Objects of Desire

The Wick Culture - Object Cat Eye Sunglasses by Chanel

Object Cat Eye Sunglasses by Chanel

Cat Eye Sunglasses by Chanel
£350

The internet has gone wild for Greta Gerwig’s live-action Barbie movie starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling as the iconic children’s dolls Barbie and Ken. And, not surprisingly, so has the fashion world, with Barbiecore becoming the season’s hottest trend. Everyone from Lizzo to the Princess of Wales has donned Barbie’s favourite colour, while Balenciaga, Versace and Valentino have all made a fuchsia splash with recent collections. If embracing shocking pink purses and sky-high, pink platforms is a step too far though, look to this pair of white cat eye sunglasses by Chanel. Worn by Margot Robbie in the Barbie movie, these chic shades will add a dose of glamour to any classic summer look — just ask Barbie.


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The Wick Culture - Object JW Anderson x Moncler Medium Tote bag

Object JW Anderson x Moncler Medium Tote bag

JW Anderson x Moncler Medium Tote bag
£490

The arrival of summer has us dreaming of alfresco picnics and long, lazy days at the beach. Whether you’re planning a staycation en famille or a glamorous Grecian getaway à deux, you’ll want to pack a big foldable bag for all your summer essentials. Complement everything from your one-piece swimsuits and polka-dot bikinis to your Barbie-inspired mini with this canvas tote from JW Anderson and Moncler. With its long top handles and removable internal pocket, it’s the perfect addition to your warm-weather wardrobe at home or away. Just don’t forget the SPF!


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The Wick Culture - Object Life is Fantastic Tea Towel by David Shrigley

Object Life is Fantastic Tea Towel by David Shrigley

Life is Fantastic Tea Towel by David Shrigley
£25

Not yet in the summer mood? Look to this limited-edition tea towel featuring a jovial artwork by British artist David Shrigley. Made from 100% linen, it features an outstretched arm holding a whipped pink ice cream and the phrase ‘Life is Fantastic’. The pop of pink nods to this season’s Barbiecore trend, while the uplifting words will put a smile on your face — even when doing the washing up. And at £25, it’s a bargain. What better gift for the new homeowner or art lover in your life?


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The Wick Culture - 1972 Print Silk Scarf, by London-based textile designer Amelia Graham

Object 1972 Print Silk Scarf

1972 Print Silk Scarf
£125

We all love a multi-purpose summer accessory, and this print silk scarf is top of our list. Tie it around your neck or the handle of your bag and give white summer dresses a dose of blue-sky colour. Produced by London-based textile designer Amelia Graham, it features a geometric print inspired by the brutalist architecture from her 70s series. Made from 100% silk crepe de chine and finished with a pin hem, it will be your constant companion as the weather gets warmer. Add to basket now.


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The Wick Culture - Untitled (Brush Disguise with Flower and Bow Tie) by Ella Kruglyanskaya, 2023

Object Untitled (Brush Disguise with Flower and Bow Tie) by Ella Kruglyanskaya, 2023

Untitled (Brush Disguise with Flower and Bow Tie) by Ella Kruglyanskaya, 2023
£500

The Latvian-born, New York-based painter Ella Kruglyanskaya is best known for her stylized depictions of female figures in absurd scenarios, from committing robberies and alligator fighting to crawling on the floor. ‘Humour is really important in my work,’ she has explained. ‘There is something quite modern in this attitude that we don’t take ourselves so seriously.’

In this new edition series created exclusively for the House of Voltaire, Kruglyanskaya has combined placed objects, drawings and cut-out elements, which have been photographed by Mark Woods. Executed in 2023, this untitled giclee print depicts a woman wearing a checked bow tie. In typical Kruglyanskaya fashion, the two brushes, flower and woman’s rosy, red cheeks add an intriguing dose of absurdity to the composition.


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The Wick Culture - Bella Freud Ciao Candle

Object Bella Freud Ciao Candle

Bella Freud Ciao Candle
£41

With notes of fig leaf, orange blossom and vetiver, Bella Freud’s Ciao candle will whisk you somewhere sunny. Plus, it has a charming backstory. Freud first met the late Anita Pallenberg in 1983 while she was living in Rome. ‘We forged a bond like two school friends,’ she has said of their close friendship. Years later, the pair met at Anita’s flat where they were discussing the word ‘ciao’. Freud misspelt the word so Pallenberg wrote it out for her on a yellow envelope that was lying around. ‘It was so immediate and beautiful, like Pop Art,’ Freud has said. ‘It is framed and I keep on my desk.’ This exchange inspired Freud’s popular Ciao range which includes this gorgeous scented candle. Could there be a more perfect house gift for friends or family this summer?


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The Wick Culture - Object Portraits by Richard Avedon

Object Portraits by Richard Avedon

Portraits by Richard Avedon
£250

Richard Avedon first came to prominence in the 1940s when he began working as a photographer for Harper’s Bazaar. Over the next sixty years or so, he worked for fashion’s glossiest titles, capturing such famous faces as Marilyn Monroe, Twiggy and Barbara Streisand. ‘My photographs don’t go below the surface. I have great faith in surfaces,’ he once said. ‘A good one is full of clues.’ First published in 1976, Portraits includes an introductory essay by Harold Rosenberg as well as intimate black-and-white portraits of models, writers, actresses, politicians and members of the public. Flick through and you’ll come face to face with Renata Adler, the Duke and Duchess of Windsor and the Everly Brothers, among others.


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The Wick Culture - Object Calder Circle Crossbody Bag

Object Calder Circle Crossbody Bag

Calder Circle Crossbody Bag
£665

Let this tanned leather crossbody bag become your new everyday staple, preferably in combination with a summery white dress and oversized shades. Developed in collaboration with the Calder Foundation and blue-chip gallery Hauser & Wirth, the Calder Circle has canvas interior, zip closure and detachable adjustable shoulder strap. We particularly love the red stripe detail and Calder motifs emblazoned on its front and back. Go on, treat yourself to this mini piece of wearable art this summer.


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The Wick Culture - Object Orun Throw by Yinka Ilori

Object Orun Throw by Yinka Ilori

Orun Throw by Yinka Ilori
£165

British designer Yinka Ilori is synonymous with geometric patterns and bright, bold colours, as seen in this reversible cotton throw featuring two vibrant artwork options and Yinka’s favourite colour combination of yellow, pink, blue and green. Made using a durable jacquard cotton weave, the Orun can be used as a lightweight cover-up or even as an impromptu picnic blanket. With lazy, alfresco lunches fast becoming a reality, it’s time to add this technicolour work of art to your wardrobe.


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