on September 2nd, with the new concept opening just a week later. The renovation reflects changes in the dining scene and habits within Midtown, aiming to inject new excitement and energy into the space that has been operational for 13 years. Lure Saltwater Kitchen and Bar will maintain its focus on sustainable seafood, but with a revamped approach centered around small plates prepared on a newly installed wood-fire grill. The interior will undergo a refresh, and a new patio bar is being added to enhance the dining experience. The beverage program is also being updated to complement the new culinary direction. To lead this transformation, the team has brought in chef de cuisine Olivier Reedholm, formerly of The Grey in Savannah and the Michelin-starred Under in Norway. Reedholm will collaborate with Fifth Group's vice president of culinary, Mark Jeffers, and director of culinary, Brandon Chavannes, who was involved in the initial opening of Lure. This culinary trio is partnering with Farmers & Fisherman Purveyors to ensure that all seafood items adhere to the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch List, promoting sustainability. A key feature of the new menu will be the daily-to-weekly changing “Fleeting Moments” selection, offering fresh oysters, aguachile, crudo, ceviche, and tartare. This ensures a dynamic menu, encouraging repeat visits. A unique shared plate option, the “Tackle Box-Chef Assortment,” will present raw bar items in a vintage tackle box. The small plates section will feature imaginative dishes such as mussels in Thai coconut broth, blue crab tamale with pumpkin mole, and crispy shrimp with Chinese chili garlic crunch, peanuts, and seaweed. For diners preferring more traditional entrees, five options will be available, including pork shank, wood-grilled chicken, wagyu steak frites, and a filet of fish in brown butter sauce. These dishes aim to provide a classic yet approachable dining experience, distinct from a formal chop house. The wood-fire grill is expected to impart unique and dynamic flavors to these offerings. To cater to health-conscious guests, Lure Saltwater Kitchen will offer “Breadless Service” with house-made kimchi, pickles, and spicy condiments, alongside gluten-free anchovy garlic bread. Salads and vegetables will be available from the “From the Soil” section of the menu. A notable dessert item will be wood-fired, slow-roasted pineapple in rum caramel, served with house-made ice cream. The beverage program, curated by Fifth Group head of beverage innovation Ian Mendelsohn, will feature cocktails designed to complement the kitchen’s bright and exotic flavors. Options will include a frozen “creamsicle” cocktail and drinks incorporating shochu, yuzu, lemongrass, and chili. The wine list will expand to about 50 sustainable, biodynamic, or organic varieties, and eight beers will also be on offer. The aesthetic changes, guided by design team ai3 (who also designed the original Lure), will introduce new pops of color, including red and green, throughout both the indoor and outdoor spaces. New patio furniture and murals by a local artist will contribute to the refreshed ambiance. The new patio bar will host a happy hour from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. daily, featuring half-price oysters. Beyond culinary and design enhancements, Lure Saltwater Kitchen emphasizes environmental sustainability. The restaurant will collect rainwater for toilet flushing and plant watering. It has also partnered with Shell to Shore, a nonprofit organization that repurposes oyster shells to rebuild reefs, thus contributing to marine ecosystem restoration. The new Lure will soft-open on September 10th, with its official grand opening slated for September 16th. #FifthGroupRestaurants #LureSaltwaterKitchenAndBar #MidtownAtlanta #SustainableSeafood #RestaurantRedevelopment #WoodFireGrill #SmallPlates #EnvironmentalSustainability

The Jil Sander flagship store on Avenue Montaigne in Paris has reopened, featuring a minimalist design that aims to create a welcoming and serene retail experience. Located in the architectural heart of the 8th arrondissement, the store's design emphasizes the clothing pieces by making them the central focus. The interior incorporates elements that pay homage to the surrounding neighborhood, with benches along the walls inviting guests to engage with the space. Natural light plays a crucial role in the store's ambiance, streaming in to highlight the inherent qualities of the ready-to-wear materials and connect with a sense of nature. The store's design, a collaboration between Jil Sander creative directors Lucie and Luke Meier and architect John Pawson, is characterized by its 'minimal extravagance.' The first floor is uniquely segmented, offering distinct sensory experiences within the same space. One section features walls finished with Calacatta marble and plaster, exuding a sense of refined elegance and a stark, clean aesthetic. Another section utilizes timber walls and cherry wood displays, introducing warmth and a natural texture that complements the brand's aesthetic. This division allows for an 'intra-discovery' element, encouraging guests to explore different facets of the Jil Sander universe. The overall retail ambiance is carefully curated to reflect the brand's core values of sophisticated minimalism and high-quality craftsmanship. By integrating architectural elements that are both inviting and luxurious, the flagship store transcends a typical retail environment, positioning itself as an immersive brand experience. The thoughtful selection of materials, the strategic use of light, and the structured yet flowing layout all contribute to an atmosphere that elevates the shopping experience. This re-opening marks a significant moment for Jil Sander, reinforcing its presence in a key fashion capital with a store design that embodies its contemporary vision while respecting its heritage of understated luxury. #JilSander #ParisFashion #FlagshipStore #RetailDesign #MinimalistArchitecture #LuxuryFashion #JohnPawson #InteriorDesign #AvenueMontaigne

The Open Spaces Entryway Rack, a shoe organizer praised for its design and storage capacity, is currently available at a 20 percent discount. This offer is notable because the brand rarely holds sales. The article highlights the product's suitability for spring cleaning and home organization, specifically focusing on managing footwear. The Entryway Rack has been recognized as the "best-looking rack" in a guide to shoe organizers, distinguishing itself with clean lines that allow it to blend seamlessly into home decor, appearing more like a piece of furniture than a typical storage solution. Its design also contributes to a less cluttered aesthetic in entryways or closets. Beyond its visual appeal, the rack is commended for its practical storage capabilities, accommodating up to 12 pairs of shoes. This feature addresses common challenges associated with shoe clutter, particularly during seasonal organization efforts like spring cleaning. Professional organizers Elsa Elbert and Sara Losonci endorse the product, emphasizing its versatility. They note that the rack can be used for purposes other than shoe storage, suggesting it can hold various items needed before leaving the house, such as bags, keys, or accessories, thereby enhancing its functionality in an entryway setting. From a user perspective, the article mentions that the rack is relatively easy to assemble, even for individuals without extensive DIY skills. This ease of assembly adds to the product's appeal, making it accessible to a wider range of consumers who may seek practical yet stylish home organization solutions without the hassle of complex installation. The current 20 percent discount on the Open Spaces Entryway Rack presents a timely opportunity for consumers to acquire a highly-rated organizational item that combines aesthetic quality with practical utility. The article positions this sale as an opportune moment to invest in a product that can contribute to a more organized and visually appealing living space. #OpenSpaces #ShoeRack #HomeOrganization #SpringCleaning #EntrywayDecor #HomeStorage #DealOfTheDay

The Contemporary Arts Museum Houston (CAMH) has transformed its first-floor exhibition space into a basketball court, an innovative art installation titled "CAMH Court." This project, which runs until April 27, reimagines the traditional museum experience by inviting active participation. The court itself is not a standard rectangle but a parallelogram, adding a layer of artistic challenge to the physical act of playing basketball. The artist behind this unconventional design is Trenton Doyle Hancock, a Houston-based artist with a history of exhibitions at CAMH, including "Trenton Doyle Hancock: The Life and Death of #1" in 2001 and "Trenton Doyle Hancock: Skin and Bones, 20 Years of Drawing" in 2014. Hancock collaborated with Creative Sports Concepts to bring his vision to life. The concept for turning the museum's gallery into a basketball court originated nearly three decades ago, in 1994, when a staff member jokingly suggested the idea. Over the years, this concept evolved into a museum legend, finally gaining traction and becoming a reality recently. The museum’s previous engagement with basketball, such as commissioning artists to create posters of Houston Rockets legends, may have contributed to the renewed interest in this project. Adidas also stepped in as a sponsor, further enabling the realization of this unique installation. Hesse McGraw, chairman of CAMH, highlighted Hancock's suitability for the project, noting the artist's desire to create an immersive environment where visitors could get lost in the space. McGraw explained that Hancock approaches his painting with a similar sense of play, making the transition of this idea into the basketball court space a natural fit for his artistic philosophy. This aligns with CAMH's identity as a non-collecting museum, which exclusively features temporary installations. This approach fosters a forward-looking perspective, constantly seeking innovative ways to connect artists with audiences. The author of the article describes a personal experience on the "CAMH Court," initially finding it challenging due to the unconventional layout and absence of traditional guiding lines. However, after adjusting, the experience became deeply engaging and even transcendent, surpassing a visit to a more traditional art space like Houston's Rothko Chapel on the same day. McGraw observes that the most compelling aspect of "CAMH Court" is how visitors spontaneously engage with the art by simply picking up a ball and participating, offering a stark contrast to the often inert experience of conventional museums. The installation provides an active and animated interaction with contemporary art, challenging perceptions of what a museum can be and how art can be experienced. #CAMH #ContemporaryArt #BasketballCourt #MuseumInstallation #HoustonArts #TrentonDoyleHancock #InteractiveArt #ArtExhibition