Modern Love

February means Valentine’s Day for some but, in Palm Springs, it’s Modernism Week, this year from the 13th to the 23rd of the month, that gets design-lovers starry eyed. —Sarah Bancroft

see. There are dozens of events to choose from at Modernism Week but the neighbourhood walking tours are some of the most up close and personal. This year you can tour homes in Sunmor Estates, a lesser-known enclave of iconic modernist homes, by architects such as William Krisel, Donald Wexler and Jack Meiselman on whimsically named streets Livmor, Easmor and Plaimor. The carports will be staged with vintage autos, too.

shop. While browsing the Uptown Design District drop by the new store for local designer Candice Held. Not only does she sell chic reversible bathing suits, kimono-style cover-ups and re-furbished vintage designer sunglasses, but also designs the fabrics herself. Check out the stunning mid-century bedroom set she repurposed into display cases and counters, and notice the flooring and wallpaper—she designed those as well. For a wardrobe boost of SoCal and Hi-Desert bohemian must-haves, Thick as Thieves has woven leather sandals, delicate gold jewelry, flowy overalls and ceramic homewares—and a macramé ceiling!

sip. While Palm Springs is synonymous with cocktail culture, it isn’t immune to the natural-wine and craft-beer movements sweeping North America. Check out new minimalist brewery Las Palmas and natural-wine bar and store Dead or Alive, both on downtown’s main drag.

savour. One of the best ways to discover Palm Spring’s happenings is to follow the pop-up food trucks @The­_HeyDay (smash burgers and Cubanos) and @PSOysterSociety (oysters and caviar) on Instagram as they travel to the Palm Springs Vintage Marketand and other fun happenings.

spa. The boutique Sands Hotel and Spa has opened in Indian Wells, half an hour south of Palm Springs. Its Franco-Moroccan restaurant and bar The Pink Cabana serves refreshing botanical cocktails and crispy squid in a glam setting and its spa, located in the Olive Grove, offers a therapeutic couple’s massage (it is Valentine’s Day after all).