Muller Van Severen - Inside the Belgian Design Duo

Muller Van Severen - Inside the Belgian Design Duo

.specials
How Muller Van Severen Built One of Today’s Most Influential Furniture Studios

 
 

Fien Muller and Hannes Van Severen began working together in 2011, bringing two independent artistic backgrounds into a shared studio. Fien trained as a photographer, developing a precise understanding of composition, surface, and colour, while Hannes studied sculpture and focused on spatial structure and the behaviour of materials in three dimensions. The partnership formed through ongoing conversations about objects and through a gradual interest in how furniture could serve as a direct extension of their artistic processes.

 
LE MILE Magazine furniture design by Muller Van Severen images round aluminium tubes bench

ALLTUBES Bench by Muller Van Severen, part of the ALLTUBES series
(c) Muller Van Severen

 
LE MILE Magazine Belgian artists Fien Muller and Hannes Van Severen Muller ALLTUBES cabinet high

ALLTUBES Cabinet High + Chair 2 by Muller Van Severen
(c) Muller Van Severen

 
LE MILE Magazine furniture design by Muller Van Severen images round aluminium tubes detail of storage

Detail of the ALLTUBES Wall Cabinet L by Muller Van Severen
(c) Muller Van Severen

 

The development of each piece begins with material examination and simple construction tests. Metal rods are bent or joined to explore tension, leather is suspended to understand curvature, and polyethylene sheets are evaluated for their stability and chromatic presence. Decisions emerge from these practical studies rather than from conceptual narratives. Lines, joints, and surfaces remain visible because every part of the object reflects the steps that shaped it. This approach creates furniture that carries the clarity of studio experimentation without decorative additions or concealed elements.

Colour selection follows the same principle of directness. Polyethylene retains the industrial tones originally used for classification in food-processing environments; metals age at their natural pace; leather develops patina through use. These properties guide the design process and influence the proportions and combinations of materials. Instead of treating colour as a secondary layer, the duo integrates it at the earliest phase of development, allowing it to act as a structural element within the work.

 

Diversity within their oeuvre arises from the range of functional questions they address. Seating pieces examine how minimal surfaces can maintain comfort through tension alone. Tables often incorporate lighting, creating merged objects that organise spatial arrangements through a single construction. Shelving systems explore vertical extension and load distribution, while carpets translate the duo’s sense of balance into textile form. Variations come from the specific technical requirements of each task, not from shifts in style. The relationship between Fien and Hannes remains central to the evolution of their work. Drawings, scale models, and continuous dialogue form the basis of their process, with both artists contributing to each stage until a coherent solution emerges. The studio functions as a place for daily testing and refinement, and this environment shapes the calm, straightforward presence found in their finished pieces.

 
 
LE MILE Magazine furniture design by Muller Van Severen images day bed creative and colorful

Daybed designed by Muller Van Severen for Kvadrat’s “Divina: Every Color Is Divine” exhibition, 2014
(c) Muller Van Severen

 
LE MILE Magazine furniture design by Muller Van Severen portrait image of Belgian artists Fien Muller and Hannes Van Severen

Hannes Van Severen + Fien Muller
Muller Van Severen

 
 

A recent development in their practice is the opening of a dedicated showroom near Ghent, accessible by appointment. This space allows architects, collectors, and design professionals to encounter the work in a precise and controlled setting. The showroom presents their furniture in a scale and context aligned with its intended use, giving visitors the opportunity to study materials, proportions, and constructions directly. This addition extends the studio’s reach without altering its foundational methods, and it offers a clear view of the ongoing investigations that anchor their work.

 
 
LE MILE Magazine Sculptural cabinet from Muller Van Severen’s Bridges collection for BD

Bridges cabinet series by Muller Van Severen for BD Barcelona
(c) Muller Van Severen

 

Collaborations with production partners, including long-term work with valerie_objects, extend their designs into international contexts while preserving the essential principles of the studio. Manufacturers follow material guidelines that reflect the duo’s priorities: clearly defined geometries, unaltered surfaces, and structural transparency. These partnerships allow the work to circulate more widely without shifting the foundation of the practice.

 

Muller Van Severen continues to build a body of furniture that reflects an uninterrupted engagement with material behaviour, proportion, and the practical demands of construction. Every object contributes to an ongoing exploration of how form and function can be approached with artistic precision, and the resulting work introduces a steady presence to interiors through disciplined use of colour, material, and structure.

 
 
LE MILE Magazine furniture design by Muller Van Severen images two-seater with lamp light

Duo Seat + Lamp by Muller Van Severen, presented at Design Brussels in 2011
(c) Muller Van Severen

 
LE MILE Magazine LE MILE magazine Belgian artists Fien Muller and Hannes Van Severen Muller Van Severen lacquer cotton pillow sofa

Pillow Sofa designed by Muller Van Severen, created with KASSL Editions and reimagined by BD Barcelona
(c) Muller Van Severen

 

header image credit

Crossed Double Seat (2012), designed by Muller Van Severen for the Future Primitives series at Biennale Interieur
(c) Muller Van Severen

Gian Paolo Fantoni - Handcrafted from Pieve di Cento

Gian Paolo Fantoni - Handcrafted from Pieve di Cento

.special
Gian Paolo Fantoni
A Studio Shaped by Story and Craft

 

Gian Paolo Fantoni presents a steady approach to jewelry shaped by personal history and a clear commitment to craft. The brand was founded by Giorgia, who built the project as an extension of her own story and as a continuation of the memory of her father, whose name she chose for the studio.

 

What began as a private passion grew into a working environment that she shares with her husband, Samuel, who joined the studio in 2019 and became part of the daily rhythm of its production and research. The workshop sits in Pieve di Cento, a small town in the province of Bologna, where every piece is conceived, designed, and finished by hand.

 
 
Gian Paolo Fantoni Jewels LE MILE Magazine
 
 
Gian Paolo Fantoni Jewels LE MILE Magazine
 
Gian Paolo Fantoni Jewels LE MILE Magazine
 

The studio moves within a steady routine in which materials are chosen with precision and each idea develops through patient handcrafting. Giorgia approaches jewelry as a form of memory, which shapes the direction of the collection and the way each piece is conceived. Custom engravings or selected elements allow the wearer to embed personal details into the design.

The necklaces form an essential part of the brand’s practice and they combine Japanese glass beads, natural stones, and brass elements plated in gold or silver. The arrangement follows a clear structure that arises from the materials themselves. Engraved components can be added to carry names or brief messages. The earrings extend this language through the same materials and proportions, maintaining continuity across the pieces produced in the workshop.

 

Bracelets have played a defining role since the early years of the brand. The engraved versions center on a small plate designed to hold a short word or mantra. The form remains straightforward, giving space to the intention behind the engraving and to the tactile presence of the piece. The visual material produced by the studio supports this approach. The jewelry is shown in natural settings that reveal texture, scale, and finish. The images highlight the handmade character of the work and present the pieces in settings that reflect the atmosphere of the workshop. The focus stays on proportion, material, and the quiet rhythm of the objects.

 
Gian Paolo Fantoni Jewels LE MILE Magazine
 
Gian Paolo Fantoni Jewels LE MILE Magazine
 

The story behind the studio remains central to its identity, Giorgia founded the brand in 2016 in response to her long-standing passion for jewelry and her wish to turn it into a meaningful livelihood. Naming the brand after her father anchors the project in a moment of personal continuity. The growth of the studio, supported by Samuel’s presence and the trust of its early audience, has remained steady and intentional. The workshop’s scale allows each piece to pass through the hands of its makers with attention and consistency, reflecting the studio’s commitment to detail and calm craftsmanship.

 

Gian Paolo Fantoni follows a practice grounded in material care and steady craftsmanship. The workshop in Pieve di Cento operates within a calm structure in which each piece is built from clear decisions about form, texture, and proportion. The process remains consistent, selecting materials, shaping components by hand, and refining details until the piece aligns with the studio’s standards. This approach defines the identity of the brand and sets the rhythm of its work.

 

Gian Paolo Fantoni
www.gpfgioielli.it

based in Pieve di Cento, Italy
handcrafted jewelry designed and made in the brand’s own workshop

focus on customizable pieces with engravings, natural stones, and Japanese glass beads
jewelry handmade since 2016

all information based on brand presentation

Maintaining Clean Floors in Modern Homes: A Comprehensive Guide to Floor Care Strategies

Maintaining Clean Floors in Modern Homes: A Comprehensive Guide to Floor Care Strategies

.specials
Maintaining Clean Floors in Modern Homes:
A Comprehensive Guide to Floor Care Strategies

 

Clean floors serve as the foundation of any healthy, welcoming home, yet countless homeowners find themselves caught in an endless cycle of ineffective cleaning routines. The real challenge isn't just the physical act of cleaning—it's understanding how different methods work in harmony to deliver lasting results. Success hinges on finding the right balance of techniques, equipment, and timing that matches your unique flooring and lifestyle demands.

 
 

Different Floors, Different Care: Tailoring Your Cleaning Approach

Whether you're wielding a traditional broom, operating a cordless vacuum, or experimenting with other cleaning tools, grasping the complete picture of floor care empowers you to make smarter decisions about your cleaning approach.

Your flooring material dictates everything about how you should clean it. Hardwood floors demand a delicate touch—gentle, pH-neutral cleaners and minimal moisture are essential to prevent warping and preserve those protective finishes you've invested in. Tile and stone surfaces can withstand more aggressive cleaning, but those grout lines become magnets for dirt and bacteria that require special attention.

Laminate and vinyl flooring might seem bulletproof, but moisture control becomes critical since water can seep through seams and cause irreversible damage. Carpet and area rugs present their own puzzle—wool fibers need gentler care than synthetic materials, while plush, high-pile carpets trap debris in ways that low-pile options simply don't.

Each flooring type has its Achilles' heel, and recognizing these vulnerabilities shapes your entire maintenance strategy. Think of material identification as your roadmap—without it, you're cleaning blind.

 

Prevention First: Reducing Dirt and Damage Before Cleaning Becomes Necessary

The smartest floor care strategy starts at your front door, not your cleaning closet. Strategic doormat placement inside and outside every entrance can slash tracked-in debris by up to 80%—a simple investment that pays dividends daily. Taking it a step further with a shoes-off policy in high-traffic zones keeps outdoor contaminants from ever reaching your floors.

Furniture pads and protective barriers act as insurance policies for hardwood and laminate surfaces, preventing those heartbreaking scratches and dents that seem to appear overnight. Meanwhile, immediate spill response isn't just good housekeeping—it's damage control that prevents stains from becoming permanent fixtures.

Families with pets or children can benefit enormously from designated eating and play zones equipped with washable rugs. These contained spaces turn inevitable messes into manageable cleanup tasks rather than floor-wide disasters. Don't underestimate the power of regular walk-throughs either. Catching potential problems early—when they're still small and inexpensive to fix—beats dealing with major damage later.

 
Dyson Floor Care Guide LE MILE special article

(c) Dyson Press

 
 

Cleaning Techniques: From Traditional Methods to Modern Equipment

The most effective floor cleaning isn't about choosing between old-school and high-tech methods—it's about knowing when to use each approach. Manual cleaning techniques like sweeping and mopping remain irreplaceable, especially for delicate surfaces that need a gentle human touch. Master the art of systematic sweeping by working from room edges toward the center, and match your broom type to your surface for optimal results.

Mechanical cleaning equipment brings efficiency and consistency to the table. Upright vacuums excel at extracting deep-seated dirt from carpets, while robotic cleaners handle daily maintenance for time-strapped households. Handheld devices shine where their larger cousins can't reach—stairs, tight corners, and around furniture legs.

The secret lies in strategic deployment rather than blind loyalty to one method. High-traffic areas might need daily mechanical attention, while your grandmother's antique hardwood might prefer gentle weekly hand-cleaning.

Selecting Appropriate Cleaning Solutions: Safety, Effectiveness, and Sustainability

pH levels aren't just chemistry class trivia—they're the difference between clean floors and damaged ones. Alkaline cleaners slice through grease like nobody's business, but they'll wreak havoc on natural stone. Acidic solutions dissolve mineral deposits beautifully, yet they can permanently etch marble surfaces.

Natural cleaning solutions crafted from pantry staples like white vinegar and baking soda offer powerful, safe alternatives for many cleaning challenges. But don't assume "natural" means "foolproof"—even these gentle giants need proper dilution and application to avoid unintended consequences.

Safety becomes non-negotiable in homes with children and pets. Always test new products in hidden spots first, and never skimp on ventilation when using any cleaning chemicals, natural or otherwise.

 

Creating a Maintenance Routine: Balancing Frequency and Effectiveness

Sustainable floor care thrives on consistent daily habits paired with strategic deep-cleaning sessions. Your daily routine might include sweeping high-traffic zones and tackling spills the moment they happen. Weekly deep cleans address every floor surface, while monthly intensive sessions target those areas that need specialized care.

Seasonal flexibility keeps your routine realistic—muddy spring months and holiday entertaining seasons naturally demand more frequent attention. Pet owners and parents typically need tighter cleaning schedules, while empty nesters might stretch intervals between major cleaning sessions without consequence.

Bringing It Together: Your Path to Consistently Clean Floors

Mastering floor maintenance means recognizing how prevention, proper techniques, suitable products, and smart scheduling work together as a unified system. The most successful homeowners don't rely on any single miracle solution—they blend multiple strategies that fit their specific circumstances.

Start small by implementing one or two preventative measures and watch how they transform your cleaning routine. Clean floors dramatically enhance your home's health and comfort, making every effort you invest in proper care practices worthwhile. Remember, there's no universal "best" approach—evaluate your unique situation and adapt these strategies to create a system that actually works for your lifestyle.

Pauline Rochas - Practice of Contemporary Perfumery

Pauline Rochas - Practice of Contemporary Perfumery

PAULINE ROCHAS
Developing Fragrances with a Personal Approach

 

Pauline Rochas works with scent as a way to observe how people experience their surroundings and how certain notes influence attention, mood, or rhythm.

 

The brand carries her name, yet its direction reflects a long development shaped by training, lived experience, and a consistent focus on sensory awareness. She grew up in an environment connected to perfumery through her grandparents Hélène and Marcel Rochas, who shaped a significant chapter in French fragrance history. This background forms an early point of orientation.

 
LE MILE Magazine Pauline Rochas Campaign  Mato Johannik

Pauline Rochas Campaign / seen by Mato Johannik

 
LE MILE Magazine Pauline Rochas Campaign  Mato Johannik highheels
 
LE MILE Magazine Pauline Rochas Campaign  Mato Johannik
 

Her own path emerged through photography, which she studied and practiced in New York. The work with still lifes and composition strengthened her sensitivity for detail, tone, and quiet structure. Over time, her interest expanded toward the world of scent, leading her to train in Grasse, where she learned the technical foundations of perfumery.

Her brand brings these strands together in a steady creative process. Each fragrance evolves through careful formulation and repeated fine-tuning with perfumers in France and Italy. Pauline selects materials for their clarity and character, working with natural ingredients whenever possible and shaping each composition through intuition and precise adjustments.

 

The Seven Collection reflects this approach. Each fragrance addresses a specific emotional or energetic focus and invites a moment of orientation within daily routines. The collection is structured with the intention to create sensory space and a sense of order. Vienna serves as her base of work and life. Her home studio functions as a testing ground for new ideas, with blotter strips, essences, and small batches forming a quiet landscape of ongoing research. People who visit for consultations encounter a slow and attentive process. Pauline encourages them to explore notes one by one, allowing associations and memories to surface naturally. This way of working mirrors her view that scent requires time, presence, and a certain openness to personal response.

 
 
LE MILE Magazine Portrait Pauline Rochas Campaign  Mato Johannik

Portrait of Pauline Rochas / seen by Mato Johannik

 
 
LE MILE Magazine Pauline Rochas Campaign  Mato Johannik

Pauline Rochas
EAU DE NUIT / NOCTURNAL

 
 

Physical spaces also play a role in the brand’s development. Pauline first introduced her fragrance Nocturnal in the Vienna Retti Store designed by Hans Hollein. The architectural clarity of the space aligned with her interest in structures that support sensory focus. Such presentations provide a setting where the fragrances can be experienced directly, without distraction, and where conversations about materials and process can unfold at an unhurried pace.

 

The brand continues to grow through measured steps. Each release is built from clear ideas and patient refinement, forming a coherent body of work that reflects Pauline’s background in photography, her experience in Grasse, and her ongoing interest in the emotional dimension of scent. Heritage remains present as a steady reference, while her own approach defines the identity of the brand. Through this combination, Pauline Rochas develops fragrances that accompany everyday moments and offer small anchors of presence within changing environments.

 

Pauline Rochas
www.paulinerochas.com

based in Vienna, Austria and creating contemporary fragrances developed in collaboration with perfumers in France and Italy
Pauline Rochas fragrances average price range: 150 € – 240 €

all images by Mato Johannik

onomao - Handcrafted Ceramics

onomao - Handcrafted Ceramics

.specials
onomao

*within Portuguese Craft Culture

 

written SARAH ARENDTS

 

onomao began in 2018 with a clear intention to bring traditional Portuguese craftsmanship into a contemporary context. The brand collaborates with small manufactories that work with regional clay and long-established production methods.

 

Every piece is shaped, glazed, and finished by hand, which creates subtle variations in surface and form. These variations are part of the identity of the objects and underline the direct connection to the people who make them. Packaging materials are reused, and shipments remain free of plastic.

 
 
onomao LE MILE Magazine small bowl pura rosa

onomao
small bowl pura rosa

 
onomao LE MILE Magazine aberta hand-painted orange

onomao
aberta hand-painted orange

 

The founders Arthur and Felix Wystrychowski grew up in Munich and developed an early interest in Portugal. Their regular travels for surfing brought them into contact with local workshops and with the atmosphere of regions where craft is part of everyday life. Arthur studied landscape architecture in Berlin and strengthened his interest in materiality, spatial order, and quiet design solutions. Felix trained as a cook in Portugal, later moved toward graphic design, and gained experience in visual communication. Their combined perspectives shaped the direction of the brand and guided their search for small manufactories that value continuity, responsibility, and fairness.

 

The collections show a broad range of forms and colors. onomao does not work with a single design language. Instead, the assortment includes tableware with sculptural silhouettes, soft curves, and straight lines, depending on the collection. The best-known line is called Traditional. It features pieces with a clear structure, balanced proportions, and glazes that reflect the character of Portuguese ceramic traditions. Other collections explore different approaches. Some use matte surfaces in warm earthy tones. Others bring in more saturated colors or glossy textures that highlight the material. The diversity in the assortment allows each piece to stand on its own while still fitting into a cohesive visual family.

 
 
onomao LE MILE Magazine large bowl deep plate natural white

onomao
large bowl deep plate natural white

 
 

onomao
www.onomao.com

based in Cologne, Germany and working with small Portuguese manufactories to produce handcrafted ceramics and homeware

onomao Traditional Collection average price range: 12 € – 45 €

 

onomao understands tableware as part of the everyday situations in which people pause, cook, and sit together. Meals often form the central moments of a household, and the founders see ceramics as one of the elements that quietly supports these routines. The collections differ in shape, color, and finish, yet they share a steady and unobtrusive presence that works in simple weekday settings as well as in larger gatherings. Forms range from strict lines to softer curves, and the glazes include muted tones, natural textures, and more saturated colors. This variety reflects the different ways kitchens function and how people choose to organize their daily rhythm.

 

It also reflects the founders’ interest in creating objects that remain practical while offering a sense of calm and order on the table.
Their collaboration with small Portuguese workshops follows the same principles. The manufactories work with regional clay and long-established methods, and the production decisions are shaped by continuity, material awareness, and respect for craft. These relationships have grown over time and form the foundation of onomao’s approach to design. New pieces are introduced carefully, without compromising the pace and structure of the workshops. This approach allows the assortment to evolve in a steady and deliberate way, keeping a clear connection to the people and regions involved in the production.

 
onomao LE MILE Magazine small and large plate natural white

onomao
small and large plate natural white

 
onomao LE MILE Magazine salad bowl sapphire blue classic

onomao
salad bowl sapphire blue classic

 
onomao LE MILE Magazine aberta hand-painted blue

onomao
aberta hand-painted blue

Yerevan Fashion Week - Home and Away

Yerevan Fashion Week - Home and Away

Home and Away
*The Yerevan Portraits

 

written CHIDOZIE OBASI

 

Nestled amid the nature-meets-brutalist setting of a vibrant city, Yerevan Fashion Week provides a compelling backdrop for emerging and established design, merging threads of innovation and tradition with potential for consumers and insiders alike.

 

While Spring might feel like a faraway fantasy, that needn’t be reflected in your wardrobe offerings. A surefire way to make a wealth of occasions slightly more appealing? Choosing to eschew traditional cuts and volumes for breezier kinds – or at least, integrating some flashes of colour into the mix. The Wave’s sculptural pieces; Manuk Aleksanyan’s beading; Loro Piana’s timeless classics; Faina’s naturalesque details: from longline dresses to conceal under coats, to the pieces sure to enliven any outfit, LE MILE shows you 8 ways to channel your eclectic style.

 
LE MILE Magazine Yerevan Fashion Week photo Lidia Virabyan dress THE WAVE

dress THE WAVE

 
LE MILE Magazine Yerevan Fashion Week photo Lidia Virabyan dress THE WAVE
 
 

total look LORO PIANA

 
 
LE MILE Magazine Yerevan Fashion Week photo Lidia Virabyan dress MANUK ALEKSANYAN loafers LORO PIANA

dress MANUK ALEKSANYAN
loafers LORO PIANA

 
LE MILE Magazine Yerevan Fashion Week photo Lidia Virabyan dress MANUK ALEKSANYAN loafers LORO PIANA
 
 
LE MILE Magazine Yerevan Fashion Week photo Lidia Virabyan total look BRIONI

total look BRIONI

 
 
LE MILE Magazine Yerevan Fashion Week photo Lidia Virabyan dress THE WAVE boots PREMIATA eyewear CALVIN KLEIN via Marchon Eyewear

dress THE WAVE
boots PREMIATA
eyewear CALVIN KLEIN via Marchon Eyewear

 
LE MILE Magazine Yerevan Fashion Week photo Lidia Virabyan dress FAINA

dress FAINA

 
 
LE MILE Magazine Yerevan Fashion Week photo Lidia Virabyan blazer & skirt FERRAGAMO shirt TORY BURCH

blazer + skirt FERRAGAMO
shirt TORY BURCH

 
 
 
photography  LIDIA VIRABYAN
fashion direction  CHIDOZIE OBASI
fashion  LISA MANCINI
model  SOFIA
video  KARO TERTERIAN
fashion assistants  INGA and VALENTIN
project coordination  ELEN MANUKYAN and VAHAN KHACHATRYAN
special thanks  @fdc_armenia

New Year in Lugano - Holiday Season Guide 2025

New Year in Lugano - Holiday Season Guide 2025

New Year in Lugano
How Lugano Sets the Tone for the 2026

 

written SARAH ARENDTS

 

The days leading into the new year often carry a quiet expectation. People look for places that allow them to reset, to shift into the next chapter with intention. In Lugano, the hotels of the DOT Lifestyle Collection create exactly that kind of environment. Each property approaches hospitality from a different angle, yet they share a sense of ease and clarity that feels right for the holiday season. Their locations above and around the lake give guests an immediate connection to light, stillness, and the rhythm of the city in winter.

 
LE MILE Magazine Villa Principe Leopoldo New Years Eve Lago di Lugano

Villa Principe Leopoldo
Lago di Lugano

 
LE MILE Magazine Villa Principe Leopoldo New Years Eve Lago di Lugano

Villa Principe Leopoldo
Lago di Lugano

 
LE MILE Magazine Villa Principe Leopoldo New Years Eve Lago di Lugano

Villa Principe Leopoldo
Lago di Lugano

 

Villa Principe Leopoldo has a presence shaped by its history and by its position overlooking Lake Lugano. The building once served as a private residence; today it offers a setting where the final days of the year feel spacious and grounded. Guests arrive to a house that moves at its own pace. The team focuses on creating an atmosphere that supports long dinners, conversations that extend into the evening, and mornings that unfold gradually. New Year’s Eve here is structured around time spent together at the table. The kitchen develops a menu that reflects Italian technique and local ingredients, and the evening becomes a sequence of moments. On New Year’s Day, breakfast on the terrace or in one of the salons sets a calm tone for the year ahead.

Higher up in the hills, the Kurhaus Cademario offers a different rhythm. The property is known for its wellness focus, and it becomes especially relevant in late December when people look for quiet and clarity. The indoor and outdoor spa areas create long stretches of time where guests can detach from the usual pace. The view across the valley and the lake adds to that sense of distance from daily life. Dinner on New Year’s Eve follows a refined but understated approach. The cooking centers on regional products, seasonal flavors, and a style that feels aligned with the house’s emphasis on balance. For guests who want to start the year with intention rather than intensity, the Kurhaus becomes a fitting choice.

 

Back in Lugano, the Villa Sassa sits closer to the center and carries a more urban energy. The hotel brings together people who want movement, light, and a social environment while still staying within a relaxed setting. Evenings here often stretch into small gatherings at the bar or on the terrace when weather allows. For the holiday season, the atmosphere becomes slightly more festive without losing its sense of ease. New Year’s Eve is lively, shaped by music and a more dynamic dinner service. On the first morning of the year, the long brunch with a view of the lake gives the experience a calm finish.

 
LE MILE Magazine Villa Principe Leopoldo New Years Eve Lago di Lugano painting of a dancing couple
 
LE MILE Magazine Villa Principe Leopoldo New Years Eve Lago di Lugano

Villa Principe Leopoldo
Lago di Lugano

 
LE MILE Magazine Villa Principe Leopoldo New Years Eve Lago di Lugano

Villa Principe Leopoldo
Lago di Lugano

 

Taken together, the three hotels form a clear recommendation for anyone planning the holiday season or the transition into the new year. Villa Principe Leopoldo for presence and elegance, Kurhaus Cademario for quiet restoration, and Villa Sassa for a more social and energetic stay. Lugano in winter has a specific charm, and the DOT Lifestyle Collection offers three distinct ways to experience it—with time, space, and attention to detail. Enjoy!


discover more Villa Principe Leopoldo

 

Wellnesshotel Wittelsbach - A Steady Wellness Stay

Wellnesshotel Wittelsbach - A Steady Wellness Stay

.culture vulture
Days of Quiet Rhythm in the Sky Spa
at Wellnesshotel Wittelsbach

 

written ALBAN E. SMAJLI

 

The arrival in Bad Füssing forms a particular first impression, because the town consists mainly of hotels and wellness facilities, and the atmosphere settles once the entrance of Wellnesshotel Wittelsbach comes into view with its fresh interior and the sense that the stay can unfold entirely inside this building.

 

The lobby opens with warm colors, soft materials and a balanced light that eases the transition from the road into the steady rhythm of the hotel. Our experience took place in autumn during bright days, and the sunlight shaped the interior in a way that made every surface feel warm and calm, especially because the colors and textures supported long stretches of rest without distraction. The room contained thoughtful furniture, and we settled into it quickly because it felt immediately comfortable.

 
Hotel Wittelsbach Review Bad Füssing Alex Filz Hotel Room LE MILE Magazine

Hotel Wittelsbach
Interior Design, Superior Room seen by Alex Filz

 
Hotel Wittelsbach Review Bad Füssing Alex Filz Hotel Room LE MILE Magazine

Hotel Wittelsbach
Interior Design, Superior Room seen by Alex Filz

 
Hotel Wittelsbach Review Bad Füssing Alex Filz Lobby LE MILE Magazine

Hotel Wittelsbach
Lobby seen by Alex Filz

 

The Sky Spa forms the center of the entire experience, and the placement on the highest level of the building creates a feeling of being slightly lifted above the town. The saunas, the quiet zones and the view toward the Alps form a setting that encourages slow movement and long pauses. One evening stands out with particular clarity, because the moon appeared in a size and brightness that felt rare, and the moment after sunset when we stepped into the relaxation area showed the landscape in a very steady alignment of mountains, sky and soft light. The warmth of the sauna, the cool evening air on the terrace and the quiet inside the room formed a sequence that shaped the entire night. The indoor thermal pool on the ground floor carries the warm regional water in a way that supports quiet floating and slow swimming, while the outdoor pool creates a refreshing shift when the air turns cooler. The massage area offers full body treatments, ayurveda sessions and various options for guests who want a deeper form of rest, and the atmosphere inside the cabins remains consistent with the calm design language found throughout the spa.

 

The days follow a gentle structure, and the hotel supports this with a clear culinary rhythm. Breakfast includes a wide selection with regional influences, and the dining room maintains a balanced tone through warm colors and soft materials. In the evening, dinner unfolds with a buffet for the starters, and guests create their own beginning to the meal before choosing a main course from the menu, which includes dishes built around fish, meat or vegan options. The combination feels flexible and easy, and the thoughtful preparation gives the meals a steady continuity throughout the stay. Desserts arrive with a calm sense of order, and the wines available at dinner support the courses without drawing attention away from the relaxed atmosphere. During the afternoon, the café O´Lala offers pastries and small dishes from the in-house patisserie, which creates a small moment of indulgence within the daily flow of spa and rest.

 
Hotel Wittelsbach Review Bad Füssing Alex Filz Sky Spa Sauna LE MILE Magazine

Hotel Wittelsbach
Sky Sauna seen by Alex Filz

 
Hotel Wittelsbach Review Bad Füssing Alex Filz Spa Sauna LE MILE Magazine

Hotel Wittelsbach
Steam Sauna seen by Alex Filz

 
Hotel Wittelsbach Review Bad Füssing Alex Filz Restaurant LE MILE Magazine

Hotel Wittelsbach
Restaurant seen by Alex Filz

 

Bad Füssing carries a particular character, because the town stands almost entirely on wellness traditions, and this influences the surroundings through quiet streets, open paths and a slow pace. At first, this setting feels unusual, and the Wellnesshotel Wittelsbach benefits from this through its complete offering inside the building, which creates an environment where every part of the day unfolds within walking distance and without planning. Walks around the area follow flat routes through small parks and calm streets, and bicycles extend the reach toward the fields and wider landscapes. The hotel’s design brings a sense of clarity into this environment, and the atmosphere inside the property remains steady from morning to night.

 

The overall experience at Wellnesshotel Wittelsbach grows from the alignment of architecture, thermal tradition and a comprehensive wellness program that fills each day with quiet presence. The Sky Sauna shapes this rhythm with its broad views and warm interiors, while the pools, the treatments and the resting zones hold the pace throughout the building. The rooms provide space for slowing down, and the culinary structure supports the day with a clear and gentle sequence. Our stay carried a personal sense of ease, and the brightness of the season, the calm water, the thoughtful meals and the view toward the mountains created a continuous flow of rest that stayed with us long after leaving.

 

Hofgut Hafnerleiten - A Calm Retreat Story

Hofgut Hafnerleiten - A Calm Retreat Story

.culture vulture
Architecture, Landscape and Rest
at Hofgut Hafnerleiten

 

written ALBAN E. SMAJLI

 

The arrival at Hofgut Hafnerleiten creates a steady shift in atmosphere, because the property sits within a wide landscape that gives every structure generous space and a clear relationship to its surroundings.

 

The road from Bad Birnbach passes open fields and forest edges, and the entrance to the Hofgut introduces a calm rhythm that shapes the entire experience from the very beginning. The first steps through the Brunnenhaus lead into the courtyard, and this small transition helps guests enter the mindset that the location invites.

 
Hofgut Hafnerleiten Baumhaus Hafnerleiten photo Julian Garuzzi  LE MILE Magazine

Hofgut Hafnerleiten
Baumhaus seen by Joschija Bauer

 
Hofgut Hafnerleiten Haus am Feld Hofgut Hafnerleiten photo Joschija Bauer LE MILE Magazine

Hofgut Hafnerleiten
Haus am Feld seen by Joschija Bauer

 
Hofgut Hafnerleiten Sauna am See Hofgut Hafnerleiten photo Joschija Bauer LE MILE Magazine

Hofgut Hafnerleiten
Sauna seen by Joschija Bauer

 

During our visit, we stayed in the Wiesenhaus, which features a planted roof, a large window front, a fireplace and a private sauna. The house stands slightly raised above a meadow, and this setting creates a very steady sense of privacy throughout the day. The interior supports long stretches of rest, because the living area flows naturally into the outdoor view and into the warm zones around the sauna and the fire. The days unfolded in autumn, marked by continuous rain and low temperatures, and the Wiesenhaus offered an environment that allowed long hours of reading, thinking and quiet activities without any pressure to leave the house. The absence of a television strengthened this quality, because the interior stayed free from digital noise and encouraged an unhurried rhythm.

The structure of the day at the Hofgut follows a gentle sequence. In the morning, the team delivers a breakfast basket directly to the house, and the selection inside the basket forms a balanced and refreshing start to the day. During the afternoon, the property remains peaceful, and guests move between their themed houses, the wellness cubes and the surrounding paths. At six in the evening, the team hosts an aperitif in the courtyard, and this moment allows short conversations with other guests and introduces the evening with an easy sense of togetherness.

 

Dinner happens either in the GenussHOF at one long communal table, where guests share the evening in a relaxed and open setting, or inside the individual houses for those who prefer a fully private atmosphere. The kitchen team cooks with a very clear focus on seasonal ingredients, and every course arrives with thoughtful combinations that highlight the quality of the produce. The meals follow a steady rhythm with a warm starter, a carefully prepared main dish and a dessert that completes the sequence with balance and precision. The flavors feel clean and direct, and the presentation reflects the same calm and confident approach found throughout the property. The team presented each course with steady precision, and the structure of the menu created an experience that carried a quiet sense of care. The atmosphere inside the Wiesenhaus shaped every dinner in a consistently pleasant way, because the food aligned beautifully with the calm interior and the view into the garden. During dinner, we enjoyed the Iphöfer Kronsberg Scheurebe from the Brennfleck winery, which complemented the menu with a fresh and balanced profile.

 
Hofgut Hafnerleiten Baumhaus Inside Hafnerleiten photo Mona Ortner LE MILE Magazine

Hofgut Hafnerleiten
Baumhaus seen by Mona Ortner

 
Hofgut Hafnerleiten Wiesenhaus Sauna Hafnerleiten photo Mona Ortner  LE MILE Magazine

Hofgut Hafnerleiten
Wiesenhaus Sauna seen by Mona Ortner

 
Hofgut Hafnerleiten Wiesenhaus Hafnerleiten photo Mona Ortner LE MILE Magazine

Hofgut Hafnerleiten
Wiesenhaus seen by Mona Ortner

 

The surroundings of the Hofgut include forest paths, meadows and a quiet rural setting that encourages long walks without planning. The proximity to nature becomes part of the day in a steady and unobtrusive way. The Hofgut’s four cats appear at various moments with an easy familiarity, and these small encounters create warm moments without seeking attention. The staff maintains a consistently friendly presence, and each interaction carries a clarity that shapes the relaxed rhythm of the place.
The overall experience at Hofgut Hafnerleiten comes from a combination of architecture, landscape and hospitality that work together without excess or distraction. The themed houses, the culinary structure, the spacious grounds and the calm rhythm create a stay that supports rest, presence and personal focus in a very steady way.


discover more HOFGUT HAFNERLEITEN

 

SECRID and the Culture of the Pocket

SECRID and the Culture of the Pocket

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SECRID
*Industrial Design for Everyday Carry

 

written MONICA DE LUNA

 

Since 1995, SECRID has focused on pocket-sized accessories shaped by industrial design, clarity and careful material work.

 

Founded by René and Marianne van Geer in the Netherlands, the brand continues to produce locally, with assembly done in collaboration with social enterprises. This setup supports consistent quality and a transparent, regionally rooted production model.

 
 
SECRID Cardprotector hamerstones LE MILE Magazine

SECRID
Cardprotector Hamerstones

 
SECRID Chalk Combination of the Emboss Diamond and Chalk Edition LE MILE Magazine

SECRID
Chalk Combination of the Emboss Diamond and Chalk Edition

 

The Cardprotector introduced a compact aluminium format with a mechanical access system for cards. Its patented Autolock mechanism regulates the controlled release of cards and supports single-handed use. This simple movement aligns with everyday situations shaped by contactless payments, transit systems and workplace access. The Cardprotector became the structural foundation for the entire SECRID collection and continues to define its handling experience.

The Cardprotector+, introduced in 2025, strengthens this foundation. An internal reinforcement plate supports frequent use while maintaining the familiar format and lever operation. It forms the core of the premium+ collection — a fully vegan line that focuses on refined materials, structured surfaces and long-term usability.

 

Hammerstone adds a distinct material expression to the collection. It uses recycled aluminium finished through an industrial impact technique that produces a matte, textured surface. Available in Charcoal, Azure and Navy, Hammerstone supports a lifestyle shaped by movement, daily commuting and travel, where a stable, durable surface performs well and integrates naturally into routine handling.

 
 
SECRID FW25 Cardprotector+ Fluted Cashmere LE MILE Magazine

SECRID
Cardprotector+ FW25 Fluted Cashmere

 

Prices from €34,50 for the Cardprotector, €39,95 for the Cardprotector+, €44,95 for Hammerstone, and €64,95 for the Emboss Diamond Chalk Edition

— explore the full collection at www.secrid.com

 

Emboss Diamond Chalk presents another direction within the premium+ collection. The geometric embossing, created with high-precision steel tools, forms a consistent pattern across the leather. Chalk introduces a controlled, mineral-like tone designed for visual clarity. Each model in this category is centred around the Cardprotector+ mechanism, linking the structured surface to SECRID’s most advanced internal construction.

 

SECRID’s relevance today lies in how its products support the organisation of everyday essentials. Many people move between physical cards, digital identities and various access systems throughout the day. A compact format that structures these elements reduces friction and creates a steady, predictable flow in daily use — whether at transport hubs, in shops, in offices or while travelling. SECRID’s accessories are designed to fit directly into this rhythm, remaining discreet in size and consistent in handling.
Across all categories, SECRID maintains local production and close material oversight. The brand works with European suppliers under strict environmental standards and assembles its products in supervised, inclusive workshops. The result is a collection shaped by Dutch industrial thinking, material discipline and a focus on pocket formats that support modern life with clarity and intention.

 
SECRID FW25 Cardprotector+ Premium Fluted Orange LE MILE Magazine

SECRID
Cardprotector+ FW25 Fluted Orange

 
SECRID FW25 Cardprotector+ Premium Fluted Orange LE MILE Magazine
 
SECRID FW25  Cardprotector+  Premium Fluted Orange Cashmere Silver Teal Black LE MILE Magazine

SECRID
Cardprotector+ FW25 in Fluted Orange, Cashmere, Silver, Teal, and Black

OKM - The Heritage of Sleep

OKM - The Heritage of Sleep

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The Heritage of Sleep with OKM 

*Eight Decades of German Bedding Craftsmanship

 

written SARAH ARENDTS

 

For almost eighty years, OKM has stood for precision, craftsmanship, and enduring quality in the production of bedding. Founded in 1946 and based in Altenberge, in Germany’s Münsterland region, the family-run manufacturer continues to operate where it began, guided by values of responsibility, transparency, and mastery of the craft. Every of their products is made in-house, by hand, combining traditional expertise with advanced manufacturing processes.

 
 
OKM luxury handcrafted down and feather bedding le mile magazine
 
OKM luxury handcrafted down and feather bedding le mile magazine

OKM pillows bring handcrafted comfort and quiet precision to contemporary interiors.

OKM luxury handcrafted down and feather bedding le mile magazine
 

The company’s history reflects continuity and dedication to excellence. Over the decades, OKM has cultivated a clear identity focused on bedding that meets the highest technical and sensory standards. Each duvet and pillow is cut, filled, and finished under one roof through a sequence of precise manual steps. Quality accompanies every stage of production, supported by a controlled process that ensures consistency and reliability.

At the core of OKM’s philosophy lies an uncompromising approach to materials. The company works exclusively with new, Class I goose down and feathers from certified, traceable sources that comply with the DOWNPASS standard for ethical sourcing and full transparency. The fabrics that encase the fillings are tightly woven cotton of the highest grade, certified according to OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 and suitable for sensitive skin. The dense weave of the cotton covers meets NOMITE® criteria, creating an environment ideal for people prone to allergies and ensuring lasting purity in daily use.

 

This focus on material integrity defines OKM’s idea of quality. Each product is created with precision, technical skill, and attention to long-term performance. The brand’s visual language follows the same clarity: calm, refined, and functional. Every piece is conceived for comfort, tactile harmony, and durability.

OKM’s collection consists of two lines, Signature and Bespoke. The Signature line represents the essence of the brand — superior materials, handmade precision, and immediate availability within a few days. The Bespoke line extends the experience through full customization. Customers can configure every element of their bedding, from size and firmness to piping color and embroidered initials. This personal detail echoes the atmosphere of luxury hotel bedding and introduces a sense of individual refinement to the home.

 

The process of personalization turns bedding into an individual composition of comfort and identity. Each configuration allows the user to select their preferred balance of softness and support, adapting the product precisely to their sleeping habits. The Bespoke service brings together the principles of craftsmanship and hospitality, translating artisanal expertise into a contemporary form of service.
Behind every piece lies a clear vision, to combine traditional handcraft with sustainability and transparency. OKM works with natural, renewable materials and maintains European production standards that favor longevity and ethical responsibility. The company operates with measured scale, ensuring full control of production and maintaining a level of quality that reflects its heritage.

 
OKM luxury handcrafted down and feather bedding le mile magazine

Down filling being measured by hand. Each pillow is precisely filled with ethically sourced down to achieve the desired softness.

 
OKM luxury handcrafted down and feather bedding le mile magazine

Essential materials for OKM’s handcrafted pillows — fine cotton fabric, pure down, feather filling, and sewing tools prepared for precise hand assembly in the Altenberge manufactory.

 

OKM
www.o-k-m.com

based in Altenberge, Germany

producing handcrafted down and feather bedding — made from certified natural materials in their own manufactory

 
OKM luxury handcrafted down and feather bedding le mile magazine

Custom-made 3-chamber pillows by OKM. Each piece combines a supportive feather core with soft down layers and can be personalized with size, firmness, and embroidered details.

OKM luxury handcrafted down and feather bedding le mile magazine
 

Today, OKM continues to uphold its reputation for precision and trustworthiness. All product leaving the factory in Altenberge carries a distinct signature of German handcraft, attention to detail, and a dedication to lasting comfort. The brand stands for refined bedding that performs to the highest standard and preserves a tradition of excellence passed through generations. Enjoy restful nights with OKM.

SALZWASSER - Lennart Henze on Sustainable Fashion

SALZWASSER - Lennart Henze on Sustainable Fashion

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From the Coast to the Studio

*How SALZWASSER Turns Simplicity Into a Design Language

 

written SARAH ARENDTS

 

SALZWASSER was born where the wind carries salt across the shore and the horizon never ends. Founded in 2019 on the North Sea island of Norderney, SALZWASSER marks its sixth anniversary. What began on the coast has grown into a Hamburg-based studio that continues to work within Europe, maintaining short production routes and close collaborations.

 

Each piece starts with material selection: Merino wool, organic cotton, linen. Natural fibers chosen for their quality and origin. Production takes place in Italy, Portugal, and Germany, where every step is clearly defined and carried out with consistency. The result is clothing designed to last, made without synthetics, focused on fit, proportion, and longevity. The current collection continues this approach with knitwear made entirely from Merino wool — soft, breathable, and structurally stable for years of wear.

 
E MILE Magazine SALZWASSER sustainable fashion hamburg herren troyer aus merinowolle in dunkelblau
 
LE MILE Magazine SALZWASSER sustainable fashion hamburg Lennart Henze

SALZWASSER
founder: Lennart Henze

 
 

Sarah Arendts
What was the starting point for the special quality that defines the brand today?

Lennart Henze
For me, it all begins with a deep love for good products — for things that stay with you for a long time and get better every day. I realized early on that true quality is never a coincidence; it comes from patience, care, and the courage to leave nothing to chance.
I’m fascinated by materials, construction, and tactile experiences — how a fabric falls, how a knit breathes. SALZWASSER was born out of this dedication: the ambition to create clothing that feels substantial, is impeccably crafted, and is not designed for just one season but for a life full of good moments.

The new knit styles made from 100% Merino wool expand your core collection. How did the idea for this collection develop?

The collection emerged from the desire to use natural materials in their purest form.
Merino comes with natural properties: temperature-regulating, soft, breathable — and without any synthetics, it performs better than many technical fibers.
After our more distinctive, technical-looking half-zip sweaters, we wanted to create knits that are even more reduced: simple crewnecks with subtle knit structures — understated and timeless.
Once again, made as a mono-material: no synthetics, 100% Merino wool. For us, this was a logical step — moving away from synthetics and towards a pure, natural material world that harnesses the best performance nature has to offer.

Your half-zip sweaters have long become synonymous with SALZWASSER. When did you realize they were more than just a classic pullover?

When I noticed that we hadn’t just adapted a classic half-zip — we had reimagined it.
The half-cardigan structure, used inside-out, the modern, slightly looser cut — that’s what made it unique. Bolder, more contemporary. And then came the decision to produce entirely without synthetics and even achieve GOTS certification — something rare in this category.
The fact that the sweater was so well received and that we were able to expand it twice through crowdfunding showed us that people value the full package: natural fibers and sustainability, quality, and European production.

Italy, Germany, Portugal — what connects these places for you?

First of all: quality and craftsmanship. Each of these countries has its own textile handwriting, and we value them all. Germany is our home, where everything began — on Norderney, in the far north. Portugal is a place of longing and inspiration for me — the coast, the light, the calm. Italy brings its own warmth and elegance — and a precise textile tradition.
And, of course, there’s something else connecting them: a transparent European supply chain.
Shorter routes, more personal relationships, responsible production. These places are part of our identity — reflected in our colors, our aesthetics, and our sense of nature and timelessnes.

 
LE MILE Magazine SALZWASSER sustainable fashion hamburg nachhaltige mode
 
LE MILE Magazine SALZWASSER sustainable fashion hamburg nachhaltige mode
 
 

How do you prevent sustainability from becoming rhetoric?

By not treating it as marketing, but as a mindset. And by enabling people to understand what real responsibility means: natural materials, European manufacturing, transparency. For us, sustainability isn’t a concept — it’s our starting point.

Where does design begin for you?

Design begins for us with reduction and responsibility. We follow a circular textile design approach, focusing on mono-materials, natural fibers instead of synthetics, and long-lasting construction. At the same time, we aim to create a stronger emotional connection to each piece — through timeless, minimalist forms that people can truly live with.
We don’t think in seasonal cycles or collections, but work on a continuous range. Our vision is clear: Focus on Essentials. Design evolves through subtraction — until only what is meaningful, beautiful, and lasting remains.

Timelessness — more about endurance or calm?

For me, timelessness is calm — and from that, endurance follows. A calm cut, reduced details, natural tones that never shout.

What role do places play — sea, light, the North?

SALZWASSER was born on the rough northern coasts. Coasts have always been places of longing and calm. Traditionally, people living by the sea have mastered a slow, minimalist, and simple way of life. They value durable gear and meaningful experiences with nature — they focus on what truly matters. With a contemporary design approach, SALZWASSER translates this lifestyle and mindset into modern everyday clothing — for city, countryside, and coast. It reminds people of moments of longing and allows a return to what’s essential. Focus on Essentials.

What should people feel when they wear SALZWASSER?

Freedom.

Calm.

And focus on what truly matters.


 
LE MILE Magazine SALZWASSER sustainable fashion hamburg nachhaltige mode pullover
LE MILE Magazine SALZWASSER sustainable fashion hamburg nachhaltige mode pullover and jeans
 
LE MILE Magazine SALZWASSER sustainable fashion hamburg nachhaltige mode salzwasser fw25
 

SALZWASSER
www.salzwasser.eu

based in Hamburg, Germany
designing timeless essentials from natural fibers — all made in Europe

 

At SALZWASSER, sustainability means durability, repairability, and transparent production within Europe. Every decision, from the yarn to the finished garment, follows this logic. The aesthetic remains consistent, defined by quiet lines, natural tones and functional clarity. As the brand enters its sixth year, SALZWASSER reaffirms its commitment to creating garments built for purpose and time.

 
LE MILE Magazine SALZWASSER sustainable fashion hamburg nachhaltige mode salzwasser fw25
 
LE MILE Magazine SALZWASSER sustainable fashion hamburg nachhaltige mode salzwasser fw25
LE MILE Magazine SALZWASSER sustainable fashion hamburg nachhaltige mode salzwasser fw25

DEPORTES MEN SKINCARE - The Discipline of Clarity

DEPORTES MEN SKINCARE - The Discipline of Clarity

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DEPORTES MEN SKINCARE

*The Architecture of Active Skin

 

written AMANDA MORTENSON

 

From the first light of morning to the slow stillness of evening, care takes on the form of ritual. Performance Meets Purity — a philosophy that defines DEPORTES Men Skincare with precision and calm purpose.

 

Founded on a science of structure and endurance, the brand constructs a system of skincare that feels architectural in its balance and measured in its intent. Every formula, every surface, every gesture aligns with a single idea — that skin, like movement, thrives through consistency.

 
 
LE MILE Magazine Deportes Mens Skincare

Deportes
Mens Skincare

 
Deportes Mens Skincare Products

Deportes
Mens Skincare

 

he name carries the tone of vitality. Drawn from the Spanish word for sport, Deportes speaks of discipline, clarity, momentum. The brand approaches skincare as part of a broader physical culture, an extension of the body’s intelligence and an essential part of a healthy, high-performing lifestyle. Within its collection, the gestures of cleansing and hydration echo the rhythm of training, rest, and recovery. The focus remains steady — to maintain balance, sustain energy, and strengthen the surface in tune with the pulse beneath it.

Formulas built from niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and panthenol create the foundation of this quiet structure. Developed through clinical research and produced sustainably in Europe, each composition follows the skin’s own logic, enhancing its ability to retain moisture, regulate texture, and rebuild strength. The Daily Face Cleanser begins the sequence — a soft foam that clears and resets. The Active Face Cream continues with even tone and moisture retention, sealing resilience into the skin’s structure. The Hydra Gel introduces cool clarity, while the Eye Roll-On restores focus and energy through touch. Together, they form a disciplined rhythm of renewal, each step leading seamlessly into the next.

 

Design follows the same philosophy. The collection’s visual language unfolds in white and silver, a study of proportion and tactility. Smooth matte textures catch the light with quiet assurance, the logo pressed into the surface rather than printed across it. The result feels essential and composed — objects that belong on a shelf yet carry the intimacy of tools. Every element functions with precision, from the weight of the bottle to the angle of the typography, balancing surface and substance. Laboratory production in Germany ensures integrity at every stage; each product is vegan and dermatologically tested, formulated without parabens, silicones, microplastics, or synthetic dyes. Transparency and ethical responsibility are integral to the process — translating awareness into the texture of daily care.

 
LE-MILE-Magazine-Deportes-Mens-Skincare

Deportes
Mens Skincare

 
LE MILE Magazine Deportes Mens Skincare

Deportes
Mens Skincare

 

Through each gesture, the brand proposes a new form of attention. Application becomes a pause in motion — a moment where skin and mind align. The textures interact with temperature and breath, creating continuity between body and awareness. Nothing feels added for effect; everything functions as part of a larger movement that begins with contact and ends in equilibrium. Over time, repetition becomes rhythm, and rhythm becomes presence.

 

The world of DEPORTES lives at the intersection of architecture and performance. Its language echoes the order of minimal design, the precision of training, and the meditative rhythm of repetition. The collection carries stillness within activity, grace within effort, and form within care. What emerges is a quiet endurance — a balance that extends beyond the surface into the state of being itself. Each product contributes to this dialogue between design and vitality. The line holds its structure through clarity and patience, moving steadily. DEPORTES offers continuity — a way of caring that listens more than it speaks, that builds strength through awareness, and that restores balance through ritual. It belongs to the architecture of daily life, where discipline becomes comfort and renewal becomes form.

 
 
LE MILE Magazine Deportes Mens Skincare

Deportes
Mens Skincare

The collection includes the Daily Face Cleanser, Active Face Cream, Hydra Gel, and Eye Roll-On, each formulated for clarity, regeneration, precision. All products are vegan, dermatologically tested, and made in Germany under controlled laboratory standards.

Prices from: Daily Face Cleanser €28, Active Face Cream €42, Hydra Gel €38, Eye Roll-On €34.

Explore the full collection: www.deportesmenskincare.com

 

Inside Shop Like You Give a Damn - Sustainable Fashion

Inside Shop Like You Give a Damn - Sustainable Fashion

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SHOP LIKE YOU GIVE A DAMN
*A Department Store for the Future of Compassion

 

written AMANDA MORTENSON

 

Shop Like You Give a Damn was founded by Alex Jansen, Kim van Langelaar, and Stephan Stegeman to make ethical choices straightforward. Early on, the team tried to verify the ethical claims of brands they admired and discovered that reliable data to separate intention from reality was missing.

 

Together with a tech partner, they built an AI-supported assessment framework and tested it on a selection of the most ethical brands, but none met every criterion. The lesson became their principle of better, not perfect. The platform has been 100 percent vegan since day one and curates brands around three non-negotiable pillars of animals, people and planet. Its goal is progress backed by proof, with transparency throughout the production chain, fair labour and a smaller footprint. The team has assessed thousands of labels, works closely with more than 150 of them and continues to raise the bar through dialogue, evidence and clear standards.

 
LE MILE Magazine Shop Like You Give A Damn Brand DAWN FW25

DAWN

 
 
Shop Like You Give A Damn founding team Kim van Laar, Stephan Stegeman, and Alex Jansen

Shop Like You Give A Damn
founding team: Kim van Langelaar, Stephan Stegeman, and Alex Jansen

 
 

Amanda Mortenson
“Better, not perfect” is a central idea behind what you want to communicate. How did this become a guiding philosophy for Shop Like You Give a Damn, and how do you embody it in your decisions?

Stephan Stegeman
“Better, not perfect” became our mantra after an eye-opening experience early in our journey. About five years ago, we set out to verify every ethical claim our brands were making. We give a damn about animals, people and the planet, so it was crucial to ensure every brand on our platform truly aligned with our values — always vegan, fair and as sustainable as possible.

But we quickly hit a roadblock: there wasn’t enough reliable information to say with confidence which brands were genuinely better than conventional fast fashion. That uncertainty kept us up at night. Then a tech startup approached us with an AI-driven tool to verify sustainability claims. We worked together for six months to build a framework and tested it on what we thought were the hundred most ethical brands. The results were humbling — not a single one met all our criteria.

That experience crystallised our philosophy. If we chased perfection, we’d have no brands left to support, and that helps no one. So we decided to champion progress — brands that are proudly vegan, treat workers fairly and work to minimise their environmental impact. Every decision we make starts with asking: is this better for animals, people and the planet? If yes, it’s on the right path. We’ve now assessed over two thousand brands, using that knowledge to keep raising the bar and helping good ones get even better.

In your view, what are the biggest misconceptions people have about “sustainable fashion” and veganism?

One of the biggest misconceptions about sustainable fashion is that it’s actually sustainable. It isn’t — at best, it’s a less harmful version of regular fashion. Producing new clothing always consumes materials, water and energy, and generates waste and emissions. The fashion industry still accounts for around ten percent of global carbon emissions — more than all international flights and shipping combined.

The most sustainable choice is not buying new clothes at all. Using what you already have longer and consuming less is the best way to reduce impact. After that comes reusing, swapping or buying second-hand. If you must buy new, choose responsible brands that use better materials and fair production.

When it comes to vegan fashion, many people don’t realise it’s more than diet — it’s also about what we wear. Materials like wool, silk and leather all involve animal suffering and serious environmental costs. Wool, for instance, often involves painful procedures like mulesing and enormous water use. Leather isn’t just a by-product of meat — it’s its own industry, with chemical-heavy tanning that harms both workers and ecosystems. True vegan fashion means avoiding all animal materials and choosing plant-based or innovative alternatives, from organic cotton to apple, mushroom or cactus leather. It’s not impact-free, but it’s far less harmful.

When you look at materials, what trade-offs do you see most often, and which ones surprise people the most?

When you start really looking into materials, you realise there’s no such thing as a perfect one. Every fabric comes with trade-offs — it’s about choosing what does the least harm while moving the industry in a better direction.
Many people are surprised to learn that most vegan leathers still include some form of plastic, like polyurethane. That’s not ideal, but compared to animal leather — which involves suffering, toxic tanning and high emissions — a responsibly made PU- or bio-based leather is still a better choice.

The same goes for plant-based fabrics. Cotton sounds sustainable because it’s natural, but conventional cotton is extremely water- and pesticide-intensive. Organic cotton is better, but not perfect. Recycled fibres and low-impact blends help, yet they depend on proper recycling systems that don’t exist at scale.

What surprises people most is that natural doesn’t automatically mean sustainable, and synthetic doesn’t always mean bad. A “natural” fibre like wool or silk can have major animal rights and environmental issues, while a recycled polyester might have a smaller footprint if it’s kept in circulation.

At Shop Like You Give a Damn, we try to navigate those grey areas honestly. We look for what’s vegan, fair and more sustainable — accepting imperfection while supporting innovation. Real progress happens not when we find one flawless material but when the entire industry shifts its mindset from exploitation to responsibility.

How do you draw the line between what’s “good enough” and what’s still too problematic?

For us, the line starts with being 100 percent vegan — that’s non-negotiable. From there, we ask whether something is genuinely better than the mainstream alternative. That means no greenwashing, no empty buzzwords — just real, evidence-based improvement.

We have clear internal guidelines on what materials we accept. Products must be made from fabrics that are not harmful to animals and significantly less harmful to people and the planet. On labour, it gets more complex. Ideally, every worker earns a living wage, but not every region is there yet. Sometimes a verified minimum wage plus transparent progress toward a living wage can be acceptable for now. The key word is progress.

So “good enough” doesn’t mean perfect; it means effort, transparency and direction. If a brand is vegan, pays fairly and uses better materials, we’re happy to stand behind them. But if any of those pillars — animals, people or the planet — are missing, it’s not good enough.

You require sellers to adhere to your values. How do you support them in improving over time?

When we assess brands, we ask a lot of difficult questions and explain why certain choices don’t meet our standards yet. Even if a brand isn’t ready to join us right away, we often see them come back after improving.

We’re now working with over 150 brands, so we have a good understanding of where they tend to struggle and what helps them grow. Our goal is to use that shared knowledge to bring brands together, because this isn’t a competition. If we want to change the fashion industry, we need to do it collectively. One twig breaks easily, but a bundle doesn’t. That’s how we see ethical fashion — as a community. In the near future, we want to invest even more in that network, helping brands learn from each other and expand our collective impact.

 
LE MILE Magazine Shop Like You Give A Damn Brand KnowledgeCotton Apparel

KnowledgeCotton Apparel

 
LE MILE Magazine Shop Like You Give A Damn Brand Kings of Indigo AW25

Kings of Indigo

 
 

How do you communicate nuance or “imperfection” to your customers, without alienating or confusing them?

We try to be as factual and transparent as possible. That means saying we’re “more sustainable,” not “sustainable.” It might sound small, but it matters. Every product has an impact, and the goal is to make that impact smaller — not to pretend it doesn’t exist.

We remove vague or misleading claims like “eco-friendly” unless there’s real proof. And we make sure our language never excludes or offends anyone. Ethical shopping should feel approachable, not moralising. When people buy from us, we want them to know they’re making one of the best choices available — not a perfect one, but a conscious one that’s better for animals, people and the planet.

Recently, Shop Like You Give a Damn acquired the website of NOAH Italian Vegan Shoes. What motivated that move, and how will you integrate its legacy?

Our decision came from deep respect for NOAH’s pioneering role in vegan fashion and a shared desire to carry its mission forward. Founded in 2009, NOAH spent sixteen years proving that high-quality design can be completely vegan and ethical. It was one of the first brands we partnered with after our launch in 2018 and had long been a pillar of the community.

When NOAH announced its closure, we didn’t want that legacy to disappear. By acquiring its website, we can ensure that everything it built continues — its vision of compassionate, high-quality vegan fashion will live on and reach new audiences.

As you scale, what are the hardest tensions you face?

One of the hardest parts of running a sustainable company is making choices that are good for sustainability but bad for business. We’ve onboarded brands that customers love but later had to remove because they no longer met our standards.

It’s tough, because building a truly ethical business is difficult. Many brands and platforms have disappeared for that reason. But to make a real impact, a company also needs to earn enough to sustain its team. Only then can it continue to drive change. Balancing credibility and survival is never easy, but it’s essential.

What keeps you and your team motivated?

Most people in our company are vegan for the animals, and that shapes everything we do. It’s about compassion — making sure we don’t exploit people or destroy the planet. Even in hard times, when resources are tight or things get complicated, those values keep us inspired and focused on why we started this in the first place.

Looking ahead five to ten years, what do you dream Shop Like You Give a Damn could become?

I hope that in the next decade we’ll be the leading vegan, fair and sustainable fashion marketplace in the world. I want us to continue raising awareness about the problems in fast fashion while offering people an easy, enjoyable and trustworthy alternative.


 
LE MILE Magazine Shop Like You Give A Damn Brand KOMODO AW25

KOMODO

 
LE MILE Magazine Shop Like You Give A Damn Brand SUITE13LAB

SUITE13LAB

 

SHOP LIKE YOU GIVE A DAMN
www.shoplikeyougiveadamn.com

based in Amsterdam, The Netherlands
offering over 20,000 vegan, fair and sustainable products

 

A recent step reflects that approach with the acquisition of the website of NOAH Italian Vegan Shoes, preserving the legacy of a pioneer in vegan fashion and keeping its mission accessible. For Stephan, it comes down to building a credible way to buy with less harm, buy better and keep compassion at the center of commerce.

 
LE MILE Magazine Shop Like You Give A Damn Brand Kuyichi

Kuyichi

 
LE MILE Magazine Shop Like You Give A Damn Brand Thinking MU AW25

Thinking MU

LE MILE Magazine Shop Like You Give A Damn Brand Rotholz AW25

Rotholz

One House - Art of Modular Homes

One House - Art of Modular Homes

.specials
ONE HOUSE
*Crafting Modular Living with Precision and Purpose

 

written SARAH ARENDTS

 

Form and precision meet in silence as ONE HOUSE unfolds its idea of how furniture should live with people. The German brand shapes a language of modular design, where every line and material decision grows from clarity and calm.

 

From its workshops in Germany, ONE HOUSE carries a spirit of Dutch-inspired minimalism through regional craft, building sofas, tables, and chairs that feel considered, measured, and alive. The phrase Dutch Design made in Germany describes a method where design is aesthetic and ethical, an approach that holds production and thought within the same gesture.

 
LE MILE Magazine One House Design Furniture Maatje Lounge Chair

ONE HOUSE
Maatje Lounge Chair

 
LE MILE Magazine One House Design Furniture Meester Sofa

ONE HOUSE
Meester Sofa

 

The foundation rests on three principles—local production, original design, and transparent pricing. Together they form a system that resists haste and honors the slow rhythm of making. Each piece feels like an open surface waiting for its owner’s life to fill it. The restraint of its forms creates room for rhythm, conversation, and quiet occupation.

The modular sofa collections trace this logic in movement. Every element connects through proportion, expanding and reducing with ease. A living space becomes many rooms inside one, shifting with the needs of work, rest, or gathering. The construction is meticulous, the seams deliberate, the volumes soft yet precise. The language of ONE HOUSE remains visible in these alignments, where comfort becomes composition and the gesture of sitting holds structure and care.

 

Ethics are woven into every layer of production. The principle of No Fast Furniture moves through the workshops like a silent code. Materials are sourced through local networks, every decision tied to the idea of longevity and traceable making. Dining tables hold the weight of daily life with grace, their wooden or metal frames shaped for continuity. Chairs stand nearby, attentive to their surroundings. Rugs and accessories add small changes of tone, creating rooms that breathe easily and hold light.

The identity of ONE HOUSE builds gradually through repetition and attention. Each action in the company, from the way fabrics are presented to how spare parts are supplied, speaks through openness. The showrooms in Hamburg and Munich extend that clarity into space, offering a kind of lived transparency. The furniture can be touched, reconfigured, and understood without distance.

 
LE MILE Magazine One House Design Furniture Hoogland Dining Table and Mattje Chairs

ONE HOUSE
Hoogland Dining Table + Mattje Chairs

 
LE MILE Magazine One House Design Furniture Maatje Chairs

ONE HOUSE
Maatje Chairs

 

Among the collections, the Bolder sofa has become emblematic of the brand’s sense of proportion and restraint. The design has received recognition from design institutions, yet the work inside ONE HOUSE continues with the same steady rhythm. Every new project returns to the same questions of scale, material, and structure. The home remains the field where design and use meet in quiet collaboration.

The word house carries more than architectural meaning. It holds belonging, continuity, and presence. ONE HOUSE turns this word into practice, creating furniture that forms part of the daily choreography of life. Sofas that shift with time, tables that anchor memory, chairs that translate rest into geometry. The pieces align with the lives around them, forming small frameworks of stability inside movement.

 

To sit on a ONE HOUSE sofa is to sense the intelligence of the joinery, the balance of the stitching, the calm held in its weight. Each surface has been thought through until it reaches stillness. The result is a furniture language that values patience over noise and persistence over novelty. This patience becomes its own form of elegance, measured not by spectacle but by duration.

ONE HOUSE exists inside the rhythm of everyday life. The furniture follows that rhythm, adjusting to it quietly. The designs speak in proportion and tactility. They reward attention, not urgency. They invite touch, not display.

For readers of LE MILE, the appeal lies in this ongoing conversation between craft and presence. ONE HOUSE creates pieces that grow with the people who use them, furniture that welcomes time rather than resists it. Every surface, joint, and contour speaks the same language of grounded modernity.

 

The collection includes adaptable sofas, dining tables, and chairs built with precision and longevity in mind. Every piece follows the brand’s No Fast Furniture ethos, crafted in Germany with traceable materials and calm design logic.

Prices from: sofa modules €790, dining chairs €320, dining tables €1,290, accessories €95.

Explore the full collection: www.onehouse.de

 
LE MILE Magazine One House Design Furniture Marbe Table

ONE HOUSE
Marble Side Table

LE MILE Magazine One House Design Furniture ONE HOUSE Marble Side Table
 

The idea of one house extends through every decision. It brings together maker and dweller, production and experience, design and use. The result is a home that feels both structured and free, a place that carries memory while remaining open to change. In this rhythm, design becomes a state of attention. Rooms unfold with purpose. Life arranges itself around lines that endure. This is ONE HOUSE—a study in clarity, movement, and the calm persistence of form.

A Trip to Hamburg with Kids at Barceló Hotel

A Trip to Hamburg with Kids at Barceló Hotel

.culture vulture
City Days and Quiet Evenings
*Our Family Story at Barceló Hamburg

 

written AMANDA MORTENSON

 

We arrived in Hamburg on a Monday morning, the air cool and a little damp, the streets wrapped in that early-week calm that cities only have when the weekend rush has passed.

 

The train slid into the main station, and within minutes we stood at the entrance of Barceló Hotel Hamburg, our suitcases rolling over cobblestones, the children half-awake but already pointing at the boats drifting on the Binnenalster. The hotel’s glass façade caught the light in a quiet way, and stepping inside felt like exhaling — warm air, soft colors, an easy welcome.

Our Family Junior Suite became home almost immediately. A long window stretched across the room, framing the city like a slow-moving film. The children ran from bed to sofa, testing every corner, while we unpacked and made coffee, grateful for the stillness that comes after travel. The room carried an understated elegance — wooden floors, neutral tones, thoughtful details that made sense for families: enough space for toys and jackets, a large table that turned into a drawing station, a bathroom big enough for the entire bedtime routine without chaos.

 
BARCELO Hotel Hamburg building LE MILE Magazine

Barceló Hotel, Hamburg
Exterior

 
Barcelo Hotel Hamburg Junior Family Suite LE MILE Magazine

Barceló Hotel, Hamburg
Family Junior Suite

 

By midday we were already out, walking toward the Binnenalster, the lake only a few minutes away. The children watched boats pass under the bridges, and stopped at every kiosk that sold roasted nuts. The hotel’s location placed us exactly where the city opened in all directions — toward the shopping streets, the old arcades, the parks, and the harbor. Everything was reachable on foot or by a short U-Bahn ride, which quickly became part of the adventure.

That first day set the tone. Each morning began in the hotel restaurant, where the buffet became an event of its own — pancakes, fruit, small pastries, and the quiet hum of travelers starting their day. The children discovered that the orange juice machine could be operated without help, a small victory that defined their mornings. After breakfast we planned loosely, letting the weather decide: a visit to the Miniatur Wunderland, hours spent watching tiny trains cross landscapes; an afternoon at the Planten un Blomen Park, where autumn leaves turned the ground into a soft mosaic; short stops for coffee and cocoa in between, always ending with a slow walk back to the hotel.

 

Evenings carried their own rhythm and sometimes we ate at the B-Lounge, the hotel’s restaurant with its open design and calm lighting, where the children shared pasta while we tried local fish and a glass of Riesling. Other nights we brought back sandwiches from a bakery nearby and turned the suite into a small picnic, the city lights glowing through the window. The sense of ease came from the balance the hotel created — close enough to everything, yet quiet enough to feel completely private.

Halfway through the week the weather changed, rain sweeping across the city, but even that felt part of the experience. We spent that afternoon inside, the children building Lego cities on the carpet while we watched the clouds shift over Hamburg. The large window turned into a screen of light and sound, the rain rhythmic, the city still visible through it.

 
Barceló Hotel Hamburg Restaurant

Barceló Hotel, Hamburg
B Lounge

 
Barceló Hotel Hamburg Restaurant

Barceló Hotel, Hamburg
B Lounge

 

By day three the children already called the hotel “our house.” They knew every corridor, every shortcut to the elevator, and where to find the best spot in the lobby for people-watching. On Thursday morning, before leaving, we walked once more around the Alster. The air felt crisp, the trees golden, and the city moved at a slow pace that matched our own.

Back in the suite, we packed slowly, looking out at Hamburg’s skyline one last time. The stay had unfolded without hurry — days filled with small discoveries, moments of calm, and the comfort of a place that understood families without turning family travel into routine. Barceló Hamburg held all of it, the light of the city, the rhythm of daily life, and a quiet sense of belonging that stayed even after we left. Thanks for having us!


discover more > BARCELÓ HAMBURG

 

ART BRÜT
 - Berlin Perfume House

ART BRÜT
 - Berlin Perfume House

.specials
Inside ART BRÜT

*A Berlin Perfume House Expands Its World with Je Ne Regrette Rien

 

written SARAH ARENDTS

 

Berlin drifts through the senses like a half-remembered song, full of movement and invention, and somewhere within its steady pulse, Daniel Matousek builds ART BRÜT.

 

A perfume house that treats scent as a raw language of experience rather than decoration, a medium that carries emotion the way light carries dust. Founded in the heart of Europe, ART BRÜT unfolds through intuition and intellect in equal measure, through a curiosity that refuses to settle, through a creative rhythm that treats imperfection as its truest form of grace.

 
LE MILE Magazine ART BRÜT Parfums Berlin Chasing Ghost Clouds
 
LE MILE Magazine ART BRÜT Parfums Berlin
 

Daniel Matousek, trained through years of beauty and fashion photography, learned early that every image holds a scent and every scent carries an image. His transition into perfumery followed the same inner tempo, he began shaping atmospheres instead of frames, moods instead of compositions, always in pursuit of what he calls the essence of freedom. ART BRÜT emerged from that pursuit as a studio where fragrance becomes reflection, where luxury translates into awareness, and where the material of scent functions as a bridge between instinct and intellect. Every perfume starts its journey at the rice board in Berlin, where Daniel Matousek sketches emotion in notes and gestures, later carried to Paris and refined in collaboration with the perfumers of FLAIR. The partnership flows like a shared language — a conversation about precision and imagination, about the ways chemistry and intuition can occupy the same space without hierarchy. The process ends in Bavaria, at the Dirnberger Mühle, a family atelier whose patience and craftsmanship turn formulas into tangible presence. This triad — Berlin, Paris, Bavaria — forms the invisible structure of ART BRÜT’s world: trust, craft, creation, each relying on the other with quiet devotion.

 

Among the house’s creations, JE NE REGRETTE RIEN, composed by Amélie Bourgeois, stands as a declaration of vitality. The name reads like a raised glass, a pulse, a line spoken into the night. Bourgeois builds the fragrance around tension and release, drawing from the rhythm of excess that follows celebration. The opening carries the electricity of bergamot, lemon, grapefruit, and fresh ginger — a kinetic burst that floods the senses and settles into the velvet warmth of rose and geranium. Beneath this brightness lies an earthy heart of black truffle, surrounded by white musks, cashmere wood, and sandalwood, a structure that holds the perfume in a slow and luminous breath. The composition behaves like a city at dawn, where the air glows from the residue of movement and every molecule holds light and weight.

Daniel Matousek speaks of perfume as a mirror, and each formula reflects a state of being rather than a mood; each bottle exists as an artifact of process. ART BRÜT’s design language follows that thought — heavy glass with matte surfaces, typography reduced to its essential rhythm, labels printed with slight irregularities that reveal the trace of human touch. Nothing within the brand asks for perfection; everything exists through presence, through the physical fact of its making.

 
 
LE MILE Magazine ART BRÜT Parfums Berlin Je Ne Regrette Rien 50ml Packaging

ART BRÜT
scent: Je Ne Regrette Rien 50ml

The philosophy of ART BRÜT finds its clarity in this cycle — conception, collaboration, creation, reflection. Every element exists within continuity, each action leads to another. The perfumes record these movements, leaving traces of human thought embedded in material form. JE NE REGRETTE RIEN embodies that continuity. The fragrance moves without pause, carrying a single direction — forward. It expresses acceptance through abundance, strength through sensitivity, art through scent. Within its trail lives a single affirmation: the moment already holds everything. And in that affirmation, ART BRÜT speaks the language of freedom — a language built from curiosity, devotion, and the unrepeatable pleasure of experience itself.

check more: www.artbruet.com

 
 


LE MILE Magazine ART BRÜT Parfums Berlin White Musks Creative
 
LE MILE Magazine ART BRÜT Parfums Berlin German Angst Scent 50 ml Collage

ART BRÜT
scent: German Angst 50ml

 

The ethical dimension of ART BRÜT runs parallel to its aesthetics. Each fragrance is vegan, cruelty-free, CITES certified, shaped through a supply chain that lives entirely within Europe — caps from Poland, bottles from Italy, perfume oils from France — a network built around conversation. This European fabric defines the texture of the brand: transparent, interconnected, human. Every bottle carries that geography in its weight.

JE NE REGRETTE RIEN functions as perfume and statement, it channels the exhilaration of the incomplete moment, a sensory architecture that invites the body to inhabit time more fully. Bourgeois writes emotion into structure — a circular composition where citrus dissolves into wood, where brightness folds into gravity, where the scent remains suspended between pulse and calm. The result feels continuous, fluid, never ornamental, always alive.

 

Inside ART BRÜT’s philosophy, art belongs to life, and life enters art without threshold. The house extends beyond fragrance into installations, collaborations, and experiments like AI AM JESUS, a multisensory work with the artist BASD-ART that merged poetry, image, and scent into a single space of perception. These gestures reflect the same purpose that moves through the perfumes themselves: to open awareness, to transform observation into intimacy. For Daniel Matousek, creation acts as a gesture of trust. Each project grows from friendship, each collaboration from conversation. ART BRÜT is less a company, more a collective rhythm held by people who share an affection for authenticity, for things made with care and consequence. That affection runs through JE NE REGRETTE RIEN, giving it the quiet dignity of work created in faith — faith in craft, in emotion, in the moment that follows excess and still breathes light. And when applied, the fragrance settles into the skin like a memory still unfolding, expanding through warmth rather than projection. The scent aligns with the body’s own rhythm, forming a personal tempo that changes with air, time, and pulse. In this intimacy, the perfume performs its purpose: it turns awareness into experience.

 
 
LE MILE Magazine ART BRÜT Parfums Berlin Wet Dreams Scent 50 ml

ART BRÜT
scent: Wet Dreams 50 ml

 
 

all visuals (c) ART BRÜT

 

MAY Citybike

MAY Citybike

.specials
MAY Ltd.
*Bicycles in Their Purest Form

 

written SARAH ARENDTS

 

In Zurich, a graphic designer began rethinking how a bicycle could look and feel in the context of city life. What started in 2017 as a personal design study became a refined approach to everyday movement.

 

The first models appeared in 2018, shaped by the idea that precision and simplicity can coexist. From this, MAY developed, focused on proportion, quality materials, and on clarity of form. The bicycles quickly found an audience that values understatement and careful design.

 
MAY Minimalist Citybikes Urban Commuter Bikes Le Mile Magazine
 
 
MAY Minimalist Citybikes Urban Commuter Bikes Le Mile Magazine
 

Since 2023, Alex and Timo have continued this direction, they work from Zurich, where they design and coordinate production. The bicycles are assembled in Portugal and distributed through warehouses in Switzerland and Germany. Each step reflects the brand’s approach, a timeless design and functional purpose.
The YIWU+ continues this line of thinking, its steel frame with lugged forks refers to classic racing geometry while adapting it for today’s city use. The inspiration reaches back to the 1970s Giro d’Italia, when bicycles combined efficiency with elegance.

 

The model is available in Petrol Grey and Chrome, the frame weighs 11.3 kilograms and is equipped with an eight-speed Shimano system. Slightly wider tires add stability and comfort in urban traffic, each element is built for function and long-lasting use. The YIWU+ is designed for balance, between agility and stability, between strength and weight. The frame lugs add visible reinforcement, expressing the construction.

 
 
 
MAY Minimalist Citybikes Urban Commuter Bikes Le Mile Magazine
 
MAY Minimalist Citybikes Urban Commuter Bikes Le Mile Magazine
 

MAY’s work follows three ideas of timeless aesthetics, functional design and direct production. Timeless aesthetics remove everything unnecessary and keep what defines the bicycle’s character, functional design connects form and performance and components such as the 8-speed shifting or the precise welds are chosen for reliability and clean execution.
Direct production means involvement at every stage, ensuring traceable quality and consistent results.

 

The YIWU+ moves easily through the city, the gearing responds directly, the frame stays quiet and stable, and the proportions feel deliberate. MAY keeps refining the way a bicycle moves, shaping a rhythm where design and use merge into one continuous experience. Enjoy Yourself.

 

MAY - Minimalist City Bicycles
www.may-ltd.com

Operating from Zurich, Switzerland
Assembly: Portugal
Models: YIWU+ (Petrol Grey | Chrome) • YIWU (Chrome | Night Blue | Bordeaux | Rosé Pearl)

 

LUNETTES Selection Berlin - Vintage Eyewear

LUNETTES Selection Berlin - Vintage Eyewear

.specials
The LUNETTES SELECTION Experience
*Vintage Eyes, Modern Rituals

 

written AMANDA MORTENSON

 

In the quiet hum of a Berlin street, a visitor steps into LUNETTES SELECTION and enters a different time. Eyeglasses carry identity, memory, and design. Since its founding, LUNETTES SELECTION has built a world where frames communicate, spaces respond, and vision unfolds as a poetic act.

 

LUNETTES SELECTION emerged from a pursuit almost cinematic in its specificity: to find frames that do not yet exist in one’s wardrobe, to uncover exceptions. Its archive of never-worn vintage eyewear — salvaged from opticians’ inventories and manufacturers’ storerooms — constitutes a measured museum of form. Each piece acts as an invitation, in Berlin and across other cities, LUNETTES SELECTION gathers collectors, costume designers, and seekers of individuality who explore its “archive eyewear” with a sense of ceremony.

 
Lunettes Selection Vintage Eyewear in Berlin Le Mile Magazine
 
Lunettes Selection Vintage Eyewear in Berlin Le Mile Magazine
 

In 2011, LUNETTES SELECTION introduced its own line, the LUNETTES Kollektion, conceived in Berlin, handcrafted in Italy. These frames, realised in Mazzucchelli cellulose acetate, bear the same reverence for material, color, and detail that animates the vintage curation. The collection progresses with quiet confidence, never loud, tethered always to vision as a personal narrative.

LUNETTES SELECTION extends beyond eyewear into the experience between object and wearer, between object and space. Its Berlin boutiques in Mitte, Charlottenburg, and Prenzlauer Berg exist as stages for vision and interior. Each location carries shared elements—linoleum floors, a tactile palette in harmony with acetate tones—and reveals its own architecture of encounter.

 

The Charlottenburg store, realized by designer Oskar Kohnen, functions like a refined mise-en-scène. A pastel-green apothecary cabinet climbs to the ceiling, drawers that invite curiosity and discretion. A white-cube shell frames iconographic furnishings: a Hank Kwint side table, a Jacques Adnet rolling cart, two Pierre Paulin “Butterfly” chairs. Underfoot, restored 1970s marble floors gleam, while a sculptural lamp by Sebastian Summa asserts presence without dominance. The atmosphere carries poetry and precision, forming an architectural lens for viewing eyewear.
At the Torstrasse location, Kohnen’s transformation creates a chamber of wonder. The space unfolds as a blue-toned dialogue, where frame histories appear as curated curiosities. Marienburgerstrasse’s boutique, defined by polished concrete, card catalog–style cabinets, and vintage lighting, presents a cinematic rhythm.

 
Lunettes Selection Vintage Eyewear in Berlin Le Mile Magazine
 
Lunettes Selection Vintage Eyewear in Berlin Le Mile Magazine
 

Behind every frame is an eye test conducted with care and LUNETTES SELECTION reclaims the slower, handwritten craft of subjective refraction, inviting patrons into a relation with their own perception. This act aligns with the brand’s ethos that intimacy with the instrument of vision is itself part of the aesthetic.

Through its Journal, LUNETTES SELECTION narrates alliances — with makers, artists, stories. Highlights from Petites Lunettes, its children’s eyewear initiative, appear beside collaborations, archival essays, and explorations of optical heritage. The text gestures outward, placing LUNETTES in dialogue with design, film, even myopia management.

 

The brand speaks through calm precision, it listens, collects, edits, and opens space. Within this dialogue between object and subject, LUNETTES SELECTION shapes a quiet insistence, choosing how we see becomes a reflection.

Stepping outside, the visitor carries a trace of the place — a resonance where design, history, and vision meet. LUNETTES SELECTION exists as an interface, curated and alive to the gaze. Enjoy Yourself!

 

LUNETTES SELECTION Vintage and Handmade Eyewear www.lunettes-selection.de

Locations: Torstrasse 172 | Marienburgerstrasse 11 | Bleibtreustrasse 55, Berlin / Prices range from Optical frames €280, sunglasses €320, vintage archive pieces from €220.

 

SUITE702 x Martens & Martens 2025

SUITE702 x Martens & Martens 2025

.specials
SUITE702 x Martens & Martens
*The Art of Everyday Colour

 

written SARAH ARENDTS

 

Colour lives differently in the hands of artists. It carries rhythm, emotion, and a kind of silence that speaks through form. In Amsterdam, SUITE702 has built a reputation for giving daily rituals that same sense of artistry — soft geometry, playful tones, and fabrics that invite touch.

 

Founded by Shirley Muijrers and Olaf Arkauer, the brand believes that the bedroom and bathroom are spaces of reflection, of optimism, of joy. Their newest chapter brings this philosophy to life again through a collaboration with Martens & Martens, the design studio of the celebrated Dutch artist Karel Martens.

 
LE MILE Magazine Suite702 Martens and Martens Collection products
 
LE MILE Magazine Suite702 Martens and Martens Collection products
 

The new Martens & Martens Collection transforms functional textiles into living compositions. Made from luxurious, combed cotton and inspired by Martens’ 2017 art project Colours on the Beach, the collection plays with rhythm and structure. Each towel features a signature stripe on both sides, each with a different width and hue — a quiet nod to the artist’s fascination with repetition and variation. “The artistic view of colour and composition by Martens & Martens fits seamlessly into our design vision,” says Shirley Muijrers, co-founder of SUITE702. “This collection is both a tribute to Colours on the Beach and a successful translation of art into functional textile – with a beautiful balance between aesthetics, quality, and playfulness.”

 

That balance defines SUITE702’s universe; since its founding in 2018, the Amsterdam studio has become a symbol of modern comfort — bold colour, simple geometry, and an ethical approach to luxury. The brand’s world is guided by a single mantra: The SUITE Life — a state of being that turns moments of rest into gestures of art.

The collaboration with Martens & Martens extends that idea into the bathroom, where texture meets tone. Twelve expressive colours, twenty distinct designs, one shared sensibility. Vibrant shades blend with subtle ones across an ecru base, creating visual harmony that feels effortless and precise. The result is a collection that radiates warmth and clarity — towels, bath mats, guest towels, and beach pieces woven with thoughtful detail.

 
LE MILE Magazine Suite702 Martens and Martens Collection towels
 
LE MILE Magazine Suite702 Martens and Martens Collection products
 

Every element of the collection is GOTS-certified, made from the highest-grade combed cotton. The structure is dense and refined, offering a soft, almost weightless sensation on the skin. Sustainable luxury becomes tactile, immediate, and quietly joyful. Muijrers speaks of the collaboration with an energy that feels contagious. “The vibrant colours and geometric designs of Karel Martens fit our brand perfectly. I’ve always been a fan of his work and feel proud to collaborate with him. The result is fantastic – everything aligns beautifully. It’s wonderful to bring so many colours together in one collection. I’m convinced that it will bring a touch of colour to many bathrooms.

Her words capture the essence of SUITE702 — an optimism that turns everyday design into a shared celebration. Within the studio’s philosophy, colour is not a surface element; it is emotion rendered visible. Each stripe becomes an idea, a dialogue between order and spontaneity.

 

The Martens & Martens Collection continues SUITE702’s long-standing collaboration culture, inviting creative minds to reinterpret domestic space. Previous projects with artists such as Isabelle Wenzel have blurred the line between art installation and home object. Here, the conversation takes place in cotton and thread, a sensory continuation of Martens’ conceptual world.

From the Amsterdam studio to the ateliers in Portugal, every step of the production process follows SUITE702’s ethics of craftsmanship. Materials are traced, workers respected, and design treated as a shared craft. The towels are made to last as companions in the rhythm of everyday life.

The brand’s story continues to travel, its collections are available through suite702.com and in leading stores including Le Bon Marché Paris, Manufactum Germany, and the MoMA Design Store New York. Yet SUITE702 remains rooted in intimacy — in the texture of the morning, the softness of a towel, the warmth of a room filled with colour.

 

discover the new Martens & Martens Bath Collection: www.suite702.com

Prices from: Guest towel set €32.50, hand towel €22.50, bath towel €42.50, bath mat €44.95, beach towel €64.95.

 
 

With Martens & Martens, SUITE702 reaffirms its vision of functional beauty. Each design acts as a reminder that art can live in the smallest gestures — a folded towel, a stripe of colour, a texture against the skin. It is a collection for dreamers who live by the light of form and for those who believe that luxury begins with awareness. Enjoy yourself.