Bottega Louie

Louis XIV for the XXI Century

Opening its doors to the patrons of downtown Los Angeles last summer, Bottega Louie is exemplary of palatial contemporary design.

Essentially a white box, this restaurant and gourmet market give a rather stark first impression. Upon closer inspection, the Carrera marble floors, the brass window casings, the ivory subway tiles stretching twenty feet to the handsome crown molding of tray ceilings, it becomes apparent that the foundation of the space is not a bland white box, but a thoughtful confectionary. The icing, furnishings and fixtures that are the perfect ratio of sleekness and grandeur. Warm oak and black leather upholstery ground the airy atmosphere and brass (quite cleverly) is used across the spectrum from humble hardware to regal millwork.

Three years in the making, the attention to detail in its interior is certainly inspiring. The true success of the space, however, lies not in the details exactly, but in exquisite editing skills of the designer.

Williams British Handmade

"Historically exceptional craftsmanship was the norm

now it is the exception."

Society, read homo-americus, has become far too comfortable with comfort. Its warm fleece embrace has blanketed most from head to crocs. No place is this more conspicuous than the airport. How frequently the jersey clad (be it billowy or shrink-wrapped) masses tote designer bags boggles the mind. Granted designer luggage is rarely more that cheap advertisement these days.

So when pondering my packing stratagem for my upcoming jaunt, and wishing I had better luggage, I remembered running across the incomparable Williams British Handmade. Luggage worthy of palm sweating anticipation. Beautifully dyed leather, hand saddle stitched, all the brass trimmings and a FORM ≥ FUNCTION philosophy. A philosophy near and dear to our Mauvian hearts.

WBH

Gentleman Scientist

{a financially independent scientist who pursues scientific study as a hobby}

Due to vast increases in government and private funding starting in the 20th century, gentleman scientists have become an increasingly rare breed. Without the apron strings that inherently come attached to moneys, these men and women have historically produced some of the most provocative and influential research. 

Though this image is perhaps a decade old (and a definite invasion of privacy), it still seems a fitting tribute to the Darwinian roots of modern-day pioneers.

Stephen Wolfram | Craig Venter | Julian Barbour | Aubrey de Grey | James Lovelock

Scientia Vincere Tenebras