I hope you’re enjoying your Saturday. It was a whirlwind week for me. Between sending one son off to London for the semester and the excitement of my other son’s band signing with Universal Music Group (both on the same day!) emotions ran high around here. I’m very much in the mood for a little down time. I’ve started a semi-fast (read below #2) so I’m laying low for the next few days. In addition to a dietary cleanse, I’m going through my email subscriptions and editing down to the ones I actually read. Which brings me to a heartfelt thank you to all of you who subscribe. I know how much clutter fills our inbox daily so am beyond appreciative of your readership.
1. Givenchy’s creative director Clare Waight Keller splits her time between work in Paris and home in London. From Friday to Monday she retreats to her Kensington pied-à-terre which also acts as her research-and-design laboratory. Former bedrooms are filled with books, racks of garments, and her archive serving as a quiet hub for inspiration. The home is a study in “neutral elegance as a visual palate cleanser for someone who spends her working life surrounded by color.” Full story in February Vogue.
2. I read The Longevity Diet by Dr. Valter Longo last year and was intrigued with his finds on fasting backed by over 25 years of research at the USC Longevity Institute. Along with a daily diet based on 5 Pillars of Longevity, Dr. Longo recommends his Fasting Mimicking Diet (a kit) three to four times a year. The scientific benefits of periodic fasting “can activate stem cells and promote protection, regeneration, and rejuvenation in multiple organs, significantly reducing risk factors for diabetes, cancer, Alzheimer’s and heart disease”. He recently sat down with Goop to discuss the phenomenon of intermittent fasting and the accompanying science here. I bought the kit in December with intentions to set aside five days in January. I’m on day two.
3. On a fashion note, how cool is this Albus Lumen headscarf? Australian designer Marina Afonina’s Resort ’19 collection paid homage to her muse, Paloma Picasso. In a rich shade of brown suede, it would be a stylish alternative to my collection of beanies and hats. It can also be folded over several times to be worn as a headband.
4. I love this Spanish Colonial home in Los Angeles shared by Katherine Power and Justin Coit. Designer Jake Arnold harmoniously introduces pieces from different eras resulting in a relaxed California vibe with European sensibilities. The home is a study in Arnold’s ability to master the balance of masculine with feminine, old with new, and sophisticated with casual. “Being in California, it was important for us to maintain the L.A. lifestyle and keep the house feeling lived in, warm, and approachable.”
5. I’ve been listening to Offline ever since Alison Rice debuted her podcast last fall. As a digital publisher at Allure Media for seven years, she felt a duty to use the platform to delve past the fabricated highlight reel we all see in Instagram and get to know the true voices behind the images. She talks candidly to women about life behind the camera while exploring the concept of true self. In an age where we’re fed so much visually through social media, it’s refreshing to take a look at it from another side.
1/ Photographed by Paul Wetherell 2/ Prolon 3/ Net-a-Porter 4/ Alyssa Rosenheck 5/ Offline
KSL
Great stuff as always. I plan to do the same fasting plan soon. I need to set aside the days. Will you let us know how you do/feel, etc?
Congratulations on both your sons.
Karima
I’ll keep you posted when I’m done.
Pamela Salzman
I have done the fast three times with plans to do it again in March. Not easy, but the science behind it (and fasting) is quite compelling. I hope you feel good afterward. Choose your Day 6 breakfast wisely! I ate kitchari and it was the perfect way to break the fast. :)
Karima
I read his book and was intrigued, but you inspired me to try the FMD back in November! I’m on Day 4 and this is so far my toughest day. I’m sticking with it though and looking forward to the results. The food is actually good. I just wish there was a little more :( I have the Kitchari recipe bookmarked in your cookbook to make for Dayb 6! Looks delicious!!!