#437

Hello! 7 months or so has passed and last time writing I had completely other projects in mind (they are still there, storing them for later) and I was completely clueless about the little boy growing inside my belly. He should join us by the end of the summer, and meanwhile alongside all the preparations that comes with it – it meaning a new life – I’ve been trying to fill the summer with my favorite things; galleries, travel and vintage sourcing.

As traveling by plane was off the question, we decided to spend our last vacation just us two at the french Riviera and finally stay at La Colombe d’Or. It has been my dream destination ever since I saw the first photos of the Calder sculpture by the swimming pool. No worries, I have plenty of photos to share. I’ve also found a new favorite gallery in Paris that I can warmly recommend; Galerie Eric Philippe at the 1st arrondissement. Eric has an impressive collection of Paavo Tynell lamps and beautiful scandinavian tapestry, something we don’t see elsewhere in Paris. And last but not least; MIES is still up and running! I’ve been preparing for fall and collecting a small stock of new items that I can hopefully continue to add to the store even I’ll be occupied by the little one. I’ll try my best!

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#434

Past months I went through my old photos more often than ever before, but I guess I’m not alone. While museums and galleries remain closed, I’m craving culture and writing never ending lists of places to visit post-confinement. This photo has been taken at the Communist Party Headquarters in Paris, a beautiful brutalist architectural gem designed by Oscar Niemeyer.

Meanwhile, I’m collecting all these photos to MIES newsletters. You can subscribe here.

#428

National Pensions Institute in Helsinki, designed by Alvar Aalto, 1956.

I started a new newsletter series for MIES called Remote Tours. The articles are available only for subscribers, you can add yourself to the mailing list from here. In each newsletter I will present an exquisite building I’ve had the chance to visit over the years, as I hope to keep my audience inspired even during the pandemic.

#425

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Whenever travelling to any city, I always first check out if there are any architecturally interesting locations worth to visit. Even I grew up in the surroundings of Helsinki, I still have a long list of places to visit for any time I’m in the city. This time I was smart enough to contact well advance the National Pensions Institute to book a visit in their headquarters. As the Alvar Aalto designed building is still in daily use, it is possible to visit only on mondays, when they organize guided tours.

I arrived well in advance so I got to wander around in the lobby by myself, which was my favorite part of the building. The black and white floor made from marble and belgian granite is so elegant and unique, and great combination with the signature ceramic tile -wall.

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#421

IMG_4994I really enjoy visiting exhibitions that make me think, research and learn, but during the busy periods of life those can be quite overwhelming and you just crave for something aesthetically beautiful. Just like a Barbara Hepworth exhibition at Musée Rodin. It is a perfectly small, but well curated collection of her most important pieces to describe her life and works. Or I guess at least, to be honest I didn’t really study why those exact pieces were chosen, I only let my eyes wonder in the beautiful sculptures and emptied my mind. Maybe I’ll go back later with more curiosity, but for the moment it was exactly what I needed.Näyttökuva 2019-11-11 kello 13.08.02

#419

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FIAC is always one of the highlights of my year. I love discovering all my favorite galleries from around the world, all gathered in Grand Palais for a weekend showing their best art pieces. During the event there are also many pieces exhibited around Paris with the concept of #FIAChorslesmurs – FIAC outside the walls – for which the selection this year was particularly great! Unfortunately I didn’t manage to see Yayoi Kusama’s Pumpkin at Place Vendôme as it had to be taken down due to strong wind, however I was extremely excited to visit Jean Prouvé’s demountable houses at Place de la Concorde exhibited by Galerie Patrick Seguin and Galerie Downtown, with all the gorgeous furniture of course.Näyttökuva 2019-11-2 kello 13.52.47

#416

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I might have written about the Alvar Aalto atelier before, but I’m sure a second time won’t hurt. I spent a quick autumn vacation in Helsinki seeing friends and family, and obviously visiting some of my favourite spots, including the Aalto offices in Munkkiniemi, Helsinki. You can also spot the colorful leaves from the window, the nature was definitely showing it’s best while I was there!

Sometimes when I’m meditating I’m thinking about this room, it makes me feel so calm. After living in Paris for many years (where apartments are teeny tiny) I’m starting to notice I’m constantly craving some space around me.

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#414

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Not only that autumn is my favorite season weather wise, but also every September takes place my most anticipated weekend of the year; the European Heritage Days (Les Journées du Patrimoine). During these two- or three days most of the monuments, government buildings and cultural sites, even the ones that are usually closed for public, open their doors for free visits.

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This time I went to visit the Préfecture des Hauts-de-Seine in Nanterre, which sounds nothing but boring for anyone who lives in Paris. But what an overly 70’s, gorgeous design- and art heaven it was behind closed doors. I especially loved the LC1 chairs by Le Corbusier and Charlotte Perriand, which were everywhere down the halls and conference rooms.

#412

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@therow

The Row finally opened their third physical store, and the first one in Europe! I can’t wait for the day they’ll open a store in Paris, I guess it’s just a question of finding the right real estate. Meanwhile I hope to be able to visit London soon, as the store with all its art and design is definitely something not to miss, including the welcoming light installation Elliptical Glass (2017) by James Turrell.

You can read more about the store with an interview of the twins at the Financial Times.

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The Row/The Financial Times