Alaïa opens new flagship in Miami’s Design District.
Alaïa has opened a new flagship boutique in Miami, designed in continued collaboration with Swedish architecture studio Halleroed, which reinterpreted the city’s Art Deco heritage through the maison’s own design language. The space is wrapped floor to wall in pink mosaic tiles, forming a sculptural environment built around curved geometries and clean lines. The interior’s furniture selection by designer Martin Brûlé brings together rare twentieth-century and contemporary pieces, with works by Reinhard Müller, François Arnal, and Philippe Starck placed in dialogue with the architecture, signaling Alaïa’s emphasis on art and design over conventional retail presentation. A standout feature is a large circular opening on the façade housing living plant compositions by French botanist Patrick Blanc, animating the building’s exterior and reflecting the close relationship between nature and Alaïa’s architectural projects.
Tony winners and Broadway designers join Springboard to Design’s 2026 roster.
Springboard to Design, the tuition-free theater design program serving students from underrepresented communities, has expanded its 2026 guest artist roster while opening applications for three upcoming programs. Presented by Design Action and led by Tony winners Clint Ramos and David Zinn, the weeklong summer program pairs high schoolers with working professionals through workshops and backstage access. New additions include scenic designer Mimi Lien, who will lead a session on design beyond theater, plus props designers Buist Bickley and Avara Hebert drawing on credits like Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and Moulin Rouge. Costume design gets a deep-dive from Alejo Vietti, while Charles LaPointe and Rachael Geier offer a wig shop tour. Students will also get an exclusive conversation with part of the design team behind Cats: The Jellicle Ball, including Nikiya Mathis and Diggle.
Refik Anadol transforms the National Mall with “Smithsonian Dreams” immersive art installation.
The Smithsonian will debut “Smithsonian Dreams,” a public art experience by artist Refik Anadol, transforming the Smithsonian Castle on July 17 and 18. Developed by Refik Anadol Studio, the free installation uses a custom A.I. system to reinterpret nearly two centuries of Smithsonian collections, projecting evolving visuals across the Castle’s façade. Lisa Sasaki, the Smithsonian’s Deputy Under Secretary for Special Projects, called it a reflection of the Institution’s spirit of innovation, bringing together art, technology, and one of the world’s greatest collections of knowledge.
Guilio Bergamaschi exits Acqua di Parma to lead men’s product at Louis Vuitton.
Giulio Bergamaschi is exiting his role as Acqua di Parma’s CEO to join Louis Vuitton as chief product officer for the men’s division, starting September 1. Bergamaschi took over Acqua di Parma in 2023 after an 18-year career at L’Oréal and a stint at Loro Piana, and is credited with strengthening the fragrance brand’s desirability and the exclusivity of its distribution model. His move continues a wave of LVMH executive reshuffling, following Laura Burdese’s earlier shift from Acqua di Parma to Bulgari, where she becomes CEO this week.
The Whitney Museum teams up with Mayor Mamdani for free NYC art activity during World Cup 2026.
A free, artist-designed activity guide is being distributed across all five boroughs this summer as part of a partnership between Mayor Zohran Mamdani, the Whitney Museum of American Art, and the FIFA World Cup 2026 New York New Jersey Host Committee. Designed by Rich Tu, the artist behind the official Host City Poster, the guide explores community, culture, and team spirit, and is available in English and Spanish at watch parties, Open Streets events, and online. Those who complete the guide, or show a photo of it, receive free museum admission through July 31.
Today’s attractive distractions:
Studio Yimu designed a cafe that looks and feels like melting butter.
German public art exhibition Skulptur Projekte Münster names Hew Locke, Oscar Murillo, and others for its 2027 edition.
Max Mara taps Florence Pugh for the brand’s first-ever fragrance launch.
Zac Posen reimagines Gap’s happy stripe in a new sheer collection.
