ODALISQUE ISSUE 16 RELEASE PARTY LONDON ODALISQUE x SWEDISH EMBASSY x A DAY’S MARCH x PEOPLE PLEASER SALAD photography Toulouse Laffitte Thanks to everyone that came to celebrate the release of our 16th printed issue of Odalisque Magazine. Special thanks to the Swedish Embassy in London, A Day’s March and People Pleasers Salad.
CHANEL Expands Its PREMIÈRE Legacy with the Couture-Inspired PREMIÈRE GALON photo courtesy of Chanel CHANEL revisits one of its most iconic watch designs with the launch of the PREMIÈRE GALON, a new interpretation of the House’s first timepiece that reimagines the couture braid — one of CHANEL’s enduring signature elements — as a lesson in contemporary elegance. Originally introduced in 1987, the PREMIÈRE marked CHANEL’s bold entry into the world of watchmaking, breaking away from traditional masculine codes. Its octagonal case, inspired by the stopper of the legendary N°5 perfume bottle, and its leather-chain bracelet drawn from the House’s quilted handbags established a new visual language defined by freedom and femininity. In 2025, the PREMIÈRE evolves once again, borrowing the braid from CHANEL’s couture heritage. A signature detail often used by Gabrielle Chanel to outline and structure her iconic suits, the braid now becomes a sculptural element of design — reinterpreted in gold and infused with the precision of watchmaking craftsmanship. The PREMIÈRE GALON features a twisted braid bangle crafted in 18-carat yellow gold, framing a black lacquered dial of pure minimalism. The collection also includes diamond-set variations, further blurring the line between timepiece and jewelry. With its refined silhouette and couture spirit, the PREMIÈRE GALON embodies CHANEL’s ability to transform the codes of fashion into timeless objects of art.
London’s Must-See Art Installation: Art on the Wharf text Yasmine Mubarak Once defined by its silhouette of skyscrapers and trading floors. Canary Wharf has turned into one of London’s most surprising creative districts. What began 35 years ago as an ambitious plan to change the docks into a financial district has today transformed into a lively neighbourhood where art, architecture, and nature coexist seamlessly. Not to mention, home to a must-visit art installation. For many Londoners, Canary Wharf remains a part of their daily commute. All fast- paced footsteps, shining towers, and a wide selection of lunch spots. But for travellers, it’s your next destination: a place where wellness meets innovation, and where every corner offers a moment of inspiration. A visit filled with art installations and inspiring architecture. A Contemporary Artwork on the Thames – The Whale That Leaps from the Wharf The area’s name goes back to the ships that once docked there carrying fruit from the Canary Islands. Today, the district is home to London’s largest collection of outdoor public art, with more than 100 sculptures and installations throughout its parks, plazas, and promenades. Among them is the striking Whale on the Wharf, located on Walter Street, just a short walk from the design-forward Vertus Edit – a must stay. Whale on the Wharf is created from five tonnes of plastic waste that were pulled out of the ocean, and transformed into a four-storey-tall whale leaping from the water. From a distance, it is an impressive sculpture — a celebration of nature’s grace. But as you step closer, you see the surface telling us a different story. A surface made out of the plastic of bottles, an old skateboard, single-use plastic items, and other discarded items. Behind the art piece are the architectural duo Jason Klimoski & Lesley Chang, who collaborated with the Hawaii Wildlife Fund to collect as much ocean plastic waste as they could find to create the sculpture. It’s a beautiful art piece to see, a statement regarding the millions of tons of plastic waste swimming in our oceans. Sparking a debate about our not-so-beautiful impact and consequenceson the planet. Reflections and Geometry A few steps away, across the road, stands The Knot by Richard Hudson — a sculpture that shifts as you approach. From a distance, it blends seamlessly in with the surrounding architecture. Up close, it draws you in with its polished, looping formand reflects your own image, the sky, and the skyline all at once. Be aware that standing in front of it, it reflects your thoughts. Hudson, known for his fascination with nature’s organic shapes. Was intrigued by the infinite curves, and rectangular structures of the city surroundings. It’s an artwork that invites personal reflection — both literally and metaphorically. Where Calm Meets Creativity Perhaps what makes Canary Wharf’s art installation so compelling is the sense of calm that runs beneath its surface. The art installations encourage you to slow down- to walk, or why not take a morning run, following the curated 1 km, 3 km, or 5 km art routes that guide visitors through the district’s key works. Families can join in too, with a dedicated children’s art trail designed to inspire young imaginations. Exploring these installations feels almost like a contemporary art treasure hunt. With over 100 pieces waiting to be discovered, you find yourself wandering through plazas and green walkways. The walk makes you stop and notice art in the everyday – from the sculpted architecture to the blooming planters. It’s an experience that feels restorative; a gentle detox for the mind and body. If you are wondering where you should stay during your visit, the Virtus Edit is a hidden gem. It offers a perfect base. Rising among greenery, art sculptures, and riverside walkways, it blends contemporary design with an emphasis on wellbeing. For Scandinavian travellers, it offers a familiar sense of minimalist comfort — a home away from home in the heart of the city. From here, it’s even easy to reach Soho, Southwark, Greenwich, and beyond, while enjoying the slower pace and wellness-focused energy that Canary Wharf now embodies. A Legacy of Public ArtBetween the two exits of the jubilee line, hides a green oasis of calmness, water springs, even a few ducks had found their nest. In the pathway of Jubilee Park lies Fortuna, a large bronze sculpture from Helaine Blumenfeld Obe. Blumenfield wanted to connect with the large number of people who visited Jubilee Park. Not to mention, for the bronze sculpture to say something about the human condition of turbulence, hope, community among many other emotions. Public art in Canary Wharf doesn’t just decorate its spaces — it defines them. In a district dominated by architectural ambition, these works bring warmth, humanity, and colour to the landscape. Here, even the bridge of the DLR is an art piece by artist Sinta Tantra. In addition, on Montgomery Square, Julian Wild has created a large red sculpture in a flamboyant doodle of steel. Art became central to the area’s identity already in 1999, when it hosted The Shape of the Century: 100 Years of Sculpture in Britain. It included a number of sculptures that became the start of a permanent art collection, since then the collection hascontinued to expand and is now the UK’s largest, free-to-visit, outdoor, public art collection. A New Kind of London DestinationIn just three days here, it’s easy to see why this once-corporate corner of London is now a magnet for creative minds and curious travellers alike. I’m almost reluctant to write this dearly about it — it’s the kind of place you’d rather keep secret. But between the art, the cuisine, and the ever-present greenery, Canary Wharf offers a refreshing alternative to London’s classic tourist haunts. For those who appreciate art in its purest, most public form, this is your next must- see destination. As school groups gather around the Blue Whale, locals sip matchas by the docks, and sunlight glints off mirrored
Mateus Introduces Forest Green for Table Stories Autumn brings a certain stillness, slower dinners, softer light, longer pauses. In this calm rhythm, Mateus introduces Forest Green, a new shade in the Oyster Collection. Inspired by the Nordic forest, from moss and pine to the deep green that emerges when light filters through the trees, it brings a grounded, quiet presence to the table. Each piece is shaped by hand in Portugal, where Mateus artisans have been crafting ceramics for over thirty years. The subtle marks left by their hands turn repetition into character and imperfection into warmth, making every object uniquely alive. Forest Green is more than a color, it is a mood, bridging everyday moments with quiet celebration, rustic textures with refined details. Since its founding in 1993 by Teresa Mateus Lundahl, Mateus has celebrated the beauty of the everyday. With over 600 handmade designs, the brand continues to honor intimacy, conversation, and the art of a well-set table. Forest Green fits seamlessly into this story, connecting moments and inviting reflection. Forest Green launches October 15 on mateuscollection.com and at selected retailers.
Barbour x FARM Rio: A Dialogue Between Countryside and Carnival Image courtesy of Barbour and FARM Rio Where British heritage meets Brazilian exuberance, a new collaboration finds its rhythm. For Autumn/Winter 2025, Barbour joins forces with FARM Rio, fusing waxed-cotton practicality with sun-soaked vibrancy in a collection that feels both unexpected and effortless. Shot amidst the pastoral serenity of the Cotswolds with British model Imogen Waterhouse, the campaign reimagines Barbour’s classic outerwear through a lens of tropical surrealism. FARM Rio’s signature flora and fauna prints breathe new life into heritage silhouettes, creating pieces that blur the lines between function and fantasy. Three exclusive prints drawing on the lush biodiversity of Brazil and the timeless tartans of Barbour’s Scottish lineage anchor a collection that spans clothing, footwear, and accessories. Each design carries an echo of both worlds: the enduring craftsmanship of South Shields and the playful romance of Rio de Janeiro. For over 130 years, Barbour has embodied the spirit of the British countryside. Now, infused with FARM Rio’s joyous color palette and unrestrained femininity, that tradition is rewritten: wilder, freer, and utterly alive. Read more at Barbours and FARM Rio’s websites. Websites for the hyperlink: https://www.barbour.com https://farmrio.uk/
The Art of Comfort: Dr. Martens Expands the Zebzag Sole text Ulrika Lindqvist Images courtesy of Dr Martens After making waves this summer with the viral Zebzag Mule, Dr. Martens continues its exploration of comfort and edge by expanding the Zebzag sole into new silhouettes. Designed for effortless wear, the latest boots bring the brand’s signature craftsmanship and rebellious attitude into year-round versatility. “The Zebzag sole is purposefully engineered to meet the demands of modern life — blending exceptional craftsmanship, durability, and everyday comfort. These new silhouettes move with you, fitting seamlessly into any wardrobe while delivering the unmistakable Dr. Martens edge,” says Adam Meek, Chief Product Officer at Dr. Martens. Leading the launch is the Zebzag Laceless Boot, inspired by the brand’s iconic 1460 model and reimagined for ease. The laceless design maintains the classic lace-up aesthetic, crafted in relaxed black Wyoming leather that feels both lived-in and fresh straight out of the box. The look is completed with Dr. Martens’ signature black and yellow heel loop. Sitting slightly lower on the ankle, the Zebzag Rigger Boot draws from industrial silhouettes and redefines them for everyday comfort. Also a slip-on, the Rigger features double pull tabs, puritan stitch detailing, and comes in black Wyoming leather or water-resistant Milled Nubuck in seasonal tones. At the heart of both designs lies the Zebzag sole, built around a cushioned core that combines a lightweight EVA midsole with a durable PVC tread. Simple, ergonomic, and impressively light, it encapsulates the essence of Dr. Martens DNA — complete with a wider base, bold grooves, and the brand’s iconic yellow welt stitching. Inside, SoftWair insoles provide an added layer of calm and comfort. The Zebzag Laceless and Zebzag Rigger boots are available globally, read more at www.drmartens.com
upper hights Presents AW25 and an Exclusive Capsule with Amalie and Cecilie Moosgaard Images courtesy of upper hights Tokyo meets Copenhagen in a refined dialogue between craftsmanship and minimalist design. In an ever-evolving fashion landscape, Tokyo-based premium denim label upper hights continues to champion timeless craftsmanship and enduring design. With each collection, the brand safeguards Japanese artisanal heritage while redefining the global perception of Made in Japan denim. For Autumn/Winter 2025, upper hights introduces a new collection alongside an exclusive collaboration with Danish style icons and entrepreneurs Amalie and Cecilie Moosgaard. First unveiled during Copenhagen Fashion Week, the partnership merges Scandinavian restraint with the precision and depth of Japanese craftsmanship. The capsule presents four signature styles, each available in two versatile colourways. The Cecilie references vintage denim in classic medium-blue and soft bone, while The Amalie evokes modern sophistication in deep navy and sleek black. Each piece reflects the Moosgaard sisters’ understated aesthetic and appreciation for quality, staying true to upper hights’ philosophy of longevity and intention. Crafted with care and responsibility, the collaboration embodies shared values of durability, conscious production, and timeless style — a natural evolution of upper hights’ recent arrival in the Nordic market, where heritage and sustainability meet modern elegance. Founded in Tokyo in 2014, upper hights is dedicated to premium materials, local craftsmanship, and clean design. Guided by the “buy less, buy better” philosophy, the brand collaborates with skilled artisans and renowned factories across Japan to ensure exceptional quality and preserve traditional denim-making techniques.
Interview: Sober STHLM text Christine Deckert images courtesy of Sober STHLM Sober Sthlm was born from a life survived. Here, sobriety isn’t moralism but raw strength: jewellery that’s both soft and solid, created by founder Julia Koistinen, who’s seen hell and chosen to stay on earth. Every engraving carries a promise—that truth and vulnerability can coexist with power—and every collection pushes back against stigma: addiction is a disease, not a character flaw. This is design that says “you are seen, you belong”—and an invitation to The Sober Family, where recovery becomes community. Your journey from addiction to artistry is profoundly hopeful. How does recovery show in your designs, and what do you hope someone feels the moment they put on a piece? Recovery—and dodging death multiple times—have shaped every layer of who I am. My journey inevitably flows into my designs. It’s taught me that tenderness and strength are not opposites—they coexist. The tenderness comes from vulnerability and honesty; the strength comes from choosing to rise again. Hell was boring—I’d prefer not to go there again. Every piece I create carries that balance—something soft yet solid. Heaven and hell have always coexisted on Earth—but only I can choose where I prefer to stay. Sober Sthlm is made to empower. I want people to feel seen and grounded in their story. To stand proud. Addiction is a disease—not a choice. Addicts are not weak in character or lacking willpower. We all have a disease, and it is nothing to be ashamed of. Society’s prejudice about addiction keeps stigma alive. You wouldn’t tell a diabetic to just try harder to recover, that they lack morals, or that their condition is their own fault. No one chooses to become an addict. Most would do anything to avoid hurting everyone they love, ruining their lives, or dying. Like any other serious disease: once it has begun, we simply cannot stop or change its course without proper psychological and medical treatment. To everyone in recovery: I hope my designs remind you that sobriety is strength, and that you are not alone in it. “Sober Sthlm” is a beautiful invitation to belong. What welcoming, practical steps can a reader take today if they’re curious about support, either for themselves or someone they love? The first step is simply reaching out—you don’t have to do this alone. Talk to someone you trust. If that is hard, maybe start by finding more information about substance use disorder online. Be honest with yourself and courageous enough to admit you might have a problem. Even though your life still looks good on the outside, hiding what is going on behind the curtains can be exhausting. Having a functioning career, kids, or working out five days a week might keep you from seeking help—because alcoholics couldn’t possibly keep up with a lifestyle like yours? Maybe you are the weekend sniffer. Or the one who needs a glass of wine or two every day after work to feel relaxed. Are you hungover on a Tuesday even though you promised yourself you would only have two beers at dinner? Does one drink always turn into five? Or did you promise yourself to keep your nose out of the bag this weekend, yet somehow it still ended up there? It’s not always defined by how often and how much you consume; it’s about that feeling of losing control, the crippling anxiety, and the bad choices that come with the behavior. Or maybe you are just tired of being tired. Either way—if you’ve been thinking about it lately, there might be some truth in it. There are numerous support groups, therapists, 12-Step programs, and communities where you can get support and advice on how to regain control of your life. Through Sober STHLM and The Sober Family, we’ve built a global community that welcomes anyone in recovery, healing, or supporting a loved one. Connecting with us on Instagram—sharing your story by tagging a picture—can be an act of courage and belonging. We are showing the world that addicts are regular people and that recovery leads to a life beyond your wildest dreams. I’m currently working on an app for The Sober Family. It will be a forum to get support, make friends, share your journeys, and inspire each other. Healing often arrives in small, luminous moments. Could you share a piece that symbolizes one of those moments for you, and how its materials or form carry a message of self compassion rather than perfection? For me, the Signature Bracelet holds that meaning. It’s engraved with “SOBER,” a word that changed my entire life. That engraving isn’t about being flawless—it’s about being real, choosing life one day at a time. The material is strong and lasting, but it rests gently on the skin, reminding you of your own resilience. Whenever the laser-engraved logo catches your eye, you’ll be reminded of what you have accomplished. Or, if you spot it out on the town, you feel united. It’s a symbol of belonging. You are loved, not alone, and we all stand united. Each piece, to me, is an act of self-compassion—a reminder that healing isn’t about perfection, but about presence and showing up for yourself one day at a time. Entrepreneurship can be intense. What gentle boundaries or daily rituals help you protect your sobriety while growing a high-end brand—and how might these practices inspire others who are building something new in recovery? Running a brand and working as a therapist can be all-consuming, so I’ve learned to protect my energy carefully. I have dedicated my life to helping others, so I mustn’t forget to tend to my own needs. I practice keeping strong boundaries around rest and connection. Every day I remind myself: it’s not about the money—it’s about keeping as many people as possible from going through hell. Remembering what I am working for allows me to slow down—I can’t help others if I don’t take care of myself first. My mornings often
Kvadrat/Raf Simons Introduces Kids Collection and a New Generation of Textiles After more than a decade of collaboration and innovation, Kvadrat/Raf Simons enters new territory with the launch of a playful accessories line for children and a new generation of textiles. Kvadrat/Raf Simons Kids reimagines the brand’s signature Shaker System through a child’s lens. Designed by Raf Simons, the collection features functional yet whimsical pieces that spark imagination and joy. Alongside it, the launch of Saxion introduces a new-generation bouclé, set to become a defining icon within the Kvadrat/Raf Simons collection. Both releases reflect the enduring creative partnership between Raf Simons and Kvadrat, a leader in design innovation. Since 2014, the collaboration has redefined the parameters of contemporary interiors, offering a richer, more nuanced exploration of color and texture. In 2022, they expanded into lifestyle accessories with the groundbreaking Shaker System. “Working with Kvadrat is extremely collaborative, almost like family,” says Simons. Stepping beyond fashion allows him to approach design as a way to enhance how we live at home — a deeply personal project informed by his memories, passions, and encyclopedic knowledge of art, music, design, and architecture. “I create something beautiful with the intention that it will last for decades. That responsibility means a lot to me,” he explains. “When developing new designs for Kvadrat, I always ask myself, ‘Would I make this for myself?’ and many of the things we create come from that way of thinking.” Drawing from historical references as inspiration for the future, Simons notes, “I’m fascinated by how inventive and revolutionary certain ideas were — in form, in thought, in how people lived. That’s what drives me: how something can transform and become relevant and loved in a new way. The Shaker System embodies that thinking.” The Kvadrat/Raf Simons Kids collection launched on October 9 at kvadratrafsimons.com and in select stores including Barney’s New York Japan, Bon Maison Taipei, The Broken Arm Paris, The Hyundai, and Overflow Beijing. Images courtesy of Kvadrat/Raf Simons
