Welcome to The Above Par Culture Edit. This monthly column curates hotel openings, art exhibitions, commerce launches, and cultural happenings around the globe. In this edition: Delta One has a new Art Deco lounge, fashion houses are curating hotel pop-ups, and Caffe Panna opens a Greenpoint location that won’t have a line that wraps around the block. We’re manifesting that last one.
Delta One’s New JFK Lounge: 39,000+ Square Feet of Pure Elegance
Delta One debuted its new 39,000+ square foot lounge in JFK. There are nap pods, on-demand spa services, a wellness bar, Grown Alchemist amenities — they’re imbuing wellness into perhaps the most stressful place on planet earth, JFK’s Terminal 4. The design is gorgeous, too, reminiscent of old New York with a gold leaf ceiling and an Art Deco-inspired light fixture above the bar.
The Pridwin and Balmain’s Exclusive Summer Pop-Up on New York’s Shelter Island
The Pridwin on New York’s Shelter Island is teaming up with Balmain; the French fashion house has chosen this classic Americana resort for this summer’s annual pop-up. Guests will have the opportunity to see and shop pre-fall and resort pieces curated by LA-based stylist and Decades Inc. founder Cameron Silver.
Aman New York’s Exclusive Shuttle Service to the Hamptons
Cue Gossip Girl season 2 intro — Aman New York now has shuttle service to the Hamptons. It’s a bookable package that includes two nights at Aman New York and a complimentary one-way car transfer to the Hamptons for two.
Dolce & Gabana’s Summer Makeover at Hotel Cala di Volpe’s Pool and Beach Club
Dolce&Gabbana is transforming the largest saltwater pool in Europe for the summer. Hotel Cala di Volpe’s pool area and beach club will be clad in the brand’s signature orange and yellow hues and distinctive patterns on beach towels, vases, and upholstery.
Caffe Panna Expands to Greenpoint: Italian Gelato Meets Family Legacy
Caffe Panna, the Gramercy ice cream shop known for Italian gelato and a neverending line that wraps around the block for said gelato, opened a Greenpoint location. More interestingly: the founder, Hallie Meyer, is the daughter of Shake Shack’s Danny Meyer. Did you know that? I did not.
Embracing ‘Rawdogging’ Your Flight: The Art of Unplugging and Meditating in the Air
“Rawdogging” your flight — we hate the term as much as you do, we promise — is a new “trend” in which travelers board their flight sans headphones, book, or buying up the plane’s subpar wifi. The result is uninterrupted time to zone out and meditate. (I prefer the light version which is using air time to listen to a podcast or watch a movie without taking social media breaks; i.e. I’ve stopped buying the wifi, and I think I’m better for it.)
Dom Pérignon’s Hamptons Takeover: A Lavish Unveiling of Vintages with Chef Francis Mallmann
Dom Périgon is taking over a 21-acre estate in the Hamptons from July 19-21 to unveil its latest Vintages. This bookable experience takes place from July 19th through July 21st and is inclusive of a culinary experience alongside legendary chef Francis Mallmann. Don’t twist my arm.
Away Unveils Softside Luggage We Can’t Stop Obsessing Over
Away debuted soft sided luggage. The brand took Instagram by storm in 2016 with their now iconic polycarbonate hardshell but it seems that 40% of Americans still prefer traditional soft luggage. Away’s response: a sleek, functional, durable option in a market that hasn’t changed in decades.
Potato Head Bali’s Second Annual Merasa Festival: A Celebration of Flavor and Culture
Potato Head Bali hosted their second annual Merasa festival, co-curated by Grammy Award-Winning singer and songwriter Erykah Badu. Activations included sunrise meditation, electric yoga, traditional Balinese healing ceremonies, and an opening performance by Badu. (Potato Head Bali is on the World’s Best 50 list for its sustainability and wellness initiatives; it’s very HAP-approved.)
Glossier Goes for Gold: Partnering with USA Basketball Women’s National Team and Paralympic Games
Glossier is going for the gold. They’re the first-ever beauty partner of the USA Basketball Women’s National Team and Paralympic Games in Paris.
Jo Malone’s Limited-Edition Orange Marmalade Cologne: A Scented Tribute to Paddington Bear and British Traditions
We love fragrance with a travel tie-in, and we’re extra excited about Jo Malone’s limited-edition orange marmalade cologne in partnership with Paddington Bear. (I don’t care if typing that out felt childish; this is important information.) It’s a woody citrus scent “inspired by the great British tradition of marmalade making,”
Vogue’s New Etiquette Guide: Hostess Tips and House Guest Musts with Fran Lebowitz and Laura Santo Domingo
Vogue released another etiquette list about hostesses and house guests with Fran Leboqitz and Moda Operandi’s Laura Santo Domingo… and while I’m not saying I expect a Loro Piana blanket, if you show up to my home for a meal without buying a cheap bottle of wine… I’m judging.
