Mouches Pour Bal

Reviving the seductive language of 18th century artificial moles

The nearly lost courtesan art of clandestine communication, through the application of artificial moles, might just be experiencing a modest revival. Literally translated as “Flies for Balls,” Mouches Pour Bal are self-adhesive shapes that last swarmed women’s faces during France’s decadent 18th century court. Bell’occio, the San Francisco vintage shop known for reproducing rare merchandise by select ateliers has reissued the self-stick insignias in velvet. …

A History of Reading

Six thousand years of the written word as explored by a great essayist

In 1996, essayist and editor Alberto Manguel produced a 22-chapter literary adventure solely exploring the act of reading. His passion for turning the pages was met with clever anecdotes and well-researched information, all uniting to form “A History of Reading,” a beloved book on the power of words. This non-fiction work traipses through time and space—from Greek carvings and Egyptian scrolls to our modern-day computer …

LeDomaine: Europe’s First Google Glass-Equipped Hotel

Old World charm meets wearable tech at this stunning 900-year-old former monastery

Situated among rolling hills of vineyards and the sprawling Douro River in Spain, the Abadía Retuerta LeDomaine luxury hotel is a portrait Old World charm. Once a monastery, the sprawling estate is located two hours north of Madrid and has seen its share of history over its 900-year lifespan. After finishing up a complete restoration in 2012, LeDomaine is now taking a confident step toward …