This is Meet A BFF, the series where we ask loyal BFF holders across our BFF Bracelet and You collections to share what a day in their life — or multiple days — looks like as a Web3 enthusiast with interests and expertise outside of cryptoland as well. Have an idea of someone we should profile next? Email us at hello@mybff.com.
GM! The jet lag is real. Arrived in Los Angeles yesterday. The alarm isn’t set for another 1.5 hours. Pop my head up for a sip of water and return under the cozy duvet.
I’m here for a quick visit from Toronto, Canada to see my Augmented Reality (AR) artwork in the Louis Vuitton bicentennial exhibition. Last year, Louis Vuitton invited me to reimagine the iconic trunk in celebration of their founder’s 200th birthday. My artwork appeared in 500 Louis Vuitton store windows worldwide and has been part of a traveling exhibition since. The show was in Paris, Singapore, and now here in Beverly Hills.
I linger in bed for a while. Meditate. The golden morning light is filtering through the bedroom shutters. It’s beautiful and I’m happy to be here. Getting excited for the day ahead! Quickly scan my inbox on my iPhone while still in bed. I see my flights for Paris have been booked! I’ll be giving a keynote at Paris Fashion Week next month on Augmented Reality and the Metaverse. I take a moment to daydream a bit before rising. Feeling really lucky to do what I do.
I’m up! Shower. I browse the hotel breakfast menu and opt for a breakfast sandwich and Gatorade from Uber eats instead. I usually eat pretty healthy, but I go with my craving. FaceTime my partner to say good morning. With the three-hour time difference, he’s already well into his work day. He’s always been a big supporter of my work and although he couldn’t join me on this trip, it’s great to see his smiling face on this special day.
I message my friend Karl Hab. He’s also one of the artists in the Louis Vuitton exhibition and is in town visiting from Paris. We coordinate a time to meet up at the show in a few hours.
On my way to the Louis Vuitton exhibition! It’s a hot day, but I have my window open for the drive, enjoying the glorious California sunshine. The Uber driver pulls over, but this doesn’t look like my destination. I ask the driver to confirm it’s the right place; they say yes. I get out of the car and immediately realize it’s not. Get my bearings, open Apple Maps and start walking along Rodeo Drive in the right direction. It’s around a 10 minute walk and I’m sweating by the time I get to the venue, but it was nice to walk around and take it all in. I’m in LA!
I’m here at the show! It’s surreal. The Louis Vuitton team has done an incredible job curating and installing the exhibit. I was here last night to quickly pop in, help get the AR setup, and meet some of the team. Everyone is amazing and so welcoming. It’s an honour to be part of this very special global project.
Some of the Louis Vuitton team members ask to take photos with me and my AR artwork. I’m flattered! My friend and fellow artist Karl has arrived now too. This is the first time we’re meeting in real life. One of the wonderful things about this project for Louis Vuitton has been connecting with and being inspired by the brilliant artists involved. We explore the exhibit together and take lots of photos and videos. I take one last look before we leave, a mental picture, and thank everyone for all of their incredible work and support.
Uber back to the hotel for a quick change. Switch out of my Valentino pumps, white vest, and shorts, and into a pair of Nike sneakers, a burnt orange sleeveless top, jean cut-offs, and of course my sun hat. Karl has been hanging in the lobby searching for a place for us to have lunch. He sends me a message with the perfect spot. I leave the YSL chain wallet behind from this morning’s outfit — it was a PhD graduation gift I bought myself many years ago in Beverly Hills, coincidentally across the street from the LV exhibition! I grab my Matt & Natt vegan leather crossbody bag and head to the elevator.
We make our way to Abbot Kinney Boulevard near Venice Beach. Karl gives me a quick Lightroom lesson on his iPhone. He’s an amazing photographer. It’s like a mini masterclass, but in the back of an Uber.
After exploring the neighbourhood, we arrive at Gjelina’s. Such a lovely restaurant! We wait a little longer for a spot on the garden patio and it’s worth it. We enjoy a refreshing lemonade with fresh ginger and each order the vegetable sandwich and a pomodoro pizza to share. The food is incredible. We endlessly comment on how delicious the sandwich is and talk about our work.
Leave Gjelina’s and go for a short stroll. We’re happily stuffed. The sugary smell of fresh waffle cones and chocolate from the hand made ice cream shop Salt and Straw at the corner is intoxicating. We get into an Uber and head to the Getty Villa museum at the easterly end of the Malibu driving along the Pacific Coast Highway and taking in the magnificent views.
We’re transported to Tuscany! The Getty Villa grounds are magical. I see a hummingbird flash by and I squeal with delight. This whole day has been such a treat. I work so much that I rarely take a break. It’s nice to hang out with a fellow artist and explore LA together. I’m so inspired! We find a nice place in the shade and enjoy some cold drinks before the Getty closes.
One of the Getty staff members kindly gives us a lift to the bottom of the hill. The salty smell of the sea beckons and we cross the street to the beach. I can’t resist: I strip off my socks and shoes and dip my toes in the ocean. It’s a dream to be here!
We grab an Uber to head back to the hotel. Midway through the drive I ask Karl if he’s up for an ice cream sandwich. I remember a place friends told me about not too far from the hotel. We change our destination and get dropped off at Diddy Risse. I’m so happy to play tourist today.
We walk around Westwood indulging in the melting ice cream sandwiched between two fresh baked cookies. I made it the whole day without spilling something on me. Karl points out the giant ice cream drip on my shirt and I laugh.
Walking back in the direction of the hotel we spot a Whole Foods and pop in. We get some fresh fruit: mixed berries and mango. I also buy a large bottle of water, a piece of grilled salmon, with some asparagus and beets for dinner later.
Back at the hotel now and we go straight to the pool. The weather is perfect and the light is glorious. The palm trees lining the pool gently sway. Karl sits on a lounger and eats some sushi while I dip my feet into the pool. I FaceTime my partner to let him know we made it back and quickly fill him in on the marvellous day.
The sun is starting to set and we each have flights home tomorrow morning. Karl heads back to his hotel and I stay behind and relax on a lounger, I’m not ready to go back to my room yet. I take a moment to pause and reflect on the amazing day with awe and gratitude.
It’s night fall now and I have the pool to myself. I can see the moon straight ahead from my lounger — it’s massive! It’s not until later that I realize it’s the last supermoon of the year. This trip is definitely one for the books.
Back in my room. I begin to gather up my things for my flight tomorrow. Always my least favorite part, but I have a dance party for 1 while I pack. I take a couple of breaks to enjoy the photos and relive the day. I have some video editing to do that I’ll get to tomorrow.
I’m absolutely wired. Today was a feast for the senses and I’m still taking it all in. I should head to bed. Don’t want the day to end! When Louis Vuitton first reached out about this project, I was beyond excited, and now to see it all come to fruition, I still can’t stop pinching myself. I finally get to bed with a massive smile on my face. It’s been a very good day. I’m grateful to everyone who made it possible both in person and from a far, and that I have the opportunity to now share it here with you too, my BFFs! Xo
This is not financial advice. If you don't want to spend money investing in crypto or Web3 — you don’t have to. The intent of this article is to help others educate themselves and learn.
