PicoBlog

Upon starting gleamed back up, it’s been especially fun digging into different aspects of design, whether cultural or historical, without necessarily having to find a “timely hook,” which is always necessary for pitching stories as a freelance journalist. Editors are (rightfully so) obsessed with article ideas to cover things that are already trending—with catchy headlines that readers will definitely click on.

The great part of independent journalism is getting to share things simply because they are worth knowing about, not just because they appeal to the masses. Hence why I’m digging into the history of, and unique modern takes on, a classic print in today’s issue. Hope you enjoy.

xx,

Austa 

I’m feeling…tongue-in-cheek toile

Toile de Jouy is one of those things you’ve most definitely seen multiple times in your life, but most likely never knew what it was called. Found plastered on walls, upholstered onto fancy furniture and pillows, and used as household fabrics such as kitchen sink curtains, Toile de Jouy is a detailed repeating pattern that depicts pastoral life in monochrome. 

Originating in Ireland, but gaining acclaim and lasting popularity in France, Toile de Jouy’s literal meaning is “cloth from Jouy,” named for a suburb outside of Paris. Jouy-en-Josas is where German artist and industrialist, Christophe-Philipe Oberkampf, set up shop for what became the first fabric factory to mass produce Toile de Jouy, and made it so hot that Marie Antoinette paid him a visit there. 

While the theme of classic Toile de Jouy tends to be fairly bucolic, modern versions are much cheekier, which I find so fun. I’ve seen a few trendy restaurants and bars begin to use funky versions of Toile De Jouy on their walls and in their bathrooms, but I definitely could see these prints being used in a home to create an easy conversation starter and visual point of interest.

A playlist…30 minute treadmill strut

You seemed to love the simplicity of the workout routine I shared a few weeks ago in gleamed, so I wanted to share a playlist I’ve been strutting along to on the treadmill. It’s 34 minutes in duration, so there’s a bit of time on the front and back end for warming up and cooling down. Here is a link to the playlist, and the BPMs for each song below.

Ruby Red Da Sleeze - 98 BPM

Yuck - 101 BPM

Fly Girl - 104 BPM

Players - 105 BPM

LOYALTY - 111 BPM

Give it To Me - 111 BPM

CUFF IT - 115 BPM

Her - 120 BPM

She Wolf - 122 BPM

Hot In It - 123 BPM

Deep Down - 126 BPM

We Might Even Be Falling In Love - 77 BPM

A cocktail recipe…the Magicá Verde 

When I began a partnership with Soho House for grotto, I knew I wanted to try my hand at a take on their famed Picante De La Casa—a spicy and refreshing tequila cocktail that is a mainstay on their cocktail menu at every house. 

As a fan of everything verdant, our grotto spin replaces jalapenos for fresno chiles, adds fresh cucumber, and swaps mezcal in place of tequila for a bit of smoke and additional dimension. I think it’s the perfect sipper for the spring and summer, and hope you give it a try (at grotto or at home!) 

the Magicá Verde 

2oz Aqua Magica Mezcal (or your mezcal of preference)

1oz Lime Juice

.5oz Agave

2 Slices Jalapeno

1 Slice Cucumber

5 Cilantro Leaves 

Procedure

Muddle the jalapeno, cucumber and cilantro in a shaker. Add the mezcal, lime juice, agave, and ice, and give it a good shake until the shaker feels cold. Double strain into a rocks glass and garnish with a jalapeno slice. 

In next week’s issue…my NYC guide to WFH (working from hotels)

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