Skye Gyngell on Cancer, Rediscovering Taste, and Cooking's Future
By Wim Langedijk for HURS
Skye Gyngell on Cancer, Rediscovering Taste, and Cooking's Future
HUR Reads is our definitive shortlist of the most prominent articles from around the web.
By HURS Team
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Skye Gyngell on Cancer, Cooking and Reclaiming Her Sense of Taste
In this personal reflection, renowned chef Skye Gyngell recounts her battle with a rare and aggressive skin cancer, and its profound impact on her relationship with food. After undergoing extensive surgery and radiotherapy, she lost her sense of taste and smell, which deeply affected her, as food had always been central to her identity. However, during a trip to Patmos, her senses began to return, marking a turning point in her recovery. This experience led her to reassess her role in the kitchen and, at 62, to embrace a new phase in her career. Gyngell now finds joy in the simple pleasure of eating and continues to explore new ways to contribute to her restaurants.
HOW TO SPEND IT
In her final interview with The Paris Review, acclaimed British author Jane Gardam offers a reflective, intellectually rich account of a literary life shaped by wartime youth, rural upbringing, and a deep sensitivity to character and voice. Known for her nuanced portrayals of male protagonists and post-colonial themes—as seen in works like Old Filth—Gardam speaks candidly about drawing from memory, landscape, and personal observation rather than formal literary theory. Her approach, rooted in lived experience and emotional authenticity, underscores a broader inquiry into identity, legacy, and the quiet resilience of the overlooked.
THE PARIS REVIEW
Durga Chew-Bose’s directorial debut, Bonjour Tristesse, reimagines Françoise Sagan's 1954 novel, delving into themes of youth, identity, and female relationships. Set on the French Riviera, the film follows 18-year-old Cécile as she grapples with the arrival of Anne, a poised fashion designer who disrupts her carefree summer with her father and his lover. Chew-Bose’s modern adaptation captures the novel's essence while exploring adolescent longing and power dynamics. Premiering at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival, the film has been praised for its atmospheric storytelling and strong performances, offering a fresh take on the original.
THE NEW YORK TIMES
Daniella Kallmeyer’s eponymous label blends minimalist design with a strong commitment to American manufacturing. Since its 2012 launch, the brand has expanded with a second Madison Avenue boutique, producing 70% of its garments in New York’s Garment District. This strategic choice enhances production agility while maintaining quality amid rising tariffs and supply chain challenges. Known for sculptural trousers and silk-wool blazers, Kallmeyer’s designs appeal to a broad clientele, including celebrities and insiders. Despite higher costs and limited local manufacturing resources, she remains dedicated to creating timeless, high-quality pieces for a global audience.
THE WALL STREET JOURNAL
Maria Sukkar’s ISelf Collection, shaped by her personal history of displacement from Lebanon and developed with her husband Malek since the 1990s, is a deeply curated exploration of identity, migration, and the human condition. Guided by art advisors and anchored by works from artists like Louise Bourgeois and Jenny Saville, the collection balances emotional resonance with intellectual depth. Now based in the UK, Sukkar champions access and representation in the arts, envisioning her collection as a public-facing platform for dialogue across cultures and generations