Bet on it.

Dear readers,

We’re back. I think today might be the first official summer Friday. I hope you’re gearing up for a weekend of beautiful weather. I’m currently trying to figure out what exactly I want to accomplish this summer, and so far, my only two goals are to read more and to not screw up at work too badly. I’m flying through The Sun Also Rises while simultaneously trying to teach myself all of the shortcuts on Excel for Mac—two things that feel antithetical to one another in every way.

With the first summer Friday also comes the arrival of the summer interns, who are all trying their best in their first-ever Zara mens suits. Allie Rowbottom launched her novel, Lovers XXX, at the Box, the Pope wrote a long letter on AI, Marc Jacobs Beauty is back, and my friends and I are arguing over whether you should be able to bet on art auctions.

Take care out there.

Yours,

Julia

Culture Notes

• Last night Allie Rowbottom took over The Box for the launch party of her novel, Lovers XXX. Everyone was there and it felt, in some ways, like a reunion of what once was. Some might remember her Botox party at the Georgia Room, and those who do will know that that’s a tough party to beat. And yet, she somehow did it. Last night was probably the only book launch party I’ll ever go to that has bottle service. Unless someone jacks her swag, which is unfortunately probably inevitable. — Gutes

• The interns are back. If you’re noticing an abnormal amount of fresh-faced, confused people in their early twenties around Midtown and FiDi, you’re not hallucinating. The subway just got even busier, the lines just got even longer, and every bar in the West Village is about to be a nightmare of fake IDs from Arizona and Peter Millar polos. Might be time to hit Montauk.

• The Pope wrote a 235-page letter about humans and AI. Titled Magnifica Humanitas, this is the first letter penned by Pope Leo XIV, which outlines his stance on artificial intelligence. He opines on AI’s lack of consciousness, the importance of human dignity, and the beauty of human life. I’m not going to read the whole thing, of course…But I skimmed the intro enough to know that my compatriot is a beautiful writer.

• You can now bet on art auctions with Kalshi. Last week, we talked about the marquee spring auction week and historic sales of the works of Pollock and Brancusi. Kalshi and other betting platforms, initially aimed at sporting events, have been moving towards the fine arts, focusing on the sales of luxury watches and Pokémon cards. Does this make a highly expensive, illiquid asset class more accessible? I just never thought I’d see the day my guy friends might willingly watch a Sotheby’s auction.

• Marc Jacobs is reviving their beauty line. The first perfume I ever received was Marc Jacobs Daisy Love, in middle school, for Christmas. While their fragrance line has evidently thrived, they discontinued their beauty line in 2021. They’re back with bubbly, metallic balloon-themed branding. I’m curious as to what the influencer roll-out will look like for this…so I guess stay tuned.

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What We’re Doing this Weekend

SOME HAPPENINGS FROM OUR TEAM AND FRIENDS:

JULIA: I’m trying to go to Virginia for my sister’s Special Olympics skating tournament, but I’m not having as much luck with trains as Megan is. Taking my last breaths of freedom before I start a new internship. Jk, I’m excited.

MEGAN: I’m in LA where I was on set for work this week. Today I’m taking the Surfliner train from LA to San Diego for $34, which is incredible and maybe the world’s best kept secret. Then I fly back to New York tomorrow for a special Byline shoot. We keep it moving!

GUTES: I’m signed up for a motorcycle license class with Vespa because that is 100% totally a good idea! Honestly I see it for myself…cruising through Fort Greene on a little mint scooter.

ALI: This weekend I will be experiencing the pleasantries of international travel with my immediate family! We’re going to Greece <3 my mom made the itinerary in the perfect font

MADI: I am on a bachelorette! I am currently finishing a roadie margarita in the size “vacation” which is very large. The plans this weekend contain beach and a night where the theme is mermaids in matrimony, aka sequins, and yes I brought TWO outfits in case someone needed one

Our Out of Body Issue arrives this June! In the meantime, stay up to date with us at bylinebyline.com.