DESIGN DISPATCH

Raf Simons Makes Kvadrat Sexy, and Other News

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

Photography by Willy Vanderperre, courtesy of Kvadrat

The Design Dispatch offers expertly written and essential news from the design world crafted by our dedicated team. Think of it as your cheat sheet for the day in design delivered to your inbox before you’ve had your coffee. Subscribe now

Have a news story our readers need to see? Submit it here

Raf Simons’ Latest Kvadrat Campaign Fashions a Haute Boudoir

For the fashion icon’s latest collection with Kvadrat, models don his new accessories and little else. The Prada co-creative director’s second collection with the Danish textile house marks something of an about-face from his Shaker System, which was streamlined, pragmatic, and named for the protestant group’s affinity for orderliness and peg rails. The new drop explores more intimate moments with an assortment of luxuriant robes, status-dopp kits, and cozy throws ready for any air-conditioned space. —Jenna Adrian-Diaz

The building by Zaha Hadid Architects that would replace the Surfside Tower. Rendering by Hayes Davidson

A condo building by Zaha Hadid Architects will replace the collapsed Surfside Tower.

Zaha Hadid Architects has revealed visuals for a condo in Surfside, Florida, on the site of the Champlain Towers South that collapsed in 2021. The firm presented two options for the site, commissioned by DAMAC International, which acquired the land in 2022. Renderings depict a 12-story condo with two distinct masses connected by a glass-bottomed pool, resembling a similar pool completed in London. The project aims to pay tribute to the location’s significance while offering an elevated living experience for residents.

Genesis House and the CFDA are launching a new grant for AAPI fashion designers.

Genesis House has teamed with the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) to launch the CFDA/Genesis House AAPI Design + Innovation Grant to support emerging AAPI designers. The initiative spans five months and aims to foster talent within the AAPI community. Three designers will compete for the inaugural grant, with each receiving a $40,000 grant from Genesis House to develop a bespoke collection that combines Korean cultural tradition with modernity. The program will provide mentorship, resources, and visibility to participants, highlighting the CFDA’s commitment to diversity and inclusion in the industry.

“Grenfell” (2019) by Steve McQueen. Photography by Richard Ivey

Gordon Brown says “every politician” should watch Steve McQueen’s Grenfell film.

On the sixth anniversary of the Grenfell Tower fire, former UK prime minister Gordon Brown has urged all politicians to watch Steve McQueen’s impactful film depicting the tragedy. The film, titled Grenfell (2019), captures a 24-minute-long single take from a circling helicopter, showcasing the burnt-out building. His intention was to ensure the tower and its devastating incident would never be forgotten. Brown emphasized the importance of politicians experiencing this powerful artwork to consider the necessary actions going forward.

Climate activists smear red paint on a Monet painting at a museum in Stockholm.

Two climate activists affiliated with the environmental organization Återställ Våtmarker (Restore Wetlands) smeared red paint and glued their hands to a Monet painting at the National Museum in Stockholm. The painting in question, The Artist’s Garden at Giverny (1900), depicts colorful irises and is on loan from the Musée d’Orsay in Paris. The activists argued for greater climate action and released a video of the protest on social media. The museum confirmed the incident and is assessing any potential damage to the artwork.

Netflix is venturing into the culinary world with the pop-up restaurant Netflix Bites.

Netflix is venturing into the culinary world with the opening of Netflix Bites, a dining experience in Los Angeles. The pop-up restaurant will feature chefs from popular Netflix shows like Chef’s Table and Nailed It! who will create a special tasting menu for fans and foodies. Mixologists from Netflix’s Drink Masters will also craft custom cocktails. Although guests won’t meet the chefs in person, they can expect an immersive culinary experience.

The Microscopic Handbag. Image courtesy of MSCHF

Today’s attractive distractions:

Paul McCartney finishes the “final” Beatles track using artificial intelligence.

Here’s what flipping shrimp at Benihana taught one chef about performance.

David Bowie’s friend captured his journey on the Trans-Siberian Express Train.

MSCHF makes an ultra-tiny Louis Vuitton handbag that needs a microscope.

All Stories