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What it Means to be Resolute

By this week every year, the echoes of Auld Lang Syne have begun to fade, all the Christmas decorations are (or really should be) stowed away, and for some, the fierce optimism of late December has given way to the looming malaise of February. But not for us, Dear Reader, and we hope, with the help of this newsletter, not for you either.

In 2024, we're planning not one, but two new capsules, multiple design projects, and countless events and parties in Los Angeles and New York City. But all that is for future editions of this monthly missive. Today, we want to shift our focus from resolutions to being resolute. To embracing all the gifts that surround us. To hearing the music of every day life, and singing along. To cerusing your oak, and letting bronze patina. To letting the cold air in our lungs, and the warm sun on our faces, make us feel alive. To living fully, venturing boldly, and of course, to staying chic!

FEATURED PIECE: THE GRATITUDE NOIR

Part of being resolute is recognizing that we all have a dark half. No one can honestly be light and bright all the time. And there is something beautiful in that. The same is true for our chairs. Meet Gratitude Noir, one of our favorite melodies recomposed here in a minor key. Dark Cerused Oak and Black Alpaca Deep Pile Velvet Fabric imbue this design with a new sense of...what's the word...Urbanity? We'll have to check on that one*, but in any case, this is a chair among chairs. Dark, striking, and rare. And you can catch it at Le Marché - NYC at 200 Lex.

*Urbanity is defined by Webster's as, "suavity, courteousness, and refinement of manner." So yes, that's the word.

What We’re LOVING

American Symphony

Directed by Matthew Heineman

The best documentaries rarely become what they initially set out to be. They are resolute in their determination to tell the story that unfolds before them. American Symphony sets out to be about Jon Batiste, on the cusp of winning 5 Grammy's, creating a one night only, multi modal, symphonic performance at Carnegie Hall that blends classical, jazz, blue grass, rock, and hip hop music into something completely unique. A generational musical opportunity. But reality steps in when his partner, accomplished author and journalist Suleika Jaouad, is re-diagnosed with Leukemia, after having spent 10 years in remission.

What unfolds is a stunning demonstration of love and dedication as the film explores the importance, and unimportance, the power, and powerlessness, of art and love. All the while, the film refuses to allow either narrative to take over the story and ultimately becomes about the harmony, and dissonance, created between the two.

The dueling movements of this beautiful, and gut wrenching, and triumphant, and humbling, film, even more so than the musical performance at its center, become the true American Symphony. And we are, beyond a doubt, richer for having witnessed it.

Watch it now, on Netflix.

Survival is a Creative Act

Suleika Jaouad on the Rich Roll Podcast

American Symphony wraps up the musical narrative quite neatly, as a tremendous creative success. But Sulieka's struggle with leukemia is left far more open ended. If you, like us, felt instantly connected to her story, then her interview with Rich Roll on his podcast last week can serve as a kind of prequel / sequel to her narrative, as well as deeper dive on the remarkable person she is.

Watching her in American Symphony, you cannot help but be struck by her strength and selflessness, but what comes across more acutely in this conversation is her fierce intellect. You know she was a New York Times columnist while watching the film, but this conversation will make you understand why. Full of radical acceptance, stunning self reflection, and incredible insights into the human experience, she has journeyed to depths, and brought back incredible pearls for us all.

Listen wherever you get you podcasts.

FEATURED ART: Sound Sculpturesby Sebastian Leon

Frequent denizen of these pages, Sebastian Leon, is back with a brand new exhibit, A Crack in My Cosmic Egg, at Praz-Delavallade Los Angeles. The exhibit features a number of new paintings, and one of Leon's signature sound sculptures (photographed, but not captured, above). Leon's Sound Sculptures simply must be experienced to be comprehended. They are multi-sensory, multi-dimensional, interactive, installations that capture the feeling of that liminal state at the edge of consciousness that defies description. Resolve not to miss.

In Los Angeles until February 15th.

A closing to thought to carry with you:

“If there's a book that you want to read, but it hasn't been written yet, then you must write it.” Toni Morrison.

What an inspiring, empowering thought to bring us into the new year. Incidentally, it also perfectly describes our feelings on armchairs.

Stay Chic,

KD + LR

Vol. 31 - Symphonic Resolve