Inspirations
CategoryThe Rooster House: A Deeply Personal Love Letter to Ukraine
On the night of 30 October, I was sitting alone in a small train cabin somewhere between Przemysl and Kyiv. It had been about a week since Russia had started to strategically target Ukrainian energy infrastructure, to cause maximum suffering as the winter was approaching. Every morning, there was worse news – 20% of infrastructure damaged. Then 30%. Then 40%. The bombs and drones caused damage faster than Ukrainians could repair it, despite performing miracles with scarce resources while being in constant, mortal danger.
Natives by Akala: A Brilliant Take on Race and Class
I picked Akala’s memoir-slash-searing social analysis up almost accidentally. It was included in a couple of 2020 round-ups and although I hadn’t heard of him* or the book before, the excellent reviews made me add it to my own list. Based on the reviews, I expected it to be good, but not THAT good.
Lockdown Life: Audiobooks & Red Dresses
Belgium is in lockdown again and I must admit I find writing about clothes in this situation difficult. It’s not that I think I shouldn’t or that I believe it’s somehow wrong to contemplate garments when the world is suffering, I just mostly don’t feel inspired*. Which is unfortunate, as I still have some nice pictures from my photo shoot in Estonia, which I haven’t posted.
On the First Day of Christmas Marina Gave to Me 13 Perfume Samples
Technically, it was two days before Christmas that I met Marina* in Athens for a cocktail and a chat – but one shouldn’t let facts get in the way of a good blog post title. Or even a mediocre one, as titles are always difficult. It was a lovely evening for m..
November Memo: Boxing, Celine Scents & Terminator
November, one of the greatest crimes against humanity, is here. Although I have to admit the weather has been rather nice in Brussels, so it feels unfair to complain. My work situation continues to be frustrating, but there is only so much I can do about it,..
Autumn (Non) Trend Report
I have been putting off writing the Autumn trend overview because frankly, there are no trends. OK, I agree, there are always trends, but there are less and less of the kind that make sense for articles like these. There are no overnight reversals in directi..
Call Me by Your Name: Peaches, Tan-lines and Desire
Last year, I missed the right moment to read André Aciman’s Call Me by Your Name: it is meant to be read in a heatwave and ideally while longing for someone exquisite. If the latter state of mind is not available, just a heatwave will do, but I waited too lo..
A Levantine Brunch
I swear I do in fact cook things that are not inspired by Middle East (or West Asia, as Parag Khanna has just reminded me would be more accurate to say) and Central Asia. I do! It is also true, however, that I gravitate towards those regions whenever we have..
Captain Marvel: The Perfect Women’s Day Movie
The only thing marring my love affair with Marvel movies has been their inability to get women right. At first, they just didn’t really have any – Black Widow was the only woman in the original Avengers crew, but although I adore Scarlett Johansson, she wasn..
Morning of War, Evening of Silk
It is one of those times when work is taking over – it was the case the past week and will also be the case for the next. I knew it was coming (EU economic governance has a rather predictable calendar, so I usually know when I will be completely overwhelmed ..