The guest editor Viola Raikhel with the actor and artist Pierce Brosnan; a snapshot from the Artistry issue cover shoot. Photograph by Greg Gorman. The art advisor and curator Viola Raikhel is no stranger to the art world.
Originally from London, in 2004 Viola Raikhel co-founded 1858 Ltd Art Advisory: an advisory firm that specialises in providing independent expertise and services across various art, fashion, wine, watches, and art wealth management. Fast forward twenty years and the advisory is now a leading global success, with offices in Paris, London, Dusseldorf and Sydney. It was her expertise in the industry that landed Viola to be the guest editor for T Australia’s “Artistry” issue.
Among the pages, she sat down with our cover star Pierce Brosnan in his Malibu home to discuss his creative pursuits as a painter. Elsewhere in the issue, Raikhel explored how technological advancements are reshaping the art world, spoke with Chanel’s Yana Peel to discuss cultural innovation, and delved into the intriguing world of art heists with Anthony Amore.
Now that she is back in Sydney, T Australia tapped the creative for our T Australia List. Below she shares the five things on her radar at the moment, from a Brosnan classic (that’s not Bond) to a must-visit 1930’s villa tucked away on a leafy Milan street.
Covet This: Keren Bartov’s Beauty Products
“It would have to be my magic lotions and potions from Keren Bartov in London. The Queen of ‘all things glowing skin’ has me hooked on her facials and regime of serums and skincare. She has become my first stop whenever I’m in town. Understandably, it is now much harder to tell me apart from her other clients such as Gal Godot … we now have even more than the ‘Keren Bartov glow’ in common!”
Watch This: Thomas Crown Affair
“I’ve recently rewatched ‘The Thomas Crown Affair’ starring Pierce Brosnan and Rene Russo. Pierce Brosnan dazzles as the suave and enigmatic Thomas Crown while Rene Russo’s tenacity and charm reign. Director John McTiernan orchestrates a symphony of style and suspense that captivates from start to finish. With its sizzling chemistry and plot twists, this remake is a timeless indulgence. The film’s soundtrack, featuring Nina Simone and Sting has been on repeat.”
Eat Here: Caviar Kaspia, Paris
“Caviar Kaspia in Paris is still a must stop for me whenever I am in the City of Light. I was born on the Caspian Sea, so I have a particularly strong affinity to all things sturgeon and caviar. In Baku, Azerbaijan where I was born, children are fed black caviar by the spoon. So seeing the perfectly baked Caviar Kaspia potatoes brimming with black pearls is a particularly fond sight to me and makes me feel at home. I adore the fact that the service and menu never change and recall many special evenings celebrating and commemorating over the teal linen table cloths with friends and loved ones.”
Read This: Thunderhead, Miranda Darling
“Thunderhead is a modern day feminist manifesto. Miranda Darling’s mastery of words and the human condition is electrifying. We meet Winona Dalloway, a young mother quietly going about her day but all is not as it seems … is it ever? A black comedy, set in suburbia, about one woman’s struggle to be free will stay with you long after you finish reading.”
Visit This: Villa Necchi Campiglio, Milan
“Tucked away on a leafy street in Milan is The Villa Necchi Campiglio: the house from Luca Guadagnino’s brilliant film ‘I am Love’, starring Tilda Swinton. The 1930’s villa was designed by Architect Piero Portaluppi and is a must stop for me whenever I am in Milan. I adore the Italian modernist design and interiors. Its restraint and opulence never cease to inspire.”
