Sabering Champagne and the Power of Lipstick and Lingerie | The Realest

Each month we take a lady we admire and give her the model treatment in our photo shoot, The Realest. We bring the wardrobe, stylist, photographer and makeup artist; she brings her anything-but-one-size-fits-all personality and style. Then we all head out on location for a professional shoot that showcases this month’s cocktail and party looks.

Adrianna Pappell beaded crop top and tulle midi skirt | Topshop ball stop hinge bangle and mirror statement ring | Charles David Ivette sandal | Glint lattice beaded minaudière 

Sun Liquor’s Jessica Tousignant can teach you something about spirits, style and enjoying life. In fact, she taught us how to saber a Champagne bottle and mix a Spanish G&T–more on that later. The marketing professional for Seattle-based boutique distillery Sun Liquor has the enviable job of evangelizing the company’s quality gins, vodkas and rums around the globe. Naturally, that brings her in contact with many fascinating industry folks, among whom she easily holds court, at international bars and restaurants.

We had the chance to talk with the energetic traveler and food-and-drink enthusiast over an equally effervescent cocktail. Here’s what she told us about her personal style, beverage predilections and what to do in Cuba.

Tell us about what you do at Sun Liquor. 

In short, I handle sales, education, and have a hand in marketing as well. I find and establish new markets and support existing ones, which means that I’m out travelling all over the place for roughly half of every year. It’s a quickly growing company, so I really wear a lot of hats, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

What and where are the liquors currently available for purchase? 

We have a lot! Everything we make is organic. We have UNXLD Vodka, Hedge Trimmer Gin, Gun Club Gin, Silver and aged auricle (cane juice) style rums as well as a line of bitters and our egg nog, which has an astounding cult following. We also have a few special releases coming up that everyone should keep their eyes peeled for–we got our hands on some of the raw honey that comes from the beehives kept on the rooftop of the Olympic Fairmont hotel- very exciting. Nationally, everything can be found at Total Wine & Spirits, and also on all Alaska Airlines flights.

Sachin & Babi embellished jacquard fit & flare dress | Ivanka Trump Carra pump | BaubleBar Kirstel ear crawlers | Kendra Scott Naomi double finger ring

What do you usually wear to work?

Well, it really depends on whether I’m travelling or home in Seattle. I’m hugely into tailored, classic pieces with a little edge. Usually all black everything. If I’m travelling, my suitcase is full of things that can be worn straight from meetings out to have cocktails, since that’s just as much a part of my job as anything else. It’s also important that things can stand up to the rigor of 18-hour days and my sprinting through whichever city I’m in. I always want to look put together, but I don’t want to have to worry about being distracted by uncomfortable clothing. Diane von Furstenberg is great for that, so is Maggy London for simple daytime dresses. I also wear a lot of silk and tailored linen-silk blends when I’m in warmer weather. It allows me to wear black even while visiting Phoenix in August.

What do you usually wear to go out?

I love getting dressed up. When I go out I’m always mixing high and low, designer and vintage flea market finds. If it’s a more casual night out you’ll usually find me in black high-waist skinny jeans, a gauzy silk camisole or blouse, my leather jacket and Margiela boots. When I’m really getting dressed up I dig into my closet for my special pieces: my Guy Laroche jacket from the early ’60s, well tailored little black dresses, swaths of silk, statement Lanvin earrings from the ’60s. I’d kill for super fitted wiggle skirts that cut to that perfect point below the knee, and a heel with just enough pitch to be intimidating. And always red lips, every day, no matter what.

Adrianna Papell embellished scuba gown | Stuart Weitzman ankle strap sandal 

What is your idea of the perfect evening out? In Seattle or anywhere in the world?

I think one of the very best things anyone can ever do is share a meal and a bottle of wine. It is truly one of the most unifying experiences, no matter where you are or what you’re eating–and has this really fantastic way of breaking down barriers. I’m most happy when I’m connecting with people in a genuine way. Though, to that point, there are few things worse than sharing a meal with abhorrent company.

My absolute standbys in Seattle are Le Pichet, Le Caviste, JarrBar, Damn The Weather, Single Shot and, of course, the original Sun Liquor on Summit. I think what they all have in common is that they have a low-key, unfettered atmosphere, the people working there have incredible palates and dedication to their craft, and I can have either a raucous time or deep conversation, if that’s what the evening calls for.

BaubleBar drusy cuff | BaubleBar cuffs | Panacea drusy beaded bracelet 

In the world? Aye, that’s tough to answer. It’s split between Paris at night and Orcas Island. Walking through the streets of Paris until the wee hours of the morning either with someone I love to discuss the ways of the world or totally alone with my thoughts. There’s something so romantic about being immersed in all that history and beauty without crowds of people and noise. On Orcas, I feel connected to nature and my family history more than anywhere else. When I get back from being on the road I’ve been known to leave all my devices on the kitchen counter, put my dog in the car, and just drive straight up to disconnect for a few days. I am a true daughter of the PNW, and there’s something sacred about sitting on the ground on that island with crab, oysters and rosé while basking in the sun.

Shiraleah embellished clutch 

What’s your cocktail of choice?

Oh, this is the most common and hardest question to answer! It totally comes down to the weather and food, actually. I was just having a conversation with industry friends about our top 10 favorite spirits and we agreed we would have to have a top 40 list to make it fair. I generally go more for wine, but with cocktails I try to stick with lower alcohol content spirits as a base. Sherry-based cocktails are my absolute favorite right now. They’re not only delicious and nuanced, they’re also low in alcohol so they don’t blast out my palate. I really love a good Martinez in cold months and classic daiquiris with agricole rum in the summer…and gin martinis, always.

Adrianna Papell corded lace sheath lace dress | BaubleBar delicate double drop earrings 

You recently went to Cuba. Do you have any suggestions for would-be travelers there?

Yes! Talk to people. Explore. Work outside of the box. A lot of restaurants are opening in people’s homes and art is such a paramount part of the culture. Havana has so much life, and if you simply follow a guide book you’re going to miss the point. Visit the museums and understand the culture. Keep the address for where you’re staying in your pocket and get lost; you can always hop in a pedi cab when you get tired. Find the flea market, visit Somos Cuba in Old Havana; it’s owned by a young couple that wake up every morning to get fresh seafood and produce outside of the city. They open for lunch and then dinner. Find someone who will drive you to Cojimar in their huge Cadillac, visit Bodegon las Brisas for lunch then drink cocktails out of pineapples on the beach. Sit on the patio at Café Madrigal and have cocktails while you smoke Cuban tabacco. But mostly, just talk to people.

Sole Society crystal minaudière 

How would you describe your personal style?

Well, I think clothing is one of the most fun and immediate forms of self expression, and so I really love playing with it. I’d say my personal style is at once strong and hyper feminine. Rock-and-roll meets old school Hollywood. Thankfully, it’s starting to shift now, but for a long time in our culture I think women have been told they either have to choose between embracing their sexuality or their intellect, and that’s absolute, complete patriarchal nonsense. I love turning that on it’s head and expressing the spectrum of femininity while ignoring those constructs. For me, proper tailoring and fabric quality is paramount and what can make even the most simple, affordable pieces look luxe and sexy.

Eliza J off-the-shoulder knit top and sequin mesh skirt | AGL Mary Jane flat | Topshop velvet choker 

Do you have a favorite article of clothing? Something that always makes you feel great and really put together?

I don’t know if I’d feel like myself without high heels, red lipstick and a good manicure. With those, I could literally wear anything and feel really put together. Other than that, I invest in really great lingerie; it’s decadent…but really just for myself. I could be wearing a men’s jumpsuit and white nurse clogs and still feel sexy if I knew I had La Perla or Agent Provocateur underneath.

How to make Jessica’s Spanish Gin & Tonic:

A perfectly refreshing drink for the holiday season, a Spanish Gin & Tonic takes the country club favorite and gives it a culinary twist by infusing the liquor with a spicy seasonal palette left to the bartender’s discretion. Jessica selected cinnamon and grapefruit as her flavor profile, and that certainly suits autumn. Other additions to try: peppercorns, cucumber slices, fresh ginger, cherries, star anise and chilies.

Ingredients:

Sun Liquor Gun Club Gin
Fever Tree tonic water
Grapefruit peel
Cinnamon stick
Nasturtium flower for garnish

Directions:

1. Take a large wine glass.
2. Add a cinnamon stick and grapefruit peel to the glass. You want your garnish in first, as it’s what flavors the gin–that’s what makes this a Spanish G&T.
3. Fill the glass 3/4 full of ice.
4. Add the gin, 2 ounces.
5. Add 6-8 ounces of tonic water.
   
6. Gently stir the glass.
7. Add your garnish.

Images: Elizabeth Rudge | Styling: Carmella Storniola & Brenna Carlson | Hair & Makeup: Jenny Verador

—Britt Burritt

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Maker: Made Solid | Pop-In@Nordstrom: Faded

This month’s Olivia Kim-curated Pop-In shop – Pop-In@Nordstrom: Faded – focuses on unique, easygoing style for men and women, combining broken-in fabrics and precision craft. Here we zero in on one of our featured brands, Made Solid.

Peter Maxwell (Max, to his friends) runs Made Solid in Los Angeles with his wife, Mia, specializing in carefully sourced home goods crafted out of stretched leather and beaded jewelry. You can hear them banging away in the back room of their tiny storefront, creating every Made Solid item by hand while you check out their wares, or maybe dig through a crate of old records (Max is a DJ).

He was relentlessly positive and grounded on the phone. Talking with him felt energizing. It did not surprise us at all to learn he had just come from teaching a spin class. That’s his energy: spin instructor.

Here’s Max on the origin of African trading beads, being more of a fan than a businessman and the most crucial incense in his life.

SHOP: Made Solid* | Pop-In@Nordstrom: Faded

*available by phone: 1.888.282.6060

We’re really excited to feature you in this Pop-In. I’ve been describing it to friends as a new-Los Angeles hippie elite thing. Your brand is a perfect fit.

We’re excited too. And we have some friends in the shop we’re happy to be featured alongside.

Oh, yeah? Who are your friends?

Dr. Collectors and Mt. Hill. I started wearing Dr. Collectors just because I liked their clothing, right when they came out four or five years ago. Through being in Los Angeles and through the trade show that we do called Liberty Fairs, I met Olivier and his wife, Penny, and that’s the Dr. Collectors family. Super great people, mellow, we get along really well. And then through Inspiration L.A., which is another show we do, we met Mt. Hill from Japan. He was a fan of our wrapped stones that are featured in this Pop-In. He said hi two years ago, and is just a nice, sweet guy. We like to build relationships. We’ve been keeping up ever since. We have a store in Los Angeles now and we carry Mt. Hill in there.

You and Mt. Hill both do beadwork, but you don’t seem to be competitive about it.

Yeah, we definitely have similarities, but we have an appreciation for what they do. Everything we use for both our brands are antiques. He gets his a different way than we do. He’s focused on his silverwork and making attachments. The silversmith aspect is where he’s at. The way we string our products is different. We don’t worry about competition. There’s room for everyone.

Where do you get your African trade beads? And what does that mean, African trade bead?

I’m not the ultimate authority, I should say straight out. But starting from where we get the beads: we have great relationships with a few African guys in Los Angeles, mostly from Gambia, but also Mali, Nigeria, other places, who have been importing beads their entire lives. Knowledgeable guys. We’ve been building those relationships for a long time so we’re really confident in what we get. Our beads are more than 100 years old in some cases. Trade beads mean these are beads that were brought to Africa for trading purposes. Their origin would have been Italy, India and Czechoslovakia, places that were bead-making centers. Over time, in various African cultures, the beads have taken on status and ritual use. For our brand, tying it all together, we always try to bring history to our pieces. Whether that’s using antique bone buttons or these beads from a part of the world we respect so much. These are little tiny pieces of history and we don’t know where they’re from exactly, who they’ve been on or what they’ve been through. To us, it’s an amazing connection that makes us happy.

Are those bead suppliers secret?

Most people can find them. When we make purchases, we’ll see other brands there buying beads. We try to have a real relationship. How are your kids? How’s your wife? In some cases, how’re your wives? I think it gives us better access ultimately because our suppliers do more legwork for us. It’s not just straight business. Our business is really about relationships.

Made Solid is a family business; you run it with your wife, Mia. What was that decision like to jump in together, and what sacrifices did you have to make?

I went to school for social work (I’m not licensed) and have been working with various populations in Los Angeles for 20 years. Direct care with 18 to 24-year-olds: gang members, people who have been kicked out of their houses for their sexual identity, people who have been prostituting, drug addicts, that sort of thing. Hardcore stuff. I had been doing other stuff too since you don’t make a lot of money in social services: photography and DJ’ing.

No stranger to being busy, my wife, who is from Kumomoto, Japan, has long worked in the vintage industry and the restaurant industry. We both saw the potential in the stuff we’re doing now and started working together four years ago. It just keeps building. Because neither of us comes from a brand-building background, we were unfamiliar with sales, trade shows or even what’s meant by the term “accessories.” It’s never been like, “OK, here’s the plan. Here’s what we’re doing.” It’s all a learning process. That keeps us humble in the industry. We’re always really thankful that people appreciate the work. Because it is all handmade and we do it ourselves. We don’t send anything out for manufacturing. If you come to our shop in Los Angeles, you’re going to hear some pounding from the back. We’re punching holes and working on things back there. It’s a slow build. We’re not taking large accounts and going for money, sacrificing materials to hit a certain price point. We want a dedicated customer base and retailers around the world who get it, and who will stick with us for a long time. All our materials and all our techniques have a long history and I think people can sense that. It’s all been an evolution.

When did you start learning about stretching and forming leather?

We get our leather from Hermann Oak, one of the oldest tanneries in the United States; they specialize in vegetable tanning. A very traditional, Western, saddle-making leather. In terms of being exposed to leather working, as a kid I was exposed to the basics through family. I grew up in the Northwest and rode skateboards for the last 30 years. I would make a leather ollie patch for my shoe. As I got older, I designed more. There are so many amazing brands, and everyone has their own idea. I’ve always had a strong sense of history, and traditional styles and techniques appeal to me. I started developing my techniques. I’m self-taught, as far as what I’m doing now.

What kinds of reactions have you gotten about your wrapped stones?

Well, we’re not the first brand to wrap a stone in leather. Leather-wrapped objects became pretty popular with Danish Modern designers back in the day. But a lot of people laugh. People say, “Oh, a pocket for your rock.” Or, “What is it? What do you do with it? Why?” Our approach is to ask, “What would you do with it?” I want to leave it up to the user as far as the use and the concept. If I say, “This is a paperweight, then it’s going to be a paperweight for all time.” That’s not the intent. We think of them as objects that are cool and tactile and unique. Also they’re very traditional.

The technique to make them is the same as to make the horn of a saddle. Stretching the leather and stitching around the rock. There are so many layers to what we do. When someone has one of the stones on a shelf, hopefully there’s some education that happens. The stones come from the San Bernardino valley. You can’t just go there and collect buckets of stones; it’s a National Park, so you have to have people who can get them for you. We polish them ourselves. For the leather we try to match or complement the stone, by choosing leather with a certain grain or certain tone. The color of the stone matters. It’s a little piece of art, we hope. And as for the function, that’s up to you. Some people buy a full set, and line up all the sizes on a table or a shelf. Some people use them as doorstops. Some people use them as worry stones. Who’s to say what the best use is? It’s all good and that goes for everything we do. When someone has a use for a product that we didn’t foresee, that’s the best. That’s amazing. I want to spark people’s imagination.

I find the rocks entrancing.

Entrancing! That’s a good one. We have a friend who does sales for a big denim company, and he has one on his desk. He does his sales, sits there, holds the rock, uses it to keep his hand occupied, keep his mind focused. It’s better than smoking a cigarette, I guess.

Final question: when you put some sand in the incense holder and light up a stick, which type of incense would you select?

I would choose baieido. It’s a traditional Japanese incense. There’s no wood in the middle, it’s just a pressed stick. I think the company’s been around since 1657, if memory serves. If you’ve been to Japan, you’ll recognize the smell immediately. It permeates life there. It’s part of being a traditional Shinto country. That’s our go-to.

SHOP: Made Solid* | Pop-In@Nordstrom: Faded

*available by phone: 1.888.282.6060

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GREATS

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Kara Handbag Designer Shares Her Favorite Spots in Tokyo for Tokyo Fashion Week

Paris and Milan have the history, London has the soul, New York has the energy—but when it comes to Fashion cities, Tokyo has … well, Tokyo has it all and then some. Perhaps lesser known, less hyped and less documented, Tokyo Fashion Week uses that in its favor too. There’s a sense of no-rules adventure, faraway intrigue and nothing-else-like-it style in Tokyo, and our SPACE team loves it there.

“Me after a long day at the onsen. Tough job, but someone’s got to do it.”
All images courtesy Kara designer Sarah Law

So does Kara handbag designer Sarah Law. While Olivia and Raul are there twice a year (including right about now) to check in with members of the venerated family of Comme des Garçons, Sarah travels to Tokyo whenever she can, and she was more than happy to share a few of her favorite spots with us—including the best (worst?) place to get your fortune told.

JBS (Jazz Blues and Soul)
Shibuya

“That’s JBS’s owner, Kobayashi-san, in front of his collection of over 11,000 records. He plays his own music all night and serves only one drink, whiskey and soda. (Which happens to come in a can.) So basically, my watering hole.”

 

Nezu Museum
Minato

“The Nezu Museum displays premodern Japanese and East Asian art. I particularly like the gardens around the main building. Highly recommended if you’re looking to escape Tokyo while in Tokyo.”

 

Tsukiji Fish Market
Chuo

“So everyone recommends the fish market and I am too, because the fish is INSANE. But I do want to point out that you don’t have to get up at 5am like most people say. The food there is amazing ALL DAY.”

 

RounGe Nail Salon
Shibuya

“If you’re a nail fanatic like me, then you’ll know this recommendation is about as serious as a heart attack. I always make an appointment with Aya at RounGe when I’m in Tokyo. The rest of the time we are DMing each other ideas. These nails were inspired by L.A. biker culture and bandana prints.”

 

Sensō-ji Temple
Taito

“This is my Kau Cim fortune from Sensō-ji Temple. You ask a question, shake a container of numbered bamboo sticks, and once a number comes out, you find the answer on a sheet of paper with the correlating number. I’m not kidding, my question was ‘Is my current boyfriend a waste of time?'”

 

Benesse Art Museum and Hotel
Kagawa Prefecture
(Note: not in Tokyo)

“I was on a road trip driving from one side of Japan to the other when I discovered the Benesse Art Museum with a built-in hotel designed by the incredible architect Tadao Ando. Everything about this place is 10/10. I hope everyone in the world has a chance to see this place.”

DISCOVER: Kara handbags | all emerging and advanced designers

—Laura Cassidy

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What Christian Louboutin Did When He Came to Visit Us in Seattle and Vancouver, BC

Imagine the colossal honor of showing Christian Louboutin around town. That’s what we got to do—not once, but twice—when the esteemed footwear icon visited our downtown Seattle home base as well as our two-year-old flagship in Vancouver, BC.

While his main priority was spending time with the hundreds of red-soled fanatics that gathered in both cities to meet him and have him sign their heels, he managed to get in a few museum visits, some famed Northwest cuisine and a seaplane ride to boot.

As we promised back during Fashion Week when we got his must-visit list for Paris, we’re excited to share the places and faces that highlighted his time here.

Mr. Louboutin arrived in Seattle on Sunday, October 16; on Monday, October 17, a colossal crowd of Louboutin lovers queued up on the second floor to meet him.

All of that adoration and autographing works up an appetite—for sustenance as well as art. Here’s where Mr. Louboutin went in Seattle:

–For traditional French cuisine balanced by regional ingredients, Place Pigalle in the historic Pike Place Market

–Stateside, known for its Chinese- and French-rooted Vietnamese menu

–The Butcher’s Table, where a Wagyu-specializing butcher shop, deli, bar and new-world steakhouse are rolled into one experience

–Washington State’s museum of history, culture and curiosities, the Burke Museum

–Seattle fine dining in a word? Canlis

Windows looking out on downtown Vancouver, BC

After a quick seaplane zip from the American side of North America to the Canadian side, Mr. Louboutin arrived in Vancouver, to another storewide set of smartphone-ready, stiletto-heeled fans.

While in this beautiful part of the world, Mr. Louboutin stopped in at these beloved spots:

–Nightingale, to experience the mastery of modern Canadian cuisine

–For more of the humbling beauty of nature, British Columbia’s Museum of Anthropology

–Miku, where the area’s rich Asian food culture and traditions are deliciously on offer

–Macaulay & Co. Fine Art—because when “gallery hopping” isn’t quite feasible, you better get in a good one-off

–With a slogan like “steak with a touch of ceremony,” of course he had to go to Gotham

EXPLORE: all Christian Louboutin | all designer shoes

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