DESIGN DISPATCH

A Wes Anderson–Inspired Bottle Shop Opens in L.A., and Other News

Our daily look at the world through the lens of design.

Boisson in Los Angeles. Photography by Ye Rin Mok

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A Wes Anderson–Inspired Bottle Shop Opens in L.A.

A dash of midcentury Hollywood glamour, a pinch of Art Deco, and a wrapping of Wes Anderson is the recipe Studio Paul Chan cooked up when dreaming up Boisson’s first bottle shop in L.A. Specifically, the opening scene of the Anderson film French Dispatch, which sees a waiter carrying a tray of aperitifs, absinthe, and an affogato to a room of editors served as inspiration even though the brand’s spirits are non-alcoholic. 

The recent rise in popularity of stylishly designed beverages for teetotalers is partly attributed to aesthetics that quell social anxiety about sobriety. To that end, a procession of sleek bottles displayed against dusty green walls mingles synergistically with statement objects such as a flower-like Pipistrello Table Lamp by Italian architect Gae Aulenti. Perched atop a glowing glass counter with a tropical plant nearby, it’s easy to imagine one of Anderson’s surrealist characters dropping by for a purchase. —Nate Storey

“Metronome” by Sarah Sze. Photography by Thierry Bal

An illuminated artwork by Sarah Sze is enlivening London’s Peckham Rye station.

Sarah Sze has transformed the long-abandoned vaulted space above London’s Peckham Rye station into a large-scale art installation. Titled Metronome, the artwork features a central illuminated sphere surrounded by a scaffolding-like structure made of thin steel rods. The installation incorporates projected images, including a coin trick, melting glaciers, volcanic eruptions, and bird murmurations, accompanied by sound recordings of trains and a ticking clock. Sze’s artwork breathes new life into the space, which was closed to the public for more than 50 years, as part of the ongoing regeneration of Peckham Rye station.

Ryuichi Sakamoto’s final performance will be a mixed-reality installation at The Shed. 

The late Ryuichi Sakamoto described his final project, KAGAMI, as a virtual representation of himself. This installation will debut at The Shed in June, allowing live audiences wearing mixed-reality glasses to witness Sakamoto’s career-spanning piano performance, rendered in virtual three dimensions, alongside his Yamaha grand piano on the stage. Developed by Tin Drum, the project aims to create an immersive and authentic experience, erasing any barriers between the audience and the digital art accompanying Sakamoto’s hourlong performance.

Patagonia settles a lawsuit accusing Gap of copying its signature snapped flap pocket. 

Outdoor clothing retailer Patagonia has resolved a lawsuit against Gap, alleging the company of unlawfully copying its distinctive snapped flap pocket found on its fleece outerwear. The case was dismissed by the judge on Wednesday after both companies reached a settlement and agreed to withdraw their claims. Specific terms of the settlement were not disclosed.

The Whitney Museum’s landmark former building by Marcel Breuer, which has been sold to Sotheby’s. Photography by Christina Horsten/Picture Alliance, via Getty Images

Sotheby’s will relocate to the Whitney Museum’s former Marcel Breuer building in 2025.

Sotheby’s will purchase the Whitney Museum of American Art’s former Marcel Breuer building on Madison Avenue, intending to relocate its headquarters there in 2025. While the purchase price was not disclosed, sources familiar with the deal estimate it to be around $100 million. Charles F. Stewart, CEO of Sotheby’s, expressed excitement about the opportunity to be closer to the heart of the Upper East Side art world, while also assuring the preservation of the building’s beloved features, including the lobby. The move marks a significant milestone for both Sotheby’s and the Whitney, securing the fate of the Breuer building that has been in question since the museum’s relocation to the meatpacking district in 2015.

San Francisco’s AI-focused Misalignment Museum is seeking a permanent presence.

San Francisco’s Misalignment Museum, an art installation focused on AI and its potential for both destruction and good, has concluded its initial run and aims to establish a permanent presence. The nonprofit organization behind the exhibit plans to secure funding for its next public opening while select pieces remain on display at the Salesforce Tower. The museum’s thought-provoking artworks by Neil Mendoza, Giacomo Miceli, and Pier Group artists all highlight the implications and ethical considerations of AI technology.

Robot artist Ai-Da will present new homeware designs at this year’s London Biennale.

Ai-Da, the world’s first ultra-realistic robot artist, has landed at the London Biennale 2023 and is showcasing prototypes of everyday household items she designed. Using advanced AI technology, Ai-Da created designs for objects such as plates, bowls, cups, and cutlery, which will be showcased in “AI Mind Home” at Somerset House. The designs aim to spark discussions about the implications and limitations of AI in the creative industries while reflecting a shift towards digital tools and social interactions.

The mysterious cover of “A Wrinkle in Time”

Today’s attractive distractions:

A noxious brew of surplus hand sanitizer has become an explosive problem.

The unhinged Parm Espresso Martini went from TikTok to Starbucks staple.

The search continues for the artist behind a strange A Wrinkle in Time cover.

An outlandish new baseball uniform embodies the best of Japanese fashion.

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