Hansel and Gretel in California, LA’s finest local artists and stylishly excentric secret stays.

An enchanting fairy-tale village at the Californian coast, French vintage design in the middle of Melrose Avenue and paintings that share wisdom with a famous Leonard Cohen song. What caught my eye recently and kept lingering in my mind.

Exhibition: Made in LA

Los Angeles as an art hotspot is endlessly fascinating, especially when you're born and raised in Europe. The freshness and vibrancy of this relatively young city lend a distinct twist to its art scene, which is why I found this exhibition so compelling. Artists such as Alonzo Davis, Greg Breda (more on him below) and Patrick Ramirez stood out as prime examples.

Side note: Have a look around in the museum shop, brimming with great art books and nick-nacks (hand)made by local artisans such as the handblown glassware made by Luz Collection.

More info:

Made in L.A. - Hammer Museum (Los Angeles)

Book: Secret Stays

A unique personality, to me, isn’t just important in people, but also in the places I stay when travelling. I try to avoid the expensive blandness of luxury chains, preferring character and originality, intriguing interiors and compelling hosts. This book is worth exploring for precisely that reason. It celebrates independent owners who imprint their own - sometimes rather eccentric but always stylish - vision on their properties, which more often than not are deeply connected to their family history.

More info:

Book 'Secret Stays: Pioneering Hosts of the New Chic' (Assouline)

Architecture: Carmel-by-the-Sea

The United States is an a melting pot in a myriad of ways, architecture included. During a short road trip last weekend we spent the afternoon in this idyllic coastal village and (former) artists colony. We marveled at the many whimsical storybook cottages dotted across town build (or inspired by) local architect Hugh Comstock's interpretation of Tudor Revival style in the 1920's and 1930's. Yes, it is definitely a touristy place, however the unique architecture and abundance of art galleries are worth a detour.

Artist: Greg Breda

The serene work of this talented California native, who lives and works in Los Angeles, left the deepest impression on me during my recent visit to the Hammer Museum. I was drawn to the contrast between the softness and feminity of his pastel colour palette and frequent use of flowers against the angular planes of the painted faces. According Breda, they reveal the cracks in our exterior, our ego. Through these fissures, as Leonard Cohen’s famous song goes, the light can enter, bringing more understanding, compassion, and wisdom. A heart warming inspiration.

Design: Panoplie

Amidst the vintage clothing stores that define a large part of Melrose Avenue, you’ll find this design gem. Primarily sourced from France, with a few new pieces that evoke the same vintage charm, Panoplie is a treasure trove for lovers of European (early) 20th century design. My personal favorites when visiting were the Art Deco cabinets and tables by Charles Dudouyt, a 1950s emerald-green dinnerware set by Charles Voltz, and original vases by contemporary ceramicist Morgan Peck.