One of the things I love most about living in New York City is how often the sunshine, well, shines! Sure, the winter months are cold but now we’ve turned the corner into spring the days are longer, warmer and brighter. With the sun shining and skies blue, it’s the perfect opportunity to hop on a bike and explore the city. Last week, I headed out into the spring sunshine wearing my new Marcel Wanders for Safilo sunglasses to check out some art installations and walls in Dumbo, Brooklyn. Join me in my colorful, sun-soaked adventures after the jump!
My first stop in Dumbo was the ‘Dumbo walls’ district, an outdoor installation that saw eight world-renowned artists transform a four-block area under the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway into an outdoor gallery. My favorite, the Rainbow Wall, is so bright that sunglasses are handy whether the sun is shining or not!
I was excited to wear these frames from the sunglasses collaboration between Marcel Wanders and Safilo because I’ve followed the Dutch designer’s work for moooi in the interiors world for many years.
Marcel’s inspiration behind the collection was to ‘live your dream, see the unseen’. The aim was to design a series of frames that connected with the barer’s soul and imagination. A fusion of ideals across nature and love, future and fantasy, dreams and magic and so on, the sunglasses are meant to inspire an escape from reality and the idea of seeking joy through the glasses. This whimsical notion certainly made me smile as I explored this creative corner of Brooklyn by bike in the glorious spring sunshine.
After riding through some of the charming Brownstone blocks, I headed over to take in Brooklyn-based artist Deborah Kass’ bright yellow ‘YO OY’ art installation that sits between the Manhattan and Brooklyn bridges. “YO” refers both to the Spanish for “I am” and to urban and Brooklyn slang, while “OY” is a common Yiddish word expressing woe, dismay, or annoyance. I picked the “YO” side because I felt confident, cool and creative in my new sunnies!
Parking my bike, I decided to take a walk across the rocky outcrop that tumbles down into the East River. With the sun setting and the water lapping against the rocks it was a cherished moment of calm amongst the chaos of the city.
Next, I kicked back to enjoy the view with some of my favorite reads. I love how the <Marcel Wanders for Safilo sunglasses have a unique and intricate pattern on the inside of the frames – it gives them an elevated feel even when you aren’t wearing them.
Which parts of the city should I explore by bike next? Are you glad it’s finally sunglasses season?!
// Styling and art direction by Will Taylor | Photography by Jean-Laurent Gaudy | Posted in partnership with Safilo; all views my own.
12 Comments
Nailed it, Will.
@Jack – Thank you! 🙂
You look super stylish as always! Great to see these corners of my old city.
@Erica – So glad you enjoyed the bike tour! 😉
This makes me want to visit soooooooo much!!!
@Bea – Come, come, come!
Shades on point. Handsome!
@Sam – Aren’t they great? My new favs!
Love seeing some bits of Brooklyn through your eyes, Will (since I never go – I need to though!). Great photos!
@Jackie – I don’t get over there as often as I should, either! This gorgeous weather called for a little adventuring though!
Of course you have a blue bike! What else?
@Libbynan – Haha! It’s actually a rented Citi Bike (they are all over the city) a big plus that they are all blue! 🙂