Embracing time's fluidity
One hour, countless possibilities
Picture this: an entire hour to yourself. What would you choose to do?
Though long time has passed since my interview with Yara Abu Aataya, the sense of time we discussed has stayed with me. The talk around her ~1 hour collection has sparked a reflection on how we spend our time with ourselves. Central to her collection is a unique hourglass, symbolizing the fluidity of time. In our busy world, finding time for ourselves can feel like a luxury.
But returning to the initial question: What would you choose to do with one hour? I use the word "choose" deliberately because if you don’t make a choice, others might make it for you, or the time might simply slip away.
You could simply do nothing. Yes, nothing. Embrace the stillness, let your thoughts wander, and allow yourself to be fully present in the moment. Or you could dive into some interesting reading. Do some gardening.
Or anything, really.
In today’s newsletter, we offer curated tips, insights, and inspiration on embracing the fluidity of time. Whether it’s one hour, one day, or one week, make sure to carve out these precious moments for yourself. It’s your chance to find your niche and discover what truly brings you joy and fulfillment.
(1) One more day with Pilates Village
For founders of this niche brand, Nikol and Táňa, the word pilates embodies movement, while village represents the simplicity of life.
Their late checkout collection is all about that feeling you get when you wish your vacation could last just one more day. It's about exploring new places or returning to your favorite spots that feel like home.
(2) No time for reservation? At Chez Richard, it does not matter. It’s always a good time to come
Rue des Minimes 2, 1000 Brussels
A small bistro with a terrace located in the heart of Brussels, Belgium, but far from the hustle and bustle of the city. Swing by for the best oysters and seafood or try our favorite duo: shrimp croquettes paired with white wine. They offer monthly menus featuring the finest Belgian and French ingredients, sourced directly from top suppliers. No reservations needed, just rely on luck for a free spot. It’s cozy interior with a niche twist is open every day.
(3) Michal Solarski captures places where time has stopped
Michal Solarski traveled to places where time has stopped. His photographs capture long gone eras, yet in our experiences and memories, they will always remain with us. If you were just like us, born behind the Iron Curtain, enjoy your journey back in time and accept it for what it once was.
(4) Jonas Frei: Timeless botanical collections
Jonas Frei is a naturalist and landscape architect. We admire his passion for research and his gift for thoroughly collecting botanical treasures, which he shares through artistic illustrations and flat-lay photos.
He is also the author of Walnuss, an unique book that reveals the true beauty of walnuts from the inside out. This groundbreaking work presents, for the first time, around 60 species within the walnut family, including hardy varieties as well as subtropical and tropical species. Colorful, diverse, and very niche.
(5) Rein Kooyman: When time becomes fluid
Art that takes time — each installation takes Rein Kooyman two to three weeks to complete.
Every single stone in the collection is carefully knotted to hemp strings and assembled by hand. This repetitive process, done on-site, allows Rein to experience the fluidity of time, blending past, present, and future. The same applies to other materials from nature.
Suspending 2,000 stones requires four kilometers of thread, showcasing the artist’s journey at National Parc des Écrins. This installation is temporary; once it ends, the stones will be returned to their original locations, symbolizing the cycle of life and the impermanence of human creations.
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(6) Laura Annala: It is never too late
Did it take you a long time to bloom in life? Say it loud and proud with a blanket designed by Finnish artist Laura Annala. Her Color Me Happy collection for the Finnish textile brand Annala reflects her bold, colorful painting style.
Each blanket is numbered, with only 50 produced. Unique.
What's on our wish list …
"Slow motion" reminders — a coffee mug or vase by John Molesworth, the London-based illustrator, artist, and ceramicist.
Cards from thie studios — a Hamburg-based design studio known for their unique stationery. We love how they specialize in telling stories through abstract forms. Their cards are exactly the kind of reminders we want to see on our mirrors or fridges every day.
What we are reading right now
Reading and daydreaming with Lucy Laucht and her book, The Italian Way of Summer.
Have a great time for yourself ahead.
Andrea & Petra