HURS

https://lnkd.in/e7BiwGYX Taste is more than preference—it’s intuition, exploration, and a way of moving through the world. For Nina Yashar and Conie Vallese, it is a continuous evolution, shaped by curiosity, exposure, and an appreciation for contrast. Yashar, one of the most influential voices in the world of design and the visionary behind NILUFAR GALLERY, has built a universe where eras, materials, and ideas collide. Vallese, an artist who moves seamlessly between sculpture and design, embraces imperfection, fluidity, and time. Curiosity, intuition, and an ever-expanding sense of taste connect them. For both, taste is neither static nor prescriptive; it’s a behavior, a perspective, a negotiation between past and present. Their work—whether in a Milanese gallery or a sculptural form—favors feeling over convention. Here, they meet in conversation, exploring the balance of form and function, the weight of history in contemporary design, and the endless process of refining a point of view. Read the full conversation on HURS Dot Com.

https://lnkd.in/epHt2YHw We spoke with entrepreneur, investor and model Rosie Huntington-Whiteley about taste, the art of curation, and working with Rose Uniacke. Read the full conversation on HURS Dot Com.

https://lnkd.in/ejRgKTvW When it comes to forging new pathways in art and culture, it’s hard to top American curator and scholar Isolde Brielmaier, PhD and El Salvador–born cultural leader Carolina Alvarez-Mathies. Brielmaier’s trajectory extends from chief curatorial positions to academia and entrepreneurial ventures; today, she’s the Chief Strategy Officer of the female-founded global arts and culture firm, WOAH (Work of Art Holdings) (WOAH) in addition to a professor and curator. Meanwhile, Alvarez-Mathies has taken the reins as Senior Director of Institutional Relations at Mexico City–based Galería OMR — which boasts over four decades of shaping the Latin American art landscape — and serves as the first Artistic Director of LagoAlgo, an experimental, public-facing art space that seamlessly merges gastronomy, innovation, and cross-cultural dialogue. Both women embody an unapologetically multi-hyphenate approach. Between them, they’ve led major institutions, produced boundary-pushing exhibitions, and embraced the friction and freedom that comes with stepping into new roles. And they’ve navigated it all while grappling with questions of visibility and invisibility, discussing how women—particularly women of color—negotiate selfhood in institutions not always built for them. Read the full conversation on HURS Dot Com.

There are only a handful of figures who changed the way we dress, and only fewer who still do. German designer Jil Sander didn’t follow fashion; she redefined it. The woman behind one of the most iconic brands has always been more than a fashion designer—she’s a cultural architect. With the launch of Jil Sander by Jil Sander on December 3, a landmark monograph designed by Irma Boom in close collaboration with the designer herself, we get a rare and intimate view into the mind of one of fashion’s most consistent visionaries. Through a collection of archival imagery and personal anecdotes, the book captures Sander’s minimalist philosophy in form and content, presenting the legacy as a timeless conversation between past, present, and future. But we'll let Jil do the talking. Read the full conversation on HURS Dot Com.

Hotels and restaurants have never looked this good. In an era where visuals dominate our lives, the hospitality industry is increasingly shifting its focus from experience to aesthetics. With social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok shaping consumer choices, restaurants and hotels are often designed with one goal in mind: to look perfect online. The result? Many establishments are beginning to lose their distinctiveness, blending into a sea of spaces that prioritize visual appeal over genuine hospitality. But does a beautiful space have to come at the expense of great service? Not necessarily. When done thoughtfully, design can enhance the overall guest experience. It can be a reflection of the establishment’s lens on culture, and with it craft meaningful stories that deepen one's connection to the brand and the destination itself. The challenge for today’s hospitality industry is finding the right balance—creating spaces that not only look good on camera but also deliver the kind of memorable experiences that keep guests coming back. We asked?founder of Gemma Bell and Company Gemma Bell,?Perowne International?CEO?Julia Perowne?and?Camille Calancha?from?Agence Mews?for their take. Read the full conversation on hurs-official.com

Fashion has been in free fall for a few seasons now. From luxury’s economic slowdown to the attention economy dictating what’s relevant, it’s clear the industry has lost sight of what’s driving culture. After Virgil Abloh’s reign, the streetwear wave, Gucci and Balenciaga’s grip and quiet luxury, fashion has slipped into uniformity. Runways and personal style feel formulaic, focused more on gimmicks and noise than fostering a real point of view. Brands and consumers are playing it safe, more interested in buying the right thing than developing an individual style. But this season, some designers broke the mold, waking up to the fact that individuality is a rare currency in an era of conformity. HURS founder Bonnie Langedijk weighs in on the Spring Summer 2025 shows, the changing fashion ecosystem and what she thinks is next. Read the full article on hurs-official.com

In a world where social media has democratized access to information, everyone has a voice. But with this surge in public opinion, do we still need critics? Historically, critics were the gatekeepers, determining what was worthy of our attention and what wasn't. They held the power to shape—positively and negatively—cultural conversations. But today, as we navigate an overwhelming flood of information and opinions, the critic's role seems less defined. Social media allows anyone to share their thoughts instantly, creating a feedback loop where every voice—whether informed or not—competes for attention. Simultaneously, we’ve created an environment where opinion and identity are deeply connected. You’re either wrong or right, left or right, good or bad. This digital dialogue, driven by algorithms that thrive on conflict, often lacks nuance and depth and favors the loudest voices over the most reflective ones. In today's ever-changing media landscape, what is the role of the critic? And how can we redefine criticism in a way that remains relevant and impactful? We asked?Charlene Prempeh, founder of?A Vibe Called Tech ,?Leila Fataar, founder of?Platform13?and?Chantal Fernandez, features writer at?The Cut for their thoughts. Read the full conversation on hurs-official.com

While?Gabriella Khalil?is one of New York’s most influential, you might have never heard of her. She is the quiet creative force behind some of culture’s most exciting projects and with it redefining the intersection of hospitality, design, and cultural curation. From the famous 52-suite luxury hotel?Palm Heights?in Grand Cayman to?WSA, the 80s-inspired 31-floor skyscraper that houses workspaces and studios for creatives, Khalil has infused every project with her distinctive eye, from the iconic interiors to the curated cultural programming. Read our full conversation with the Creative Director on hurs-official.com

It's hard to ignore the sameness that has crept into every corner of the fashion industry. Everywhere you look, the same trends, the same brands, and the same looks dominate. From the endless stream of identical products to the monotonous feed of luxury "starter packs" on social media, it feels like we’ve lost the very essence that made fashion so compelling. Individualism is fading, replaced by a pervasive culture of safety and conformity that has designers playing it safe and consumers dressing for approval rather than authenticity. How did we get here? We asked five experts—Juliana Salazar, journalist, podcast host, and brand consultant?Marjon Carlos, founder and creative director of?Highsport?Alissa Fagadau Zachary,?stylist, art director, and co-founder of The Skirt Chronicles Sarah de Mavaleix?and?stylist and writer Michelle Li—for their take. Read the full conversation on hurs-official.com

We spoke with gallerist and curator Hannah Traore about modernizing the art world, crafting dialogues between art and culture and the importance of building community. Reas the full conversation on hurs-official.com