There is no scientific link between reading and good skin, though we’re convinced there must be one. As purveyors of superior skin care and admirers of fine writing, Aesop encourages our clients to enjoy a life that includes inspirational tomes by Martin Amis and Barbara Kingsolver, restaurant reviews by A.A. Gill and articles on design by Alice Rawsthorn, along with generous applications of Aesop products. We have often found that while engaged in our preferred cultural activities our faces relax, which must surely mean we are nurturing both neurons and skin cells. So this month, make time to read for the pure joy of it, wherever you may be.

DISCOVER
Carlo Mollino (1905–1973), the flamboyant Italian architect and designer of furniture, interiors, film sets and cars, who was also a keen photographer of nude women, a writer (his book Trattato sul Discesismo documents his skiing techniques) and occultist. Controlling, highly creative and unarguably odd, Mollino is best remembered for his reconstruction of the Teatro Regio Torino and design of the Camera di Commercio.

ENJOY
B and Tea Balancing Toner, the latest addition to our skin care range. This gentle toner will calm and balance all skin types, and can be used every day to complete the cleansing process. Light hydration is offered by the inclusion of Panthenol, and anti-oxidant protection comes from Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract (Green Tea). Sodium Gluconate assists cell turnover and hydration. B and Tea Balancing Toner leaves skin feeling smooth, with no sticky residue.

DRINK
Chateau Ste Michelle’s Eroica Riesling. Coming out of Oregon in the United States, this work of delight is the result of an old-meets-new collaboration between Ernst Loosen of Dr Loosen and Bob Bertheau, of Chateau Ste Michelle. Described by Bertheau as exuding ‘mandarin orange and sweet lime aromas and flavours with subtle mineral notes’, this slightly off-dry yet crisp, clean Riesling is almost too good to have with food.

EAT
Your own parcels of edibles as you sit in St Catherine’s College and learn about Cured, Fermented and Smoked Foods at the annual Oxford Food Symposium. This seminar runs for the weekend of 9 to 11 July with highly regarded speakers coming to Oxford from twenty-five countries. The Symposium held its first seminar in 1981. Past topics have included Kitchen Lore and Science, Disappearing Foods, Fish, Milk, and Fat. While the Symposium is an earnest event, a touch of whimsy is offered through the aprons and tea towels made available through their website.

LISTEN
To curators, artists and critics discuss artworks from the vast collection at MoMA. Short but insightful commentary is offered about more than seventy modern works by Picasso, Matisse, Duchamp, and others. These MoMA audio guides are available in English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin and Spanish, so you can learn about the paintings prior to booking your next trip to New York to view them in person.

HEAR
The UkuleleOrchestra of Great Britain (UOGB) perform what they describe as ‘a collision of post-punk performance and toe-tapping oldies’. Since 1985, the eight-person ensemble has played live and on UK television shows including Jools Holland’s Hootenanny, and Skins. In July, the UOGB is touring  England. Should you be unable to attend a concert, seek out their 2005 DVD, Anarchy in the Ukulele or enjoy their unique rendition of Wuthering Heights.

ATTEND
The 2010 Tour de France, starting 3 July in Rotterdam. Over three weeks, cyclists pedal approximately 3500 kilometres of mostly picturesque roads through France and neighbouring countries. Even if cycling is not one of your preferred activities, there is something undeniably impressive about men at the peak of their fitness engaging in this arduous and strategic competition. Look for Alberto Contador, who won the event twice and will be going head to head against a resurgent Lance Armstrong.

SUPPORT
Kopernik, the latest in a growing number of websites that uses microfunding to assist impoverished communities, in this case by supporting the development and distribution of practical technology. Users can read about developers in need of funding, choose those to whom they would like to donate, and follow the project from inception to reality. Should this inspire you to donate more widely, Kiva offers microloans to third-world entrepreneurs.

WATCH
Det sjunde inseglet (The Seventh Seal, 1957) or Persona (1966) by influential Swedish film and theatre director Ingmar Bergman (1918–2007). While his work is held in the highest esteem by modern filmmakers, the public has not always warmed to Bergman’s challenging explorations of the world. Bergman has been awarded every prize of note from Academy Awards to Golden Globes and BAFTAs and still exerts influence on filmmakers today, most recently Michael Haneke with his latest release The White Ribbon. If you have not yet seen a Bergman film, we urge you to pick a suitably dark and stormy night and do so.

Image
Morphology of Desire 1999 (Still)
Robert Arnold

‘Everything is permissible as long as it’s fantastic.’ Carlo Mollino