Ali Banisadr Has Faith in the Canvas, and in a New Medium
More of our favorite openings from New York to Rome: A former podcast guest takes a bow in the US, an Italian master revisited, Picasso’s Muse, and eccentric French design.
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Last week hordes of art and design aficionados, dealers, and those in the know descended on Mexico City for Zona Maco, a contemporary art fair, and the various satellite events around town that seem to grow in scope and sophistication every year. Part of that American contingent is Trenton Pardue, known to The Grand Tourist and the social media set as the man behind the Instagram account Spaces of My Dreams. Originally from South Carolina, the New Yorker started his account during the pandemic to share his voluminous Pinterest clippings with his circle of friends, and it grew from there. “I think that good design lives in more places than people think, and it’s my goal to bring undiscovered talent and spaces to the forefront.” He’s collaborated with the likes of the Frieze Art Fair, Sotheby’s International Realty, and Louis Poulsen. I asked the influencer—whose day job is in design PR and who’s been to Mexico City a few times already—to shortlist what he discovered there recently, and spots he returns to again and again. —Dan Rubinstein
Librería Casa Bosques
“Inside a historic home in Roma, this little bookshop offers a unique selection of indie magazines, journals, and books all set between casually placed Jean Prouvé chairs and greenery. It’s a great mix, but most importantly they sell their own small-batch chocolate bars . . . and they are delicious.” casabosques.com
Four Seasons Mexico City
“I’ve always been a fan of the Four Seasons globally, but there’s something extra special about the Gilles & Boissier–designed outpost here. The spaces within the building and courtyard live in harmony with the colonial style of the building, offering a juxtaposition that’s exciting to come back to when visiting. Make sure to check out the cocktail bar, 50 Mil. It was recently voted as one of the top 50 bars in the world.” fourseasons.com
Chic by Accident
“For over 20 years, Emmanuel Picault’s gallery in Roma has offered many contrasts, and his eye for design is seen throughout every inch of the space. It’s also a warm, exciting, and a surprising mix of design pieces from across the world I don’t get in other spots. There were so many lovely pieces on display during my visit, even a set of 1970s children’s chairs in the shape of fruit that were so cute and a set of LOOT Chandeliers by Wrinkle that drew my eyes up as I entered the main room of the gallery.” chicbyaccident.com
Máximo Bistrot
“This is the one restaurant I have to visit every time—and I never leave disappointed. Designed by a friend of mine, Charles de Lisle, the interior was inspired by the local Barragán homes and the furniture within is crafted by Mexican makers. During my most recent visit, I had a beautiful stone crab and mole dish. It was next level.” maximobistrot.com.mx
Panaderia Rosetta
“I rarely snag a seat at this tiny bakery in Roma, but you can expect to leave with one of their incredible pastries. Panaderia is an extension of the popular Rosetta, and you can’t go wrong with whatever you choose. I always get a classic Mexican sweet bread roll called the concha.” instagram.com
Casa Pedregal and Tetetlán
“Any work by Luis Barragán is a treat to experience on a trip here, but Casa Pedregal is by far my favorite. The home feels as modern as it does historic all while seeming livable. As one of his first completed homes in the Pedregal neighborhood in the 1950s, the space is vibrant and pulls from its natural surroundings using the now-iconic color palette of pale pinks. After a visit, be sure to check out Tetetlán, the neighboring restaurant inside the stables that once belonged to the house’s original owner.” tetetlan.com
Pingüino Mexico
“Pingüino has two storefronts, one in Roma Norte and the other in Condesa, and both spaces bring a smile to my face with the quirky homemade variety of home goods including quirky totems to display in your home or beautiful confetti glasses from Oaxaca to serve margaritas in. The owners, Renata and Santiago, travel all of Mexico to bring unique and fun pieces from different regions of the country.” pinguinomexico.com
