Baselworld 2016: Reinventing the All-Black Watch

Seven distinct timepieces that reimagine the use of the classic color

With hundreds of brands present, Baselworld—the globe’s largest and arguably most prestigious watch and jewelry fair—doesn’t intentionally play host to themes or trends, but it does offer an opportunity to notice through-lines across multiple watchmakers. Each year tends to deliver an interesting color story, whether it was last year’s powerful use of green or brilliant blue dials the year before. Both of these color choices …

Lina Bo Bardi’s Bowl Chair

Furniture-maker Arper resurrects the architect's 1951 design

Modern Italian architect Lina Bo Bardi made the permanent move to a politically turbulent Brazil in 1946, where she stayed until her passing in 1992—leaving behind a people-first legacy of striking, democratic buildings such as the 1968 São Paulo Museum of Art building (suspended on four “legs,” preserving a public square) and the 1982 SESC Pompéia (a former factory turned into a leisure center, with …

Jill Platner + Waterworks’ Isla Collection

The NYC jewelry designer and sculptor injects tactile elegance to the bathroom

Our 2010 studio visit (video below) with NYC-based jewelry designer Jill Platner revealed a genial spirit who looked most comfortable when forming and playing with her materials of choice: silver and gold. Though metal can sometimes give off a cold, pristine feeling, Platner’s expertise has been in creating accessories and sculptures that desire to be touched and held, almost like an extension of the body. …