From rooftop dinners as the sun sets to Sundays spent listening to Nina Simone and The Velvet Underground, designer Danielle Fichera has been quarantining in style. This week on Wynne's World, we learn more about how Danielle has been spending the summer in her chic Nolita apartment. As someone who normally travels quite a bit, this year has brought quite the change from Danielle's usual summer plans, however, she has found a way to make city living look like a luxurious vacation. The slower pace has also allowed her more time to focus on her eponymous collection of the most beautiful resort wear. Many of my favorite dresses are from Danielle's collection and her sustainable brand is also a favorite of Amanda Hearst, Indré Rockefeller and Petra Nemkova.
(Heidi) What have you been cooking this summer? (Danielle) I have been cooking very simple and healthy food. I am an avid cook, but cooking 2-3 meals a day for 5+ months has left me to cook a lot of pasta, chicken and vegetables. I am a huge fan of the Barefoot Contessa!
How are you staying inspired? I have found Instagram to be incredibly inspiring the past couple months. I ended up setting up a giant mood board in my space, full of my favorite images - which I absolutely love and will stay up post lockdown.
What have you been reading this summer? E.E. Cummings, Selected Poems and The Future We Choose by Christiana Figueres & Tom Rivett-Carnac
What have you been watching? Just about everything! Some of my favorites are “Killing Eve”, “The Bodyguard” - the UK suspense show, not the US movie, "The Stranger”, “Liar”, “Normal People" and reruns of “The Office”.
Normal People
Current Playlist? (Danielle has exceptional taste in music):
“I Wish I Knew How It Would Be To Feel To Be Free” by Nina Simone … My favorite song!
“Girl From North Country” by Bob Dylan
“Mr. Tambourine Man” by The Byrds
“Indian Girl” by The Rolling Stones
“Piazza, New York Catcher” by Belle and Sebastian
“Unbelievers” by Vampire Weekend”
“Quelqu’un m’a dit” by Carla Bruni
“That’s No Way To Say Goodbye” by Leonard Cohen
“Sunday Morning” by The Velvet Underground & Nico
Favorite summer beauty products? This year’s heat has left my skin very irritated. I found Chantecaille’s skincare has been very helpful to calm my skin. I recently discovered Gucci Westman’s line of makeup and have been loving her line of foundation, cream blushes and eye shadows.
How have you been unwinding during this challenging period of time? I found that after being locked inside for over five months, I have been slowly reintegrating myself back into society … however most of my time is still mostly spent at home. I kept thinking my life would go back to the way it was, but then when July 1st hit I realized it was not going to. In order to move forward, I needed to create a new normal and a new routine in order to get my life moving along again.
How are you making your home more comforting during this time? I have been ordering flowers from FlowerBx weekly and indulging in Jo Malone Candles … I recently discovered their Wood Sage & Sea Salt Candles (which smells like the most delicious beach!).
