I’ll admit, when I heard Louis Vuitton was closing its Galleria store to move to Southdale Center, I couldn’t help but remember how I felt when its original downtown location in the now-closed Macy’s was moving to the Galleria. I remembered walking through Macy’s with my LV Tivoli PM, a push present for after I had my son. (What? I heard Bollywood star Kajol got a luxury car after having her kid. The least I could get was a luxury handbag.) Now that Louis Vuitton is firmly entrenched in the new luxury wing of Southdale Center, I was curious to see what could possibly take its place. Enter Vivid Home, interior designer Danielle Loven’s second Twin Cities storefront. And what a marvelous surprise it is. The shop is filled with hidden and elegant luxe delights that are beautiful and sometimes whimsical pieces that invite discovery, awe and appreciation. One artist even transforms boxes and packaging from luxury designers (including Louis Vuitton) into works of art. It’s a reminder that creativity can change how we see the everyday.
And creativity is one of the themes of this month’s education issue. Traditionally, we as a society associate education with classrooms, books, desks and report cards. But learning can also happen in the spaces that inspire us and in the stories that shape us. A spirit of discovery is something I see annually in our Senior Spotlight feature. One of my first major assignments for this magazine, back when I was a writer, was interviewing these remarkable young people. It remains one of my favorite traditions. Each year, after writing about every student we feature, I find one aspect of their story that inspires me. I encourage you to do the same. I can’t wait for you to meet the Class of 2027.
Speaking of inspiration, there’s one kind of learning I’m still trying to master: the art of making a packed lunch. I dread packing my daughter’s lunches. Somehow, whenever I send something with her, it comes home uneaten. What I need, and perhaps, you do too, is something easy, quick to make and actually delicious enough for children from elementary through high school to eat. When I need healthy recipe inspiration, I turn to Edina resident and chef Daniel Green. He shares simple dips, sauces and delectable recipes that will make the midday meal more palatable.
However you define learning, I hope this issue gives you food for thought (and lunch bags) and enlightenment.
