ich Kalliope

Iluminating

Open eyes, curiosity and connecting the dots can make the world a lot more interesting.  That's why the discovery of these illuminating everday objects made me smile. 

The Winter Lights underwear collection by PACT, designed by Ives Behar is organic cotton, although it looks other-worldly, it's made from sustainable materials, including the dye.  For every order that contains an item from the Winter Lights collection, PACT will send an LED lantern to a displaced woman or family in Haiti.

The other everday object of desire is this beautiful wine label from the Eola Amity Hills gracing a bottle of Gamay Noir.  Again luminosity is the theme and the capturing visual is mesmerizing.   Seasonal, comforting and state-of-the-art all at the same time.  What's next?

 

Just right, right now. Lutter und Wegner.

   

Insider tips are everywhere these days, so many it seems that they really can't be that "insider".  Lists of must-haves, secret finds, best of and so on.  Real insider tips are something that I cherish, and over the years I have been treated to many of these authentic experiences that I would have otherwise walked right by.  On a recent visit to Berlin I was treated to another special moment.  This one included at times some intense cigar smoke, but I'd go back in a heartbeat.  Maybe even light one up!

Lutter & Wegner's Weinhandlung, wine shop, at the beautiful Gendarmenmarkt was just behind a small doorway on the Charlottenstrasse.  There since 1811, I found amazing food, great wines and label inspiration that could last for hours.  The menu had traditional dishes prepared with a simplicity that made for an experience that was just right.  The place was small and immense at the same time.  Although it is part of a much larger restaurant that can't be missed around the corner, this little piece of heaven is still a special find. 

Sitting in a place that has been there for 200 years, and yet not experiencing history in an "oh this is really old, and has been here forever" kind of way, but as this is perfect right now is the secret.  The waiter, not overly friendly (no surprise, it is Europe), was a no-nonsense expert who shared what he knew with confident passion.   In the end we had a delicious lunch, perfect portions, paired with a delicious Austrian Zweigelt, in a beautiful setting.  Like the wine label above, modern, simple and clear, "Ursprung", translation, "Origin".  It was grounding, just what we need more of in our times.  Insider tip, order the Tafelspitz or the Wiener Schnitzel

 Lutter & Wegner got it then and gets it now.

OK Labels 2.0

 
There are a couple of ok labels here in the mix, good but not great.  The collection is what is inspiring, and where they are located specifically.  The Tsipouro is featured, a spirit, said to have been invented by Greek Orthodox Monks.  Not surprising, the monks in Bavaria invented Bier and Starkbier.... religious men and alcohol, but that's another post that's going to need some major research!  

The last time I had Tsipouro was in 2008, and the bottle had no label.  It was a gallon jug, made by my uncle... the priest.  The one in the photo here with the designer label is decent, but nowhere near the no-label version.  

Cheers.  Yiassas.  

 

Great Labels 1.0

One of my favorite projects when I was studying design at Purdue was to design a wine label.  That was way before I understood what a good bottle of wine truly was.  Annie Greene Springs Peach Creek and Boone's Farm Strawberry Hill were the go-to wine of choice in West Lafayette, Indiana.  Splurging meant a bottle of Greek Demestica, and yes that's with an "e".

That project created a lifelong passion for wine label design.

Here's my latest inspiration, Primitivo from Puglia region of Italy.  Found at Whole Foods in Bellevue, Washington, April 2010.  Great font, hand drawn sketch and great warm color, makes for modern, fun and cozy.  It was good too :).

Great Label 1.0