ROME CITY GUIDE

In my recent quest for inspiration, I found myself drawn to Rome—an overdue destination brimming with history and charm. This ancient city, adorned with breathtaking architecture, arches, and domes—some dating back to the second century BCE—exceeded myexpectations. As I wandered through the cobblestone streets, in the glow of terracotta and mustard-yellow buildings kissed by the Roman sun, I couldn’t help but feel mesmerized by the richness and beauty of my surroundings.

The small details captured my heart: the plants falling out from balconies, the ornate shells embedded in the façades, the elegance of Corinthian columns, the hidden Madonelles , and the countless marble sculptures that grace the city. Each element combined to make Rome a truly special place—a living museum that speaks to the soul.

When I travel, I always try to experience a city as a local, by stepping away from the typical tourist attractions and immersing myself in the everyday rhythms of life, discovering a different side of the city. In Rome, this approach revealed la dolce vita - life is to be lived and enjoyed - no need to rush anything.

For anyone planning a trip to Rome, I’ve compiled a list of activities and lesser-known gems.

Rome has a way of capturing hearts with its timeless beauty and vibrant energy. As I continue to reflect on my time there, I feel inspired to bring a piece of its enchantment into my own creative work. I hope this guide inspires you to experience the magic of Rome for yourself—and remember, when in Rome, let the city’s charm lead the way.

Basilica Papale Sta Maria Maggiore

This Basilica has kept its inside untouched. It houses the most important Marian Icon “Salus Populi Romani” - this is the patron of painters.

Forno Monteforte

A bite + wine

Le Tre Sarte

Handmade tailored clothes, if you fancy a nice Roman souvenir.

Colosseum

The Colosseum is pretty impressive. Try to go in the evening right before sunset and grab a drink at “Hostaria al Gladiatore”while the skies start turning pink.

Antique Shopping

Via di Coronari

Galleria Borghese

Eye candy.

Caffe Ciampini

After walking around Villa Borghese head to Marco Ciampini’s caffe for some lunch with a view. Make sure you seat at the terrace to overview Rome.

Piazza di Siena

On a nice sunny day, take a good book and some things to snack on while laying on the grass.

Atelier BOMBA

This petite atelier has exceptional knitwear and couture.

Hendrik Christian Anderson Museum

Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Walk around Prati

After the Vatican make sure to eat at Dino Express. This tiny local spot is a Roman gem- upon your check’s arrival, you’d be asked how much you consider worth paying for your meal. What a deal.

The Vatican

Whether you are a devoted catholic or not, the Vatican is worth a visit.

Make sure to get tickets in advance!

Vatican + Sistine Chapel

Basilica of St Mary of Martyrs

Francesco Bianchini built a meridian line, a sort of sundial, within the basilica, completed in 1702. This was a tool to predict Easter.

Tombolo

Saison

I often think about how we live in a time where social media has exponentiated the appreciation of craft. In recent years we've seen aesthetics play a big role in our day to day, from fashion, interior design,  accessories and never the less food… I have been following Saison, a Brooklyn-based baking studio for almost 2 years. Saison bakes pastries with a touch of “nature” - flowers to be more precise, giving her creations a delicate and ephemeral touch. Sammy, who is behind it all, has been creating small batches of custom pastries that are not just tasty but delicate and beautiful, reminding us of how simplicity is always the most grounding and fulfilling. I interviewed her at her Brooklyn apartment, where we spoke over a fresh batch of lavender lemonade and a picturesque-delicious lemon curd pavlova she decorated while chatting about Saison and the inspiration behind her creations. 

Who would have known that her COVID picnic boxes would turn into the One of a kind, made to order, ephemeral bakery she is now running. We will dive into her process behind her creations, growing up in Brooklyn and her kitchen - where all the magic happens. 

O: Tell us a little bit about how you got into baking floral delicacies 

S: I’m a self taught baker and because of that I feel a certain freedom with baking. Flowers are my biggest inspiration in and out the kitchen so they naturally make their way into every order. Subtle floral flavors like rose, jasmine, and chamomile are infused into shortbread, cakes, and custards and almost everything I bake is topped with flowers and petals. 

O: I believe from a young age I have been attracted to craft and in some ways I guess that is what eventually led me to create Odissea, I see how many of the things I appreciated at a young age have a huge influence in what I do today - what is the story behind Saison. 

S: If you told a younger version of myself that this is what I’d be doing as my career, I probably would have never believed it. With reflection though, nothing makes more sense. I’ve always been drawn to the little touches and details that make an object or an experience special. From an early age, I was always trying to capture this in one way or another, often through picking flowers, baking sweets, and setting the dinner table. I noticed these simple gestures also brought joy to others, something that inspired me even more. I also absolutely adore sweets and always have, nothing brings a smile to my face more than the first bite into a delicious treat. 

O: Does the name have a specific meaning? And how did you come up with it

S: Deciding on a name was one of the most challenging parts for me. I could see the brand so clearly — my inspiration and the world surrounding it, and finding the right name to tell the story was important to me. I kept coming back to something transportive; I want someone to receive a box of sweets and be transported somewhere special, for me it’s a field of wildflowers on a beautiful afternoon. With the name Saison, I could see the wildflower field, afternoon sun and a picnic of sweets. 

O: I can imagine being the baker yourself, you’ve encountered challenges as you’ve scaled your business. How do you manage to adapt to each client's needs?

S: I started Saison 3 years ago as a passion project with no business plan or exact goal for it. Since then it’s organically grown into a real business, something that still amazes me everyday. In the past year, there has been a lot of growth and finding the right balance of scaling and remaining authentic to my goals can be challenging. I’m not a traditional bakery or caterer and every order is bespoke to each client. A tremendous amount of thought and care goes into each project from communicating with clients, creating custom menus and decks, sourcing specialty ingredients and of course the time in the kitchen. I wear many hats and creating a team that I can fully rely on and trust is something I’ve been working on in order to maintain beautiful results for each client. At the moment I have an incredible baking assistant and my mom working with me. My mom has been behind the scenes from the start helping with everything — I truly don’t think I could have done any of this without her. 

O: When working on a new project do you come up with an idea that aligns with the client, or is it a collaboration that is thought through together?

S: It varies from project to project, but it’s often a collaboration — client’s reach out wanting to celebrate a specific event or product and I try to bring their vision to life. 

“With the name Saison, I could see the wildflower field, afternoon sun and a picnic of sweets”

- SAMMY

O: What are your hobbies outside of the kitchen, I guess things that inspire you and push you to have little “aha” moments which can then be molded to fit the image and story behind the brand. 

S: I spend a lot of time upstate New York, which is a really special place for me. I find most of my aha moments happen there —  while driving on country roads, swimming in streams and hiking through meadows. Growing up in the city I didn’t spend much time in nature and now find I seek it out to recharge and be inspired. I also love antiquing, swimming in the ocean, wandering through new places and getting lost in a book. 

O: In a market that is so saturated, like all the rest, what do you do to stay authentic to yourself and the brand you envisioned creating yet also ensuring that you stand out?

S: Baking sweets that I actually want to eat and that come from a place of love. Simple, rustic baking is the core of everything I do, because that is simply what I enjoy eating the most. My recipes are unfussy and are elevated by a few beautiful ingredients like seasonal fruit or flowers. Nothing is overly sweet, and they are treats I want to eat anytime of day, over and over again. 

O: What has been your proudest moment for Saison?

S: I’m a self taught baker and have no business background, so I’ve been learning it all along the way. Without sounding cheesy, Saison as a whole makes me so proud. 

O: Do you sell individual pastries or do you work by order - if you do, where can we find you! 

S: At the moment, it’s all custom orders. I have some dreams of selling individual baked goods so stay tuned :) 

O: What is one thing that you have learnt while having your business. A piece of advise that you would give to someone who wants to become an entrepreneur 

S: Saying no to projects that don’t feel right, whatever the reason might be. I’ve been lucky that the majority of the brands I work with are ones I deeply admire and are reaching out because they love what I do. When a client says “just do your thing” or give me a brief that inspires me, I know it’s meant to be. However, I’ve had loads of inquiries I’ve declined because of creative briefs that aren’t aligned.  

O: Is every cake you bake different? Do you decorate it based on the client? or is there any other inspiration behind each. order being unique?

S: For most orders, I have a list of seasonal cake offerings that clients can select from and decoration is a reflection of what’s in season at the farmers market. While no two cakes are alike, I certainly take requests from clients if they have a particular color or inspiration for it. For larger orders and brand work, I often create a bespoke flavor and customize the decoration based on specific color palettes or inspiration decks. I absolutely love these orders because I can really delve deep creatively and try out new things. 

O: What is your favorite flower?

S: Oof, this is probably the hardest question of them all, but dahlias really make my heart swoon. 

O: What is your favorite thing to eat?

S: A chocolate croissant or cacio e pepe. 

O: What do you love most about New York?

S: Being able to walk (almost!) everywhere.  

O: Your three favorite things to do in New York

S: Mornings at the union square farmers market, a martini and fries at The Odeon and going for Chinese in Flushing. 

O: Any new projects that you are working on right now that you can share with us?

S: Summer is a quieter season which allows me to work on some more creative projects and plan for the next few months. I’ve just started brainstorming some holiday offerings that I’m very excited about! 

O: Do you cater to dietary needs (GF, Dairy free, Sugar free)? 

S: I have some gluten free offerings, but don’t do dairy free, sugar free or vegan. 

O: Do you own something that is very precious and that reminds you of something special in your life?

S: I have a few heirloom jewelry pieces from both my grandmothers that I’ll always cherish, along with my wedding rings which are made up of the stones from my husband’s late mother’s engagement ring. 

Thank you for sharing your insights! We are very excited to see what more lovely things you bake and all the projects you work on. Your creations are beautiful and Odissea is very excited to share them, as we have been following the brand and love to see everything you do!

Sammy is wearing our 14k Gold Chain Bracelet & Choker, Nekyia Baroque Pearl Earrings, Milano Green Amethyst Ring & Recto 14k Gold Vermeil Ring.

"Subtle Beauty"

My name is Toma and I’m an artist who strives through capture the beauty of the world through my lense and artistic direction. My journey into photography began around five years ago and ever since, became a very important part of my life. Having lived a significant time in Thailand, I've created a series of unique collections inspired by it’s beauty, building my photo archive.

If you are familiar with my photography you’ll notice my attention is drawn to sensual details - where the beauty of nature intertwines with the organic curves and shapes of the female body.

My passion is film photography! and most of my work is shot on film. Using film cameras allows me to evoke a feeling of nostalgia, by capturing these subtle nuances and delicate

textures we are able to appreciate the authenticity of the art and its connection to the natural world. This passion allows me to slow down, enjoy the moment, and value the play of light and shadows. 

Toma Miu.

“my attention is drawn to sensual details - where the beauty of nature intertwines with the organic curves and shapes of the female body.”

- Toma miu

ETEREO, a weekend with Zii Ropa & Odissea

Last weekend’s trunkshow took place at ETEREO Auberge along  Zii Ropa & Odissea. This occasion and location were very special to Odissea since the property is in Mayan territory which had a very profound meaning, connecting the brand to its roots. Mayans used silver for their ceremonies, it was thought to be a protective element with high spiritual power - one which bought them closer to their gods. All of our pieces are made of 9.25 sterling silver, and the intention behind each piece is for the beholder to have a connection to their inner power, and their higher self. We use shells too, as a representation of self evolution. They travel through the ocean, with no direction and regardless of their endless journeys  they are all unique, beautiful and perfect. We believe that our one of a kind pieces, when experiencing a certain attraction to them represent who we are, where we come from, the journeys we’ve lived and the experiences that have shaped us. Them and us, all have a voyage marked by changes of fortune.

Auberge Resorts are known to adapt to each location's environment - ETEREO being a jungle paradise with coral floor passages guiding you along the property, passing fountains, the horizon and mangrove labyrinths. Upon sunrise, you can catch the early AM. Making your way through the labyrinths, the sun slowly rises, reflecting it’s golden shine on the property, half hidden in the tropics. 

Saturday we did sunset drinks, where we set by the pool. Zii Ropa’s new resort wear camouflaged with the neutral colors of the property. The blue hues with the water, the yellow with the coral stone and white and blacks for neutral elements. Odissea had the newest silver pieces shining as the sun shined on them. Our newest pieces, Pelrmutte Ring Dalmatian Jasper along with our Milano Ring in green and purple amethyst and the colorful nekyia beadead chokers made it perfect for the summer kick-off! 

Stay tuned for more… 

See you at the next one! 

Xx

Nathalie 

Cycles with Alejandro Ibarra

Sharing our upbringing in Mexico City, Alejandro and I fostered our relationship back in 2012. We were both living in New York at the time. I was just about to start my studies at Parsons where he was finishing his. We grew up in the same community, went to the same school and regardless of the age gap, we happened to share many friends, who along the years, still keep close. It’s funny how in life we experience “cycles” - this was our most recent conversation during my latest trip to Miami. 

In Miami, I saw my childhood best friend who I hadn't seen in over 10 years. This person from my past came to my life just as I am closing another cycle, and with an exciting collaboration on the books between Ale and Odissea, it led me to think “this” was perfect for this months interview.

As a contemporary artist meaning is to be found in the most elusive ways. How do you manage to convey an idea of life cycles? the constant change and evolution we humans encounter by nature. Alejandros pieces are made of round discs. Their circumference represent mobility - how following a perimeter pushes you away to an extreme and eventually sends you back to the starting point. Life, surprisingly tends to bring us back to the past, maybe to close unfinished matters?

O: Tell us how it started, what led you to make your “Cycles”  sculptures

A: Through my sculptures, I sought to capture the ephemeral nature of life, the way that each cycle gives way to the next, like the gentle unfolding of a lotus flower. I wanted to convey the idea that permanence is an illusion, and that our only constant is change.

By creating the circles to be reassembled in different ways, I aimed to create a sense of participatory ownership, inviting the viewer to become a co-creator in the artistic process. It's a reminder that our lives are constantly evolving, and that we must learn to embrace the uncertainty and impermanence that comes with each new cycle.

O: Working on this project, I am sure you had many revelations about life, things, sequences even. Tell us about it

A: One of the biggest revelations I've had was, the importance of letting go. I used to struggle with holding on to things, memories, friendships, ideas, etc. Creating "Cycles" has taught me that life is constantly evolving, and that we must learn to release and embrace the next. It's not always easy, but it's necessary for growth and healing.

I've also come to appreciate the beauty of imperfection and impermanence. Our society often values perfection and permanence, but "Cycles" has shown me that it's the imperfections and the fleeting moments that make life rich and meaningful. It's okay for things to fall apart and come back together differently, that's where the magic lies.

Lastly, working on "Cycles" has deepened my understanding of the interconnectedness of all things. We're all part of larger cycles, and our individual experiences are reflected in the world around us. It's a powerful reminder of our responsibility to each other and the planet.

Overall, "Cycles" has been a journey of self-discovery and growth for me, and I hope that it inspires others to embrace the beauty and complexity of life's cycles.

O: Since becoming an artist, what ideals do you live your life through. Are there any ways of thinking, philosophies, practices that you have connected with since being more vulnerable to your creativity?

A: Since becoming an artist, I've learned to embrace the ideals of beginner's mind, imperfect perfection, intentional play, and vulnerability. And, I've also come to understand the importance of not attachment to others' opinions of my work. Initially, when I shared my art, I craved validation and approval from others. But, I've come to realize that not everyone will resonate with my work, and that's okay! It's like in life, there's something for everyone. What resonates with one person might not with another.

Now, I focus on creating from a place of authenticity and honesty, without attachment to how others might receive it. It's liberating to know that my work is a part of myself, and while some might not connect with it, others will. I've learned to cherish the connections I make with those who do resonate with my art, and let go of the need for universal approval.

This mindset shift has allowed me to create more freely, take risks, and grow as an artist. It's a continuous process, but I've come to understand that my work is not a reflection of my worth. It's just a part of my journey, and I'm grateful for the people who do connect with it.

O: As I mentioned earlier, life works in funny ways, and we talked about cycles, where in your life cycle do you think you stand right now

A: I believe I'm currently in a phase of transformation and renewal, both in my creative journey and personal life. I'm closing a cycle of 16 years in the USA, a chapter that has shaped me into the person I am today. As I leave behind the familiarity and comfort of this life, I'm met with a mix of emotions, nostalgia, excitement, and uncertainty.

Simultaneously, my art is undergoing a metamorphosis, reflecting the changes within me. I'm venturing into uncharted territories, experimenting with new mediums and themes that challenge my perspectives and push my creative boundaries. It's a process of unlearning and relearning, letting go of the old to embrace the new.

As I transition into this new phase, I'm reminded that life is a series of cycles, each one building upon the last. I'm curious to see how my experiences, both personal and creative, will intertwine and shape the next chapter of my life in Mexico. How will the vibrant colors, rich culture, and warmth of the Mexico influence my art? How will the unknown terrain and unfamiliar rhythms reshape my perspective?

In this liminal space, I find myself suspended between the past and the future, between what was and what's yet to come. It's a vulnerable and exhilarating place to be, full of possibilities and promise. As I take this leap of faith, I trust that the threads of my creativity and curiosity will weave together in unexpected ways, revealing a tapestry of growth, self-discovery, and beauty.

“It's okay for things to fall apart and come back together differently, that's where the magic lies”

- Alejandro Ibarra

O: you left Mexico a really long time ago too. For me even tho my life is in the US  there’s still a feeling of not belonging entirely, but going back to Mexico, I often feel misplaced - do you have a similar feeling?

A: As someone who has also left Mexico a long time ago, I can relate to the feeling of not fully belonging in either the US or Mexico. It's as if we're caught between two worlds, with a foot in each country but not fully rooted in either. This sense of displacement can be unsettling, like we're perpetually straddling two cultures without a clear sense of belonging.
For me, this feeling manifests in moments when I'm nostalgic for the familiarity of Mexico but also aware that I've grown apart from it. When I return to Mexico, I experience a disconnect between the memories and the current reality. It's like trying to fit a puzzle piece that no longer matches.

Similarly, in the US, I sometimes feel like an outsider looking in, even after many years of living here. It's as if I'm observing American culture through a lens that's forever tinted by my Mexican upbringing. I've come to realize that this feeling of not quite belonging is a shared experience among many of us who've lived between cultures. It's a reminder that our identities are complex and multifaceted, shaped by the intersections of our past and present experiences.

I've learned to embrace this in-betweenness, recognizing that it's a unique privilege to straddle two worlds. By acknowledging and honoring both cultures, I strive to create a sense of belonging that's authentic to me, even if it doesn't fit neatly into one category.

O: Tell about one thing that has happened to you that changed your life completely, something that made you appreciate and see life differently. 

A:  For me, it was my journey with art that changed my life completely. Creating art helped me find solace, express emotions, and connect with others in a meaningful way. It was a transformative experience that showed me the power of self-expression and the impact it can have on others. Art became a source of purpose and fulfillment, allowing me to see life's beauty and depth. Through art, I learned to appreciate the little things and find value in my existence. It's amazing how one experience can transform our perspective and help us grow.

O: If you had a piece of advise for people trying to find their “voice” what would that be?

A:  For me, finding my voice was a journey of self-discovery and experimentation. My advice would be to embrace your uniqueness and don't try to mimic others. Experiment with different mediums and styles until you find what feels authentic to you. Don't be afraid to take risks and make mistakes, they're an essential part of the process. Also, listen to your inner voice and let your emotions guide you. And most importantly, be patient and kind to yourself, finding your voice takes time. Remember, your voice is yours alone, and it's okay to evolve and change. Just keep creating and stay true to yourself.

O: Tell us 5 things you own that you love, and why.

A: 1. My kiln: I adore my kiln because it allows me to bring my creative visions to life. The process of firing and glazing is both meditative and thrilling, and I can't wait to see how each piece evolves. When I open the kiln, it's like Christmas morning. I never know exactly what I'll get, but I know it'll be something special.

2. My wig collection: Oh, my wigs! They're my secret party weapon. I love watching my friends transform into entirely new characters with just a quick change of hair. It's hilarious to see someone go from a serious, straight-laced person to a vibrant, flamboyant diva, in an instant. My wigs bring people together and create unforgettable moments.
3. The Very Hungry Caterpillar book: Ah, that little caterpillar gets me every time! There's something so reassuring about revisiting a childhood favorite. Whenever I need a pick-me-up, I grab that book and revisit the simple joys of life. It reminds me that sometimes the smallest things bring the greatest happiness.
4. My collection of cards and postcards: Each card and postcard holds a special memory for me, like a snapshot of a moment in time. Reading through them is like reliving all those happy moments over again. It's a reminder that even though life gets busy, the love and connections we share with others stay with us forever.
5. My Odissea rings: Wearing my Odissea rings is like carrying a piece of art with me wherever I go. I love how they spark conversations and connect me to others who appreciate the beauty in the details. Nathalie Martinez's craftsmanship is exceptional, and I feel like I'm wearing a tiny piece of her creative soul on my finger.

O: Having lived in New York for so long and now Miami, what do you think when you come back to NY. 

A: Returning to New York is a complex experience for me. Initially, it was difficult to come back, as I felt a strong attachment to the city and struggled to understand why I had left. However, with time, I've come to realize that my time in New York had naturally come to a close, and I needed to move on to new experiences. Now, when I visit, I see it as an opportunity for closure and reflection, acknowledging that my NYC chapter has ended, but also leaving room for the possibility of a new cycle to begin in the future. I've come to accept that life is full of unexpected twists and turns, and who knows, maybe one day I'll reopen my NYC cycle and start a new chapter.

O: Is there anything else you would like to share?

A: I'm always excited to see what's next for Odissea! Their designs are truly exceptional, and I love how they push the boundaries of creativity and craftsmanship. I have no doubt that their future plans will be just as impressive and inspiring as their previous work. Whether it's a new collection, collaboration, or surprise, I'm eager to see what they come up with next! Odissea consistently raises the bar, and I'm honored to be a fan of their work.

Thank you!

Alejandro is wearing our Cha Cha set, Perlumtte Dalmatian Ring & Knot Ring

Odissea's 5th Anniversary & CDMX showroom

In coincidence of turning 5 years this past January 21st, 2024 we also celebrated the opening of our CDMX showroom.

This project came to life in collaboration with MariaAna, as a long time partner in crime. Last year she came to me excited that she had found the perfect house to bring both of our brands alive. This beautiful house located in the city’s most lively neighborhood, La Roma, is a 3 story building with it’s original french ceiling moldings and double height walls - this white canvas guides your way with a wooden serpent like staircase showing you the way up to the “studio.” a photography space located on the 3rd floor.

It’s hard to imagine it all started a gray Saturday morning 5 years ago. I was at the beach in The Rockaways. It was empty and foggy - I walked looking for black shells to take back home. I never imagined I would be standing here, 5 years later celebrating our first Showrooms location in CDMX along friends. The night was easy and fun - one I will always remember as perfect. The flowers lightened the space with pastels stems sticking out in every direction and the snacks were a mix of fruity and sea inspired bites. The whole space was filled with a white filling energy.

I am very thankful that we’ve made it so far, and that we’ve been surrounded by so many incredible people who if it weren’t for them we would not be here.

Thank you! <3

N

Summer Force by Emma Renaudin

Have you ever felt more connected on a getaway hundreds of miles away from home than in your own living room?

Summer Force is an illustrated poem by writer and brand specialist Emma Renaudin for Odissea. With each Odissea order, you will receive a postcard featuring the “Summer Force” poem and picture, to share with someone special or to cherish as a memento of these summer memories. 

Whether it's the touch of the sun and water, the embrace of love or the pleasure of laziness and wanderlust, some getaways, short or long, make us more aligned with the world. These moments don’t just pass, they shape our hearts and inspire our minds for another year around the sun. Odissea's pieces of jewelry, inspired by the changes in fortune from Homer's "Odyssey," serve as travel companions that encapsulate cherished summer memories for the whole year. 

Getting to know Emma a little bit better over a couple of chilled reds at Casetta it sparked an interest within me to understand

the free spirited, blond, rockstar looking frenchie I was exchanging points of view with. There’s something magical about getting to know people one on one - you open the door to the realness within them, not the idea you have of bumping into each other here and there. After a while chatting over our chilled

reds, in a hot July Summer night  - it became obvious that she is a very sensitive person. Our debate on the Amazon Monopoly along with some of our romance anecdotes, (quite a combo!)  felt like our conversation was becoming a genuine debate, where controversies and opinions seemed to embrace into a new topic on the table. 

This is Summer Force… meet Emma Renaudin.

O: What is your everyday inspiration? Is it small things of your mundane day to day? 

E: People I interact with and content I consume - music, books, exhibits, articles, movies, social media... I can be pretty obsessional about certain things and in particular about people. Every week has its own rabbit hole type of obsession…

O: What was your intention in creating this interactive story? Sending love postcards to a loved one

E: The idea came from talking with Nathalie. There is such a contrast between the sweetness and poetry in the act of sending a postcard - which requires effort, intention and some kind of logistics - and what is actually written in the card, that is often cute but sometimes a bit plain, because this is a difficult exercise in disguise. It’s also a gesture that could have disappeared completely from our lives because there are more immediate and intuitive ways of communicating with a loved one anywhere in the world, but for some reason, people keep sending postcards. I also feel that sending a song, a book, or a poem is a great way to express a connection to someone when we are lacking words. I wish that, maybe, the Summer Force postcard could serve as a messenger to carry a message to a special someone… 

O: Summer Force, your poem depicts a summer romance, one of those we all forget about in our day to day lives. Where did you find inspiration for this story

E: Do we forget about those romances? I hope not! The poem does touch on the idea of a shared moment of love, but it’s also about a very intimate personal experience of growth. Sometimes, we need a total change of scenery to have new perspectives that feel right, and to understand what’s been there, in us or around us the whole time.

O: What do you think makes New York so special? 

E: The people who live there! Everyone is so determined to make the most out of the city, whatever form it may take. Also, there’s always something fun going on.

O: What is your “Wow, this is so NY”

E: It happens a lot! There’s this coffee shop in the East Village, they scream at every living soul in the place when the coffee’s ready, and you better quickly get it, I’m not even talking about the poor first-timers who dare ask for anything else than whole milk. After going almost every day for like 6 months, they still pretended that they didn’t know me. When I came back from France after a month, they said “How are you? It’s been a while!” I loved that. 

O: Growing up in Paris, it seems like you dreamed of a bigger picture, a bigger world. Do you think you’ve found that?

E: Growing up and living in Paris was amazing and I feel very lucky for this. During my teenage years, I was daydreaming about life in NYC a lot. It has so much history, some of my biggest idols have lived there and expanded as artists in this city. I love going back to those places where important milestones of my favorite artists happened. I told you about the rabbit hole obsessions…

I had dreams and aspirations that I believed had a better chance of coming true in New York. I guess it’s a cliché, but I was attracted by the irresistible sense of freedom and endless opportunities of this city.

O: When traveling, do you have any specific things that you do so that it makes you feel better? For instance, not going to the typical touristy restaurant everyone recommends you to go, but rather scouting the place and seeking for a charming old drunks spot?

E: I like a trip that has a little bit of everything: the super beautiful designer hotel, the tacky restaurant, the local bar where you don’t understand a thing, the amazing museum, the local villages and the 4-hour long tanning-swimming-reading session. I’m always attracted by all the fun and discovery big cities have to offer, but road trips have a sweet spot in my heart. Everyone seems to love hiking, which I’m not exactly sure why. 

O: Do you remember any summer fling or story that gives you a nostalgic feeling that you’d like to share?

E: Of course! I love summer flings, it’s the best thing. Sometimes, thinking about it gives me sweet cringy feelings though…

O: What feelings, smells, colors, things  do you associate with summer ?

E: There’s a lot but I think the best one is the heat of the sun making my skin dry from salty water. 

O: What is a summer must for you?

E: A summer soundtrack: songs that take you back to these moments.

O: What is the next destination you have in mind? 

E: I just moved to Mexico City for a few months and going to an Ecuadorian wedding in November, we’ll see how it goes…

O: What is your favorite odissea piece?

E: All the Milano rings have a special place in my heart because my brother and I wear the same one every day. I also love the Cha Cha Choker, definitely was a travel companion of mine this summer in the French Riviera. 

Well that’s all y’all! We’d love to see this collab flying around the world telling someone special what they mean for you and that you think about them. Send them off, traveling and send us pictures - we’d love to see the ventures and the places they end up at! 

Johnny Lowe by Jesse Volke

EMILY LEVAIN

A Hot Summer Day with Candy Skies

ON THESE SHORES

Shot In the West Coast

by Lily Merriman

Styled by Hannah Haughe

Cameron Hill x Odissea at Australia Fashion Week

Cameron Hill is Australias Up & Coming new talent. She debuted on her first Australia FW this past May 19th with a knitting collection of 12 looks paired with Odissea earrings, necklaces and rings custom made to implement each of the outfits.

This collection was inspired by the ocean, hues of blue / orange, shells, pearls and sterling silver replicated the sea’s delicacy.

BACKSTAGE by Samm Clare

BACKSTAGE BY MADDISON WOOLLARD

La Baja

Why is traveling known to be good for the soul?

For people like me, traveling has been a great way of exploring… seeing new places, learning different lifestyles, meeting new people but mainly having time to reconnect by taking a step back from our monotonous lives.

Growing up I would not think twice and follow my instinct with implusive decisions not ever having a plan - and everything unfolded perfect, always. I believe getting out of your comfort zone and opening yourself tends to connect to a part of yourself where adversity and the unknown create space for new. My last trip, I booked last minute tickets to Baja California Mexico and it felt like and old memory - freeing, and somewhat unexpected.

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CASA BO

A very good friend of mine had mentioned a couple of months ago his friend owned a little boutique hotel in La Paz, right in town walking distance from everything. Casa Bo has 11 rooms and is located behind the Malecon. Saulo and Nadia, run this little gem. The architecture is simple and minimal, highliting the organic shapes of nature and its raw materials.

The common area is a desert like garden with a pool surrounded by cactus and a sand gradient mural imitating Baja’s landscapes. This place is just a little paradise.

Saulo and Nadia being artists themselves have decorated each room with pieces they design. From the bed frames to the galactic looking lamps that actually look like coral reefs, they’ve tried to keep a very clean yet detailed style. All is thought of accordingly to make the look and feel not override Baja’s nature.

Carolina Jimenez, weaving memories...

The first time I saw a piece of Carolina Jimenez’ I felt an instant awe of appreciation. I remember this piece in particular because its whole composition had a beautiful sun-like palette. I would stare mesmerized at the huge 6ft x 6ft yellow toned weaved canvas -  it gave me a peaceful and warm feeling. It stood against a 12ft white wall in our bosses studio in Red Hook, right next to an East facing window, where every morning the sun would shine bright, intensifying its essence and electricity, yet evoking a sense of calmness.

Carolina and I are both Mexican and I found her work very interesting given that it uses textile techniques I grew up admiring. I wanted to interview as her work really made an impact on me, evoking memories of traveling around Mexico, seeing all these crafts that from a young age I appreciated. One of her first memories in Chiapas was seeing indigenous women in the park weaving and carrying their babies in rebozos,  walking around town in their vestidos chiapanecos, making you appreciate every single part of it.  The craftsmanship is extraordinarily detailed and beautiful, every single piece has different colors and shapes along with hours and hours of labor. 

Carolina’s work uses weaving techniques that along with memories as reference for her color palette create her art work. She will explain in more detail how she composes her pieces. 

O: So how did it all started?

CJ: While in college in Syracuse, I took a studio course outside of the Architecture program. I decided I wanted to do weaving since I had always been interested in fibers and textiles, and prior I had very much enjoyed knitting, so it just drew my attention. 

After my first class I felt “this is it, I should've been doing this the whole time.” 

I went back to school and I studied my MFA in textiles, mostly geared towards design, and towards that time I really wanted to explore using weaving as an art form. 

O: What is the inspiration for your color palettes, it seems like there's a lot of nature involved 

CJ: Yeah, there's a lot of nature. Everything I work on is based on a series of memories. I meditate on the small moments that I think make up our lives. We are an accumulation of the best strawberry we ever ate, or the best day with our parents, even the difficult things… we are all made up of these tiny little moments.  I then translate those moments into color or form. 

It could be from how I feel at 3:00 am on a sleepless night, or an interaction with a stranger on the street, talking about fruit you’re buying. 

O: Do you have different textile techniques, or only weaving? 

CJ: I just do the flowerloom and I am interested in learning the Chipainese and Oaxacan techniques along with dying the fabrics with natural dyes. For instance, for the fabrics I dye, I use cochineal = cochinilla, axiote seed, and more natural dyes that were used by Mayan’s to create pigment and paint the pyramids. 

I am also excited to explore pigments for different painting techniques I have been exploring with! 

O: What's the piece that you’ve seen yourself through

CJ: All my pieces are all little moments of myself, but I think the closest one are all these different panels I have been working on (pictured in the studio floor)

O: Do you have different textile techniques, or only weaving? 

CJ: I just do the floor loom and I am interested in learning the Chiapaneco and Oaxacan techniques along with dying the fabrics with natural dyes. For instance, for the fabrics I dye, I use cochineal = grana cochinilla, achiote seed, and more natural dyes that were used by Mayan’s to create pigment and paint the pyramids. 

I am also excited to explore pigments for different painting techniques I have been exploring with!

O: Do you use natural fibers?

CJ: Yes, I only use cotton, linen and silk. I want us to remember “we are here”, and natural fibers I think, have their own life mirroring our own life span. They might fade over the course of about 50 years.

O: do you think you’ll evolve into working in different craftsmanship styles?

CJ: I definitely think I will stick to weaving for the most part but I’d love to explore more techniques and crafts. Printmaking is something I have been very drawn to. I really love Chucho Reyes, the colors that he uses, and the craft techniques he used for making all these beautiful artworks. 

The choice to work with textiles and see it as art, i believe is so important.  Textiles deserve our respect. What people are doing all over the world with textiles is amazing, I think we should really value that. 

O: Who are your main inspirations

CJ: Helen Frankenthalen, although she is very gestural, I love how she created her own vocabulary and grammar within the painting, also exploring what her materials could do, I feel a lot of kinship with. 

O: I definitely see a lot of color use very similar to yours. 

CJ: I think that is my biggest tool. Color. The things color can translate to a viewer. 

Let's not forget about Joan Mitchel, Luis Baragan and Sheila Hicks, who actually lived in Mexico and married a Mexican man, although she eventually moved to France. 

O: So, I know you have a very exciting art residency coming up, can you tell us a little bit about it?

CJ: I have a 6 months fellowship at the MAD, NY (Museum of Art & Design). I'll  be working out of their space and people can come by Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays to see my process and how I work. This time I’m focusing mainly on one natural dye from Mexico and I will see what arises from working with that, which is a little different from what I usually do, since I will be letting that lead my way forward…

Learn more…

odissea mens

From Accra to NY

JALIL

I've always been a true believer that things happen at their right timing.

I'm someone who doesn't have patience, but again and again experiences show me how this is the magic to a perfect timed life.

I was recently coming up with a new shoot idea since I wanted to launch the mens pieces. After planning, moodboarding and getting things together, tinny details still made it hard to finalize.

One Friday night as I speed-walked all bundled up down West Broadway heading to dinner I saw at a glance a guy outside of the Ralph Lauren store. I noticed he stared back at me for a second but since it was freezing cold I kept walking, but a couple of steps further, I stopped.

"I think a guy behind us would be perfect for the shoot, you think it's weird I ask him?" - "Go for it, the worst that can happen is he says no" - True that. I turned around and came over to him. "Excuse me do you model? | have a jewelry brand and I am looking for a model. If you'd be interested I can send you more info" I can be awkward, to the point that I didn't even introduce myself and I asked for his name at the end of the conversation... yes, but I left happy, with a phone number and his name, Jalil.

We decided to meet Monday January 16th.

Since everything had been so impromptu I was obviously not prepared, but took the weekend to stroll around stores and wander in the city looking for clothes. We meet at 11:20 in the LES. Since the day was nice we decided to shoot outside - it was freezing.

This fire incandescent outfit was number 1 - it was insane. The contrast, colors, the whole composition... As we were getting more comfortable all together Shane shot and I did too - We like doing this since we get more angles and because we also shoot with different types of cameras.

Jalil kept posing and with very little guidance the pictures were looking pretty amazing. We were freezing between outfits but prevailed.

As we were wrapping up and talking some more

Jalil told us that he comes from Accra-Ghana, Africa. He used to be a spice trader back in his hometown, but with COVID life in general got more complicated and about 6 months ago he moved to New York.

New York, the land of opportunity. Where many of us come to chase dreams and open a door beyond our imagination.

His short narrative touched me. It made me think how l've always loved how New York brings together people from every place in the world and from every walk of life - and this my friends, is what I have always truly treasured of my 10 years here.

I hope you can see these pictures through the real eye behind the camera.

Beyond them being just how I envisioned them, the story behind them is what makes them perfect.The reason why I like the blog is because I get to write about anything related to odissea and this story was so amazing and has much more to it, that I felt it was a great story to share.

I am very excited and really looking forward to designing new pieces for men.

Considering that I am a person who often gravitates into masculine styles I can't wait to see what we create and where this leads too. I couldn't be happier with how 4 years after I started this journey, mens came along

Xx

hercules, greek mythology & silver

Hercules Pavillion

Copenhagen, November 2022

For centuries silver has been a powerful metal in the mystic world. Ancient civilizations believed it had healing powers, and being associated with the god of the moon, Selene, silver symbolizes creativity and the feminine part of humans this is why its alchemy symbol is a crescent moon. 

Aztecs for instance, polished it into mirrors, since they were portals to the spiritual world - it was their channel to connect to a higher dimension. Our third chakra or “ The third-eye” is our intuition, spiritual connection, imagination and multidimensional perception and silver is believed to be an enhancer of wisdom and inner power. 

 “voyage marked by changes of fortune” has been a series of interviews and blog posts where we share odissea’s world.Our latest photoshoot was in Copenhagen at The Hercules Pavilion, where the King hosted his most intimate encounters in privacy.

- life and death, fall - rise, light and darkness -

I’ve come to realize that the most unexpected moments in life come at the right timing.On my last trip I had been optimistic of finding someone to shoot some of the new pieces. As days passed by I hadn’t had an “a-ha moment” and it was getting a bit disappointing.  On a Monday I met up with my good friend Nicole at Studio X cafe for lunch - a very cute, simple, minimalistic coffee spot. As I approached the counter to order, I noticed someone glowing behind the counter, I immediately felt her presence, it was strong but delicate and youthful, I was stroked. I instantly knew she was odissea - a natural and pure essence.

“natural + pure essence” 

We exchanged information and decided to meet only a day prior to my departure due to her schedule. Risky, but I knew it had to happen. 

Sunday, October 15th 3:30 at the Kongs Have.

As I am biking through the city I feel the cold transition of autumn clearly. Change of foliage, shorter days, and that feeling of gloominess…

Biking half way through the city I saw this tremendous gray cloud taking over half of the sky - I was getting anxious but kept going. As I made my way through the halls of the garden trying to figure out the labyrinth I was tangled in, the sky kept getting darker and darker, not a good feeling.

About 3 minutes of me looking around to see if I saw Mathilde, she showed up walking graciously toward me, and just as she was walking towards the Pavilion it started drizzling. No umbrella, nor idea of where to hide, but we just found a corner next to Hercules while she grabbed her umbrella protecting us both. We were laughing and making fun of what was happening, a moment I will keep forever. The rain went for about 5 minutes each drop had more time in between, the sky slowly opened up, letting the sun shine through,  illuminating the Pavilion as if nothing had ever happened. 

Rushing to get things done, we dressed her quickly and as I was standing in front of this classical monument with my pieces and Mathilde, I felt  thrill. I started taking pictures of her moving and playing around, we were talking and laughing while getting all the angles possible with Hercules defeating a lion as a prop set. This whole scenery of his force and brutality seemed perfect with Mathilde’s effortless beauty - opposite forces creating perfect balance. 

This photoshoot depicted the beauty of opposites - ying & yang, feminine and masculine, light and darkness - all opposing forces give us balance. 

Exit_Ceren is an escapist

Photos & text by Nathalie M.Arzt

Lately there’s been a common denominator in my conversations with friends, acquaintances and overhearing conversations. Uncertainty seems to be a common discussion, and regardless of opportunities arising from our COVID pandemic, life seems to have gotten a bit overwhelming.

This “voyage marked by changes of fortune” features Ceren Arslan, also known as @EXIT_CEREN to tap into her reality and have a limitless experience, go beyond with your imagination and forget limits.

After spending a month with Ceren, we got into some insightful and grounding conversations over wine and home-cooking. I got to know more about herself, her art, NFT’s, and Senza Fina, the experientia project she has been working on with some friends. 

With such an extraordinary talent, and mind blowing imagination, I consider Ceren a F*** cool creative, so I decided to dig a little more into her world and share it with y’all. 

---

O: I’ve always had a great appreciation for your work and up until we spent this past month together, I got to learn a lot about you. It really inspired me knowing all the context behind what you do. Can you briefly explain what EXIT is?

C: EXIT is a catalog of spatial designs which I’ve been working on for over a year now. It is my weekly agenda of design thoughts, a release of inspiration, my design journal. It is a series of concept spaces from a Green Suede Walls for the Basketball Court to the Church of Tolerance. They are unique pieces of escape with alternating concepts represented as images or videos. It is my moment of escape, my exit. 

O: Do you remember the first piece of art you made that you were like ok, this feels right -  Which one was it?

C: EXIT evolved from my first collection, EPISODES. It is a collection of 10 pieces of building facades which I’ve created with digital collaging. I was designing unique buildings in undisclosed locations. The first piece I made was for the exhibition Aesthetics of Prosthetics which  I was co-curating along with my friends Alican Taylan, Irmak Ciftci and Can Imamoglu at Pratt Institute in 2019. The exhibition focused on how we as designers use design tools to advance our creative capacity. The methods varied from AI to robotic arms to projection mapping. My method was digital collaging. I’ve collected a numerous amount of textures and images online to form a building facade of a single family home in Los Angeles. It was post-modern, funky and slightly out of context, but real enough to make it look photographic. That was the first time an art piece I made felt right. 

O: Is there something that makes you feel that spark of inspiration? 

C: To be honest, I usually start creating without thinking too much. As I free-flow I get more into it and start digging everything I saw, heard, felt that week. I keep adding more information, play around with materials and lighting until it feels right. As Diana Vreeland says “the eye has to travel”. When it’s complete you stop playing around with it. 

O: Usually, my most creative self comes when I’m going through a big challenge in my life -  I guess this makes me look into ways to connect to myself. Do you have a similar experience with your art?

C: Absolutely, creating art is a great way to express emotion. That’s why I do not stop producing if I am feeling down or if I am distracted. I keep pushing out the thoughts and shaping them into spaces. It really does affect the concept of the space though, for example Giacometti's Tomb happened after a very intense weekend..

O: I see your pieces as a portal to tap into your realm. Looking at your videos made me realize how limited our imagination sometimes is. They are so futuristic and mind blowing, that I remember seeing your last EXIT044 and being like “Woah, imagine walking through that velvet green minimalist room” and then all the rest of the questions come - who would I be with, why would we be all there, what is this moment  - and BOOM, I had created my own experience in my head through your piece. 

Is tapping into a new experience what you look for people to experience with EXIT?

C: Wow, this is such a great complement. That’s exactly what I am after for. I think we are all escapists as much as we play around with it. I’ve always lived in stories, movies, books, fiction in general. The idea of escaping from your current reality to another one is what we are all after. The concept of EXIT is super relevant to Michael Foucault’s heterotopia only in a more recreational way. The way he describes these spaces are “breaks from the mundane” for example when you go to a honeymoon, spa, basketball game on and on. These are societal institutions that co-exists within reality as escapes. For EXIT, I am pretty much suggesting alternative spaces with a strong design agenda to think outside of the box and create a feeling towards the space itself. How would you feel when you walk in, is it sublime, is it happy, is it dark?  The story of the space is complete only when it’s experienced. 

O: You recently went to Burning man for the first time, and even though everyone has an idea of it being crazy partying, I feel like it can be an amazing experience, do you have any insight for people who have never been?

C: Well it’s going to sound incredibly cliche, but you can only understand Burning Man once you are there, probably day 2 or 3 though. First day was a mess.. It was my favorite real-life EXIT, an incredible feeling of being present for yourself, for your friends and for the community. There were amazing parties of course, but my agenda was more than that. Just to go with the flow and be present. It was the best first burn. 

Follow her on IG @EXIT_CEREN and exitceren.com

The Copenhagen Guide

APOLLO BAR at Kunsthal Charlottenborg

PSYCHE CAFE

POMETTE WINE BAR

KAFETERIA SMK MUSEUM

LILLE BAKERY

THORVALDSENS MUSEUM

LOUISIANA MUSEUM

BOTANISK HAVE

GLYPTOTEK MUSEUM

ROSENBORG CASTLE

Odissea Takes Over Paris

By Christine Jiang

I lived in Paris, back in 2016. I had still not started odissea, but looking back it was part of the beginning of the journey.

This experience has a huge influence in who I am and what I do now. Even tho many years have gone by, I still remember how it felt walking down the streets - the emotions, the noises, the air, the feelings, they were all something I had never experienced before. The monochromatic gloomy streets made me nostalgic, but in them I found a huge feeling of grandeur. Everything about Paris makes it seem like a dream. Knowing the history, art and beauty found within the most mundane details makes it hard to grasp.

I fell in love with it, and I fell in love for the first time as well. It is a place where I have fond memories of a young and wandering soul, and this will always make it home.

When Christine told me she was going to explore Paris for a shoot, I knew that Odissea had to be part of it. After our last collaboration, Ocean Goddess, I knew she was someone who would capture not only the jewelry but she would create a story around it. And here it is!

“Odissea taking over Paris”

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CJ: “ I wasn’t sure what to expect when I arrived in Paris. I had my camera and odissea jewelry with me, so I was sure I’d find a spark of inspiration somewhere in the city of lights. During the first few days, as I wandered street after street - seeing the romantic architecture and the sun set over the sleepy Seine river sparked my imagination of possibilities.

I played tourist for a few days while scouting locations - The Eiffel Tower, The Opera Garnier, Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame - they all looked exactly as I had imagined. What took me by surprise, however, was The Louvre. Its sheer size, set against the grandeur of a Renaissance Palace, was in itself an artistic feat unlike anything I had ever seen. Standing there gazing at the top of the pyramid made me feel small yet energized, and I felt a spark - this was the place.

On the day of the shoot, we arrived on location just before sun down. Crowds lined up for the museum filled the Louvre’s courtyard as we scoured the space for the perfect spot. Around 20:40 (the sun sets late in Parisian summer) the light became soft and subtle, which was just what I had hoped for. We ventured towards the NW corner of the courtyard, away from the swarms of people, and violà - the perfect spot - a long, graceful corridor with high arched ceilings. Strangely, there were no crowds and Clèmence stepped into the middle of the hallway, wearing odissea. The jewelry brought a sparkle to the museum’s massive facade, as we played with poses and experimented with locations.

The vision I’d imagined in my head unfolded in front of us: sophisticated, elegant, bold baubles of silver, enveloped by an amazing panorama of art and history. 

Looking at the pictures now, while I am back in New York, they remind me of the feelings I felt while shooting that day. The energy - working with an international team, bridging the modern with the historic, in a place that has housed some of the most significant works of art known to man - fills my soul. It is a universal feeling I know many creatives strive for; it's what keeps us going. We may have only been there for a split-second relative to the Louvre’s extraordinary lifetime, but this feeling is what lasts.

À Tout, Parigi!

XX

Odissea in One Magazine

shot by Bridget Flemings

Photo by my mermaid @bridgetfleming
Stylist @jessmonterde @Walter Schupfer
Hair @tak8133 @The Wall Group using @oribe
Make Up @tadatoshih
Stylist assist @inesitsaso
Model @shaynamcneill @imgmodels wearing @zimmermannand @nanushka
Casting director #David Chen
Photo assist #Chris Smith & #Tom Maltbie
Digital Tech #Casey Franklin