LEGO and Nike envision a modular playground in Shanghai, the negative impact of the ongoing government shutdown, and Boutique Design announces its 2025 Designer of the Year. All that and more in this week’s Five on Friday.
Airlines and art museums among government shutdown’s victims
Photo courtesy of Adobe Stock
The latest government shutdown has now entered its 10th day, and, as expected, it’s full of miseries—both expected and beyond. For starters, airports are in disarray. Staffing shortages in aviation, particularly in air traffic control, have caused major flight delays nationwide. While slowdowns are being managed, risks for flyers are “growing by the day,” AP reports. Also, residents in Washington, DC (or those visiting, as this writer is at this very moment) are deprived of a soothing visit to the National Gallery, which is closed indefinitely as a result of the shutdown. Currently on exhibition but closed to the public is what is said to be the largest survey of Australian indigenous art ever showcased outside of the continent, according to ARTnews. The Smithsonian Institution remains operational in the capital for now, depending solely on its own funds for only so long.
Wanna go bowling? All the cool kids are doing it
The Croc Bowling Alley in Firmdale Hotels’ Ham Yard Hotel; photo by Simon Brown
Some things, however, do remain pure and good. For instance, bowling. Alleys from St. Louis to Brooklyn are becoming increasingly frequented by tastemakers embracing the novelty of a third space that’s not a bar or a club. The soothing, gamified activity also yields the opportunity to turn heads as players get up and strut before their competitors. Peep some very striking (see what I did there?) apparel and accessories—from Thom Browne and Prada to Acne Studios and Louis Vuitton—to take for a spin at your local alley.
LEGO and Nike team up on Shanghai playground
Photo courtesy of LEGO China + Nike
The kids at Baoshan No. 2 Central Primary School in Shanghai may be some of the luckiest ever. LEGO and Nike just built them a cool playground. Crafted in partnership with OLA Shanghai, the colorful new space draws upon the intuitive design of the LEGO brick to create an outdoor space that promotes movement and creativity. The concept encourages kids to construct routes and pathways using modular elements derived from the bricks into adaptable structures for climbing, balancing, and exploring, Designboom reports. The principles of the design echo the work of LEGO China’s Build the Change workshop, where kids are invited to use LEGO bricks to express ideas in design.
Pierpaolo Piccioli’s first Balenciaga collection hits the runway
Photo courtesy of Adobe Stock
HD may not have been on the ground for Pierpaolo Piccioli’s Balenciaga debut last week in Paris, but that won’t stop us from sharing our opinion: It’s a hit! The former Valentino creative director married past and future across the runway at the Paris Fashion Week show, held at the Kering headquarters on the Rue de Sèvres. The new collection energizes highlights from Balenciaga’s legendary archive, reinterpreting classic silhouettes through Piccioli’s signature contemporary lens. Even the most functional, everyday wardrobe items tout the flourishes and distinctive lines that have defined a few of the house’s recent eras. A healthy amount of color—both muted and vibrant—animated the runway along with plenty of the black leather showstoppers we’ve come to anticipate. Wallpaper reports that the show even got Meghan Markle out of the house to endure public scrutiny—no small feat!
Studio Paolo Ferrari named BD’s 2025 Designer of the Year
Shebara Resort on Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast features interiors by Studio Paolo Ferrari; photo courtesy of Shebara Resort
Toronto-based Studio Paolo Ferrari, led by founder Paolo Ferrari, has been announced as Boutique Design’s 2025 Designer of the Year. Known for spaces both immersive and enduring, Ferrari’s work has distinguished itself in a range of typologies including hospitality, retail, and residential. A number of high-end luxury brands—including Accor, Auberge Collection, Four Seasons, and LVMH—have also partnered with the practice over the years. Ferrari and his team will be honored on November 10th in New York at the 45th annual Gold Key Awards gala, where his Shebara Resort and Desert Rock projects are also up for awards. Tickets are nearly sold out, so grab yours before it’s too late!
