The Designer’s Guide to Aspen
Published: April 16th, 2019
Aspen provides endless inspiration. From expansive views to local shops, internationally acclaimed artwork to top designer fashions, we have the luxuries of an urban environment, with the backdrop of a mountain escape. This month, we’re celebrating our favorite resources in and around Aspen Valley.
See below for Matter’s guide to Aspen: Where to Shop. Where to Indulge. Where to Find Inspiration.
Image Credit: Tropical Molecule. Boesky West, 2019. Courtesy of the artist and Marianne Boesky Gallery, New York and Aspen. ©Thiago Rocha Pitta and Hugo França. Photo credit: Tony Prikryl
Art
Boesky West
100 South Spring St.
Boesky West opened in 2017 and is the mountain sibling of a well-established New York gallery. Known for showcasing contemporary work by emerging artists, their collections are often provocative and always compelling. The space is a 19th-century cabin, reimagined with the help of renowned architect Annabelle Selldorf, and pairs traditional lines with contemporary finishes. Boesky West is one of our top picks for both art and inspiration.
Matter of Fact: The website is just as stunning as the space. Check the Upcoming Exhibitions page regularly; opening receptions are not to be missed.
Fabric & Furniture
John Brooks, Inc.
303H AABC, Aspen
Representing an array of artisans specializing in beautiful fabric, furniture and lighting, the John Brooks showroom provides a transitional style that blurs the lines between mountain, desert and city living.
Matter of Fact: John Brooks is one of our go-to sources for furniture and fabric. At right, this leather chair found at the showroom was the perfect addition to a quiet corner in our client's home.
Image credit: J.C. Buck
Courtesy Brunello Cucinelli
Accessories
Brunello Cucinelli
508 E. Cooper Ave.
Brunello Cucinelli offers exquisite accessories and home goods from the highest quality natural materials (think cashmere, wood, ceramic, cotton, linen, leather), all handmade in Italy. The brand is known for exceptional craftsmanship and design, but has an understated ease clearly inspired by natural environments.
Matter of Fact: Not only are the offerings exceptional, but so is the company. The brand has long been active in philanthropic efforts and is often lauded for exceptional treatment of employees.
Hike
Cathedral Lake
Nature is the ultimate source of design inspiration, and the hike to Cathedral Lake is 5.6 miles, 2,000 feet and 360 degrees of pure awe. Walk through aspen groves, high-alpine meadows, and dense forests en route to a blue-green lake surrounded by jagged granite peaks.
Matter of Fact: Aim for late July or early August when mud season has passed and wildflowers are in full bloom.
Image credit: Leah Fielding
Image credit: David Marlow
Gifts
Forty Five Ten Aspen
535 E. Hyman Ave.
Forty Five Ten offers fashion, art, jewelry, design, COLOR. Whether you’re shopping for yourself or seeking out the perfect gift, the store is a goldmine of bold styles, luxury brands, vintage gems and independent design.
Matter of Fact: Not just for adults, Forty Five Ten has a stellar collection of kidswear and designer toys.
Books
Explore Booksellers
221 E. Main St.
Nestled in a brick Victorian at the corner of Aspen and Main, Explore Booksellers is a quiet, cozy invitation to the enchanting world of books. It has been an institution in the Aspen community for over 40 years and running.
Matter of Fact: If you’re not sure what’s next on your reading list, the Indie Next List is a great resource and offers “Inspired Recommendations from Indie Booksellers.”
Image via @explorebooksellers
Image via goop
Clothing
MAX
609 E. Cooper Ave.
Recently named a ‘Style Leader’ by Harper’s Bazaar Magazine, MAX carries coveted collections by the world’s top designers: Dries Van Noten, Céline, Bottega Veneta, Lanvin, the list goes on. Founder Max Martinez loved dressing up Barbie dolls when he was little, and has played a huge role in bringing runway style to the mountains of Colorado. Co-owner Scott Seale is similarly steeped in fashion and also has a custom jewelry line.
Matter of Fact: Check out the new Spring collection from Dries Van Noten. It is, in our opinion, some of his best work.
Cocktails
Bad Harriet at the Jerome Hotel
330 E. Main St.
Bad Harriet is an underground bar brimming with delicious food, craft cocktails and sleek design. The menu celebrates strong women in history—a fitting theme for our women-owned business—while the space offers endless inspiration. Since opening in 2018, Bad Harriet has quickly become our favorite haunt for team outings—everything from developing ideas to celebrating our most recent project.
Matter of Fact: (Depending on the nature of your team meeting… ) Try the Bad Harriet cocktail for a double dose of delicious.
Courtesy Hotel Jerome
Courtesy St. Regis
Spa
Remède Spa at the St. Regis Hotel
315 E. Dean St.
Some people indulge with food. Others with gifts. We head to the spa. Remède Spa at the St. Regis Hotel is serenity embodied and the perfect reprieve from dry mountain air.
Matter of Fact: The Rocky Mountain Ritual + Optional Massage is, as the name implies, an ideal ritual for post-ski, post-hike, post-adventure spa-goers.