Globetrotter: Tom Marchant
Tom Marchant defines jetsetter ? having lived in such varying locales as London, Moscow and Johannesburg, he?s spent time in practically every other destination the world has to offer. With a never-ending thirst to be truly immersed in other cultures and to find unique experiences off the beaten path in new locations, Marchant helped found cutting edge travel agency, Black Tomato, in 2005 to help others do the same. Creating bespoke vacation experiences for a luxury audience looking for the roads less traveled, Black Tomato ? and Marchant ? is arguably the last word in travel expertise. We sat down with Marchant to give us a taste of the world as he sees it.Tom Marchant defines jetsetter ? having lived in such varying locales as London, Moscow and Johannesburg, he?s spent time in practically every other destination the world has to offer. With a never-ending thirst to be truly immersed in other cultures and to find unique experiences off the beaten path in new locations, Marchant helped found cutting edge travel agency, Black Tomato, in 2005 to help others do the same. Creating bespoke vacation experiences for a luxury audience looking for the roads less traveled, Black Tomato ? and Marchant ? is arguably the last word in travel expertise. We sat down with Marchan to give us a taste of the world as he sees it.
L-atitude: How did you develop the concept of Black Tomato?
Tom Marchant: The idea was hatched deep in the Australian outback when three like-minded travellers met and realized that there was no company catering for the thirst for hip, authentic and off-the-beaten path travel experiences that was coming from a discerning, metropolitan market. Over the next 4 years, we shaped our business plan in every spare hour we found. One day (in 2005) we decided to take the plunge and do what we love the most in the world: create travel experiences that we can share and organize for other like-minded people.
L: What is your all-time favorite destination in the world and why?
TM: An almost impossible question to answer as, given my job, I am lucky enough to see many, many inspirational destinations that all mean a great deal to me in their own unique way. However, if push came to shove, I would ask if I could list two. For landscapes that blow your mind and an escape like nowhere else on the earth, then it would be Namibia and specifically the Skeleton Coast in the North East of the country. For a city whose culture and social side are both on a par in terms of decadence, then it would be Moscow. I lived there for a year when I was 22 and never has a place left such an impression on me.
L: What are three things you never leave home without?
TM: Notebook. And it needs to be old school. Love gadgets but nothing beats the end of a day when you scribble your thoughts and findings from that day into the book.
I-pod ? travelling without music makes the whole experience only half complete
A novel by an author from the place I am visiting (or if not possible, to source a book on the place ? but not a guide book. A story that relates to the place is better). I find literature is the best way of putting places in context and also evokes a strong sense of connection to a place.
L: What music do you listen to on your iPod while traveling?
TM: Depends on the trip and often what part of the trip. On a plane I like to listen to music that lulls me to sleep and removes me from the journey and to another place. When I?m in a place it is always good to dig out music from local artists, as it produces a great local flavor and connects you with a key aspect of what comprises the cultural side of a place. That aside, current bands making up my travel play lists include, The National, Port O?Brien. The Acorn, Jamie T and Delorean.
L: What is one place you are dying to visit but haven?t yet?
TM: The country of Cameroon. I have heard it is the most incredible country. It combines a stunning coast with jungle, desert and mountains. People talk about it as the best of Africa in one gorgeous country, and it has yet to be un-ravaged by excessive development.
The city of Bucharest. Romania?s capital is by all accounts a stunning destination with great culture, nightlife, cuisine and a rich history to be explored.
L: What is the most popular destination on Black Tomato?s site?
TM: It varies by season and we add many over the year, but to reflect on 2010, the following are the top 5 destinations from our site: Brazil, Indonesia, Tanzania, Syria, Iceland.
L: What is the perfect day spent in Istanbul?
TM: Start the day? at the Spice Market. The rich scents of spices and the bustle of the people haggling prices will sure get you on your toes. Fill your sweet cravings with flavored tea and delicious Turkish Delights.
Best View? from down below. Head to Hagia Sophia, an ancient mosque where you can head underground to find a gorgeous ancient water pool lit up by the flicker of candles.
Lunch? Make your way to the suburb of Ortak?y, a chic suburb brimming boutiques and atmospheric coffee houses and tea terraces. Be there on a Sunday and expect an electric artsy market to pick up some great finds.
End the day? on an island between two continents. Catch a boat to the Suada Club sitting on Galatasaray Island in the middle of the Bosphrous, this club boats an Olympic size swimming pool, restaurants and bars for a hedonistic night.
L: Which nightlife spots in New York do you make sure to visit when you?re there?
TM: I always like to combine the rough with the smooth, but tend to start with smooth first. In my case this manifests itself in a hotel bar, such as the Gramercy Park Rose Bar. Then I?ll head to a superb bar, be it Death and Company, Angel Share, Milk and Honey or a current favorite, Painkiller. The thing I love about NYC is that there is always a dive bar to hole up in and keep the evening going.
Globe-Trotter | Fiona Kotur Marin
New York native, now Hong Kong based designer, Fiona Kotur Marin founded her eponymous line in 2004. The line began with one-of-a-kind limited edition vintage brocade clutches and soon expanded to include materials such as exotics, shells, lucite and metals. The line?s evolution also included new silhouettes such as minaudieres, totes and larger handbags. We sat down with the fabulous Fiona to get a glimpse into her design inspirations and her must-see spots in Hong Kong.
New York native, now Hong Kong based designer, Fiona Kotur Marin founded her eponymous line in 2004. The line began with one-of-a-kind limited edition vintage brocade clutches and soon expanded to include materials such as exotics, shells, lucite and metals. The line?s evolution also included new silhouettes such as minaudieres, totes and larger handbags. We sat down with the fabulous Fiona to get a glimpse into her design inspirations and her must-see spots in Hong Kong.
L-atitude: What was your design inspiration for KOTUR's collection?
Fiona Kotur Marin: For the Fall and Holiday collection I was feeling the 1940s and its sharp silhouettes, military themes and sense of glamour. By coincidence, I ended up on a film-noir spree, watching "Gilda" and "Maltese Falcon" among others. Their influence really styled the season. I created two color stories; one bold, comprising Campari red leather, leopard hair calf, and espresso snakeskin- the femme fatale. The other color palette is smokey tones and moody hues, mysterious textures and evocative shadings, referencing more the visual and abstract cinematic styling.
L: As a native New Yorker, what was the biggest change for you when you moved to Hong Kong? What about Hong Kong took the longest time to get used to?
FKM: We New Yorkers walk everywhere. In Hong Kong that is impossible. Though living on the side of Mount Victoria is stunning, with city views surrounded by lush greenery,I need to drive everywhere. That was the biggest shocker for me. Now I have to plan exercise into my routine, it doesn't naturally occur. The upside is that there?s no need for flats! The higher the better and completely manageable for the dash from car door to front door.
L: Can you please share your Hong Kong city secrets with our readers? What is your favorite restaurant, hotel bar and under the radar store in Hong Kong?
FKM: There are so many great places. My favorite district is SheungWan, near my office. It's the former Chinese "Central" district, so it has history and is very convenient. Fortunately, as the district becomes more developed, it remains interesting and diverse. A few of my favorite places in the area are Classified on Hollywood Road for the best espresso and cheese plate, 208 for the best pizza, Tazmania Ballroom has great after dinner drinks, Happy Foot for the best reflexolog, Cat Street market for great antiques, XTC on Ice for gelato, Kee Club for dim sum, Tim's Kitchen for dinner and Youmna in Baskerville House for her incredible jewelry designs.
L: On your trips abroad, what would you never leave home without packing?
FKM: All of my gadgets, their chargers and converters, photos of my four boys, my Hermes diary and journal (I write daily and have kept them for the past 8 years).
L: What is the coolest travel find in your closet?
FKM: My clutches in my closet made from Tinalak material. I sourced the material from the Tiboli tribe in the Southern Philippines and worked with them to make the patterns in custom colors like coral and teal, instead of their traditional black and browns.
To shop the Kotur Collection on L-atitude please here.
Globe-Trotter: Sabine Heller
Sabine Heller, President of ASMALLWORLD?the jet-set social network for travelers?defines well traveled. She not only speaks four languages, but is one of the most well traveled women we know.Sabine Heller, President of ASMALLWORLD?the jet-set social network for travelers?defines well traveled. She not only speaks four languages, but is one of the most well traveled women we know. Sabine, half-Indian and half French-Austrain, grew up between New York, Bombay and New Delhi. She?s also lived in Paris and Costa Rica. Sabine gives us a glimpse into her favorite destinations in some of her favorite countries:
Given you grew up in two cities, what are some of your favorite shopping destinations in Bombay and New York?
India is in a gold rush, which translates into a fabulously bling-tastic aesthetic that I sometimes find difficult to escape. For a younger and cooler taste, I love the bohemian chic-inspired lifestyle store Bungalow Eight and Bombay Electric, which offers a modern take on tradition. Also not to be missed, Bandit Queen, for lovely crisp white linens, pillows and pajamas. Fabindia and Anokhi are great shops for Indian basics, and so is Chor Bazaar, the Marches aux Puces of Bombay, where you?ll find everything from gramophones to chandeliers.
Alternatively, New York has thousands of incredible options. I can?t live without Zero + Maria Cornejo?s simple but borderline genius geometric designs; Roberta Freymann?s Indian-inspired resort wear; Resurrection?s vintage; Fenton Fallon?s ?80s glam jewelry; and Opening Ceremony?s mix of cutting edge designers like Suno and Joseph Altuzarra.
What are some of your eating destinations in Bombay and New York City?
Historically India has not been an eating out culture. By far, the best meals I have ever had have taken place in people?s homes. That said, 10 years ago Rahul Akerkar hippified the restaurant experience when he opened Indigo, and it remains a wonderful place. I also adore Trishna (try the mouth-watering butter pepper garlic king crab) and Soam, for its unusual Gujarati fare.
In New York my favorite restaurant is Omen, which serves rustic Kyoto-style food. For sushi I love Blue Ribbon Sushi, Soto and Sushi Yasuda. I also frequent Bobo (incredible d?cor), Bar Pitti (delicious simple fare), Blue Ribbon Bakery (for the bone marrow and fried chicken), Tamarind (solid Indian food) and Joe?s Pizza on Bleecker (best slice of pizza in town)
While residing in NYC, are you an uptown or downtown girl, and what do you find special about where you live?
I grew up uptown, but I?m more of a downtown girl. I live in Union Square, which is super convenient.
What do you never leave home without?
My blackberry, Rosebud lip balm and Nars multi-purpose stick.
What advice would you give to our readers who are planning a trip to India?
Curturally speaking there is no ?one? India. It?s comprised of many languages, dialects, religions and cuisines. It?s also a country of extremes, binary oppositions and contradictions. You cannot attempt to impose order on it, or make sense of it. You have to submit to its rhythms and learn its subtleties.
What should we avoid?
1) A short trip. The jet lag is difficult and you?ll likely experience major culture shock when you arrive. It takes time to adjust as well as a few weeks to get a real feel for the place.
2) Don?t rush. You?ll only frustrate yourself and dream of Japan where silent trains run on schedule. Nothing in India goes fast and nothing is efficient.
3) Avoid focusing just on major tourist destinations. There is more to India than the Delhi-Agra-Jaipur circuit.
What should we partake in?
Ahilya Fort, a palace that quietly and perfectly captures the soul of India. It?s the ancestral home of my godfather, Richard Holkar, the maharajah of Indore. It?s open to guests. It?s my favorite place on earth! You should also experience a houseboat in the backwaters of Kerala, the erotic temples of Khajuraho, trekking in the foothills of the Himalayas and some time in a rural village.
Do you have a travel regime?
The words travel and regime don?t fit together for me. As much as possible I like to see where my travels take me.
Does it include certain must-have items?
Yes, my Canon G11 camera, a journal, a caftan from Fabindia or Anokhi and a scarf from Women Weave (my godmother?s non-profit weaving cooperative).
What?s your favorite destination you have traveled to and why?
Annapurna base camp because it?s breathtaking to be so close to the top of the world, and because I worked so damn hard to get there!
What are your favorite L-atitude items?
Fallon, Veruca XL Bib Necklace, $230
Kimberly Ovitz, Icarus Sweater Jacket, $435
Kotur, Fane Pleated Snakeskin Clutch, $589
Amba, Window Scarf, $125
Globe-Trotter: Kimberly Ovitz
Kimberly Ovitz launched her first collection in the Spring of 2009. It?s hard to believe her namesake line hasn?t been around for over a decade. We sat down with Kimberly Ovitz to gain some insight into her busy life that most definitely includes traveling.
Are there certain places in the world that inspire you? What cities do you feel have a true style identity?
I?m inspired by anywhere I have traveled or lived. I?m grateful for having had the opportunity to see many places to draw inspiration from. I think every city has its own style identity. LA, NY, Paris, London?they all have a different aesthetic.
What are your travel essentials?
Books, bikinis, sweats and my two English bulldogs.
Globe-Trotter: Hema Shroff Patel
Hema Shroff Patel was born in the US but has lived in Mumbai for the past 22 years. Her journey in the preservation and resurrection of textile traditions began nearly 20 years ago. After many years of working in the weaving industry, Patel set up her own shop?hence, the birth of Amba in 1999.Hema Shroff Patel was born in the US but has lived in Mumbai for the past 22 years. Her journey in the preservation and resurrection of textile traditions began nearly 20 years ago. After many years of working in the weaving industry, Patel set up her own shop?hence, the birth of Amba in 1999. Amba?s line supports traditional forms of weaving, block printing and eco-friendly natural dyeing. A portion of the profits earned are earmarked for specific projects where the aim is to improve the quality of the craftspeople?s professional lives. We sat down with Hema to gain insight into her business as well as the cause she supports.
You are US born, but now are based in Bombay. What brought you there?
I came here after I finished my undergraduate degree to take a break, spend time with my family ? who had moved to Bombay ? and work for a year before applying to graduate school. After a year, I felt I should live and work in Bombay for another year. It seemed like I had lots more to discover and learn. I met my husband during my second year of living in Bombay.
What are the "must go to" places you take friends and family to when they are visiting you in Mumbai?
Favorite Restaurant: Swati Snacks ? best Indian street food in town, served in a low key diner.
Treasure Trove: Bungalow Eight in Colaba. There?s floor upon floor of wonderful pieces from clothing to home to lifestyle , all from near and far. It?s set on three floors which are beautifully restored warehouse-like spaces. One can spend hours pottering around in there.
Heritage nook in the city: Banganga Tank and sit on the steps near sunset. It?s surrounded by old temples falling to bits. The water tank has a wonderful feeling of calm.
How did you initially become involved in weaving scarves? What is the origin of the name "Amba?
I was invited to this lovely weaving town by the Holkars back in 1991. Arriving on the banks of the Narmada River was a homecoming of sorts. It just felt so right to be there. I started working with their initiative that year and have worked in that weaving village ever since.
?Amba? is one of 101 names for the Narmada River. My friend Pandya, in Maheshwar, found the name for me almost ten years ago. Amba is now set up as a social entrepreneurship and gives back to projects to support craft heritage in rural India.
Can you fill us in on Women Weave, the non-profit organization you are on the board of?
Women Weave has two main objectives:
- It strives to preserve the rich heritage of handloom, and works with weaving communities to improve their design banks, marketing links and quality of raw materials and work.
- It provides employment for women without any weaving background. These women have generally been working in nearby fields doing farming-related work. WW provides a platform for these women by training them in basic weaving skills and then helps find a market for their products.
What is the most rewarding part of being involved in Women Weave?
Currently, one of the most satisfying aspects is working with the Young Weavers; children of weavers we have worked with for years. Many of these children are the first to be educated in their families and have options for the first time ever . Their debate is do they carry on the weaving tradition or do they go on to college and move to a mid-size town in India and look for work. Some of these youngsters are already weavers, as they have helped with the weaving in and around going to school. Our job at WW is to help them make an informed choice.
Globe-Trotter: Fanny Boucher of Honorine Jewels
The love of jewelry brought Paris native Fanny Boucher to India. In her adopted hometown of Jaipur, in the state of Rajasthan, she frequents the local bazaars handpicking the most beautiful gems for her line, Honorine Jewels. Both her and her designs embody fusions of East and West, creating the perfect baubles for the global woman.The love of jewelry brought Paris native Fanny Boucher to India. In her adopted hometown of Jaipur, in the state of Rajasthan, she frequents the local bazaars handpicking the most beautiful gems for her line, Honorine Jewels. Both her and her designs embody fusions of East and West, creating the perfect baubles for the global woman.
Jaipur is a mystic city. What about the city inspires you the most?
The scenic view from my balcony. It faces Moti Dungri Palace, which is a lovely fort on top of a small hill.
The iconic Diana Vreeland once said that pink is the black of India, and Rajasthan is arguably India's most colorful state. What do you like about the use of color in Indian dress and how do you incorporate it into your designs?
Rajasthani village women wear fluorescent yellow with electric blue, bright orange with forest green, all kinds of crazy combinations, and I love it! I try to use this in my jewelry as well. For example, I make braided bracelets and ordered them in these fantastic colors such as vermilion, aqua and hot pink.
Where are the best places in shop in India?
The best place to shop in Delhi is Kashmir Loom. They make the most exquisite cashmere shawls in incredible colors. Jaipur is the capital of gemstones and always full of tourist places. The best place to shop for jewelry is Tholia, on MI Road (Tholia Building, +91 14 12 37 27 90). It?s not a glamorous place that would be featured in the magazines. It's small, understated, and kind of a secret among people who know jewelry.
If you had only one day in Jaipur, what would you recommend? What about the rest of India?
Start with Jaipur?s Amber Fort, the most beautiful fort in India by far. Then have a walk in the Old City and a cozy lunch on the verandah at Rambagh Palace. Shop for jewelry in the afternoon. Then head out of the city for a sunset elephant ride followed by home-cooked Indian food at Dera Amer (+91 98 29 01 25 12), an elephant camp in the wild.
What you can't find anywhere else in the world is the restaurant Circa 119 in Mehrauli, Delhi. It faces the Qutub Minar, one of Delhi's great monuments. It is one of the most breathtaking experiences (+91 98 18 43 87 41).
Sariska, a part of Rajasthan that is still untouched and mystical, is my favorite.
Which are the must-see bazaars in India? And what are your tips for navigating them?
Tripolia Bazaar in Jaipur is pretty atmospheric, and the bazaar in Jodhpur is even more inspiring. The best bazaars are the ones that sell non-touristy things: spices, sweets, trunks and plates. These things I love! My tips: cover yourself, relax and just ignore the hawkers.
What are your tips for dressing stylishly in extreme heat? What about during monsoon season?
India is very hot, but it's also a very conservative country, so you need to be covered. My savior is men?s shirts. I wear them all the time, with sleeves rolled up. I like to wear men's clothes anyway, so it suits my style. For the monsoon: Havaianas!
Bollywood stars are the tastemakers for Indian fashion. Who are your favorite stars and what do you like about their style?
Bollywood style is a little too brazen for me! But my favorite actress is Sonya Jehan; she has these incredible almond eyes and wears the sari beautifully. She is always elegant and poised - and she is half French!
What is an ideal day in your hometown of Paris?
In Paris, you just have to sit in a cafe and watch people. When I shop, it's for a special piece, like feather-light leather pants by Aurelia Stouls (+33 1 47 03 95 85), a French leather genius, or a bag by the new hot designer in town, Yvonne Yvonne. I love going to Deyrolle, the most famous taxidermist in Paris. Idream of getting a leopard from there, but that's way out of my budget.
But really, my ideal day is all about the food. Breakfast at the Flore (I'm still a bit of a tourist in Paris; I grew up in the countryside). Lunch at Angelo Procopio, a tiny, fabulous, authentic Italian bistro (89, rue Saint-Honore 75001 +33 1 40 41 06 25). Dinner is at Les Cocottes, great French homestyle food (135, rue Saint-Dominique 75007 +33 1 45 50 10 31).
Get Her Look: Sonam Kapoor
She may not have the most controversial love life or the biggest box office hit, but Sonam Kapoor is the hottest actress in Bollywood today, all thanks to one thing ? her wardrobe. As a result, this newbie actress has landed the cover of every fashion magazine in the country ? Vogue, Elle, Marie Claire and Cosmopolitan. Indian starlets typically assert their fashion forwardness by showing a lot of skin, but Sonam Kapoor, daughter of Slumdog Millionaire actor Anil Kapoor, revels in taking fashion risks.She may not have the most controversial love life or the biggest box office hit, but Sonam Kapoor is the hottest actress in Bollywood today, all thanks to one thing ? her wardrobe. As a result, this newbie actress has landed the cover of every fashion magazine in the country ? Vogue, Elle, Marie Claire and Cosmopolitan. Indian starlets typically assert their fashion forwardness by showing a lot of skin, but Sonam Kapoor, daughter of Slumdog Millionaire actor Anil Kapoor, revels in taking fashion risks.
Sonam, known for experimenting with looks from designers like Prabal Gurung and Alice & Olivia, who have rarely been seen before in India, has spawned a whole new style movement. One that is easy on body image and much more compatible with still-conservative Indian norms than the bikini-and-mini-skirt route Bollywood has taken to.
Her fashion icon status has been cemented further by her latest release Aisha, the Indian equivalent of Sex and the City; the film is heavily sponsored by Dior and features merchandise by every major international design house.
Fashion forward, indeed.
Get Her Look:
Loeffler Randall, Pocket Blouse, $325
Loeffler Randall, Draped Pocket Pant, $295
Loeffler Randall, Simone Bootie, $625
Anupamaa, Pink Horse Scarf, $225
Chako, Anissa Clutch, $325
Love Rocks New York, Gold Wire XO Ring, $2,200
Who, What, Where?
These ladies mean business. Sharp suiting, casual feel. Blazers have become the world?s favorite centerpiece and finishing touch. Can you guess which L-atitude fashion destinations our subjects are from?
These ladies mean business. Sharp suiting, casual feel. Blazers have become the world's favorite centerpiece and finishing touch. Can you guess which L-atitude fashion destinations our subjects are from?
Check out the answers:
a) Milan b) New York c) New York d) Hong Kong
Globe-Trotter: Elettra Wiedemann
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Beauty and brains ? could Elettra Wiedemann be any more fascinating? The model and Lanc?me poster girl has Hollywood running through her veins ? her mom is Italian actress Isabella Rossellini, her grandmother is Ingrid Bergman (yes, of Casablanca fame) ? and a Master?s degree in biomedicine from the London School of Economics. Beauty and brains ? could Elettra Wiedemann be any more fascinating? The model and Lanc?me poster girl...
Read MoreWho, What, Wear?
Warm up to these end-of-summer looks. Guess which of these women coordinates with the right L-atitude fashion destination. The first person to answer all four correctly will get 20% off their next purchase! Here are your choices: Hong Kong, Milan and New York. (Hint: You?ll have to guess one of the cities twice.)Warm up to these end-of-summer looks. Guess which of these women coordinates with the right L-atitude fashion destination. The first person to answer all four correctly will get 20% off their next purchase! Here are your choices: Hong Kong, Milan and New York. (Hint: You?ll have to guess one of the cities twice.)
We now have a winner! Check out the answers:
a) Milan b) New York c) Hong Kong d) Milan
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