The Indwell Interview: Raissa de Haas of Double Dutch Drinks

When you hear the problem that Double Dutch Drinks, a new line of premium mixers, aims to solve it is clear, actually obvious, that the entrepreneurs behind the London-based brand would be twins sisters. Raissa and Joyce de Haas developed Double Dutch to create mixers just as premium and well-crafted as their spirits counterparts. 

“While the world’s choice of spirits has continued to grow, mixers and sodas have remained bland…less of a twin and more of a shadow,” is how Raissa put it, calling on an altogether appropriate metaphor. 

They hatched the idea while noticing a boom in the quality and variety of various spirits, yet finding an equally premium mixer was difficult. Focusing on developing mixers crafted with natural ingredients and balanced flavors, the sisters envisioned a revolution within the mixers category that elevated the spirit and intensified the overall drinking experience. “The perfect twin,” to your spirit of choice, as they say.    

Launched in 2015, Double Dutch has already garnered acclaim among bartenders, consumers and, one rather famous barometer of big ideas, Richard Branson. The sisters were awarded the Richard Branson Foodpreneur award for their innovation in the beverage category.

We sat down recently with Raissa to learn more about taking her idea from kitchen trial and error to beautifully-packaged product, where to go out in London, and a bit about the creative process needed to innovate in an industry that needed a good mixing up. Follow their social schedules and check out their mixer line at http://doubledutchdrinks.com/.

If you could spend a week anywhere on earth, where would you go? I love the combination of beautiful nature and the facilities to make a little party. Places like Ibiza, Mykonos, Cote d’azur, where you can find nature, private beaches, beautiful sunsets, and then on the other hand, take a cab, ride for 20 minutes and have a blast at one of the party spots or beaches. 

What is one brand that best reflects your personality? Double Dutch of course, as I created it myself! What we tried to do when creating our brand was stay true to ourselves as people. Every person is different and by being authentic we think we can make an outstanding brand. We always look for something new, we love differences in people, we like to challenge ourselves in everything we do, and, of course, we love a good party. 

What are you working on, right now, that you’re most excited about? We are in the development of our 5th flavor with LVMH, which I am super excited about. I love this time during the process where we just experiment with loads of flavors and can be creative about anything we want to make. The result will be a flavor for dark spirits specifically, for which I have very high hopes, as there is not a lot on the market currently. 

What idea or emerging trend will everyone be talking about in 2-5 years? We see a significant and rapid trend toward premium-izing the spirits market, making people so much more aware of the quality of the tonic. Consumers are also now slowly becoming really interested in different flavors, both in spirits and mixers, and I think this will mainstream in the next few years. 

Also, the importance of the 'restaurant feeling' at home will also only increase in popularity, where we’re focusing on making great cocktails at home in a very easy and simple way.

I want a unique dinner in London, where do I go? Swingers Crazy Golf in the city. They just opened and have already taken London by storm. They serve amazing food & drinks and you can play a little set of mini golf while sipping on a cocktail. So much fun!

For two industry innovators, you must have a Rolodex of local bars you find inspiring. What are two watering holes should we hit when we’re in London next? I love The Shard. It brings up a feeling of calm and tranquility over the busiest city in Europe. On the 32nd floor you can find two completely separate venues: Oblix, a New York-style bar where you can just relax and sip on a G&T, and Hutong if you fancy an upscale Chinese experience with breathtaking views.

Bar Boulud: I love the atmosphere of Bar Boulud…the open-plan kitchen is fun to watch and the food is amazing (and reasonable!). Dishes are a mixture of French and American fare with a fantastic wine menu. 

A sudsy ritual at Svartengrens

We're working on a project now talking the importance of ritual. For Svartengrens, a locally-sourced meat-focused restaurant in Stockholm, they have a ritual of staff bringing a bottle of soap back from their travels long or short...they display the eclectic mix in the bathroom. Great show of the personality of the place and a fun disruption when washing your hands. 

The Indwell Interview: Albin Sjödin

"Try to find what’s unique about you or your brand, and be honest about telling the story behind it. Overdo it, and you might lose the authenticity you’re looking for. In the end, people will know what’s real."

We first met Albin, a Stockholm-based director of photography, during a series of shooting days documenting the birth of a new vodka brand. From his constant attention to capturing even the slightest detail to the way he immediately set a tone of comfort and calm on set, Albin established himself as the guy you want on the other end of the camera. He has the innate humility and quiet confidence of someone who knows his talent and therefore doesn't need to tell you about it.

So it took some time for us to learn of his huge portfolio of work with global brands and music artists, much of which has been accomplished in a relatively short timeframe. His is a story of a hobby turned career virtually overnight, or, at least before he was legally able to drink. We thought it was only right to turn the focus around on Albin, and share his perspective on film, travel and storytelling. 

You can follow his travels, see his work and contact him for projects via his site and instagram.

Promotional video for the musical duo Galavant's new song, Lightweight

Tell me how you started shooting professionally? I remember you began very young and quickly established yourself as a director and videographer. 

I started out shooting videos of me and my friends skateboarding when I was about fifteen. It became a hobby and I ended up studying film through high school, making short films and trying to learn. After graduating I was starting to get job offers in the small town I’m from (Halmstad, Sweden). Eventually my work gained some recognition, and I started traveling to Stockholm and abroad for larger commercial productions. Things moved pretty quickly, and I moved out to Stockholm where I've been since, working as a Director of Photography in commercials, music videos and short films. I’ve been transitioning into directing as well. It’s exciting, and I’m learning every day, trying to close the gap between my vision and what I’m able to create.

What are you working on right now that you’re most excited about?

There’s a lot going on right now, and I’m currently on the road shooting a number of music festivals around Scandinavia, which is a lot of fun. Great people behind all of the productions. When I’m back in Stockholm I’ll be diving into pre-production for a series of commercials, before getting on a plane to shoot a DJ in southern Europe. What I’m looking forward to the most is to get enough time to start working on a few of my own projects which have been delayed for a while now.

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You help your clients tell interesting, emotional stories via video. What's your approach to creating the most compelling content?

My best advice is to tell a real story. Try to find what’s unique about you or your brand, and be honest about telling the story behind it. Overdo it, and you might lose the authenticity you’re looking for. In the end, people will know what’s real.

What idea or emerging trend do you see most impacting video and how people watch/interact with video?

There’s been a trend of individualism seen in video content during the last few years or so, whether in sports commercials or on social media platforms like Instagram/Snapchat. A lot of big directors are already moving away from this, and I’m seeing the next trend perhaps catering more toward values of sharing and collaboration. I’m sure many have seen the trend of fast-consumed video content made for social media. I’d like to see this fade away to some extent, leaving room for content that digs a bit deeper than the one-minute-videos of Instagram.

During a shoot for the (now retired) Avicii

If you could spend a week anywhere on earth, where would you go? 

I just spent a week in Iceland, and would love to go back. Going there has been on my list for some time and I was quite enchanted after visiting. Incredible landscape, humble population, thrilling history if you’re interested. There’s an Icelandic saying that goes “If it’s raining, wait fifteen minutes and it’ll be sunny. If it’s sunny, wait fifteen minutes and it’ll be snowing”. The not-entirely-great weather has made the people of Iceland paint their houses in bright colors, and the capital city of Reykjavik is full of colorful street art. I really enjoyed this.

What are your must-have travel items to stay sane/fresh/happy?

Camera - I carry a small Fuji digital camera or a 35mm film camera whenever I can. I like to bring a camera for everyday things. I'm also trying to keep my photography on point, and while doing more directing work I have longer gaps between actual shoots. 

Headphones - Besides letting me listen to music and podcasts, they also act as a double for earplugs when sleeping on flights.

Friends - This isn’t always an option, but makes traveling so much more enjoyable. Having dinner with yourself is only fun for so long.

Coffee - It hasn’t gotten to the point where I actually bring my own coffee (just yet), but I do make sure in advance that there is coffee no more than 5 minutes away. It’s under control.

What is one brand that best reflects your personality? And Why?

I’d say I’m equal parts "Nike - Just do it”, and the calm thoughtfulness of “Cos”. Thinking things through is important to me, but sometimes I just need to get out there. These brands represent a good mix.

The friendlier skies: Icelandair's Stopover Buddy Service

Just as I was planning some travel to Europe, I was reminded of Icelandair's smart "Stopover Buddy" campaign. It's exactly as it sounds: you take advantage of Icelandair's consistently-promoted stopover itinerary and instead of simply enjoying a few days while saving on ticket costs, you can arrange for an Icelandair employee to be your on-the-ground buddy. 

The campaign will resume this fall, but has us smiling for a number of reasons (and trying to find an excuse to stop over): 

1) This is a seamless and more human extension of the airline's longstanding stopover campaign further leveraging both Iceland and Icelandair's unique equities in a distinct, defensible proposition that elevates it above the competition. 

2) It's designed to benefit all involved, and extend the value beyond cost savings for the consumer or brand awareness for the airline. In this model, the flyer gets a friendly, local's-view of Reykjavik, the "buddy" (an airline employee) gets to share and show off the best of their area while making new friends and the brand, of course, creates a much more compelling reason to book. 

3) Icelandair is the airline industry leader of a wider trend among travelers who seek to peel back the touristy layers and dig deep into authentic experiences and real belonging — an emotional benefit AirBnB has focused on owning through campaigns, social promotions and host training.

And, it gets better: as an evolution to the original Stopover Buddy program, travelers can now choose a buddy based on preferred experiences, such as adventure, food, culture, and nature. 

Eat, Drink, Sleep : Portland

When we're compiling client itineraries or recommendations for great new experiences, we hit a fork: one direction is a dead end...meaning we've exhausted the best of the best, while the other direction seems to go on forever, rendering it impossible to see, eat or do everything. Portland sends us down the latter path. We've been to Portland on numerous occasions for work, pleasure and eating (that's reason enough). And we can wholeheartedly say, this is a city of innovation, discriminating taste and a unquenchable thirst for what's next. And that's why we love it. Though it's become known as a hipster mecca, the birthplace of the lumbersexual and a caricature of itself (even enjoying a spot-on satire by Fred Armisen and Carrie Brownstein), we never leave hungry or without a few new friends. So here's where we think you should eat/drink/sleep in Portland. 

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Eat:

Breakfast at Maurice (MAURICE!): Amazing does not do the experience justice. We have suggested you visit for breakfast but anytime's the right time for Maurice. Are you on a quest for the best pastry + coffee combos in America? Here you go. Maurice offers a rotating menu based on the season with delicious housemade gluten-y goodness. Go in at 10 a.m. and grab a coffee and one of the daily pastries, catch up on the news or just sit and enjoy the aroma of fresh baked treats. 921 SW Oak St, Portland, OR 97205

Lunch: Nong Khao Man Gai - This food truck, which now has a brick and mortar restaurant, serves one dish: Khao Man Gai, one of Thailand’s most popular street foods.  The base components of the dish are simply chicken and rice, but the flavors will blow your mind. We offer our promise and no more. If you are in Portland, drop what ever you are doing, go stand in line, order a Khao Man Gai and then eat it standing it up. 1003 SW Alder St, Portland, OR 97205

Dinner: DOC - DOC is one of the best dining experiences we have had. Not just top notch for Portland, but for the entire area around Portland. Meaning, America. The restaurant houses no more than 20 seats and you walk through the kitchen to be seated. Imagine walking into your mom's kitchen, but instead of meatloaf you're served wonderful Italian-inspired fare focusing on the seasonal ingredients of Oregon and the pacific northwest (hint: that's delicious). Go on a Saturday and take part in the tasting menu, as it is the best way to enjoy all DOC has to offer.  Absolve yourself of responsibility and let the servers suggest a bottle of wine or two from the exceptional wine list. 5519 NE 30th Ave, Portland, OR 97211

Time to Drink: 

Coffee : Commissary - Tuck into this old Filmhouse-cum-coffee shop. You'll enjoy some of the best coffee in Portland and if you are lucky enough to see banana bread on the menu grab a slice without hesitation. Sit back and enjoy the space while you plan your weekend hike or spots to shop downtown or in East Burnside. 915 NW 19th Ave, Portland, OR 97209

Late Afternoon/Early Evening Cocktail : Cheese and Crack - The name is rather clear. Stop in for their delicious cheese and charcuterie plates. It might seem like a simple menu but when one of their Instagram-friendly trays arrives at your table you will see what all the fuss is about. Pair your cheese and meat with a local ale and enjoy on their sidewalk cafe tables. Also make sure to save room for the soft serve, topped with their espresso dust. 22 SE 28th Ave, Portland, OR 97202

A Night Out : Expatriate and Rum Club - Portland does cocktail bars its own way. Expatriate and Rum Club are two shining examples of Portland's love for a fine made cocktail. The spaces are not a step back into the 1930’s, no secret doors or passwords required. Instead, both offer a low lit space, decorated as if everything was thoughtfully picked up from a local flea market. At Expatriate do yourself a favor and go with friends so you can taste your way through the cocktail list and bar snacks (you must get the Jalapeño Popper Bun). If you are not sure where to start just ask the bartenders and they will take care of you. After you are fully fortified and ready for a more lively crowd, head over to Rum Club. Belly up to the bar and order your favorite Tiki Cocktail, sit outside and enjoy the beautiful Portland evening. Expatriate - 5424 NE 30th Ave, Portland, OR 97211 . Rum Club -720 SE Sandy Blvd, Portland, OR 97214 .

Sleep: 

Ace Hotel - It's no secret we are fully in love with the Ace. If we are going to be loyal to any property, it's the Ace. From Panama City to London we think the Ace offers one of the best all-round hotel experiences in the world. From the thoughtful decor to the consistently inventive and hearty food and drink, you know what to expect and those expectations are always exceeded. The Ace in Portland is no exception to this rule. The property was the second edition to the family and you can truly see where the level of service, style and excellent food and drink began. From the moment you are greeted by the wonderful staff, have a coffee at the Stumptown coffee shop (or a lobby cocktail) and to kicking your Danners off in one of their tasteful-yet-comfortable rooms, you will see why we love staying at the Ace in Portland. While you make the Ace you homebase, don't worry about straying too far to find a good drink or dinner.  The on-property restaurant,  Clyde Commons and Pepe Le Moko bar keep the leash short and the night long.  1022 SW Stark St, Portland, OR 9720

Am I spiking the coffee or the spirit? The answer is yes.

It's 97 degrees on a Friday afternoon in NYC. This article is about survival.  

The Indwell Interview: Siobhan Chretien

We met Siobhan Chretien through a mutual friend and just minutes into our first glasses of wine, she was recounting the anecdotes and memories and must-sees from what is an envious passport of professional and personal travels across the world. Siobhan has gained global notoriety within the travel, luxury and tourism categories frequently called on to speak or consult with a variety of clients — from well known brands to local travel + tourism councils.

She established her tourism and marketing expertise over a decade helming Destination Canada, the country's tourism marketing organization. In addition to running her new consulting practice, she documents the best in global food, beverage and cultural trends — all sourced from her extensive travels — on her SipTips blog and Instagram (a selection of her travels above). 

We got selfish and wanted to dig deeper into her tips, travels and worldview, and she graciously agreed to the Indwell Interview. Check out Siobhan's consulting company Me Marketing for more.

If you could spend a week anywhere on earth, where would you go? Why? I would spend a week the Normandy region of France. I am of French decent, my fathers’ family originates from the region. I am captivated by its rich viking history,  tranquil landscape, timbered housing, battlefields and castles. And of course the food and wine! As well, Canadians played an important role in the Battle of Normandy (D-Day) in World War II. We need to appreciate our history more. I value this knowledge when I travel.

What’s one spot (restaurant, bar, shop, etc.) that’s a MUST visit while in Normandy? Indulge your inner princess and have dinner at the castle Le-Mont-St-Michel island commune. Surrounded by a moat, what is not to love! To take glass of champagne and eat some Marennes-Oléron oysters, what could be better?! So romantic and fun.

What is one brand that best reflects your personality? Why? I love the classics of Chanel. Who can’t love anything that Coco Chanel and her wit, charm and beauty influenced? I love femininity.  Elegance and grace is something you cannot re-create. It exists. Chanel is this for me, it’s sophisticated but its roots come from a clever being that had edge and enjoyed a great life. 

I want a unique dinner in your home city of Vancouver, where do I go? Vancouver is nestled on an island, against the sea, surrounded by mountains, in a rain forest, so it is purely distinct and unique! I would suggest the bar/restaurant Lift to a first time visitor. The food and drink can be enjoyed as you sit outside next to the fire suspended over the water. It’s intimate: kayaks, cruise ships, sea planes will pass by as you relax looking at the city of glass, Stanley park and the mountains. 

What are one or two big trends you’re seeing in the travel/tourism industry? The “unhotel” would be one. By this I don’t mean Air BnB-type platforms. They are great. But for hotels that still strive to serve the hotel customer, that customer experience is totally changing. A great example is the hotel 21C in Louisville. The hotel concept was built around an art gallery experience. Furthermore, established hotel rules are being broken. No checkins, less stuffy service, free amenities, bikes, communal work spaces, personal stylists, etc. Simply put, lifestyle matters. When traveling, one's lifestyle preferences and rituals should not have to change. 

What does it mean to have city/local pride today? I would simply consider this to mean that you are compelled to share. If you feel this love of your location intrinsically, but also act on it, that is pride.  With millennials, there is a huge cultural movement toward celebrating the best of one’s city and life. Who wants to be bored or feel left out? Who wants a dull life? Technology makes us all advocates and media unto ourselves. I don’t know anyone that does not in some way use this to share their pride.  

Finally, we wanted to know what few essentials Siobhan can't travel without:

1. A wine bottle opener.  Al fresco everywhere is best! I always head right to a market or grocery store for cultural insights. It’s like opening the refrigerator into someones home. Then I go eat my local finds and the wine to drink is a must. With your own opener, you can have a picnic everywhere!
2. My moleskin and my pencil.  I provide trip design for clients and my journeys are my road maps. My Moleskin is like my diary of the decade. I keep each one I fill with my finds on a bookshelf for future reference. 
3. Bumble & Bumble Beach Hair spray. I already have big beach hair so I keep fresh with this mist that has an amazing scent and keeps me fly-away free!
4. My iPhone music. I don’t watch TV on flights. I find long flights are the best time to think, work, read, write, and simply relax. My playlists vary as on every trip you always learn of a new genre, artist or influence. Music is magic for the mind.
5. My travel wrap from American Apparel. It can be worn about 10 different ways. From acting as a cozy blanket to a unique crossed wrapped sexy cross top, it’s amazingly versatile. I am not a fan of the “ I just came from the gym” look on planes and feel people should still feel comfortable but in style, when traveling. This gives you just that.

Eat, Drink, Sleep: Silver Lake, CA

With the long American Independence Day weekend approaching we hope you've plotted an escape from your daily environs or at the very least, a well-stocked fridge of yard beer and grill provisions. Summer is here, and the travel bug abounds. While it's been cloudy and unseasonably cool around our NYC HQ, we are dreaming of sun, beaches and a simplicity. We are thinking LA. And, specifically, Silver Lake. 

If you go, here's what you need to know. 

EAT: 
Breakfast : Millie's Cafe. We have a term in the U.S. for done-right diners that are simple and modestly priced, but turn out amazing food from scratch: “The Greasy Spoon.” The moniker might not be the most charming, but when it comes to breakfast and if you live in LA or NY you know this claim to fame means you get what you want. Millie’s fits the bill.  Pull up a seat to their bar and order pancakes or an omelet, and what you will receive is an amazing hearty breakfast made the right way. 3524 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026

Tacos Delta in all its simple glory

Lunch : Tacos Delta - You just need to know two things about this place: shrimp tacos and Mexican Coca Cola. Order these, sit outside and enjoy. Pretty easy, if we do say so. And we do. So eat here. 3806 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026

Night + Market Song

Dinner : Night + Market Song - Amazing traditional Thai food that you will not be able to find anywhere else in LA. Seriously. Let the servers take you through the menu and give you suggestions. Everything is worth a try - and we suggest you split an assortment with friends. Especially if they are friends of the "spicy food" ilk. No reservations available and you will have to wait a bit, but this is not a downer, it's an opportunity: grab a few beers and sit in their DIY waiting area. 3322 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026

DRINK:

Coffee : Dinosaur Coffee - Beautiful space, great coffee and tea, and they even host events. The perfect place to truly enjoy a cup of coffee, work on a project, or just relax. Take it from Dinosaur's tagline: "Things Will Be Fine." And they are. 4334 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90029

Sawyer's back patio 

Afternoon Cocktail/Noshing : Sawyer - One of the most beautiful new spaces in Silver Lake, with an amazing backyard. Go here for a late afternoon cocktail or glass of wine and stay for the seafood-focused dinner menu (or just accessorize your drinks), grab some oysters or the fried chicken sandwich. 3705 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90026

Remember your evening at the Cha-Cha Lounge

Night Out : There is something nearly perfect about a night that starts with amazing cocktails in a beautiful space and ends with a cheap beer, dancing and a photo booth. Start at Bar Stella and do yourself a favor and just stick to the impressive cocktail list: low think, high reward. Service is wonderful and the space is low lit and cozy. After a couple cocktails make your way to Cha-Cha Lounge for cheap beers and good music.  Take a few photos in the photo booth to remember the night. Bar Stella - 3932 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90029 / Cha-Cha - 2375 Glendale Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90039

SLEEP:

Hotel Covell

Hotel Covell - This tiny boutique hotel offers four rooms based around the concept of a novel.  Each room, or as they call them, "chapters" is uniquely and beautifully designed to tell a different story.  The hotel is conveniently located on Sunset and close to the best of the east and west sides. 4626 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90027

Now get out of town, and enjoy the long weekend!

Christo's Floating Piers

Reimagining access, nature and art. The Floating Piers, just outside Milan, is a compelling reason to spend some accrued mileage points. 

The Indwell Interview: Jessica Wolf

While a student at Dartmouth, Jessica Wolf stumbled upon the history of Catherine de Vivonne, a 17th century French society hostess that revolutionized the art of gathering.

“She brought men and women together, and people from diverse backgrounds and classes to speak openly and freely on politics, literature, science, and history. She did this within the privacy of her home, often within her bedroom,” Jessica recounted. 

Within the stories of Vivonne's salons, Jessica saw a modern-day opportunity: bring people together to explore culinary, literary and artistic realms generating a unique blend of inspiration, networking and creative expression. Enter Vivonne, an invite-only gathering over dinner, held in private residences across New York City. Just a little more than a year old, Vivonne has garnered acclaim from is growing member-community and the attention of brands, artists and chefs who seek a more unique spirit of collaboration. 

Each dinner is distinct, with guests taking part in a curation of live art installations, film previews, music and dance, all centered around culinary exploration.

“I set out to create the contemporary salon. Private residences offered a venue in which people could speak vulnerably and freely.”

We connected with Jessica to learn more about what inspires her and where she sees Vivonne heading into the future. Here, Jessica responds to the Indwell Interview.

What is one brand that best reflects your personality? I would say Aesop, not for the products, but for the brand narrative. Each store is unique in its design and story. The Elizabeth Street (NOLITA, NYC) store is wallpapered with hundreds of New York Times newspapers and they project films on their darkened windows at night. Another store captures age, and purposefully allows their furniture and color to become worn and used. Each incorporates historical New York elements, and finds ways to architecturally engage with the neighborhood and community. Their employee training is unique: employees are not allowed to make small talk with customers; rather they must have meaningful or relative conversation. They stand for quality, discretion and restraint.

If you could spend a week anywhere on earth, where would you go? Traveling on a boat between the Greek Islands. I have long been obsessed with Greek Mythology. I plan on naming my daughter Persephone, the queen of the Underworld and the daughter of spring (much to the chagrin of my friends and family). And, my grandfather is from Greece, hence the personal connection. 

I want a unique dinner in your city, where do I go? The Japanese restaurant Bohemian, which is the sister of a bar in the Nishiazabu district of Tokyo. The building was once owned by Andy Warhol and housed the loft in which Jean-Michel Basquiat died. The inside is decorated very much like an apartment with only 25 seats. To add to the experience, the restaurant has a secret number, and one must "apply" to gain entrance. As you can imagine, the residential feel and "friend-of-a-friend" process very much aligns with Vivonne.

How do you hope your Vivonne’s guests feel when they leave an event? What do you want them to think of Vivonne? I want Vivonne to stand as a curated moment, an oasis in the midst of metropolitan chaos. Stepping over the threshold of an apartment signals entrance into a safe, intimate space, acting as a barrier from outside superficiality, tech distress and disingenuous interactions. Within the haven-like walls of an apartment, I encourage the open exchange of ideas.

Food, and particularly the dinner party, is a means of bringing people together because food is a common medium. Nearly everyone can dine at a restaurant or visit a friend's house for a meal and it is comfortable. Within the safety of the Vivonne habitace, common boundaries are broken. For example, my sensory deprivation and immersion dinner featured three Blackbird scents next to each empty plate and diners were prompted to smell each scent and choose one that evoked emotion for them. Their scent of choice then correlated to the sauce on their main dish.

I want people to learn, to watch, to taste, to push their emotional barriers and then, when they close the apartment door behind them, to let the moment spill out into the world.

I am creating moments. I want people to leave with memorable moments.