Opiates

Blanche Absolu: Byredo’s Intimate Masterstroke text Ulrika Lindqvist Byredo’s Blanche Absolu de Parfum is not just a reinterpretation of a classic, it’s a bold magnification. With this new chapter, the house introduces a fragrance that retains the soft familiarity of the original Blanche, yet elevates it into richer, more powerful territory. It is Blanche amplified, deeper in its resonance and more enigmatic in its expression. The moment you encounter Blanche Absolu, there is no mistaking its strength. One drop lingers for hours, evolving gently on the skin. It has an arresting clarity, but with a newfound weight that hints at something more complex. This is not a fragrance that asks for attention it commands it quietly and with confidence. The composition begins with a sharp glint of black pepper and aldehydes. It is a bright and exhilarating start, softened by the green bloom of neroli. From there, the heart reveals a bouquet of rose, violet and watery jasmine, classic notes, but rendered here with a kind of restrained opulence. The floral elements are unmistakably feminine, yet they carry a hidden force. There is nothing overly delicate about this arrangement. As the fragrance settles, the base unfurls into warm, musky woods. Cashmere wood and dry cashmeran lend a velvety smoothness, while amber wood and ambroxan evoke the lasting warmth of closeness and skin. It is in this dry down that Blanche Absolu reveals its true personality: a blend of purity and mystery, comfort and sensuality. This is a floral fragrance, but not one that fits neatly into any single category. It feels both familiar and unplaceable, a scent that lingers in memory long after it leaves the air. “Blanche is about capturing the idea of texture and fabric and skin. It’s about translating a level of intimacy that is very human. It is a lived-in feeling that I feel so many people can connect to.” – Ben Gorham, Founder & Creative Director, Byredo. Blanche Absolu is not just more intense than its predecessor, it is more complete. It does not reinvent the story of Blanche but adds a deeper layer, a kind of inner monologue to the original’s whispered dialogue. With this edition, Byredo reminds us that subtlety does not preclude strength, and that even the softest touch can leave a lasting impression. Throughout the year, the iconic fragrance of Blanche will expand into new dimensions, introducing limited-edition innovations across body, textiles, and home. Each addition will be unveiled through carefully curated phases, inviting a fresh exploration of the scent’s pure essence. Image courtesy of Byredo

Playful Romance: Indiska’s KHALO Dress text Natalia Muntean This summer, Indiska’s KHALO dress transports us to a sun-dappled garden where femininity and ease intertwine. Crafted in 100 % organic cotton and certified by OCS, it champions both sustainability and style. With its square neckline and generous butterfly sleeves, the KHALO dress combines structure with fluidity. A tiered ruffle at the hem adds a lighthearted movement, while the whimsical all-over print speaks of carefree strolls and languid afternoons. Offered in a lush green palette, this long dress feels fresh and grounded, a wardrobe staple that reads equally well at a beachside brunch or a candlelit dinner. Gentle on the skin and steeped in conscious design, KHALO proves that responsible fashion can bloom beautifully. read more at www.indiska.com Image courtesy of Indiska 

& Other Stories Unveils Pink Noon text Natalia Muntean Just in time for brighter days and bare skin, & Other Stories presents Pink Noon, a new scent story inspired by flowers and sun. Part of their signature bath and body collection, this fragrance captures the essence of summer afternoons, blending creamy tuberose and jasmine with the tropical sweetness of frangipani. Soft musk and smooth sandalwood create a warm, lingering finish. The scent opens with bright notes of bergamot and crisp Williams pear, before revealing a floral heart and a base of salted vanilla that melts into the skin. Available as an eau de toilette, perfume oil, and a full collection of body care, Pink Noon is more than a fragrance. It is a sensory experience. We especially love the Glow Body Wash, with its subtle shimmer that turns your daily routine into something radiant. The Body Lotion is another favorite. It absorbs quickly and leaves the skin deeply hydrated, thanks to nourishing ingredients like macadamia oil, shea butter, and sweet almond oil. Vegan, indulgent, and beautifully made, Pink Noon is what summer dreams are made of. Read more at www.&otherstories.com Image courtesy of & Other Stories

Time-Traveler in Cotton: The Return of Champion’s 1938 Coach’s Hoodie text Natalia Muntean Some garments do more than clothe the body, they carry history. Champion’s 1938 Coach’s Hoodie is one such piece, born at the intersection of sport and innovation, now revived for a new era through the brand’s Time Capsule collection. Originally designed for the sidelines, this hoodie was a quiet revolution: functional yet forward-thinking, with a now-iconic two-pocket design that broke from tradition. Crafted from heavyweight cotton, it was made to endure the elements and time itself. Today, it returns not as a replica, but as a relic reimagined. Advanced wash and distressing techniques create a vintage patina, giving each piece an authentically worn-in feel. No two are alike, each one shaped by process, not mass production. More than just a throwback, the 1938 Coach’s Hoodie is a statement of intent. It reminds us that utility and style needn’t be at odds. That legacy can be worn. And that the future of fashion often begins with honoring the past. Read more at www.champion.com Images courtesy of Champion 

AIRA keeps its two Michelin stars – and its place among the Nordic elite text Natalia Muntean At the Nordic Michelin Guide ceremony held at Anneberg Kulturpark in Odsherred, Denmark, it was announced that Stockholm’s AIRA has retained its two Michelin stars. The award reaffirms the restaurant’s position in the international culinary elite and marks another significant milestone in the ongoing journey of restaurateurs Tommy Myllymäki and Pi Le. “This is the result of five years of uncompromising dedication to refinement and precision. We are deeply grateful to our guests, partners, and above all our incredible team who share our passion and vision every day. Now, we look ahead and continue to shape our culinary identity with our sights set firmly on the future,” says Myllymäki. Located on Royal Djurgården, AIRA has, in just five years, established itself as one of the top dining destinations in the Nordics. The restaurant opened its doors in March 2020, in the midst of the pandemic, earning its first Michelin star that same year and its second in June 2023. “For us, this recognition confirms that the way we think about food and the guest experience leaves an impression. It’s about touching all the senses and telling a story through every dish. We’ve always aimed to let our surroundings, the water, the light, the nature of Djurgården inspire and infuse the entire experience,” says Le. www.aira.se

L’Oréal Launches First-Ever Global Campaign for Refillable Beauty Ahead of World Refill Day% text Natalia Muntean To mark World Refill Day on June 16th, L’Oréal Groupe has launched its first cross-divisional campaign, uniting 12 iconic brands—including Lancôme, YSL Beauty, Prada, and Kérastase—to encourage consumers to #JoinTheRefillMovement and embrace refills as part of their beauty routines. With refillable packaging now spanning skincare, fragrance, makeup, and haircare, the campaign aims to make refilling synonymous with style, luxury, and sustainability. From Lancôme’s refillable La Vie Est Belle Elixir, which saves up to 73% glass, to engaging social media content featuring ambassadors like Dua Lipa and Emma Watson, L’Oréal is mobilizing its global presence to make refills the new norm. Since 2019, the Group has increased its reusable product references by over 1600%, with nearly half of its plastic packaging now refillable, recyclable, reusable, or compostable. “This is more than a campaign—it’s a movement,” said Blanca Juti, Chief Corporate Affairs & Engagement Officer. “We want consumers to see just how easy and impactful it is to choose refills.” By championing circular solutions, L’Oréal continues its long-term mission to reduce its environmental impact—one refill at a time

M.Picaut Supernatural Defence Tinted Rich Cream text Elva Ahlbin If you’re anything like me, finding a daily face cream that multitasks without overwhelming your skin can feel like searching for a unicorn. But M.Picaut’s Supernatural Defence Tinted Rich Cream comes surprisingly close. This is not your average tinted moisturizer—it’s more like skincare with benefits, dressed up in a whisper of coverage. Designed to soothe, protect, and nourish, it manages to be both comforting and functional, especially for sensitive or easily irritated skin types. The first time I used it, I noticed how quickly my skin seemed to settle—no redness, no sting, just a smooth, hydrated feeling and a healthy, even tone. One of its biggest assets is the broad-spectrum SPF 30, powered by Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide. These mineral filters physically block both UVA and UVB rays, making it a great daily shield against sun damage—something especially valuable during our long, bright Scandinavian summers. The formula leans into M.Picaut’s signature blend of natural, bioactive ingredients. Acacia Flower Extract stands out for its moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties. If your skin tends to get red or tight throughout the day, this ingredient works quietly in the background to calm things down. Sunflower Oil adds softness without clogging pores, while Jojoba Oil mimics the skin’s natural sebum and helps lock in hydration. The tint is soft and neutral, and on my fair skin it blends in beautifully, giving a subtle evening-out effect without masking the skin. The brand claims the shade is flattering for most skin tones, but I haven’t had the opportunity to test it on deeper complexions. And considering the use of mineral filters—especially zinc oxide, which is known to leave a white cast—there’s a real chance this may not be ideal for more melanin-rich skin. It’s a recurring issue in the sunscreen space, and one that deserves more transparent communication.- I personally find the cream easiest to apply with fingers, like a regular moisturizer. It spreads smoothly and leaves the skin with a healthy, slightly dewy finish. I usually let it settle for a few minutes before moving on with the rest of my makeup. The packaging is a simple, minimalist tube—easy to throw in a bag and practical for everyday use. At around 599 SEK for 50 ml, it’s definitely a premium product, but considering it replaces both moisturizer and sunscreen—and adds a hint of tint—it earns its spot in a streamlined routine. Overall, Supernatural Defence Tinted Rich Cream is a thoughtfully formulated product that fits beautifully into a modern, minimalist routine. It’s not about covering up—it’s about protecting and enhancing what’s already there, with a touch of radiance and a lot of care. text Elva AhlbinBeauty Director

Jaguar Announces Partnership with the Royal College of Art, Introducing New Awards to Celebrate its Championing Originality ethos text Natalia Muntean Thursday 28th May 2025, Gaydon, UK: Jaguar has announced the launch of its new awards, created in partnership with the Royal College of Art (RCA). Celebrating emerging artists and postgraduate students on the RCA renowned MA programmes, this inaugural year will feature five individual awards and celebrate artists whose work embodies Jaguar’s ‘championing originality’ ethos. Founded in 1837, the RCA is the world’s largest community of postgraduate-only art and design students and has been ranked as the world’s number 1 university in this category for 11 consecutive years. Timed to coincide with the  RCA’s prestigious RCA2025 show, a series of free exhibitions and events showcasing the work of graduating RCA students in London every summer, the awards highlight Jaguar’s ongoing commitment to the arts and creativity, as well as a desire to support those at the early stages of their creative professions.    Embodying the ethos the awards will spotlight, last year Jaguar unveiled its new brand and design vision – Type 00, to a captive global audience at Miami Art Week. With the brand’s history rooted in creativity and ‘copy nothing’, a term used by Jaguar founder Sir William Lyons to eschew the norm, Jaguar reimagined captured the attention of over a billion people worldwide. The awards will therefore celebrate artists whose individual practice and work aligns with Jaguar’s ethos – bold, brave and fearless creativity that is vibrant and displays original thinking. Students in Painting, Sculpture, Photography, Print, Contemporary Art Practice, Ceramics & Glass and Jewellery and Metal, and the MFA Arts & Humanities courses have been invited to submit their pieces.  Winners of the awards will be selected by Chief Creative Officer Gerry McGovern, a former student of the RCA and current visiting professor: “I remember my time at The Royal College of Art fondly and it provided me with an unrivalled artistic education. I was drawn to the RCA given the incredible alumni who had walked these halls before me – Barbara Hepworth, Henry Moore and David Hockney to name a few. The RCA remains in my mind the world’s best school of art, and there is no better partner for Jaguar to celebrate the next generation of artists with.”  Alongside McGovern, a steering panel comprising of RCA alumni including furniture designer Lewis Kemminoe and multidisciplinary visual artist Ken Nwadiogbu who will help to shortlist entrants in collaboration with RCA alumni who now work as part of the Jaguar creative team. RCA President and Vice-Chancellor Christoph Lindner adds: “The Royal College of Art is proud to partner with Jaguar on this inspiring award programme, which champions the originality, imagination and bold thinking that define both our students and Jaguar’s creative legacy. These awards will not only celebrate the remarkable talent emerging from the RCA, but also reflect our shared belief in the power of art and design to shape the future.” The Jaguar Arts Award winners will be announced in late June and presented their prizes during a private ceremony. The winning works will be on display as part of the RCA2025 show at RCA’s Battersea campus in London on selected dates throughout June and July and will be seen at future Jaguar events. See: www.jaguar.com/copy-nothing

Bare unveils Resort 2025 Collection and first-ever pop-up in Stockholm text Natalia Muntean Swedish lingerie and swimwear brand Bare is stepping into a new chapter with the launch of its Resort 2025 collection and the opening of its first physical space – a pop-up in the heart of Stockholm. Known for its commitment to sustainability and minimalist design, Bare continues to redefine everyday essentials with a focus on comfort, quality, and thoughtful craftsmanship. The Resort 2025 collection marks Bare’s expansion beyond swimwear and lingerie, introducing ready-to-wear pieces designed to seamlessly transition from beach to dinner. Staying true to the brand’s ethos, the collection emphasises layering, transparency, movement, and fit, all while maintaining the effortless elegance Bare is known for. Standout pieces include fluid viscose Resort Trousers with a sheer wrap construction and sculptural swimsuits featuring double-layered fronts. A special collaboration with textile artist Linda Dekhla transforms vintage Swedish crochet doilies into unique, body-hugging tops. Complementing the collection launch, Bare will open its first physical space at Stockholm’s Stureplan 19 on June 19. Designed in partnership with Simon Mattisson, the pop-up features organic 3D-printed wood composite interiors that embody the brand’s ethos. This temporary space will serve as both a retail destination and a creative showcase for Bare’s vision of sustainable, intuitive design. As always, Bare’s pieces are designed in Stockholm and crafted in Portugal from breathable TENCEL™ Modal, continuing their tradition of creating long-lasting essentials that honour both the body and the environment.

The Tulip Collection by Bernadotte & Kylberg text Natalia Muntean In may Bernadotte & Kylberg unveiled the next chapter of their celebrated Tulip Collection, a harmonious blend of contemporary elegance, meticulous craftsmanship, and poetic minimalism. Handcrafted in Sweden, the new pieces are available in radiant polished brass and luminous silver-plated finishes, embodying the brand’s signature fusion of geometry and poetry.Building on the graceful debut of the Tulip tealight holder, the collection expands with four new additions, deepening the designers’ exploration of refined minimalism and sculptural elegance. Inspired by the natural beauty of the tulip, each piece in the collection embodies a refined aesthetic. The collection captures the brand’s hallmark: where geometry meets poetry. Read more at www.bernadottekylberg.com Image courtesy of Bernadotte & Kylberg