On a recent rainy afternoon, I found myself tucked in a Christmas shop in the Old Port looking at rows of ornaments, nutcrackers, snow globes, and other holiday paraphernalia; some opaque, some reflective, and others, dazzling. I was here last December and bought a nutcracker ornament (one that has been unintentionally living on a surface of some kind in my apartment throughout this past year). Now come December again, I wanted to get myself a little gift from the shop; and a few moments later, I decided on a stuffed animal moose. It currently sits wrapped in a ball of tissue paper and I told myself I wouldn’t unwrap it until Christmas day. You’d have to trust me when I tell you that the little guy is perfect.

Anyways, hello all! I hope this newsletter finds you well and I hope the winter’s been treating you kindly. Long time no see. It’s been a while since I’ve written here. There were attempts to write that has only culminated in different versions of drafts for one reason or another, but today you will hear from me!

In this newsletter, I wrote about an Edith Wharton novel I’ve been reading, the French New Wave films I’ve been watching, and some objects of interest I’ve bought. Also included are entries from my pocket journals throughout the past couple of months. I do hope you enjoy!

Readings

I am about one month in and two-thirds through Edith Wharton’s The Age of Innocence, the novel that made Wharton the first woman to win the Pulitzer Prize in Fiction. Although published in 1920, the story itself is actually set in the 1870s and more particularly, in the upper crust society circle of New York City (a background in which Wharton herself was a part of).

The plot revolves around a love triangle from the perspective of the male protagonist Newland Archer as he navigates conflicting ideas of conformity to societal conventions. To be more specific, these “societal conventions” are the customs and traditions that the upper echelons of the Gilded Age were expected to follow and practice (and that were ultimately considered “respectable”). For instance, to see and be seen at the Opera, to read literature considered unprovocative, and to spend summers in a quiet coastal town playing archery are all acceptable activities. But to consider getting a divorce from a European aristocrat, that is deemed shameful; an invitation to ostracize oneself from society. The story follows as Newland’s unfulfillment in these conventions starts to ruminate more often in his mind, and when this unfulfillment manifests itself in love, he finds himself conflicted; that is, whether to follow tradition or to break the mold.

If you were to get a copy, I’d suggest the Penguin Classics edition; it has a helpful footnotes section in the back that explains the context of certain vocabulary of the time. I began the novel quite slow (and I’m quite the slow reader in general) because I had to look up lots of unfamiliar words, but eventually picked up speed.

On another note, currently on my shelf is Joyce’s Ulysses, Achebe’s Things Fall Apart, and Proust’s Remembrance of Things Past (also known by the title, In Search of Lost Time), all patiently waiting to be read. These classics are enough to keep me occupied for a couple of months, but I think it might be worthwhile an idea to break these reads with more contemporary works of fiction. I’ll keep you posted.

Pictures

A genre of film I’ve been watching recently is the French New Wave, which as the name suggests, a film movement originating from France in the late 50s. The Criterion Channel summarizes the genre best:

The explosion of creative innovation that emanated from France in the late 1950s and early ’60s forever altered the course of film history by opening up new avenues of stylistic experimentation and trumpeting the concept of the “auteur” director, whose aesthetic vision and thematic obsessions took center stage. […] the French New Wave inspired filmmakers around the world by liberating cinema from commercial demands and reclaiming it in the name of unfettered personal expression.

The films I’ve been watching are (and linked are their respective trailers):

1. The 400 Blows by François Truffaut (1959)

2. Breathless by Jean-Luc Godard (1960)

3. Vivre sa vie (translated as “My Life to Live”, trailer has spoilers) by Jean-Luc Godard (1962)

4. La Pointe Courte by Agnès Varda (1955)

Of the four, the one I enjoyed most was Truffaut’s The 400 Blows, which follows a mischievous schoolboy named Antoine as he navigates life at school and family dynamics at home. There’s a childlike-wonder quality to it, of disobedience and of adventure. The character Antoine was based on Truffaut himself, and would go on to reappear as an older character in three of Truffaut’s sequels.

As for Godard’s Breathless and Vivre sa vie, I really liked their aesthetic qualities. Both films were mainly set in Paris. Breathless follows Michel, a man wanted for a hit-and-run, and follows as he tries to evade police and becomes involved with an American woman. I think Jean-Paul Belmondo (who plays Michel) was quite the charming actor. He has a je ne sais quoi quality that might be a combination of playfulness and confidence. Vivre sa vie follows Nana, a recently divorced woman who aspires to be an actress, but falters and becomes a prostitute. I thought the form of Vivre was interesting: 12 title cards that divides the film into an essay-like format; each division, a snapshot of Nana’s current progression in life.

Lastly Varda’s La Pointe Courte, the film that is cited as the first of the French New Wave. It tells two parallel narratives: a strained marriage between husband and wife, and a broader story of life in a small fishing village where the story is set. The husband and wife takes us through the landscape of the village, with imagery of laundry fluttering in the wind, flat fields, and water jousting, as they discuss and consider separation. This parallel narrative structure was inspired by a William Faulkner novel, The Wild Palms.

A basic reading on the movement tells me that there was quite a bit of intertwining going on with the French New Wave set. For instance, the storyline of Breathless was actually the work of Truffaut; Godard had to buy the rights to use the story for 100,000 Francs. Many of these directors also got their start as film critics in Cahiers Du Cinema, an influential French film publication co-founded by André Bazin, a notable film critic.

The French New Wave, quite broad of a movement, is categorized into subgroups, particularly the group with filmmakers associated with Cahiers (Godard, Truffaut), and those dubbed the “Left Bank”. As described in the footnotes of Godard on Godard (a book of collected essays by Godard):

‘the Left Bank group’ : So-called not only because they lived on the Left Bank in Paris, but because their cultural background (literature, politics and the plastic arts) was very different from that of the film-oriented Cahiers du Cinema group, comprising Godard, Truffaut, Chabrol, Rivette, Rohmer and Ooniol-Valcroze.

These Left Bank directors include Varda and Resnais. All of this to say, my knowledge on the genre itself is still quite superficial, but I’m looking to read further into the critical writings. On my eventually-to-watch is Resnais’s Hiroshima mon amour.

Objects of Interest

Note: None of the items linked are affiliates.

1. I’ve been wearing lots of L.L. Bean recently. Some products from them that I’ve purchased and loved:

   1. Rollneck Sweater ($89.95 USD): I bought two (in the Natural and Charcoal colors) and I’ve been alternating between them on the daily. They’re nicely loose fitting and made of 100% lambswool.

   2. Merino Wool (Blend) Socks, 2-Pack ($44.95 USD): Nice thick socks for the winter.

   3. Wrinkle-Free Chinos ($69.95 USD): Comfortable, semi-formal pants. There are multiple variations of this same pant (plus a plaid-lined one for the winter), but I got the one with more room around the thigh (as linked) and they’re my favorite. Wrinkle-Free out of the washer as they say.

2. One shoe that caught my attention was the Birkenstock Utti Lace that comes in a suede finish ($165 USD), resembling a mix of the typical moccasin and the Clark Wallabees. They also have a version in a leather finish.

3. Last but not least, I came across two variations of these vintage 80s/90s J. Crew patchwork sweaters and the color block patterns are truly beautiful. I really do wish they would reproduce these.

Entries of Interest

In October, I bought a pack of Field Notes from a stationery store and have since kept one in my crossbody bag most times. The Field Notes brand of pocket notebooks holds a sentimental value to myself. There was a time when I couldn’t get my hands on a pack of these and would make my own. I’d mock up the covers on Photoshop (same dimensions, same typeface) and print out multiple prototypes on cardstock until they look just about right. Then I’d get a pack of loose leaf paper, cut them down to the right size, and assemble the papers and cover together with a stapler. But I digress.

These past couple of months, I find myself jotting down little entries at random intervals of the day; in the morning at a café or the afternoon at the library or evenings in lulls when cooking dinner or late night on my sofa. Fleeting words that would’ve been irretrievable if there’s no ink on paper. Of course, it’s not all important, just a random assortment of ideas, description of my day, fiction, etc. But sometimes they evoke an image in my head, of a memory past or of an idea to further develop, and there’s the value. I like to date entries down to the minute (and most of the time do) and below are a few of the things I’ve written this past fall.

October 26, 2025 - 10:32AM

On this AM morning, the cafe is playing: The Marías, Tate McRae, Sabrina Carpenter.

October 27, 2025

Shopping List

Chicken / Brown Rice / Eggs / Snack / Orange Juice

November 9, 2025 - 3:40PM

Snow is actually starting to gather on the ground, little by little. It feels like Christmas. The flakes are swept almost horizontally in the wind. The cast of the street lamp’s warm glow illuminates each speck.

[Montreal’s first (proper) snowfall of the season. Forecasted to receive up to 20cm of snow.]

November 11, 2025 - 12:21AM

It’s a bit past midnight and it’s still snowing. […] Will have to pull out the Timberland boots.

November 11, 2025 - 12:12PM

[I was sat at a cafe and outside the snow was deep (and still falling lightly). For ten minutes, I put down a line for every color coat I see people wearing. Black, as expected, was the most popular color.]

Military Green: IIIII III / Navy: IIIII / Black: IIIII IIIII IIIII IIIII IIIII / Grey: IIIII / Red: III / Brown: IIIII / Light Grey/White: IIIII I / Pinkish Red: II / Beige-y Brown: I / Turquoise: II / Plaid: I

November 14, 2025 - 5:26PM

Came back from a walk. The streets are twinkling after the rain and snow. [...] The gloom of the day subsides and the city is sparkling. Buildings are decorated with holiday festivities: a large wreath, lined with fairy lights, a bush, lined with fairy lights, Christmas trees, lined with fairy lights. The city is dark at 5pm. People crowd the street as they get off work, school, on their way home or to a bar, or to have dinner. In the darkness, the city is quite intimate. The reflective exteriors of office buildings in the morning becomes transparent. Suddenly every movement is visible to the outsiders. Cozy, yellow interiors of restaurants. Fluorescent lights spilling out of the near-empty art galleries.

Thank you for reading. I hope you have a great Christmas! Until next time (which should be very soon). — C. S. Indoors.

“When I speak with young designers, I [tell] them shut your computer […] If you really want to see real things, real beauty, you have to go there by walking.” — Yohji Yamamoto, in conversation with the Business of Fashion.

Hello all, I hope everyone’s had a wonderful week. I’ve been spending my afternoons lounging on a sofa on the terrace; reading, sleeping, listening to great records and it’s my favorite thing to do as of late.

This week at the Journal, we will talk about all-things design. I’m also experimenting with new formats. The Zeitgeist begins with the Field Notes, a combination of stuff on my wishlist and what’s new in culture. Then, we discuss in-depth about the beauty of Bottega Veneta’s “craft” campaign and the visionary behind Charli XCX’s Brat.

I hope you enjoy.

1. If you’re looking for a (coffee table) book to find inspiration in, this HAY Phaidon Book ($29.97 USD) is great. HAY is a furniture design company based in Copenhagen, Denmark. I first became familiar with the brand through their minimal, yet playful Candy Mono bags. Below is a description of the book:

   Since its founding in 2002, HAY has been a beloved resource for colorful, playful, and functional designs. The first-ever book about the brand, HAY (2022) explores the origins and trajectory of the brand – from its founding in Copenhagen by husband-and-wife team Rolf and Mette Hay to its ever-growing roster of collaborations with designers and brands around the world.

2. And speaking of HAY, I am looking to get their table clock by Jasper Morrison ($65 USD).

3. There’s yet to be a mainstream version of Linkedin for creatives, but there is New Digital Commune, “A new social app built by creatives, for creatives.” It’s only available in the US and compatible with iOS for now. Couldn’t find much information about it (or their founders) online. If anyone’s ever used the platform, let me know your thoughts; I’m quite curious.

4. The Gustaf Westman and IKEA collaboration is coming in the fall and I’m excited; Westman is known for his chunky and colorful dish ware. I’d say, I could see Westman falling into the ranks of the Eames or Dieter Rams of the current generation. “Is that a Westman?!” “Yeah, it’s vintage from the 20s.”

5. Brian Wilson of The Beach Boys has passed away. Rest in Peace. In My Room, Surfer Girl, and Surfin’ USA all have a special place in my heart.

6. Hailey Bieber’s rhode skin has been doing really well lately. The brand scored a $1 billion deal with Elf Cosmetics; products are soon-to-be in Sephora stores starting this fall; most recently, launched a campaign with Harris Dickinson to advertise their new glazing mist, presumably trying to tap into the male-consumer market. Honorable mention: the smart marketing with the rhode phone case.

7. 441 items belonging to David Lynch was up on auction. Lynch passed away earlier this January, leaving behind a notable legacy in the mystery and thriller cinema; of them include Blue Velvet, Mulholland Drive, and the TV show Twin Peaks. After closing this Wednesday, some of the most expensive items sold include Lot 15: the unfinished Ronnie Rocket Film Screenplays ($195,000), Lot 278: the Lost Highway Script (also $195,000), and Lot 13: the Mulholland Drive Scripts ($104,000 and pictured above). The scripts were only estimated to sell at 200-300 bucks. The auction totaled over $4 million dollars.

8. Tokyo-based clothing brand Beams is now available to purchase in the United States.

9. A24’s new promotion for The Materialist: menofny.com

10. I recently got a pair of L. L. Beans Handsewn Moccasins. Moccasins are usually (and understandably) jumbled into the boat shoes category, as they look similar. The difference lies in the fact that Moccasins are not optimized for the waters. The specific pair I got, Blucher Mocs, are simpler than your typical boat shoes; there’s no rope-like detailing on the sides, but there are a few more eyes (the holes for shoelaces) than a boat shoes’ 1 or 2. Two things to note: (1) There is not much grip on the bottom of these shoes and it employs a rougher sole. (2) These shoes run large — I had to size 1.5 down, and even then there’s still some room, which is perfect for wearing with thicker socks in the autumn. I find them quite versatile; a pair that is somewhere in between your regular loafers and Chuck 70s.

“Craft is our Language” — Louis Trotter’s Bottega Veneta campaign involves hands and features creatives of all fields: Tyler the Creator (musician), Zadie Smith (writer), Julianne Moore (actress), Barbara Chase-Riboud (sculptor), and Lorenzo Musetti (tennis player) to name a few. The diversity in a variety of aspects is remarkable. But more importantly, it’s beautiful to see the attention on passion over product. In the words of Vogue Singapore, it’s a “series of portraits and short films that feel intimate, poetic, and refreshingly human.”

I believe that the qualities for a meaningful product are the message and the emotions that they evoke. These qualities create authenticity. The black-and-white images make you wonder, what are those hands doing and what do they mean? The short one-on-one interviews, where each artist expresses appreciation for their craft, bring out inspiration and draw meaning. It’s an essence only few brands can execute the right way.

Other things to notice are the Bottega partnerships in the literary scene. Recently, the brand has collaborated with The Atlantic Magazine to produce a series called The Writer’s Way. In the past, they’ve supported Air Afrique (this magazine, inspired by the now-defunct Pan African Airlines, is super cool) and a collection collaboration with the NYC-based bookstore The Strand.

Today, the Bottega brand does not have an official Instagram account. However, there is a fan account @newbottega, that has 1.6M followers. The brand deleted their Instagram back in 2021; at the time, under the creative leadership of Daniel Lee.

“Your first profiles painted you as shy. As you’ve acclimated, have you begun to feel more comfortable with the public parts of the role?

I don’t think I’m shy, but I want the focus to be on the work, not on me. I think about Martin Margiela—he was silent and everybody remembers the collections, but how many examples of contemporary houses can you recall where you remember the work before the person?”

Daniel Lee, in conversation with CULTURED.

The seventh of June marked one year of Charli XCX’s Brat. In the span of 365 days, the record (and its variations) went on to take a form of it’s own; influencing presidential campaigns, setting off a flurry of online memes, and defining the care-free, sloppy vibes for the summer of ‘24. It’s quite difficult to see lime green in the wild without thinking of Brat. The blurry Arial type against the repulsive “ugly” green (more specifically, #8ACE00) was an intentional design choice, and behind the front is an 8-persons creative studio called Special Offer, Inc.

Founded in 2014 by Brent Freaney, Special Offer is a web design agency, although their services extend broader in the creative field. For its one-year anniversary, Freaney, who is also the Art Director at i-D Magazine, posted a series of pictures that vaguely detailed the design process. Between Pantone swatches and cover demos, the one thing that stood out immediately in the photo carousel was Figma. The cover was designed on Figma.

specialoffer.inc

A post shared by @specialoffer.inc

i_d

A post shared by @i_d

I speak for all when I say I wish we could see inside those files. The design process for Brat took 5 months, where they looked at more than 500 shades of green (and eventually settled on Pantone 3507C). As Freaney told the New York Times, “The challenge became — how do I take this thing and make it something that is special? It’s a painfully simple cover, obviously, and I think that lends itself to the reason it’s been recreated in so many different ways.” One year onwards, it’s safe to say that the branding has cemented itself in the cultural zeitgeist.

That is all. Thank you for reading and I hope you have a great weekend. I know I’ll be spending mine flipping through magazines and watching the classics, outside of course. — C. S. Indoors.

Subscribe now

Good evening everyone! Hope all’s been well. Welcome to The Zeitgeist and Welcome to March (although we’re half way through). Happy Sunday and Happy St. Patrick’s.

Although February saw some of the heaviest snowfall of the season—there were two days where expected snow was 40cm (15.75in) each—March presents itself with more sunlight and dryer streets. The transition phase to Spring is now. Anyways, a new month means a new Spotify playlist and with this one, I’m bringing out nostalgia. On the mix this month, we have tunes from Cage The Elephant, Peter Bjorn & John, Tchaikovsky, and more. It’s a great assortment; take a listen here.

Today’s Zeitgeist cover went through very many iterations. There were several nights where found myself up past midnight having spent hours working on minor tweaks and details. Taking inspiration from vintage candy wrappers and packaging, find the documentation with references and specifications of the design here.

And lastly, this sixth issue is filled with great resources; from Virgil Abloh, to space graphic manuals and picture frames, I hope you find something to inspire or something to love. This issue has been on the back burner for a while and I’m happy to finally share.

Notes: (1) This letter is picture-heavy and too long for email. For the best experience, view in app. (2) There are dozens of links in this newsletter, but none of them are affiliate links. (3) Enjoy the read!

To Build From Scratch —

Virgil Abloh was a designer. You may be familiar with his name from his work at Off-White (where he was founder), his menswear direction at Louis Vuitton (2018 - 2021), or his creative role on Kanye West’s DONDA team.

He passed away in 2021, but his legacy lives on. I recently visited a website of his, “Free Game,” where I remember finding years ago. He created this 12-step guide to starting a brand, beginning from “how to name your brand” to “how to find blanks” and “how to make a website.” Although basic, it’s great introductory knowledge to building a project. The website’s header reads:

“Below please find a resource center for brands in their earliest phases. This resource was born as I was working to summarize answers to all my most frequently asked questions. The goal of this resource is to uplift more than a few. I will continue to open doors for those that come from the fringe and help them be awarded opportunities usually left for the center.”

Visit the Free Game website here. Thinking of Virgil also reminded me of an email exchange I remembered seeing somewhere on the internet between him and Samuel Ross, creator of the fashion label, A COLD WALL*.

““I [Ross] found him on Instagram and said to myself, ‘Is there any point in even fucking following him, he has over 100k followers, I have 40.’ What was the point in this? But I said ‘fuck it’ and decided to follow him.”

He woke up to an e-mail from Abloh the next day.

The conversations that ensued would allow Ross to share the diverse body of work that he had already created and thus cultivate opportunities to create even more. The result? A few projects for Hood By Air, some print and design work and artwork for rapper Travis Scott.” (Via Maekan’s interview with Ross. Read the full conversation here.)

It reminded me of the saying, luck is where preparation meets opportunity. Things can stay stagnant for months, but it can also change overnight.

It’s a good thought to keep in mind.

The NASA Graphics Standards Manual —

Coming of age in the era of the internet means information is more accessible than ever. As a child, I spent hours sifting and scouring the internet looking for entertainment, whether that be YouTube travel videos—a favorite pastime, where I naively declared I was going to go backpacking and interrail-ing across Europe when I got older (that hasn’t happened, yet)—or digging the web to find PDF documents, whether that be writings, manuals, or graphics. I really am fond of beautifully-made things. Of the things I’ve came across, my pedestal item was the 60-page, 1976 NASA Graphics Standards Manual PDF.

Rediscovering this document now, I still think it’s cool. I’m sharing this in hopes that you’ll love it the same way I did. The full PDF—from the NASA website—is linked here.

And a little side note, in tandem with this hobby was an Epson printer we had at home. Because I loved having physical copies of things, printing these documents in the hundreds of pages and arranging them into my binder was a frequent occurrence.

Clothes & Wear —

• My favorite socks are from Uniqlo. During the Winter, the thick and warm Heat-Tech socks are the best. My first pair, a white with red and blue stripes (very patriotic, yes) from 2022 are still intact. There’s also the thinner, ribbed pairs that are perfect for the Summer. I purchased two last month in the 10 Pink and 84 Blue colorways and they truly are great. They retail at $3.90 USD each.

• Front General Store — Boxer Shorts ($40 USD). The patterns and colors on these are perfect. 100% Cotton, Made in Japan. They come in pink + yellow + blue pinstripe patterns, neutral plaid colors, and a really cool patchwork one.

• Cherry Los Angeles’ archive sale. They make such unique, cowboy/ Western-esque style pieces. Some standouts: Sun-Faded Painter Pants ($120 USD), Mountain Sherpa Pants ($130 USD).

• Have you seen the new green BODE x Nike Astrograbbers?

Back to The Basics —

I got a digital camera, one in the Canon Powershot A500 series.

My first digital camera was a similar model, which I bought in 2022. I loved it, but dropped it into the ocean and broke it. Back then, I bought the camera for around 30 bucks. Three years later, I cashed out 150 for this one on eBay.

But no regrets. I bring this little guy with me everywhere in my pocket. It’s fun to pull a physical object (besides my phone) to document things around me. I love that I can capture the atmosphere around, the people around, the sounds around, and the places around me. It also encouraged creativity in a different way; for one, it’s where I can experiment with making little videos and for two, I am paying more attention to the world around me.

Some listings on eBay that I found to be similar to my camera:

• Canon PowerShot A530 5.0MP Compact Digital Camera ($79.95 USD)

• Canon PowerShot A540 6.0MP Digital Camera (Bidding, currently at $34 USD)

When purchasing on eBay, always make sure to do your due diligence.

Aesop, Aesop, and Aesop! —

Last December—between the lull of Christmas and New Years—I paid a visit to the Aesop Store at Petit Bourgogne. It’s a beautiful store, nested on the side of a narrow sidewalk. The sales assistant told me the boutique design took inspiration from a Jazz Club. Very fun. I went in with the intention of only buying a room spray (Istros, $61 USD), but I left with an additional Resurrection Hand Cream (2.6oz, $33 USD). They are my first two Aesop items and I love it.

Field Notes —

• A website that rated over 100 food spots in NYC.

• 58 Jazz Luminaries Assembled For This Photo. Only One Remains.

• A Look Back At Princess Diana's Travels Around The World.

• 1950s Herman Miller Collection Catalog ($250 USD).

• BODE opens in Paris.

Thank you for reading Issue Six of The Zeitgeist and I hope you enjoyed. I’ll be back when I have good things to share. Have a great week ahead and good night! — Kind regards, CS.

Into the Indoors, 2025 — Montreal, QC.

“He never realized that people are capable, at any time in their lives, of doing what they dream of.” — The Alchemist, Paulo Coelho.

“Oh it’s the same old fish / Swimming in a new sea / And times don’t change / But they can surely leave” — Junior Varsity, Dayglow.

Winter is in full swing. December 3rd in the afternoon saw the first proper snow day of the season. It snowed a day earlier, but only a thin blanket that disappeared within hours. Fast forward to the present—a couple days after Christmas—the sidewalks are covered in snow slush down below, but bright lights stringing above. The streets themselves are inviting; alive with music and people and a joyful atmosphere.

Hello and welcome. Happy holidays and I hope you’ve been enjoying this time of year, with or without company. This December, I haven’t been writing much (hence the month-long hiatus), but I’m back with lots to share! This issue five will include a bit of everything; recent film watches, readings, clothing finds, fine stationery recommendations, and other miscellaneous news. I sectioned them into nine parts by topic. Feel free to skim through. I do think that there’s a bit of something for all to enjoy!

(Disclaimer: None of the product linked are affiliate links.)

Section 1: Writing tools & creativity

Technology is advancing at an incredibly fast rate. But I think in terms of creative pursuits, all-things digital just cannot replicate the traditional pen-and-paper experience; to create with something tangible and physical. Here, I share my favorite tools.

1. My pen of choice is the Pilot G-Tec-C4 in Black ($14.5 USD, pack of 5). My thoughts often time run faster than I can write them down, but this one does the trick. This pen glides so smoothly on the surface of paper with minimal pressure and it’s satisfying to jot things down. It’s perfect for everyday use.

2. Something a bit more fancy for special occasions would be the Safari Fountain Pen by LAMY, a German pen company. Retails at $37 USD apiece. They come in a variety of colors and five nib sizes, embodying a sleek design.

3. Now if you prefer a pencil, I’d suggest the Pentel P205 ($6.5 USD apiece). Depending on your preference of lead thickness, they come in 0.3, 0.5, 0.7 lead sizes in the models P203, P205, and P207 respectively; all great options.

4. Something that could bring out the interesting in the mundane is a Mount Fuji eraser ($5 USD apiece). As you start to use and wear down the eraser, it begins to shape like the mountain with frosted tips.

5. A few months ago, I invested in a Moleskine Notebook ($25 USD, Softcover, 5 x 8.25 in). For a notebook they’re quite pricey, but I’ve always admired them in the past and there surely is some luxury in carrying a Moleskine. Quality is great. But do consider your preference for a soft or hardcover. I purchased the hardcover, only realizing later that I have a preference for a soft that can comfortably spread on a flat surface.

6. An alternative for notebooks: the Kokuyo Campus ($14 USD, set of 3). Very soft pages and lightweight; perfect if you need to own multiple notebooks/bulk buy for school or university.

For most products mentioned here, I do think you get a better value if you shop local. In Montreal, the best place I find stationery is at Papeterie Nota Bene at 3416 Park Ave, in the McGill area. They carry a really good selection of papers, books, pens, planners, you name it; and many of them are from Japan, which is always top-tier. The staffs are very knowledgable in the products, I cannot recommend them more.

Section 2: Films in the theaters & movies at home

I’ve been consuming a whole lot of movies this month that began in the theater with Sean Baker’s Anora—the film that won Palme d’Or this year at the Cannes Film Festival (the festival’s top award). From there it snowballed, to watching Luca Guadagnino’s Queer—which I’ve been anticipating—and most recently, A Complete Unknown, a biographical film of musician Bob Dylan, starring Timothee Chalamet as he.

Anora followed Sean Baker’s line of films exploring sex work; this one specifically was set in Brighton Beach in New York City involving the son of an oligarch. Queer, adapted from William Burroughs’ novel of the same name, followed American expatriates in 1950s Mexico City, and explored the relationship between two men. A Complete Unknown recounted the early years of Dylan’s folk music career, navigating breakthrough, genre shifts, and romantic relationships.

Back at home, I spent my evenings in the dark watching the classics. To get into the holiday spirit, I screened It’s a Wonderful Life (1946) and it sure was a wonderful film, although with a bit of a dark undertone. Impeccable acting by James Stewart. I also re-watched The Holdovers. I didn’t enjoy it the first time around, but this time had me a change of mind. You’d like the movie if you liked Dead Poets Society. Someone mentioned how there were parallels between both films and it’s true.

Another movie I watched at home: Citizen Kane (1941), directed by Orson Welles and considered one of the best films of all time. My initial thought was that it was okay; however, I read that it’s a movie that ages like fine wine. Maybe in five, ten, fifteen years, I’ll see the movie differently with rewatches. There’s a whole lot of details in the film itself. Welles made use of a technique called “Deep Focus,” where the background of each scene is in full view without a blurring effect like many modern day film. It’s hard to catch all the details on the first watch.

On another note, A24 has been killing it. The Brutalist looks really good. It’s not out in theaters in Montreal as of current, but I’m excited to see it next month when it will be. A historical epic, I am excited to see Adrien Brody back on the big screen playing an old-time piece, especially after his brilliant performance in The Pianist. The movie trailer is quite perfect, conveying a strong feeling and a clear tone of the movie, but giving away little about the storyline itself. In fact, besides the movie score, the only phrase said was “Welcome to America.” Public consensus says movie trailers nowadays give out too much. That it spoils the premises and exposes the plot. I’m not a movie connoisseur, but I do admire how Citizen Kane and Breakfast at Tiffany’s did theirs; where outtakes, specifically-for-trailer clips, and breaking the fourth wall was a thing. Maybe it would be nice to see some innovation in that area now.

And one last thought: I do believe that it’s important to see all types of genres in film. I have a preference for light-hearted easy-to-follow movies, but I try my best to venture out in other categories. Having taken an introductory film class in college certainly helped me in that area, where I watched works ranging from Alfred Hitchcock to Sofia Coppola. One memorable movie was Blue Velvet, where some scenes were grotesque—something I wouldn’t have watched on my own—but I’m glad I did because the storyline and execution was amazing. There’s something to learn or appreciate from each film, sometimes when you don’t expect it.

Section 3: At the Newsstand

A few weeks ago at the newsstand, I came across a story in Esquire; an account of homelessness in America by a former Boston Globe reporter, Patrick Fealey. Struck by manic depression, his life flipped upside down.

“I go to Walmart that night and will sleep there every night. But the police will continue to come as if I’m some kind of one-man crime wave. […] They are so afraid. I know I look disheveled, but I don’t believe there’s anything wrong with me intellectually or spiritually.”

I’d recommend you read the full article. Patrick is one of the 653,104 people experiencing homelessness in America (as of Jan. 2023). A follow-up article reported that a New England family, moved by the story, has set up a GoFundMe page for Patrick and so far, it’s raised $186,900 USD from 3000 donations. If you feeling generous this holiday season, here’s the link to donate.

Kudos to Esquire for giving a space to voice those unheard.

Section 4: Objects of Interest

• One object of interest I came across recently is Brick. Priced at $50 USD, it’s a palm-sized magnetic block that works as a physical tapping mechanism to activate a Screen Time limit. To lock or unlock certain apps on your phone, it would require you to tap the brick. Here’s their website.

• Peanuts character envelopes by Graphique ($13 USD, pack of 16).

• A great coffee table book ideally should not only serve an aesthetic purpose, but also a functional one (like a source of inspiration). I think the Milton Glaser Pop book ($45 USD) does just that. Milton Glaser was a graphic designer who co-founded New York Magazine and designed the well-recognized I heart New York logo. While browsing through the design section at a bookstore, I found myself snapping multiple photos of his design for reference; they’re just so unique.

• The best stuffed teddy bear you can purchase.

• I really like the silhouette of this Miu Miu Avetura Nappa Leather bag. It offers a resemblance to the Birkin, but maybe more in terms of its capacity to hold a ton of stuff. It retails in the $3500 USD range, but it’s pretty much sold out everywhere.

• I loved the updated tour of Kendall Jenner’s cozy home on Architectural Digest. One thing that caught my eye was the custom couch, a collaboration between BODE and Green River Project (The founder/co-founder of each, Emily Bode and Aaron Aujla, are actually married). The L-shaped furniture is in the style of BODE’s senior cords; mustard yellow with various memorabilia etched onto the fabric. To have that on a whole couch is really cool.

• One thing you should never go cheap on is dental floss. One thing you should spend a bit more on to enhance your life is hand soap. In between generic and Aesop is Mrs. Meyers Hand Soap. I have the Lavender and Rain-scented ones and they are lovely.

Section 5: Into the Public Domain

Here’s an exciting news to kick off the new year: Beginning January 1st, incredible works are entering the public domain. Some notable ones include the specific cartoons of Popeye The Sailor Man, works of Frida Khalo, and Hemingway’s A Farewell to Arms.

From my understanding, when a work enters the public domain, it essentially becomes the property of the general public and loses any copyright protection it once had. Anyone can reproduce the work or use it in a new piece of art. Generally speaking, in the United States for example, work enters the public domain 95 years after publication. But it becomes a bit complicated since public domain laws varies from country to country and there are nuances in specific cases. Also, certain variation of a work might still be under copyright. For example, the original Steamboat Willie Mickey Mouse is in the public domain, but more recent ones are copyrighted. So of course, always do your research in the works you’re interested in using.

Two online libraries to access public domain works are:

• Library of Congress - for images, art

• Project Gutenberg - for eBooks

Section 6: Readings

Currently reading Hemingway’s The Sun Also Rises (1926). I’m in quite deep and it’s an easy read where words coming together quite nicely. When I think of classics, there’s the assumption that it’s going to be difficult to follow, like Shakespeare’s Macbeth, but that’s not always the case and I’m happy that that is so. Hemingway approaches writing in a sparse manner using his “Iceberg Theory.” Essentially having to interpret meaning in between the simple lines. One thing to note is that the novel does contain derogatory terms. And also, if you’re interested in reading, the book is in the public domain.

And speaking of books, I’ve been enjoying visits to different bookstores around the city. Although smaller, independent bookstores carry a smaller selection of books, they are very well curated; in some ways making it easier to pick a book if you find yourself indecisive or would like to select a read at random. Locally, I like to head south of the island to Librairie Saint-Henri Books, located at 4622 Rue Notre Dame.

Section 7: Clothing Finds

• Really love the Australian-based clothing brand, Observe Gallery. They recently dropped their SS25 collection online and what caught my eyes were their Article Stamp Plaid Shirt ($96 USD) and the Stamp tee ($51 USD). A warmer piece I like is the blue-black Wool/Mohair Striped Knit ($127 USD). They’re such versatile pieces by itself or for layering.

• Japan-based AURALEE has been killing it with their collaborations lately. Tekla, KITH, and most recently New Balance. I like that there is a reoccurring theme among these collaborations, which is the brand’s distinct and recognizable color palette of blues, greys, and neutrals.

• Montreal-based clothing brand École de Pensée is having a boxing day sale, 50% off sitewide. The one item that stood out to me was their oversized rust brown-colored wool/mohair cardigan ($496 $248 USD).

Section 8: Music

Old Lana Del Rey songs have been in the earphones and on the speakers quite a bit lately; that’s when I know it’s winter. Very much All-American vibes. I rediscovered Dayglow and took the time to appreciate how good of a record Fuzzybrain is. Other artists I’ve enjoyed are The Beach Boys and SADE. A bit of Bob Dylan too because I saw A Complete Unknown the other day. Anywho, I have a new playlist for you. Enjoy.

Field Notes:

⭑ The North Face X SKIMS Collaboration in Earth tones (Dec 10) ⭑ Pantone’s color of the year: Mocha Mousse ⭑ A Fun Wes Anderson-style Ritz Carlton video ad ⭑ AURALEE Autumn-Winter 24 Show ⭑ Miniature furnitures ⭑ “In The Mood For Love” interactive film analysis ⭑ Harper Bazaar Netherlands X Thomas Lelu Nov. Cover ⭑ “Helping Students Find Their Way to College” ⭑ Your favorite fashion Instagram account is on Substack () sharing their clothing recommendations ⭑ (Bottega’s) Matthieu Blazy moves to Chanel ⭑ Treat yourself with an item from the well-curated gift guide of ’s newsletter, SL Selects ⭑

I hope you’ve enjoyed this fifth issue of The Zeitgeist and thank you for an amazing year. Have a great night and I’ll see you again, in 2025!

-CS

Greetings! I hope this newsletter finds you well on this fine Sunday morning. Hopefully, you’re not plagued with the Sunday Scaries. And hopefully this mention did not trigger the Sunday Scaries.

Anyways, to start, I first have updates. I mentioned in the last newsletter that I will publish a new feature for my Conversation Series this week, but unfortunately, there are some delays and I apologize. I want to make sure it’s perfect before putting it out there. Look forward to it though, it’s an exciting one!

On the flip side, this means that you get a new issue of The Zeitgeist and therefore, a *free* postcard today, to anywhere in the world. If you’re interested, feel free to fill out this form! Once I meet quorum (that is, 1 person), the form will close.

And finally, this week in The Zeitgeist, we have much to discuss:

• New York Magazine’s Latest Issue and Homage to Heritage

• Clothing Finds This Week

• The Movie List

• …and a great selection of Field Notes, including internship opportunities!

(Disclaimer: None of the product linked are affiliate links.)

New York Magazine’s Latest Issue and Homage to Heritage

This week, New York Magazine published their Annual “Power Issue” under the theme of media elites—interviewing 57 media personalities—and among them, Substack’s co-founder, Hamish McKenzie. The black-and-white photography portfolio, by Dutch photographer Paul Kooiker is striking. Shot on the iPhone 16 in 10 cities, the camera gets uncomfortably close and snaps mid-conversation. As Hamish describes it in his newsletter, “The black-and-white photos printed with the spread are dark and striking, making all the subjects—plain in appearance, unalluring in visage—look like characters from a moody Martin Scorcese movie.” It depicts the topic’s exploration well, which was described as “an examination of the media industry in a time of enormous financial turmoil and record public distrust.”

This year’s cover pays homage to last year’s Power Issue cover. On Instagram, there’s a page called @oldnymag that documents past archives of NYMag covers and points out references made in newer issues. It really is interesting to observe these common themes and I do recommend you pay a visit to the account. The publication attracted me in the first place for its alluring visuals. Jody Quon, New York Mag’s Director of Photography since 2004, really does an amazing job in creating covers that stand out and evoke a feeling of some kind in viewers.

And also, how cool is this GIF on their store’s frontpage?

Clothing Finds This Week

• This Museum of Peace and Quiet sweater is such a pretty piece. I like the overlapping serif lettering in a counter-clockwise direction on the sweater; it reminds me a lot of the Diptyque perfume labels and I love that style. Simple, but it has personality. Made with 100% cotton, by the way.

• If you live down in the Southern Hemisphere and Summer is approaching, then you’d love the vintage-style graphic tees from Imogene + Willie. These tees are screen-printed in the USA and made with 100% cotton.

• For nearly a year now, I’ve been wearing one hat. Baseball caps—which has a higher profile—isn’t made for me, but this Every Other Thursday (EOT) cap fits nicely. (Especially if you, to put it bluntly, have a larger head). It has a mid-low profile, so think of it as a shorter cap, in terms of height. I have the basic Namesake one in green, but there’s an updated version with script letters and a geese pattern. If I had to get another, I would get the one in brown (No. 2 above). EOT also just had their third FW drop, releasing denim and their cashmere knit sweater (No. 3 above). I will say, the items are on the more pricey side, but the material composition looks great; no acrylic or polyester. I think they’re built to last.

The Movie List

A while back, I wrote a note asking the community for their top three movies:

…and I received a lot! I thought it’d be nice to share the full list here. If you’re looking for something to watch, feel free to browse by year, genre, or pick one to watch at random. I’ve also linked the YouTube movie trailer to each film. Enjoy!

1. The Sacrifice ¹ - 1986 • Drama/Mystery

2. La Chimera ¹ - 2023 • Adventure/Comedy

3. In the Mood for Love ¹ - 2000 • Romance/Drama

4. Scott Pilgrim vs. The World ² - 2010 • Action/Comedy

5. Ferris Bueller’s Day Off ² - 1986 • Comedy/Drama

6. The Shawshank Redemption ² - 1994 • Thriller/Crime

7. The Iron Giant ³ - 1999 • Family/Sci-fi • Animation

8. Heat ³ - 1995 • Thriller/Crime

9. La La Land ³ - 2016 • Musical/Romance

10. Moonlight ⁴ - 2016 • Romance/Drama

11. 10 Things I Hate About You ⁴ - 1999 • Comedy/Romance

12. The Incredibles ⁴ - 2004 • Family/Action • Pixar Animation

13. Fanny and Alexander ⁵ - 1982 • Fantasy/Drama • 5 hours long

14. Addams Family Values ⁵ - 1993 • Comedy/Family

15. After Hours ⁵ - 1985 • Comedy/Thriller

16. Paris Blues ⁶ - 1961 • Romance/Musical

17. Life ⁶ - 2017 • Horror/Sci-fi

18. The Photograph ⁶ - 2020 • Romance/Drama

A special thanks to ¹, ², ³, ⁴, ⁵, & ⁶ for sharing their favorite movies!

Field Notes:

• I’ve been regularly updating The Fall Playlist. Give it a listen!

• Music is a universal language and that’s a beautiful thing. On my walks, my favorite song as of current is the Jazz-y, Bossa Nova-style ‘Carta Ao Tom 74’ by Brazilian musician—and poet, and diplomat, and writer—Vinicius de Moraes. Sung softy in Portuguese, it takes me to a sunny day on the sandy shores of Ipanema.

• Jane Street’s summer internships for Quantitative Trading and Software Engineering are open. Base salary of $250K, but competition is fierce.

• Also, while on the topic of internships, The Paris Review also has a post for a 6-month long Editorial Internship, with Spring-Summer applications open until November 15.

• Every now and then, I have the impulse to buy this Sony Camcorder (CX405). Emma Chamberlain makes her video with this camera a few years ago and I think her recent videos too. I love the grainy home-footage visuals and the nostalgic feeling of it all.

• The color palette for the upcoming Tekla and AURALEE collaboration is delicious.

• There’s this guy @truewagmer, who has a Patreon where he sends a satirical postcard (or a “surprise thing”) every month for 6 bucks a month. This month’s send off is a gem. The subscription would be worth it if you need a good laugh or want to prank a friend who lives a distance away.

• Beyoncé’s GQ October Cover Story - she talks about her new whiskey brand SirDavis, managing the various aspects of life and the importance of singing for her. Here are some highlights:

  • “I’ve learned that true success isn’t about leaning on a name; it’s about crafting something genuine, something that can hold its own. It’s not about being perfect. It’s about being revolutionary.”

  • “I’m drawn to authenticity. I don’t waste my time on something unless I’m deeply passionate about it. If I don’t wake up thinking about it and I’m not going to sleep dreaming about it, it’s not for me.”

• Do you remember the Internet Archive Machine?

• If you’re looking for a good coffee table book that aren’t fashion house-focused, there’s a page on Instagram, @pagespread, which showcases and sells really cool graphic design books and ships free from Tokyo. Each ranges from as low as $30 to the high of a few hundreds.

• “I have been sowing a lot of seeds for the past 4, 5 years. You can’t always be in the reaping stage or the harvest stage of life. Life has seasons.” Emma Watson in her Vogue ‘In The Bag’ video (2023).

• It’s cold outside and I want (need) the BODE Lighthouse sweater…

• I think these IKEA EKTANDVINGE Checkered Duvet and Pillowcase set ($39.99 USD, Double/Queen) are really cool.

• Gift guides may or may not be coming soon!

I hope you found something new to enjoy in this newsletter! I bought new magazines earlier this week, so I’ll be spending the rest of my Sunday reading through them, drinking Chai tea and cozying up in my apartment. This is the vision:

And of course, thank you for reading. I’ll see you next week!

-CS

Some observations. Last weekend, I went to the Old Port—a touristy neighborhood in Montreal with really cool old European-style building façades and also fun for people watching—and took a long walk along the river. Only then did I noticed that the leaves has turned into different shades of autumn red and the weather flipped like a switch; the temperature dropped into the single digits. Layers and Jackets—it’s official, fall begins.

In this week’s issue of The Zeitgeist:

• From the New World to the Old: Josephine Baker

• Really good clothing recommendations this week: handmade items from William Burke, Uniqlo X JWA, GAP etc.

• An autumn playlist filled with oldies and goodies, perfect for all

• A new section, called “Fieldnotes.” Essentially lots of links and recommendations, minimal explanation.

• A poll for you!

(Disclaimer: None of the product linked are affiliate links.)

From the New World to the Old: Josephine Baker

Recently, I’ve been going down a rabbit hole, reading of Josephine Baker.

Born in St. Louis, Missouri, she moved to France at the age of 19 during the roaring twenties to pursue a career in entertainment and to escape: the segregation of Jim Crow America and poverty. She established a life well lived in Old World Europe.

Outside the spotlight, she was a spy for the French Resistance during World War II, relaying messages across borders under the disguise of her stardom. She passed away in 1975, but in recent years, she was inducted in the Pathenon—known as the French Tomb of Heroes where distinct citizens are laid to rest (Victor Hugo, Marie Curie)—and became the first black women to do so.

What intrigues me about her relates to this idea of home and geography. Her decision to move across the Atlantic to France—an unfamiliar land—to pursue her dreams at 19 and rarely looking back. Then again, people in American society then didn’t appreciate her the way they do in Europe.

“In 1936, riding high on the popularity she was enjoying in France, Josephine visited the States to perform in the Ziegfeld Follies on Broadway. She had hoped to establish herself as a major star in her home country. Unfortunately, her performance was met with hostility and racism as New York theater critics were especially cruel in their reviews.” (CIA.gov)

In her later marriage to French man Jean Lion in 1937, she renounced her US citizenship and became a French citizen.

Are we bound by our circumstances or do we have the ability to choose who we become? It’s a basic question with a basic answer (of course the latter), but it proves harder to live it. Josephine, however, is a great example and that’s an inspiration. Although born into hardship, she was able to transcend borders and live beautifully. She found her way to a place, on the same planet, where they loved and appreciated her presence.

Maybe it’s difficult because we’re just bounded by some of the invisible walls and limitations we put up for ourselves, probably subconsciously. If we begin to believe in who we are, are we also able to become the person we want to be? Is a fresh start all we need? It reminds me of the saying “you are who you surround yourself with.”

Some reading and watches about her (in order might be most chronological):

1. “Josephine Baker Was the Star France Wanted—and the Spy It Needed” from the New Yorker - an article about particular moments of her life and career.

2. “First Tour of the Old World” from The Paris Review - she speaks in a 1930 interview about her experience traveling across various European countries to perform.

3. “Josephine Baker in conversation, 1971” on Youtube - This 10 minute interview with Josephine, who had a conversation (in English) with Erik Bye on Norwegian TV.

4. “Josephine Baker at the London Palladium 1974” on Youtube - a performance.

Her music is also part of my fall playlist below. I particularly enjoyed the dance-y La Conga Blicoti + the jazzy and slow-rhythmic beats of De Temps en Temps (translates to “From Time to Time”).

Now, for clothing finds!

Made in Kentucky: William Burke

I’m a fan of handmade items. Bespoke and custom pieces where bits of your personality are expressed are unmatched. My friend Jon over at posted on instagram about this bag made by William Burke, and immediately I love. Shipped and all made-to-order from Kentucky, William also makes belts, thermals, and hoodies—from 100% cotton and YKK zippers (which are some of the best quality)—of interesting silhouettes. I like the Shelby messenger bag in particular! He documents the making of these products on his Instagram (@859will).

859will

A post shared by @859will

Uniqlo x JW Anderson FW 2024

As I’m writing this, I’m wearing a tan button up from a past collaboration of theirs and it’s the only button up I wear on the regular. Jonathan Anderson, the founder of his namesake brand—in addition to being creative director of LOEWE—has a long standing relationship with Uniqlo. This collection will drop October 17, titled “Elements of Land and Sea” and “draws its inspiration from the beauty of seaside landscapes. Elements from British classics and traditional fisherman’s garb have been updated for the modern everyday wardrobe.” I love the collaboration. Like many of Uniqlo’s items, they’re timeless and good for everyday wear. It’s versatile to pair with anything in the wardrobe. With Uniqlo items, they tend to fit true to size, and in some products, I might even say they’re more spacious.

Browsing through product range, I have my eyes on the Dark Orange flannel shirt and Olive gradation crew neck sweater. But I think the gem of this collection are the socks. The patterns are so good, I want to buy all of them. And they’re HeatTech, which is so good for the winter cold!

Other (great) clothing finds

• I wrote of my favorite GAP hoodie in a past issue of The Zeitgeist. I mentioned that they do sales often and it’s worth buying it then. Well, now GAP is having a sale for their midseason event! The hoodie is 60% off, now priced at 47 CAD/ ~34 USD. Trust me, it’s so good. Also, it might go out quick. I was eyeing a pair of pants on GAP a few days ago, checked again the next day, and it was gone. I am sad.

• I’ve always loved the New Balance 2002R silhouette and I know it’s been somewhat trendy for a while now, but I didn’t know they existed in this beautiful orange-blue colorway released in 2022, as a collaboration with Salehe Bembury. Man, if only I could time travel back a few years. They do resell in the $600+ range though, if you’re interested. Those and the 2021 New Balance x ALD in the brown-olive colorway. Rent-free in my head.

• (Updated as of October 13) The Classic Lacoste Polos are on sale for 50% off right now ($110 USD, now 59.99 USD). I think they’re a great staple piece in the closet. I love the shirt in Cream and Dark Green. 100% Cotton and runs small according to their site.

Tunes, Tunes, Tunes

I recently curated an Autumn playlist. From contemporaries to classics, you have two hours of good tunes to listen to. I demo-ed this playlist on my trips to the grocery store, running errands, cooking dinner, and on my walks, so rest assured—you’re guaranteed a soothing listening experience.

A special thanks to members of the community , , , and for contributing—I appreciate your inputs!

Field Notes:

• Midnight in Paris is a great movie; the opening montage with Si Tu Vois Ma Mere (in the autumn playlist) is amazing, the soundtrack throughout is perfect. Watch the movie trailer here!

• This 3D render by Creamateliar of “The Miller House” in California is a dream.

• onlyvisitonce.com - you can only visit the website once; read or leave inspiring messages.

• I enjoyed this little fiction piece. The narrative—in the eyes of a sixth-grader and whose parents are divorced— is having a difficult time in school. her imagination is her escape.

• gramparents - cool, eclectic grandparent style inspo on your feed. (most) grandparents don’t know Bottega or Loewe, they wear what they like and what they collect over the decades. Maybe the calmness and contentment and wisdom that they carry is the real accessory at pla here. an exception might be akiandkoichi.

• I had a great conversation with thomas of Self Running last week about his NYC-based running brand. He recently announced that the V3 “SPRINT” caps are coming out October 15.

• This little video might be the boost of motivation you need.

And lastly, a favor from you.

When I recommend products, I tend to list prices and link products in US and Canadian. I don’t know my demographics too well, so for future reference, I would love for you to fill out this poll to help me figure out how I could better cater the community for future editions. You help is most appreciated!

I hope you’ve enjoyed The Zeitgeist series so far. If you liked this, check out past issues:

Thank you guys! I actually really enjoyed writing this issue of The Zeitgeist. My ideas seemed to flow more easily, the curation of products are really great in my opinion, and I’m letting a bit loose on the writing format. Let me know what you think in the comments. Have a great day, and I’ll see you next week!

-CS

Subscribe now

In this week’s issue:

• Where design, food, and influencers meet

• A brand that says it’s okay to rest

• Humanrace x Evian: Skincare & Rejuvenation?

• 4 poses, 8 dollars: The Old Friend Photobooth in New York

• Have you heard of the Bed-Stuy Fish Pond?

• What do you do with $300 worth of yarn?

Email users: This article is image-heavy, so hit the three dots to the left if images are missing!

(Disclaimer: None of the products linked are affiliate links.)

Where design, food, and influencers meet

• Community Goods is an LA-based coffee shop, one that I’ve never visited, but came across through social media. Think Erewhon, but an eatery instead of a grocery store. The thing that struck me most about this cafe is not its food or beverage range, but rather the atmosphere and design execution. The orange-and-black logo is simplistic, but for some reason it stands out to me very well. Wooden beams, wooden benches, concrete floor, stone counters—I’m a big fan. Making it vintage and full of heritage, but keeping it modern.

• Read more about the shop in this LA Times article, which featured interviews with the co-founder Pedro Cavaliere, and customers of the community.

  

  

A brand that says it’s okay to rest…

• I want to talk a little bit about this brand called “Okay to Rest.” Like the name suggests, Okay to Rest (OTR) is a Canadian-based clothing brand centered around the idea of taking time and being gentle with yourself. With an ethos that is the antithesis of hustle culture, OTR executes its value brilliantly, producing items that are ethically sourced (“Produced within local textile facilities […] ensuring that all textile workers are safe, comfortable, and earning a living wage.”) I love discovering brands like these because a brand’s core value tends to be more important to me than how an article of clothing looks on the exterior. If I feel true to the brand, I feel good in the clothes. It’s as simple as that. I will say though, I’ve yet to own a piece from OTR, but if I were to buy one, it would be this unisex OTR Rodeo Tee, which goes for $60 CAD /~44 USD. The equestrian design, cursive lettering and retro vibes is perfect.

• Also, a few weeks ago, I wrote about Library Science, the online book club by Kaia Gerber and Alyssa Reeder. Last week, the brand said that they’ll be restocking their Namesake hats (40USD /~54 CAD). For all you book enthusiasts, this one’s for you! Keep you eyes peeled!

  • In other news, their September book pick for this month is Dear Dickhead.

Humanrace x Evian: Skincare and Rejuvenation?

• Pharrell, who is also the creative director of Louis Vuitton, founded Humanrace as a luxury (skincare) brand. I’m a big fan of Humanrace’s branding in its signature kelly green and sleek packaging. As an observer, I feel like gentleness and care is conveyed in the details, like how the edges aren’t cornered, but rather rounded for harmony. In an interview with GQ from 2021, Pharrell said of his brand, “It has to look beautiful, be made beautiful, but also be useful. […] That’s the ultimate luxury: looking after yourself, looking after others, and just being considerate of the environment. That’s what we want to do with Humanrace.”

• The collaboration collection—which was released at the end of August just before the US Open—featured tennis-themed apparel products with the Humanrace and Evian Logo stacked, ranging from a $75 cap to an $180 carry-all tote Bag, which “focuses on the functional simplicity of the everyday while drawing inspiration from sports and rejuvenation.”

  ---

  

  ---

• The thing that stood out to me about this collection wasn’t the collection itself, but a post by Humanrace that showed an image carousel of the work in progress from the development of the clothing line. I love when I get to peek behind the polished photoshoots and see the process that goes into making these final products. It’s hours and hours of picking from near-identical color Pantone swatches, styling for product images, and business decision-making that tends to be overlooked.

  ---

  

  

4 poses, 8 dollars: The Old Friend Photobooth in New York

• Yesterday, I read this piece in last week’s issue of The Economist, which basically discussed that the demand for high-end camera like the Leica ($6000 for the Q3 model) and Fujifilm ($1600 for the X100 model) are on the rise. The Fujifilm in particular is known for emulating the beautiful colors of film digitally. Vintage has always been trendy, but to turn it into a business, is genius.

  I came across this New York photobooth a while ago on Emily Sundburg’s Feed Me (which is a great business-culture newsletter, by the way) and the booth is run by couple Zoë Lazerson & Brandon Minton. Then, I recently saw that they were featured in the New York Times. For 8 dollars, you get four flash snaps before being printed onto a strip of film.

  ‘“It’s a dying art form,” Ms. Lazerson said. “There’s a community of people that want to keep it alive. And we’re along for the ride.”’

  If you’re in New York, check it out: 117 Orchard Street, 10AM - 10PM.

  ---

• Also, I thought the scrapbook-like graphics for the booth’s poster looked so cool and upon the tag inspection, I learned that it was designed by Sav Lawson (@savlawson.work). Great work!

Have you heard of the Bed-Stuy Fish Pond?

• If you have 7 minutes to spare, Casey Neistat uploaded a video for the first time in 6 months about the Bed-Stuy Fish Pond. It’s a great watch! A month or so ago, I remember seeing this cool pond (more so puddle) of fishes, with water being fed by a leaky fire hydrant. Every other day, I would come across videos with progress updates on the pond. I don’t know, I like this little community project because it gave me a little hope in the world and something for me to smile at. At the same time, there are some controversies about the unsuitable living conditions of the goldfishes.

• If you want to read into it more, NYTimes wrote an article on it.

• Also, if you’re wondering what Bed-Stuy means (because I did), it’s the name of the neighborhood in Brooklyn, New York, where the pond is located.

What do you do with $300 worth of yarn?

There’s a box that’s been sitting at a corner of my apartment for a while now. In it is filled to the brim with balls of yarn, of different colors, of different sizes.

Here’s the backstory. Last summer, I picked up my crochet hook and began crocheting again. I made a farmer’s market tote, but my specialty really was the beanie. Boy, did I make so many beanies last winter. And also hoarded a lot of yarn. Then, of course, life got in the way and progress stalled. Now that it’s beginning Fall and Montreal gets swept by a (short) cold spell for the first time in a while, I thought it’d be worthwhile to start crocheting again. Staying inside with a good movie, making hot tea, and crocheting—can you really complain? Truth be told, I haven’t gotten to that yet. For now, it’s just me staring at the box and the box staring right back at me. I will get back to it eventually—and until then, I’ll share the progress here on the newsletter.

With that, the second issue of The Zeitgeist comes to an end. I’m curious to hear your thoughts about the topics discussed today, so let me know in the comments! Have a great day, and I’ll see you next week!

-CS

In this week’s issue:

• A comprehensive face care routine

• Drink818 and Aime Leon Dore’s genius brand campaigns

• Some favorite internet finds & the passage of time

• Readings on the rise of Erewhon & Sally Rooney’s Intermezzo

Take care of your face…

Skincare. Simple, but complicated. Too many terms, too many products. Scroll on TikTok and you’ll find yourself bombarded with different products and different regiments.

So let me simplify the routine, in order. There’s really only 3 things that you need: Cleanser, Moisturizer, and Sunscreen.

(Disclaimer: None of the hyperlinks below are affiliate links.)

• Step 1: Cleanser

  • First, you want to use a cleanser to wash off all the buildup of dirt and oil you gather on your face throughout the day.

  • I use the La Roche Posay Effaclar Cleanser (for both morning and night).

  • How do we use a cleanser? Wet your palm, squeeze a pea-sized amount onto your finger, and rub till it foams before lathering it onto your face. Cleanse for a good 45 sec - 1 min. Avoid the mouth & eye area.

  • An alternative product is the Cerave line of skincare products, which is good for most skin types (oily, dry, etc.). Before switching over to La Roche, I used this Cerave cleanser ($18 CAD/~13 USD).

• Step 2: Moisturizer

  • The cleansing process also gets your face dry, so to rehydrate, you moisturize. Also using a pea-sized amount, rub over the area you cleansed.

  • I use the La Roche Posay Effaclar Mat Moisturizer.

  • Alternatively, like the cleanser, I’d stick to the Cerave Moisturizer. There’s both a day (with sunscreen) & a night version ($22 CAD/~ 17 USD).

• Step 3: Sunscreen

  • Sunburn, aging, and skin cancer. It’s important to protect your skin from the sun. I use sunscreen only in the morning, although it is recommended to be reapplied every 2 hours if you’re outside.

  • Again, I use the La Roche Posay Anthelios SPF 50+ Sunscreen. I especially like this product because it pretty much melts into the skin. No whitecast.

  • An alternative I’ve used in the past is the RoundLab sunscreen. This product is also great, but might be more difficult to find because it’s a Korean brand.

• Repeat the routine in the morning and at night (without sunscreen).

And that’s the basics of skincare. I would practice this routine for a few weeks, before slowly incorporating more products as you see fit. You don’t want to overwhelm your skin with too many products at once. But other products that I love are:

• La Roche-Posay’s Effaclar Duo Treatment Cream ($31 CAD / ~ $23 USD)

  • This product works so well with active pimples.

• Innisfree Volcanic Pore Clay Mask ($22 CAD / ~ $16 USD)

  • I’ve been using this face mask for over a year now, & I really like it!

  • Described as “a wash-off clay mask with volcanic clusters and AHA that helps control excess sebum, visibly minimize pores, and skin-smoothing exfoliation.”

• Pimple Patches

  • I’ve never really used pimple patches, but it’s a great way to cover and protect irritated areas if you’re going out. GQ wrote an article recently about their pimple patch recommendations, so feel free to check it out!

Who makes the best college merchandise?

A tequila brand. That’s right. This week, I was on Instagram and came across Kendall Jenner’s Drink 818 merchandise drop, which fused elements of vintage collegiate athletic aesthetics in their “Alumni Collection.” With sweatshirts, sweatpants, & graphic tees for both lads and ladies, they make a great addition to your fall wardrobe!

This drop is actually a smart move on KJ’s part, considering how she just went on a college tour & stopped briefly in a handful of state schools to promote the 818 tequila. Let me know your thoughts in the comments!

Earlier this week, I posted the campaign on Notes, and this comment made me laugh out loud:

Good one, Ethan.

And in New York…

Aime Leon Dore and New Balance collaborated once more on a pair of shoes inspired by a 1986 silhouette. I love the vintage style ad for these shoes! Released this Friday, they retail for $150 USD/ ~204 CAD.

On another note…

• This hoodie from GAP is my favorite. It’s soft, it’s thick, it’s a little oversized, and it cinches at the waist. Imagine a fluffy blanket, but you’re wearing it. It’s $118 CAD/~87 USD right now, but I’d keep my eyes peeled because they do sales often. I got mine 50% off last winter.

• i-D magazine relaunched this month, & I came across this post on their Instagram. I love, love, love when brands involve their community somehow.

• Lastly, I want to share a thought I had this week. Yesterday, while going through the collection of magazines I bought throughout the year, I came across GQ’s November 2023 issue, with cover star Timothée Chalamet. Here, I reread his profile with GQ’s Editor-in-Chief Will Welch, & one passage struck me:

  “But in recent years, it was his [Timothée] intense familiarity with those daily rhythms of his in New York City that made him realize it might be time for a major pivot. “After one too many days of doing the same thing, I just got this overwhelming sense that I was still playing the same hand of cards I’d had for a long time—but that I had a better hand to play,” he said. “I was living in this rental place that didn’t feel like home. I was getting the same bacon, egg, and cheese at the same deli. Resisting any lifestyle change.” ”

  People are creatures of habit. We like routine. Maybe sometimes too much. Before we know it, one year has passed. Two. Ten.

  To evolve sometimes means that we have to make a conscious decision to do so. To map out a plan. It reminded me of Joshua Rothman’s Are You The Same Person You Were When You Were a Child? article (which was published in WR Issue 3), where he wrote about how there were two types of people: those who section their lives into “chapters” (dividers) & those who interpret life as one cohesive whole (continuers).

  I won’t delve into my own reflections here, but I want you to dive into yours. I suggest you read both articles, take out your notebook & pen, then write.

Now, two interesting reads this weekend:

• Culture: What Is Erewhon? The Strange History of the L.A. Cult Grocer from New York Magazine

  You’ve seen the viral $19 Hailey Beiber Smoothie on TikTok. Just about every celebrity in LA can be spotted at Erewhon at some point in the past few years. In some ways, it’s regarded as a status symbol, & rightfully so, considering how even a simple “Erewhon” branded tote bag costs $52 USD. But what is the history behind how the store came to be? The story begins on the other side of the country in Boston, Massachusetts.

• Idea: Are You Cool Enough for the Latest Sally Rooney Novel? from Esquire

  Sally Rooney, critically acclaimed & movie-adapted author of Normal People, is releasing her new novel, Intermezzo, next week on September 24. Over the past few months, I’ve seen some buzz on the internet with book influencers getting their hands on an advance copy (and, to be honest, I thought it was already out). But this creates a problem in a world where it’s so easy to be influenced. This excerpt says it best:

  “With all its hype and early praise from the chosen few who get a copy, the book becomes a token of cultural currency, a status symbol. These books, hot in the hands of celebrities and Internet personalities alike, prove just how susceptible we are to clever marketing, and just how hungry people are to be in the know among the literary elite. These status galleys often turn into best sellers once they actually hit shelves, but one has to wonder: Are the books even that good? And, perhaps more important, do readers care?”

For all of you who want more reading recs, don’t worry. I’m working on another issue of Well Rounded. Stay Tuned!

And that is it, folks! Thank you for reading the first issue of The Zeitgeist. Feel free to subscribe to support future editions and get them delivered into your inbox! I’m curious to hear your thoughts about the topics discussed today, so let me know in the comments! Have a great day, and I’ll see you next week!

-CS

Subscribe now