Elite Traveler January-February 2016

DISCOVER

elite traveler JAN/FEB 2016 48

We love… Tony Tasset Tasset is the man who brought a 20ft fiberglass deer sculpture to Art Basel in Miami. He is also behind Joule Hotel’s eyeball (below). The Arrow Sculpture is the highlight of his next exhibition. It opens at the Kavi Gupta Gallery, Chicago onMarch 5. From $50,000, kavigupta.com

Design

The Joule in the crown As art hotels go, The Joule Hotel in downtown Dallas is one of the best we’ve seen. Housed in a 1920s neo-Gothic house, it has recently completed a two-year refurbishment. Undoubtedly the best room is the 2,500 sq ft Penthouse Loft with a private library, dramatic glass staircase leading to a terrace and, in the bedroom, an enormous work of art at the headboard. Which brings us to the art. The hotel is recognizable by the 30ft eyeball sculpture, complete with veins and a neon blue iris, found just outside. It is the work of artist Tony Tasset whose offering at Art Basel was equally memorable. Inside, the hotel could easily double as a gallery with its impressive collection, including original Andy Warhols and a bronze work by British sculptor, Tony Cragg. The hotel also hosts art auctions that attract major collectors, plus A-Listers such as Shirley MacLaine and Sharon Stone. Be sure to head there on April 14 for the opening of the Dallas Art Fair. Penthouse Loft from $10,000 per night thejouledallas.com

TAKE THREE/// ICONIC ITALIAN DESIGN BRANDS Italian style is respected around the world. These designers show us why

BEST FOR: STRIKING LIGHT FIXTURES La Murrina

BEST FOR: CONTEMPORARY FURNISHING Fendi Casa

BEST FOR: WOW FACTOR CHAIRS B&B Italia

La Murrina’s exquisite handmade glass lighting fixtures are works of art in their own right, made in a factory on Venice’s Murano Island. Find it in: The Venetian, Las Vegas and The Zetter

Founded in 1966, B&B Italia’s sleek designs are truly timeless. Our favorite piece is the Serie Up 2000 chair, modeled on the female form. Find it in: WHotel, St Petersburg and movies such as Quantum of Solace . bebitalia.com

The Yacht Club Monaco is just one of Fendi Casa’s many interior design projects. It’s also our go-to designer for sleek poolside furniture. Find it in: Trump SoHo, Acqualina Miami, Oil Nut Bay’s private residences. fendi.com

Hotel, London. lamurrina.com

Photos: Jose Altuna, Mei-Chun Jau