ISSUE NO. 34

An April Issue

I’m drawn in by the concept of emotional fluency: the ability to turn our feelings into a clear shared language. The idea that if—even for a moment—emotional fluency became our shared dialect, everything would shift. We’d spend less time translating our feelings and more time simply feeling understood. Connection would flow without resistance. And silence—so often mistaken for distance—wouldn’t have to mean disconnection.

ARCHITECTURALLY CURIOUS

Commerce as Culture

A city in China’s Zhejiang province—Wenzhou—has long been a powerhouse in the global eyewear industry. At the heart of this transformation is an eyewear showroom by legacy brand—Fang Eyewear—that functions more like an immersive art space than a store.

More Than Meets the Eye (Literally)

The approach doesn’t follow traditional commercial layouts but instead favors an open-plan flow: where light, geometry, and sensory cues guide the visitor through a layered experience. Guests are drawn through sculpted environments: a showroom, a café, a bookstore. Each element is woven together—like 45° lighting angles and warm white finishes—that create continuity and evoke a Light Museum effect.

Framing the Future

By embedding local culture and architectural storytelling into a commercial setting, they aren’t just selling eyewear—they’re offering a glimpse into Wenzhou’s future. The project blurs the line between public and private, commerce and culture. It positions retail as a living piece of the city’s narrative—using artistic design to invite interaction and exploration.

GLOBAL GLIMPSE

Lake Como: Crumbled Concrete

Lake Como has long been a destination of choice for those seeking beauty, calm, and inspiration. Surrounded by lush hills and mirrored by the deep blue of the lake, the area is dotted with historic villas that speak to a legacy of refined living.

Flow State

What began as a deteriorating concrete shell has been reimagined. Rather than tearing the structure down, the renovation leaned into its raw history. Weathered surfaces were preserved and paired with soft greens, natural timber, and stone finishes to create a dialogue between past and present.

Natural Rhythms

Inside, specific details enhance a sense of quiet luxury and comfort. Semi-translucent curtains offer privacy without closing off the views, while green-stained oak and custom joinery add warmth and continuity. Even the ceilings have become key focal points—textured, exposed, and perfectly aligned with the home’s new cinematic and grounded vibe.

VISUAL COMFORT

Chinese Architecture Meets Indian Couture

In recent years, cross-cultural design has moved beyond trend to become a thoughtful practice of exchange. Bringing together design and tradition, Duyi Han and Tarun Tahiliani were brought together through a residency program for the 2025 Collectible Design Fair in Brussels.

Merging Minds

Han—trained in architecture and known for his spatial sensibility—was paired with Tahiliani—a designer whose work is deeply rooted in Indian textile tradition. The result was a small collection of 3 pieces: a chandelier, a table lamp, and a bench. Each one drew from the visual language of Indian wedding attire—not in an ornamental way, but in structure and spirit.

Lighting the Way

The chandelier referenced circular motifs found in Indian art and religious objects, while the lamp took its shape from the cutting pattern of a choli—the traditional blouse worn with a sari. The bench, inspired by the silhouette of a sherwani, featured a subtle illustration of an embroiderer at work, shown in a style reflective of Mughal miniature painting.

DESIGNER PICK

What I’m Currently Obsessing Over

Final Week of Preorder

After months of quiet work—collecting spaces, arranging words, and shaping intention—Interior Identity is almost ready to make its way into the world.

As we move into the final week of preorders, I wanted to pause and share a small reminder: preorders will officially close on May 4. This is the last opportunity to reserve a copy ahead of the book’s release.

Thank you to everyone who’s followed along and shared excitement along the way. I can’t wait for Interior Identity to find a place in your home, your studio, or wherever you sit with slow mornings and strong coffee. 🖤

MUSICAL INTERLUDE

What I'm Listening to in April

Emotional awareness is noticing a feeling. Emotional fluency is knowing how to respond—with care, without being asked. If you haven’t already, this is the last week to listen to April’s playlist. I’ll see you next week, my friend.

Warmly,
/shane