Caddis, the Salt Lake City, Utah-based company selling “eye appliances” (aka readers) is on a mission to live in the present moment and to rally against the fear of aging. To that end, the company offers high-design, blue light-blocking readers that not only help you see, but also look great in the process. After a trip to New Orleans with a photo shoot at the Hotel Saint Vincent, founder and designer Tim Parr created a new frame style to honor the Crescent City. The Nola readers ($129) feature a vintage, square custom metal frame design for a clean, classic aesthetic. The top brow bar is even engraved with the coordinates of the French Quarter (29° 57’ 26” N 90° 03’ 54” W). The custom temple tips adjust to fit a wide range of head sizes as a nod to the diversity of the city itself. Available exclusively at By George New Orleans, 1507 Magazine St., saintvincentnola.com
Turkish Textiles
Elysian by Emily Morrison, which originally opened on Magazine Street as a popup, has claimed the space as a permanent home for textiles and ceramics. “Everything is designed by me and made by our artisan partners in Turkey,” Morrison says. “Elysian embodies effortless style boasting vibrant colors and prints that spark inspiration and joy.” The one-of-a-kind silk and silk/velvet textiles that make up Elysian’s clothing, slides, sneakers, totes, pillow covers and table linens are handwoven in Uzbekistan using centuries-old weaving and dyeing techniques. They are then tailored with a modern bohemian aesthetic in Istanbul, Turkey. Meanwhile, the ceramics are hand-painted in Kütahya, Turkey, by a female artisan, and they feature a playful take on the traditional Turkish ikat pattern. 3701 Magazine St., elysianbyem.com
New Way to Stay
Mint House New Orleans–Riverside is a new development housed in an iconic warehouse that exudes Big Easy vibes. Comprising a new category of hospitality (dubbed residential hospitality), Mint House features one-, two- and three-bedroom apartment-style units that are thoughtfully designed with full kitchens, cozy and expansive living areas, and connected workspaces — all perfect for your next staycation. Amenities include options to stock your fridge before you arrive, 24/7 digital concierge services, on-demand fitness and a roof deck. 315 Girod St., minthouse.com
Historic Renovation
Urban Properties, a New Orleans-based commercial development, property management and brokerage firm, is overseeing the historic renovation of a Mid-City warehouse at 4201 Tulane Ave. (on the corner of Tulane Avenue and South Solomon Street). The owner/developer, KCT Real Estate, a real estate investment company owned by Tony and Katherine Gelderman, has redeveloped other historic properties in New Orleans, including 800 Magazine St., 353 Carondelet St. and The Rink at 2727 Prytania St. Built in the 1920s, the Tulane Avenue property is a two-story, 36,000-square-foot building that was previously home to Riecke Cabinet Works (1925-1971) and, most recently, Lighting Inc. (1972+). The structural rehabilitation includes a new roof, restored windows and exterior metal panels to honor the original 1920s façade, and building out the interior space. “The Preservation Resource Center of New Orleans is excited to receive a preservation easement on this historic warehouse, which will protect this building in perpetuity…,” says Danielle Del Sol, executive director of the PRC.
All the Green Things
FAIT, the plant design studio that you may have seen rolling around town in a mobile greenhouse (the Axil Rose), has a gorgeous new home on Magazine Street. “We decided to explore the opportunity of opening our own dedicated storefront in December [2021],” says Laura Stirling Joffrion, co-founder and plantrepreneur at FAIT. “When our lovely real estate friends, Olivia Ford and Melaina Ricks of Upper Management Realty showed us this space on Magazine, something shifted. The energy in the space is calm and centered. It has a little backyard for our plant babes as well as street parking in front for Axil Rose when we need it.” In addition to carrying house plants, FAIT also offers planters, misters, plant food, trellises, propagation vessels, consulting services and more. “Our [residential and commercial] interior consultations are gaining momentum,” Joffrion says. “We measure your light and discuss options that will work in your specific environment. Then, we invoice you and deliver everything. Caring for plants may not come naturally, but we have your back. We encourage each of our clients to reach out on Instagram or send us an email any time they feel like their plants are not thriving.” 3822 Magazine St., faitnola.com
