She hails from Somalia, her first modeling assignment was for VOGUE in 1976, she traveled Russia with Thierry Mugler in the 80s, and has a hidden talent for needlepoint. We’re thrilled to welcome international powerhouse beauty Iman into the AHAcurator family.
Hello, Darlings!
I didn’t fly to San Francisco last night specifically for this latte, but it certainly would have been reason enough. The Bay Area has been at the forefront of a coffee renaissance for the past few years, and I just love any excuse to experience this rich, boutique-gone-global culture that exists only here. As I write this letter at the famous Blue Bottle Coffee, my love for coffee—and San Fran—is reaching new, caffeinated heights.
This coming week on AHAlife, we’re going down under with a fashion pre-fall roundup spotlighting some of our favorite Aussie rising stars. We’ll also be introducing new pieces from Bijules by Jules Kim, whose aesthetic I admire tremendously—her subversive pieces are truly redefining jewelry. We’ll round out the week by showcasing the winner and six runners up of our #UpgradeYourLife Instagram competition in July, as selected by my dear friend and advisor Gilles Bensimon.
From fashion luminaries to photography legends to a smiling, artsy barista, soak up the talent that surrounds you!
Warmly,
Shauna Mei
Today on AHAlife: Visually inspiring, eco-friendly wallpapers and pillows. Display your personality with dreamy designs and unique colors, based on a Brooklyn artist’s hand-painted patterns.
Eskayel Pillows & Wallpapers available here at AHAlife.com
Hello, Darlings!
Inhale, exhale. I’ve had a summer of nonstop travel to LA, Las Vegas, Moscow, Munich and Berlin, where my days were filled with speaking on panels, discovering brilliant new designers, and even visiting the studio of artist Olafur Eliasson, the visionary creator of the New York City Waterfalls. I’ve finally returned to New York for some R&R, but those of you who know me also know—other than during my (seven years and going strong) monthly ritual facial at Mario Badescu—I’m never really resting.
This coming week, I’m particularly excited to introduce to you Brachfeld Parlaghy, a genius handbag designer whose inspiration ranges from tribalism to sci-fi, urbanity, medieval history and bondage. Her execution in design is flawless; I’ve seen a lot of ostrich leather, but this is some of the world’s most distinctive. If a home revamp is what you’re after, we’ve got exquisite wallpaper and pillows this week to breathe new beauty into your living space. Also, stay tuned for a tiny tech accessory to upgrade your sex life and take your USB port to new heights. Pleasures of all kinds, coming your way. It is my pleasure.
Enjoy what’s left of summer, and I leave you with one of my favorite quotes: “Between two evils, I always pick the one I never tried before.” Mae West
Warmly,
Shauna Mei
There’s a certain grace and delicacy to this finely detailed, ceramic dinner set. “Some British Birds” was illustrated by indie musician Edwyn Collins when he temporarily lost control of his right hand. Available here.
