1. All hail the vigneronNES and encaveuSES de Lausanne
Les Domaines de la Ville de Lausanne announced some changes to the the city’s wine production last month, among which was a subtle but HUGELY encouraging adjustment to their labels. They’re now using the “inclusive” spelling which means that the women working to bring the city’s award winning wines to fruition are recognized as well.
2. Avani Apparel
We never thought we would be saying this, but alas here we are in July thinking about sweaters. But if we need to be pulling out our winter wardrobes and mindsets mid-summer, we are looking at this new sustainable apparel company Avani who prides themselves on designing and producing all of their creations within a radius of 190 km between Geneva (Switzerland) and Marcollin (France). This also allows them to carry out continuous quality control and constantly communicate with our craftsmen. Pictured above is the gorgeous Tanaisie cardigan with its diamond patterns and Galalith buttons made of 100% natural Arles merino wool.
3. The first “Modesty Range” by Zalando
It’s not just about re-positioning perspective and re-defining arbitrary rules in the fashion industry, it’s also about seeing brilliant friends use their talent and voice to pave the way toward inclusivity and wider representation in fashion. We are so proud of our gorgeous and talented friend Yousra of Hayekk who consulted with Zalando to bring this Modesty Range to life.
4. Hans Emmenegger Exhibit at Fondation de L’Hermitage
From June 25 until October 31, 2021, the Fondation de l’Hermitage is dedicating a major retrospective to the Lucerne painter Hans Emmenegger (1866-1940) – a first in French-speaking Switzerland. This artist of extreme originality, both in the choice of unusual subjects and in the audacity of the compositions, is now one of the most important Swiss painters of his time.
5. This Easy Mapo Eggplant Recipe
Again, the weather has us craving warm and comforting foods, and this Chinese recipe ticks all the boxes. Mapo Eggplant is a pretty easy dish to make, as long as you can find a few key ingredients (we went to Mekong for the bean curd). It can be whipped up in under 30 minutes and has an amazing savory and spicy flavor profile with bursts of Sichuan. Plus the fact that you use ground chicken makes it actually hearty and healthy. We follow this recipe to a tee and recommend you do the same, including the tip to save the fried Sichuan and grind them up to add into the sauce later).