Issue link: http://papercitymagazine.uberflip.com/i/594375
I talian conceptual artist Piero Golia is recalibrating the city's communal vibe in a hip way that shows an acute understanding of contemporary culture. The Dallas iteration of his so-called art speakeasy Chalet Hollywood (2013), now on view at the Nasher Sculpture Center, is more of an experience than anything typically found in a museum. Enter Chalet Dallas: Red- velvet curtains signal the entrance to a salon championing the long-lost art of conversation, designed by Golia in collaboration with architect Edwin Chan. It inventively addresses a zeitgeist often bemoaned in sprawling urban centers — a lack of community. Comfortable seating options and mellow lighting create a make-yourself-at- home vibe. In the corner, a fellow called Maneesh sits beside a sign that reads: "I am here for you. I will listen to you." Maneesh transmits a vaguely spiritual presence and will converse with visitors about anything they find interesting, be it Sanskrit, Kashmir Shaivism or scuba diving in Mexico. The idea? Bring what you've got to the space and let it unfurl. Punctuating Chalet Dallas is a virtuosic work by French artist Pierre Huyghe — a Plexiglas aquarium housing two objects of note: a levitating chunk of volcanic rock that signals a surreal anti-gravitational firmament, and a seashell, fashioned in the form of a smudged face, which houses a hermit crab. The creature is only marginally visible, leaving us to contemplate the importance of concealment and revelation, not to mention all things contemporaneous. Better still, the crab poses an ideal conversation starter. Maneesh is ready — and awaiting your presence. Through February 7, 2016, at Nasher Sculpture Center, 2001 Flora St., 214.242.5100, nashersculpturecenter.org. Patricia Mora The Art of EXPERIENCE F rom fashion royalty (Anna Wintour) to Hollywood's finest (Kate Winslet, Uma Thurman), the clients of aesthetician and La Mer global skincare advisor Joanna Czech can be seen on the most exclusive red carpets around the world. Late last month, Czech — who relocated to Dallas from Manhattan three years ago — debuted her eponymous Joanna Czech Dallas spa in Victory Park with a bang: The private opening party was co-hosted by Vogue's creative digital director, Sally Singer. The 2,000-square-foot space was designed by Dallas–based Stafflebach, which has crafted interiors for Rosewood Hotels, Dahlgren Duck and Hunt Petroleum. This spa is the chicest sort of clinical — a nod to Czech's biology and premed education. The minimalist, all-white space, next door to the W Residences, boasts three treatment rooms, a lounge and a retail space stocked with Czech's go-to products, Circ-Cell Skincare and the Budapest–based Omorovicza. On the spa menu are Czech's world-famous facials and her custom LED-light therapy treatments that incorporate ultrasound, micro-currents, and manual massage and manipulation of the facial muscles for anti-aging magic. Peacock Alley robes, Morihata Japanese towels, plus Christopher Fischer and Rani Arabella cashmere blankets are on hand for luscious lounging. Joanna Czech Dallas, 2410 Victory Park Lane, 214.812.9488, joannaczech.com. Linden Wilson CZECH, PLEASE! Joanna Czech Highland Park Village gets a little more regal this month with the opening of Austin- based Royal Blue Grocery in the 6,000-square-foot space that was formerly home to Tom Thumb. Royal Blue has five locations in Austin alone, but the Highland Park store — the first in Dallas — is the largest of them all. Locally owned by Cullen Potts, Emily Ray-Porter and Zac Porter, Royal Blue is a striking departure from your typical market — imagine Dean & DeLuca meets Eatzi's — with a range of both everyday and epicurean offerings. Household necessities (Clorox, Dr Pepper, Heinz, et al.) stock the grocery section, while gourmet items come by way of Royal Blue's grab-and-go breakfast, lunch and dinner menus, and an array of artisanal charcuterie from Olympia Provisions, goat-milk cheeses from Cypress Grove Chevre, relishes, chips and pickles from McClure's Pickles, and locally sourced bites from Kate Weiser Chocolate, Bisou Bisou Patisserie and Hail Merry. Want more? Royal Blue has an in-house coffee shop serving Portland– based Stumptown Coffee Roasters, with seating for more than 70 on its mezzanine and patio. Royal Blue Grocery, 1 Highland Park Village, 214.526.9516, royalbluegrocery. com. Linden Wilson Highland Park's BLUE PERIOD Cullen Potts, Emily Ray-Porter, Zac Porter Royal Blue Grocery, Austin Chalet Hollywood (2013), the inspiration for the Nasher's Chalet Dallas Joanna Czech Dallas spa at Victory Park For the sixth year, Texas Ballet Theater and its flock of prima ballerinas will pirouette onto the Winspear Opera House stage for the Tutu Chic Fashion Show and Luncheon Monday, December 7. The dancers will trade tutus and tights for attire from the Spring 2016 Maiyet collection from Stanley Korshak — Maiyet is known for sustainability and its use of global artisans. What to expect? Faux snow and champagne, of course, as chairs Nina Sachse and Paige Westhoff and hundreds of guests bubble (and shop) with holiday spirit. Per tradition, Korshak owner Crawford Brock will emcee the live auction to benefit TBT. Here's a PC tip: Major swag is always up for grabs — past offerings have included a VIP trip to New York Fashion Week. For tickets and information call 877.828.9200 or click texasballettheater.org. Jane Rozelle TUTU FUN I f anyone is suited to open a boutique in Highland Park Village stocked with the necessary accouterments for a fashionable life, it is Elisa Summers. After all, she's married to Highland Park Village co-owner Stephen Summers; her sister is Heather Washburn, the wife of HP Village co- owner, Ray Washburn; and she is the daughter-in-law of interior designer Emily Summers. This month, Elisa opens Market, a nearly 3,000-square-foot boutique carrying a well-edited selection of clothing, accessories, jewelry, home decor and gifts. "Market was inspired by a trip to the Four Seasons Hualalai," says Elisa, who worked closely with Seaside Luxe founder and CEO LeeAnn Sauter on Market's design and product list. A Santa Monica–based retail design and development firm, Seaside Luxe has created myriad hotel and resort retail spots, including boutiques at the Viceroy Anguilla, the Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach and the aforementioned Four Season Resort Hualalai. What's in store at Market? Three salon spaces with a revolving roster of collections from emerging designers; a sophisticated candy shop dedicated to Sugarfina sweet treats (champagne gummy bears, martini olive almonds, maple bourbon caramels); plus clothing and accessories from Jenni Kayne, Yves Salomon, Hoorsenbuhs, Aquazzura and more. For Elisa, having her own store in HP Village goes beyond the beautiful things Market will carry — it packs sentimental punch. "Highland Park Village is where I grew up," she says. "It's where my kids are growing up. It's so much more than shopping. It is an extremely special place to me and my family." 26B Highland Park Village, between Rag & Bone and Christian Louboutin. Phone number and website not available at press time. Christina Geyer MARKETABLE QUALITIES Market co-owner Elisa Summers with her husband, Highland Park Village co-owner Stephen Summers Tutu Chic 2014