An EOY Catch-Up
"If you're going to be late, have a damn good reason."
It’s been a busy year. We opened Seco with surprising success, a response from our community and neighborhood far exceeding me and my partners’ wildest expectations. Our guests spill onto the sidewalk for block parties and tailgates. Our team turns over tables five times the capacity of our space, and we hit record-breaking orders among our wine distributors in LA. All of this is to say, that growing a team from 5 to 35 has been enormously demanding. As we cross over to our 5-month mark, we’re finally settling into stabilizing systems after a prolonged period of growing pains. It’s no surprise that the restaurant business is hard — yet I am so humbled by what we’ve created so far, and immensely proud of our team who have hit the ground running right out the gate.
Finally, I’m looking forward to my first holiday since embarking on this endeavor. I feel that the most essential part of producing good work is rest. Knowing when and how to refuel your battery is optimal for high performance. While Q1 of 2025 is charting out — knowing I can be offline on the coast of Brazil these next two weeks gives me peace of mind for the next intensive work phase ahead. But less about work, let’s catch up on some recent play.
ART BASEL
I recently flew down to Miami for Basel with Range Rover and Cartier. I met with Teresa from the Cartier team back in September and gushed over our love for antiques and cocktail watches. For the Cartier Trinity dinner, the team dressed me in the ultimate cocktail watch: the Baignoire Watch in 18k White Gold.
Wearing Tove Reyes Long Sleeve Top as a cape, Tory Burch Dress, vintage Ralph Lauren chain belt , Cartier Baignoire in 18k Gold
Next night was the Carti Party. Cartier hosted their Trinity celebration at the Design District — a multi-sensorial exhibition weaving through the history of the house and evolution of the bracelet.
Wearing Alaïa Turtleneck Bodysuit and Belt, Prada Heels, Cartier Baignoire and Love Bracelet with Yellow Diamonds.
That Friday, I flew back to LA to watch the Nutcracker ballet. The night started with a reception at the Biltmore Hotel, a historical site and highly underrated hotel that completely transports you to bygone era. Wearing a scarf I picked up at an estate sale with a Snowflake Sequin Maxi Dress, Gucci heels and the Cartier Baignoire.
These last two weeks have been a circuit of holiday parties. Never mind that it’s December 22nd and I’ve already gone to ten Christmas parties. Currently fueled by martinis and late-night Postmates order of french fries.
Wearing: Vintage Chanel Earrings, Lié Studio Chain Bracelet, Leset One Shoulder Dress, Vintage RL Belt, Chanel Bag
On a more casual note — I recently worked with Lindbergh eyewear from Denmark, where I was able to completely customize a pair of hand-crafted opticals down to the studs. They are sleek, they are stylish, and inarguably the highest-quality pair of glasses I own.
Styled here with Lindbergh Martin in GT, TWP Friday Night Top in Paper Suede, Citizens of Humanity Horshoe Jeans
That’s all for now folks x