DESIGNER MUSINGS:
NEW YEAR’S EVE OF DREAMS

Even though celebrating the gateway to (eventual) normalcy and prosperity seems necessary, if not crucial, this New Year’s Eve will still leave many dreaming of their perfect-world plans. So what if you could do anything, or go anywhere? Some of our favourite designers speak on how they’d otherwise be reigning in 2021.

“If the borders are open: a quick but inspiring 24 hours spent with my old friends and family in Italy. I dream of having traditional food and exchanging good wish letters. Ideally I would be in Verona, my hometown, which is rich with Roman architecture. We have a condo that overlooks the historical town. It would be filled with laughter, the sound of glasses clinking, and a toasty fire to keep us warm. A warm dress of soft and lush fabric, and Gray Matters shoes, of course!”

– Silvia Avanzi, Gray Matters

“After months of social distancing, we are dreaming of a huge party where we’d be dancing, singing and hugging each other until the sun came up. It would be a 90s-themed party with neon lights, tropical cocktails in intoxicating colours and lots of Spice Girls. As for what we would wear, you can never go wrong with a slip dress à la 90s Kate Moss and BY FAR’s Alla mules—a highlight of the season and the return to power dressing in a majorly glam kind of way. Of course, you should top off the look with our ultimate obsession, the Mini Rachel bag. It’s perfect for cocktail attire, and it fits all that you need: phone, credit card and lipstick.”

– Valentina Ignatova, BY FAR

“This New Year’s Eve, I dream of a giant party! I miss the energy of large crowds, loud music and dancing! Dancing in the living room doesn’t quite make up for it. I would invite all my friends, family and anyone who doesn’t have plans. I imagine it to be in the middle of the desert or a rainforest. I’ve forever wanted to stay at the Art Villa, which is nestled in the Costa Rican jungle. It has incredible views of the forest and water so it would be the perfect setting. Czech studios Formafatal and Refuel Works both took cues from buildings by Brazilian architect Paulo Mendes da Rocha. I love the design and furniture, especially the wooden chairs which I believe are by South Korean designer Bae Se Hwa. I’d be wearing an outfit that’s comfortable, chic but understated. NEOUS Alkes heels, red lipstick and a dress that moves with me.”

– Vanissa Antonious, NEOUS

“I have been moving a lot the last few years, and I haven’t had the chance to properly host my family or my friends. Recently, I’ve moved into a place that will be my home for a longer while, so my ideal New Year’s Eve would be a nice home gathering with all these family and friends. It would have great food, great music and great people who love each other.”

– Beste Manastır Bağdatlı, MANU Atelier