Vasia Rigou

Chicago

Contributing Writer at Freelance

Writes about art, cool stuff + badass creatives. Editor @Newcity Publisher + EIC @RainbowedUS Co-Founder + Creative Director @ThePickleStudio

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Articles

An Insider Guide to NeoCon + Fulton Market Design Days

1 week ago | design.newcity.com | Vasia Rigou

NeoCon is back—and so is Fulton Market Design Days—turning Chicago into a city-wide celebration of creativity, community and cutting-edge design. Held at the iconic Mart, NeoCon is one of the world’s most influential events for the commercial interiors industry—it’s where designers, architects and brands come together to unveil what’s next in the workplace, hospitality, healthcare and education spaces.
Designing for Every Mind: 5 Ways to Build Neuroinclusive Workplaces

1 week ago | iands.design | Vasia Rigou

As the workplace continues to evolve, so does our understanding of what inclusion really looks like. And increasingly, interior designers are being asked a new question: How do we create spaces that support how people think—not just what they do? By some estimates, nearly one in five adults are neurodivergent—meaning they have ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, dyslexia, or other cognitive variations—and for those individuals, traditional office environments often fall short.
Inside the Adidas x DTLR Chicago Superstar Sneaker Drop

2 weeks ago | design.newcity.com | Vasia Rigou

When Adidas Originals and DTLR joined forces to reimagine the iconic Superstar silhouette, the result was more than a sneaker—it was a love letter to Chicago. Dropping in limited quantities this month, the Adidas x DTLR Chicago Superstar pays tribute to the city’s legendary sports legacy, vibrant creative scene, and deep sense of community.
Inside David Heo’s Hotel Suite, a Reflection of Korean Heritage

3 weeks ago | design.newcity.com | Vasia Rigou

At the crossroads of culture and comfort, artist David Heo brings a personal vision to life in his latest project: the newly unveiled Art Suite at L7 Chicago. Inspired by dancheong—a centuries-old Korean decorative painting technique rich with symbolism—and Heo’s childhood temple visits, this immersive installation transforms the hotel room into a layered reflection of identity, memory and place.
Coffee Tables by Chicago Designers

1 month ago | design.newcity.com | Vasia Rigou

Design McCollin Bryan at Holly Hunt Terrain Coffee Bean Table, price on request hollyhunt.com Jayson Home Anderson Coffee Table, $999 jaysonhome.com Christophe Delcourt at Haute Living Collection Particulière Ope Coffee Table, price on request haute-living.com Norm Architects at DWR Audo Copenhagen Plinth Coffee Table, $4,495 dwr.com David Phoenix at Perigold Hickory Chair Stone Coffee Table, $3,891 perigold.com Ellison Studios at DWR Yoko Coffee Table, $3,195 dwr.com Afra and Tobia Scarpa at...
Design Top 5: May 2025

1 month ago | design.newcity.com | Vasia Rigou

1 Africa Fashion (Field Museum) Over 180 works showcasing the bold vision of designers shaping global style—from pioneering icons to today’s rising stars. Through June 292 National Public Housing Museum (919 South Ada Street) Discover powerful stories of public housing through restored apartments, artifacts and community-led exhibitions.
Mood: Design Objects

1 month ago | design.newcity.com | Vasia Rigou

Pilar Wiley at Holly Hunt Acid Sunshine III, price on request hollyhunt.com Alvino Bagni at Orange Skin Pi-Dou Vase, price on request orangeskin.com Andrea Branzi at Casati Gallery Green Canaries Glass Basket, price on request casatigallery.com Nendo at Luminaire Shoehorn, $505 luminaire.com Atelier de Verre Anvi at Luminaire Glass Bag, $468 luminaire.com Green Tree at MCA Chicago Store Balloon Bunny, Medium, $29.98 mcachicagostore.org Lucie Kaas at MCA Chicago Store Basquiat Wood Doll, $68...
Architecture in Flux: A “Complete the Sentence” Interview with Chicago Architecture Biennial Artistic Director Florencia Rodriguez

1 month ago | design.newcity.com | Vasia Rigou

As the Chicago Architecture Biennial (CAB) marks its tenth anniversary, artistic director Florencia Rodriguez reflects on its legacy and looks ahead to its future. With the theme, “Shift: Architecture in Times of Radical Change,” the 2025 edition explores how architecture responds to a world in flux. What does this mean for visitors? A mix of interactive installations, thought-provoking exhibitions and bold ideas that challenge traditional notions of architecture.
Design Top 5: April 2025

2 months ago | design.newcity.com | Vasia Rigou

1 Silver Room Design Lab (900 North Michigan Shops, Third Floor) A bold fusion of art, fashion and design brings experimental curation, dynamic events, and a fresh creative energy to the Gold Coast. Hours: Monday-Saturday: 11am-6pm, Sunday: noon-6pm2 Radical Craft: Arts Education at Hull-House, 1889-1935 (Jane Addams Hull-House Museum) Find out how craft intersects with activism, community and cultural identity in this exploration of radical creativity.
Mood: Throws + Blankets

Feb 28, 2025 | design.newcity.com | Vasia Rigou

Adri Collection at Holly Hunt Faux Fur Pleated Throw, price on request hollyhunt.com Verpan at Morlen Sinoway Mirror Throw, price on request morlensinoway.com Lands Downunder at Perigold Windowpane Cashmere/Lambswool Throw, $271 perigold.com Røros Tweed at DWR Sara Wright Polmar Toskaft Throw, $325 dwr.com Eastern Accents at Perigold Brooklyn by Barclay Buteras Jadis Onyx Throw, $448 perigold.com Pendleton at Wandawega Camp Store All Purpose Utility blanket, $170 wandawegacampstore.com Blu...