The Last Spruce Tannery: Sweden’s Böle

Purveyors to the royal court and champions of doing things the old way for the right reasons

Despite a recent resurgence in craftsmanship, some of the old methods are simply dying out. Tanning leather is among the oldest crafts, with the first evidence of the profession dating back several thousand years. Today, the traditional European method of using tree bark—specifically the bark of the spruce—is all but lost. One tannery in the northern reaches of Sweden is carrying on the tradition of …

Atelier Ace and the Art of Collaborations

A look at the Ace Hotel's in-house creative agency and their latest brand partnership with Vans

As one of the more exciting and forward-thinking contemporary hotel chains, Ace is known for consistently delivering an effortless sense of underground style and culturally relevant design at a range of properties in the US, London and Panama. Behind the architectural endeavors, as well as a long list of product collaborations, is in-house creative agency Atelier Ace. “Were a group of makers and thinkers in …

Test Drive: 2015 Alfa Romeo 4C

The Italian brand returns to the States with a savage little sports car

by Davis Adams “Carbon fiber is a very expensive material. It’s strong. It’s lightweight. And, it’s beautiful,” explains Gaulberto Ranieri, head of communications for Chrysler Group, in a thick Italian accent. “Our new car is at least half the price of the next cheapest vehicle with a carbon passenger compartment, and this is just our appetizer for what is to come.” Indeed, it’s the re-beginning …