An American Bistro and Bar Opens at Mandarin Oriental, Washington DC

This November, Mandarin Oriental, Washington DC brings the best of classic American cuisine paired with an international flair to D.C.’s Southwest Waterfront with AMITY & COMMERCE an American Bistro and Bar.

AMITY & COMMERCE An American Bistro and Bar Opens at Mandarin Oriental, Washington DC

AMITY & COMMERCE is an inviting space that sets a vibrant tone with a variety of seating options ideal for conversing with friends and colleagues. An open kitchen adds to the festive atmosphere. Diners may choose to enjoy a seat at the 20’ wood-topped COMMERCE bar, one of the multiple communal tables, a standalone table in the AMITY dining room, or, weather permitting, on the adjacent patio.

AMITY & COMMERCE Chef de Cuisine Justin Houghtaling has created a menu that offers a contemporary twist on classic bistro fare. From Braised Veal Cheeks, Tamarind Glazed Angus Short Rib, to a white stew of Braised Veal en Croute, each dish features appealing ingredients with savory results. Curated signature dishes rotate daily to complement delicious modern mainstays on a menu that feels both bold and familiar.

Executive Pastry Chef Claus Olsen brings his international expertise and creativity to the gourmet breakfast pastry selection and a dessert menu that boasts Panna Cotta Raspberry Verrine, Rustic Apricot Custard Tart, and Strawberry Yogurt Cheesecake.

“Washington, D.C.’s culinary scene has greatly transformed since we opened over 15 years ago”, said Adriaan Radder, General Manager of Mandarin Oriental, Washington DC. “We wanted to provide our guests, neighbors, and D.C. residents with an accessible modern American Bistro experience and the genuine hospitality that Mandarin Oriental is renowned for.”

The Bistro’s name, AMITY & COMMERCE, was inspired by a bit of American history. Given the hotel’s proximity to the Thomas Jefferson Memorial, the name pays homage to one of Jefferson’s most significant acts: the 1778 Treaty of Amity and Commerce between the United States and France which formalized a friendly alliance between the two nations. The phrase AMITY & COMMERCE captures the spirit of the treaty with the bistro serving as a location to gather for friendly interactions for business and cultural exchange.

Located just a stone’s throw from the District’s emerging Southwest Waterfront and the iconic Jefferson Memorial, AMITY & COMMERCE an American Bistro and Bar offers classic dishes with international flair and signature dishes rotating daily. Whether it’s beginning the day at the signature breakfast buffet or settling in with friends and colleagues for lunch or dinner, AMITY & COMMERCE provides an ideal meeting point.

AMITY & COMMERCE is open daily for breakfast 6:30 – 10:30 am (Mon – Fri) & 7 – 10:30am (Sat & Sun), lunch 11:30am – 2:30pm, and dinner 5:30 – 10:30pm. Commerce Bar is open 5:30 – 10:30p.m. For reservations, please call +1 (202) 787 6148. For more information, please visit www.mandarinoriental.com/amityandcommerce.

Mandarin Oriental, Washington DC exterior at night

Prominently placed along the Capital’s revitalised Southwest Waterfront, Mandarin Oriental, Washington D.C. offers five-star luxury, refreshed guestrooms, and extensive facilities in a serene picturesque setting. Just a short walk from the Nation’s most cherished monuments, the hotel is also close to a number of exciting restaurants and attractions in the new District Wharf neighbourhood. The elegant retreat exudes a refined sense of style with beautifully designed rooms, spacious suites including the luxurious three-bedroom Presidential Suite, The Forbes Four-Star Spa, legendary service and exceptional restaurants.

Moma PS1 To Present First New York Exhibition Of Niki De Saint Phalle In Spring 2020

MoMA PS1 will present the first New York museum exhibition of the work of visionary feminist and activist artist Niki de Saint Phalle (American and French, 1930‒2002). On view from April 5 to September 7, 2020, the exhibition will feature over 100 works created from the 1970s until the artist’s death, including sculptures, prints, drawings, jewelry, and archival material. Highlighting Saint Phalle’s interdisciplinary approach and engagement with key social and political issues, the exhibition will focus on works that she created to transform environments, individuals, and society.

Niki de Saint Phalle at Tarot Garden, Garavicchio, Italy, 1980s. Photographer unknown.

Niki de Saint Phalle was born in Neuilly-sur-Seine, France and raised in New York City. In 1948, at age 18, she married the writer Harry Matthews. They moved to Paris in 1952, and shortly thereafter Saint Phalle was hospitalized for a nervous breakdown and began painting as a therapeutic activity. In the late 1950s, Saint Phalle met artist Jean Tinguely, an important collaborator whom she married in 1971. She was the only female member of the Nouveau Réalisme group with Tinguely, Arman, Christo, and Yves Klein, among others. In 1961, the first solo exhibition of Saint Phalle’s work was held at Galerie J, Paris. That same year, her work was included in the exhibition The Art of Assemblage at The Museum of Modern Art, New York. Saint Phalle was the subject of a retrospective at the Ulm Museum, Germany, and Centre Pompidou, Paris in 1980, and at the Kunsthalle Bonn in 1992. In 1994, she moved to California, where she lived until her death in 2002.

Niki de Saint Phalle. What is now known was once only imagined. 1979. Offset print. © 2019 NIKI CHARITABLE ART FOUNDATION. Photo: NCAF Archives

Early in her career, Saint Phalle pushed against accepted artistic practices, creating work that used assemblage and performative modes of production. Collaboration was always central to her work, including several co-authored sculptures made with the artist Jean Tinguely. Beginning in the late 1960s, Saint Phalle starting making large-scale sculptures, which led to an expansion of her practice into architectural projects, sculpture gardens, books, prints, films, theater sets, clothing, jewelry, and, famously, her own perfume.

Niki de Saint Phalle. Book cover for AIDS, you can’t catch it holding hands. 1986. © 2019 NIKI CHARITABLE ART FOUNDATION. Photo: NCAF Archives

From this period forward, Saint Phalle also created a series of innovative works that reflect an ethos of collaboration and engagement with the politics of social space. Addressing subjects that ranged from women’s rights to climate change and HIV/AIDS awareness, Saint Phalle was often at the vanguard in addressing the social and political issues of her time. Her illustrated book, AIDS: You Can’t Catch It Holding Hands (1986), written in collaboration with Dr. Silvio Barandun, worked to destigmatize the disease and was translated into six languages.

Niki de Saint Phalle. Photo de la Hon repeinte. 1979. © 2019 NIKI CHARITABLE ART FOUNDATION. Photo: Katrin Baumann

Central to the exhibition is an examination of Saint Phalle’s large-scale outdoor sculptures and architectural projects, including three houses built for Rainer von Diez between 1969 and 1971; Queen Califia’s Magical Circle, a sculpture park in Escondido, CA; the monumental sculpture Le Cyclop in Milly-la-Forêt, France; Golem, a playground in Jerusalem; Noah’s Ark sculpture park in Jerusalem; and Le Dragon de Knokke, a children’s playhouse in Belgium.

The Toy Insider Experts Reveal Top Holiday Toy Trends of 2019

Kids Will Be Asking for YouTube-Inspired Toy Lines, Compounds and Squishies, Glitz and Glam, Retro Toys and More This Holiday!

The Toy Insider, one of the toy industry’s most influential organizations and a trusted go-to resource for parents and gift-givers, today revealed the top eight trending toy themes of 2019, giving consumers an inside look at the hottest categories and hand-picked favorites that are sure to be bestsellers this holiday season.

The Toy Insider logo.

“Thanks to the immense popularity of unboxing videos on YouTube, we’re seeing that the collectible craze is bigger than ever! So big, in fact, that we launched our first-ever 12 Under $12 list of the year’s tiny trending toys with an affordable price tag!” said Laurie Schacht, Chief Toy Officer, the Toy Insider. “We’re also seeing a resurgence in unplugged play, encouraging kids to nurture their creativity with screen-free toys and games or to get up and moving with cool rides that go way beyond bikes. Plus, toys packed with oozy, squishy, and smooshy fun show no signs of slowing down either.”

The Toy Insider unveiled its 14th annual holiday gift guide last month, highlighting the most-coveted toys that kids will have on their holiday wish lists this year. Featuring nearly 350 toys from more than 120 toy companies across its print and online versions, the Toy Insider‘s guide makes it easy for gift-givers to search for the perfect, age-appropriate gift for any child.

Schacht and her editorial team of toy experts have more than 75 years of combined experience covering the toy industry. The team is well-versed in the hottest toys and trends through attendance at major toy industry trade shows and events, as well as frequent briefings with toy companies, retailers and analysts throughout the year. The independent organization reviews toys all year long to compile its annual holiday gift guide, along with its Hot 20, STEM 10 and brand-new 12 Under $12 lists. The Toy Insider highlights the year’s top toy trends based on retail sales and extensive research, helping consumers and gift-givers find the perfect holiday gifts for kids.

The Toy Insider’s 2019 Top Toy Trends:

As Seen on YouTube: Kids’ favorite YouTube stars are making their way to the toy box with their very own toy lines. Kids can get an IRL experience unboxing tons of fun surprises based on their favorite channels.
The Toy Insider’s Favorites: Tic Tac Toy XOXO Friends (Blip Toys), FGTeeV Giant TV (Bonkers Toys), Ryan’s World Super Surprise Safe (Just Play), Ryan’s World 3.5-inch Ryan’s Racers (Jada Toys), Lamo Ninja Minifigures (Wicked Cool Toys), Pinkfong Baby Shark Song Puppets (WowWee)

Ready to Ride: Scooters, balance bikes, go-karts, and more! Kids are riding in style this year in imaginative new ways. These toys encourage kids to get up and active and ready for adventure!
The Toy Insider’s Favorites: Rideamals Josie (Pacific Cycle), RealTree UTV (Dynacraft), Neon Ghost (Yvolution), Rockin Rider Legacy Grow-with-me Pony (Tek Nek Toys), Wave Catcher (Rollplay), Wild Ones (Razor), Fisher Price Bounce & Spin Puppy (Mattel), Playdate Sven (Jakks Pacific)

Nordstrom Expands In New York City With Opening Of Flagship Store

Photo Credits: All Images photographed by Connie Zhou, Mo Daoud, and David Zheng (and provided by Nordstrom Inc. PR)

Nordstrom Incorporated logo. (PRNewsFoto)

Nordstrom NYC Level 1 – Handbags (Connie Zhou)

On October 24^th, Nordstrom, Inc. opened the doors to its first-ever flagship store for women and children in New York City. Located at 225 West 57th Street, across from the Nordstrom Men’s Store which launched in April 2018, the new store occupies the base of Central Park Tower, the tallest residential building in the world. Customers can shop 320,000 square-feet of retail space across seven-levels in the heart of the city. Nordstrom NYC represents the biggest and best statement (as well as the biggest gamble) of what the brand has to offer.

Nordstrom NYC Level 3 – Designer Women’s Apparel (Connie Zhou)

Nordstrom NYC – Comme des Garçons Shop (Connie Zhou)

As diverse as New York City itself, merchandise includes a curated offering across all categories. Customers can shop a comprehensive selection of apparel brands across a broad range of accessible and aspirational price points, including Dries Van Noten, Givenchy, Saint Laurent, Vince, Ted Baker London, Madewell, Reformation and Topshop, complemented by an extensive selection of accessory brands like Longchamp, Chloe, Valentino, Fendi, Loewe, MCM, Coach and more.

Nordstrom NYC Level 4 – Denim (Connie Zhou)

Nordstrom NYC Level 4 – Women’s Apparel (Connie Zhou)

Nordstrom NYC Level 4 – Women’s Apparel (Connie Zhou)

Nordstrom NYC Lower Level 2 – Kids Wear (Connie Zhou)

Honoring its heritage in shoes dating back to 1901, Nordstrom NYC offers customers three shoe departments, including one entire floor dedicated to women’s shoes. The vast shoe selection will include Gucci, Prada, Christian Louboutin, Golden Goose, Tory Burch, Birkenstock, UGG, Steve Madden, Nike and more.

Nordstrom NYC Lower Level – Women’s Shoes & Shoe Bar (Connie Zhou)

Nordstrom NYC Lower Level – Women’s Shoes (Connie Zhou)

Nordstrom NYC Lower Level 2 – Kids Shoes Conveyor Belt (Connie Zhou)

MERCHANDISE CONCEPTS

Nordstrom NYC Level 2 Christian Louboutin Pop-Up Shop featuring an exclusive 30-piece capsule of footwear, handbags and gift items for men & women (Connie Zhou)

A testament to the ever-evolving nature of the New York City store, the first level will be home to a rotating series of installations, kicking off with a Christian Louboutin pop-up featuring an exclusive 30-piece capsule of footwear, handbags and gift items for men & women, inspired by the Palais de la Porte Dorée Museum near Louboutin’s childhood home in Paris.

Nordstrom NYC Level 3 – Fitting Room

Nordstrom NYC Level 3 – Stylist’s Lounge (Connie Zhou)

True to its roots in shoes, Nordstrom is launching Perfect Pairs, an exclusive collaboration with 14 customer favorite brands, and a diverse group of NYC muses, bringing together the likes of Steve Madden with model Winnie Harlow; Cole Haan with poet and activist Cleo Wade; Nike with Tennis champion Maria Sharapova; Birkenstock with celebrity stylist Leslie Fremar; UGG with costume designer Patricia Field, and more.

Nordstrom NYC Level 5 – Atrium (Connie Zhou)

Olivia Kim, Nordstrom Vice President of Creative Projects, also brings the unique Nordstrom offering to life, curating concepts within the flagship to create a sense of newness and discovery for customers.

Nordstrom NYC Level 3 – Burberry Shop Concept Shop will showcase products from the Autumn/Winter 2019 collection (Connie Zhou)

Beginning with British fashion house Burberry, the exclusive Nordstrom concept shop will showcase products from the Autumn/Winter 2019 collection, housed within a giant, immersive installation spanning five rooms, accented with wood paneled walls and raised theatre style seating, windows for visitors to illustrate or tag with graffiti, and a café featuring Nick Knight‘s Portrait of a Rose print throughout with a menu of British classics available to order.

Nordstrom NYC – Nordstrom x Nike – Level 1 (Mo Daoud)

Nordstrom NYC – Burberry Concept Space – Level 2 (David Zheng)

Kicking off fall with Nordstrom x Nike (NxN), Nordstrom has developed the ultimate women’s sneaker boutique with a distinctive view on style and sport. NxN is the place to find coveted Nike product with a curated selection of merchandise from the most compelling brands in fashion. To celebrate the opening, the shop will exclusively launch a Jordan Air Latitude 720 sneaker with Swarovski and the Nike by Olivia Kim capsule collection of sneakers and apparel, inspired by Kim’s NYC-experience during the 90s, launching in-store on October 31.

Nordstrom NYC Level 3 – SPACE featuring brands such as Cecille Bahnsen, Bode, Eckhaus Latta, Jacquemus, Martine Rose, Molly Goddard, and Simone Rocha, as well as exclusives from Tom Wood and Sandy Liang. (Connie Zhou)

The opening of the New York City flagship brings the exciting in-store curation of SPACE, a boutique featuring advanced and emerging designer collections selected by Olivia Kim from brands such as Cecille Bahnsen, Bode, Eckhaus Latta, Jacquemus, Martine Rose, Molly Goddard, and Simone Rocha, as well as exclusives from Tom Wood and Sandy Liang. Unique to the flagship, SPACE includes the first branded in-store shop from Acne Studios, and a one-of-a-kind Comme des Garçons shop designed with artist and furniture designer Marc Hundley.

2019 Holiday Travel: Christmas Shopping, Dining and Accommodation Offers at Mandarin Oriental, Paris

To celebrate Christmas and New Year, Mandarin Oriental, Paris is offering a special accommodation package with the Galeries Lafayette Champs-Élysées. Available from 22 November 2019 to 8 January 2020, the Festive Shopping Season in Paris package includes a private session with a personal stylist, champagne and other treats for guests. The palace will be the place to be this party season, with festive menus and winter pop-up bar in its garden.

Mandarin Oriental, Paris Exterior Courtyard

Guests booking the Festive Shopping Season in Paris offer will receive spa credit, champagne, tasty Christmas treats and VIP shopping benefits at the Galeries Lafayette Champs-Élysées. The famous retailer recently opened a concept store on the ‘world’s most beautiful avenue’ offering the latest fashion, lifestyle and beauty collections created by an exciting selection of top designers, ranging from emerging talents to iconic luxury brands.

Mandarin Oriental, Paris Hotel Entrance

Priced from EUR 1,125 per night, the Festive Shopping Season in Paris package includes:

Mandarin Oriental, Paris Royale Suite

• 
  Luxurious accommodation in a guestroom or suite
• Daily breakfast for two people
• A Spa credit of EUR 150 per stay
• A bottle of champagne, seasonal treats and a scented candle from Galeries Lafayette Champs-Élysées offered in guests’ room upon arrival
• Private session with a dedicated fashion stylist at the new Galeries Lafayette department store on the iconic Champs-Élysées. Also includes one-way transfer to the store, private shopping session in its ‘Speakeasy’ VIP lounge with champagne and French chocolates, and either a beauty treatment or wine tasting at the store, and hands-free shopping

Mandarin Oriental, Paris Cabochons Suite Terrace