Letter from the editor

My first journey to Europe, spanning England, France, and Italy, unfolded a decade ago in 2014 for my best friend’s destination wedding in Florence. I knew that if I were making the trip to Europe, I must visit two cities that I longed to see: London and Paris. After a few days of exploration, I planned to meet up with the rest of the wedding group in Rome.

As an art student with two semesters of art history under my belt, I yearned to finally witness the legendary architecture, the Renaissance and Rococo art, and the countless sculptures I had studied so intensely. Arriving in Paris, I found myself awestruck at the sight of the opera house, then moved to tears as I stood in the plaza of the Louvre. Every building seemed to tell its own story. When we reached Rome, I was struck by how history lived on each street and in every corner, with stunning churches, the Vatican, the Colosseum—each site unforgettable.

Europe was a showcase of artistry, with masterpieces by Michelangelo, Bernini, Caravaggio, and Leonardo da Vinci almost everywhere I turned. From the Uffizi Gallery in Florence to the Musée d’Orsay in Paris and the Borghese Gallery in Rome, these iconic cities brim with historic architecture and timeless art. I found myself marveling at every detail, unable to resist capturing the beauty of each place.

Fast forward to this year: I was presented with the chance to return to Europe for my best friend’s 10th anniversary. This time, we embarked on a new adventure that began in Spain—visiting Barcelona, Girona, and Madrid—and concluded in Italy, with stops in Florence and Rome. Spain, with its distinctive architecture and rich Spanish-focused art, set itself apart. I was fascinated by the Spanish lifestyle: the enduring tradition of the siesta, which allows time for an evening filled with tapas, drinks, and dinners that start as late as ten, often followed by social gatherings lasting until dawn. I was swept up in the vibrancy of this unique celebration of life.

Traveling with VESSEL as my companion on this international journey made me realize once again the power of seeing history, art, and culture in person. Beyond the incredible art and historic sites, fashion itself plays an essential role in the essence of each city. Throughout my travels, I noticed how Europeans exude an instinctual sense of style—from the effortlessly chic looks in Paris to the elegantly curated outfits in Florence. It made me wonder if this commitment to style is a mark of cultural pride or simply an innate sensibility shaped from childhood.

This special travel issue was crafted to celebrate our journey. We delve into the surreal vision of Salvador Dalí, share travel tales from around the globe, and invite you along on a culinary expedition through Spain and Italy. We hope that as you turn each page, you will feel our excitement and sense of wonder for these extraordinary places, experiencing each moment with us as we explore every corner of the map.

Francis Wong

Editor-In-Chief