Hong Kong: Star Street Style

January 24, 2011

In the land of shopping malls and outdoor markets, there?s a unique shopping experience in the Wan Chai area of Hong Kong entitled ?Star Street?.

In the land of shopping malls and outdoor markets, there?s a unique shopping experience in the Wan Chai area of Hong Kong entitled ?Star Street?.  Sitting on a hillside, the area is still quite undiscovered, but is quickly is becoming the area for architects, designers and entrepreneurs to set up studios as well as host top dining, galleries, and unique shopping.

 

The streets, Sun, Star and Moon are named after the ?Three Luminaries? a Three-Character Chinese classic verse.  With compelling architecture (these are the oldest streets in Wan Chai), quaint streets and a feel of community, many say it is their favorite area in Hong Kong to spend their free time.   

 

Some of the highlights include O La La, perhaps one of the best Shanghai noodle restaurants in Shanghai, Classified, a European style bistro with artisanal cheese and boutique wines, and Spoil Caf?, where you can enjoy al fresco outdoor dining, but perhaps best known for their desserts such as four-layer carrot cake.

 

One of the most beloved shops in HK is Kapok. The clothing store and design shop showcases younger international designers with a focus on craftsmanship.  Monocle recently moved into the area with both a shop and an editorial office, and Sonjia, is a local lifestyle store that carries clothing, accessories, shoes and jewelry.  Top off your experience by visiting the Agnes b art gallery, showcasing local artists and exhibitions.

Istanbul: Ikat

January 24, 2011

Back in my childhood it was impossible to find a house without an ikat rug. Handmade rugs are very common in Anatolian culture, and in Turkey nearly every house had these types of rugs covering the floor. Back in my childhood it was impossible to find a house without an ikat rug. Handmade rugs are very common in Anatolian culture, and in Turkey nearly every house had these types of...

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Globe-Trotter: Thakoon

January 24, 2011

One of fashion?s fastest rising design stars, Thai-born Thakoon is heralded for his timeless feminine collections that seamlessly blend classic, traditional style with fresh silhouettes and modern detail. The innovative designer answers a few questions and shares a few secrets about his collection, travel and style in Thailand:

 

One of fashion?s fastest rising design stars, Thai-born Thakoon is heralded for his timeless feminine collections that seamlessly blend classic, traditional style with fresh silhouettes and modern detail. His work has attracted a devoted fan base that ranges from Michelle Obama to Anna Wintour. The innovative designer answers a few questions and shares a few secrets about his collection, travel and style in Thailand:

 

 

 

How does your native Thailand play a role in your line's inspiration?

 

I don't think there is ever a direct or clear influence; inspiration is always a product of something, a theme. For the line, I think the influence of Thailand is seen in the playfulness of color.
 

 

 

How would you describe style in Thailand?

 

There's definitely a coexistence of tradition and new youth revolution. Thais are very traditional: they're so proud of Thai silks, which made into traditional kinds of garments that are very beautiful and that the older generation continues to wear. But I think the influence of global fashion has been felt there, too, and so you see quite a bit of youthful fashion penetrating through.
  

 

 
How would you describe your own personal style?

 

Very simple, almost uniform-like. If I like a look, I'll continue to wear it 24-7.
 

 

Do you have any secret tips for traveling in style - any must-haves or tricks?

 

Always have a dependable carry-on. And a great scarf that you can wear on the plane, but also wear at meetings or shopping around. If you focus also on a certain look for the trip, you can really edit the number of pieces you bring with you (shoes, jeans, etc).

 

What are your top shopping destinations in Thailand?

 

Siam Paragon mall is a good fashion fix, Club 21 in the Erawan area is great. Though, I usually love the night market in Bangkok because that's where you'll find cool local things like scarves from the North of Thailand or Cambodia.
 

 
What is your favorite Thai restaurant in New York?

 

Pongsri at the corner of Bayard and Baxter Streets in Chinatown.
 
 
What are your all-time favorite travel destinations? Where do you find the most inspiration?

 

Paris, London and Tokyo.
 

 
What is your favorite hotel destination in the world and why?

 

It?s hard to decide on one! Four Seasons in Changmai, Claridges in London and Park Hyatt in Tokyo.

 
What inspired you to make the Thakoon Addition line?

 

Really to offer my customer the ability to have more casual pieces from us, so she can live in Thakoon all the time!

 

 

 

To shop the Thakoon Addition collection, please click here.

Istanbul: Bazaar Basics

January 21, 2011

The Bazaar to end all Bazaars, the Grand Bazaar is in Sultanahmet, the old town region of Istanbul. But in a massive labyrinth with over 1,200 shops and 250,000 visitors per day, where to start? Here are a few must-visit destinations on every Istanbullite?s list.

The Bazaar to end all Bazaars, the Grand Bazaar is in Sultanahmet, the old town region of Istanbul.  But in a massive labyrinth with over 1,200 shops and 250,000 visitors per day, where to start? Here are a few must-visit destinations on every Istanbullite?s list.

 

Mavi Kose:This treasure chest of a shop has been around for half a century and has been visited by countless heads of state, members of royalty, Hollywood stars as well as style icon Grace Kelly herself. Don?t let the shoebox size of the shop deceive you, for here you will find vintage art deco diamond encrusted watches,traditional Kurdish gold dowry necklaces, ottoman cufflinks, silver cigarrette cases and one of a kind pieces galore.

 

Next head over to Sivasli Istanbul Yazmacisifor amazing textiles. Everyone from Rifat Ozbek to Hussein Chalayan, Arzu Kaprol and Dice Kayek all rely on the Sivasli Istanbul  shop both for inspiration and as a key source for raw material. If you want to have a go at making your own Rifat Ozbek style pillows, then a visit to Murat?s shop is a must.

 

No trip to the Grand Bazaar is complete without a stop at either AbdullaorDervis, where both foreigners and locals head to stock up on ultra-thin, quick drying towels called Peshtemals, which are traditionally used in Turkish Baths. If you want a more authentic experience, go straight to the source and pick up your patented peshtemals from Egin Textiles. For one -of ?a- kind Turkish Tiles, Iznik Art is the perfect place to buy a unique wedding gift for the friend who has everything, or a timeless statement piece for your hard to please mother-in-law. The owner of the shop is a renowned Turkish tile scholar and artist who is the only master of matte finish Iznik tiles in Turkey.

 

Last but not least, if you are looking for a modern yet warm rug to decorate your apartment or office floor, then head over to Ethnicon and Dhoku. Founded at the turn of the 21st century, Ethnicon and Dhoku specialize in making patchwork rugs out of recycled pieces of ?kilims? or ?halis?.  Especially popular are the vintage monochrome carpets which are then dyed to create an all new, washed out showstopping tapestry.

 

Address Book:

Mavi K??e:

Cevahir Bedesten Sherifaga sok no: 8, Kapalicarsi, Istanbul/Turkey

Tel: (0212) 519 06 86

 

Sivasli Istanbul Yazmacisi, Necdet Danis & B. Murat Hashas.

No. 57, Yaglikcilar, Kapalicarsi, Istanbul/ Turkey

+90 212 526 7748

 

Dervis:

Keseciler Cad. No.33-35, Kapalicarsi/Istanbul, +90 212 514 45 25

 

Abdulla:

Hal?c?lar cad. no. 62, kapal??ar?? istanbul 34440

 

Egin Textiles

Ya?l?k??lar Cad. No :1 ( ?r?c?ler Kap?s? giri?i )

Kapal??ar?? - Beyaz?t

istanbul

T?rkiye

3440

 

 

?znik Art

Orta Kazaslar St. No:64 P.K. 34440, Kapalicarsi/Istanbul

 

Ethnicon

 Kapalicarsi Takkeciler Sok. No. 58-60

34126, Emin?n?, Istanbul

Mumbai City Secrets- Bombay Underground

January 18, 2011

The result of Mumbai?s creatives going underground for six years? Bombay Underground-- part bookstore and part lending library, newly started in a grungy garage with an eclectic range of novels, comic books, magazines and concert DVDs.

Six years ago, a collective of Mumbai?s creatives  ? writers, theater actors, photographers, tattoo artists, musicians ? went underground. During this time, they wrote and published their own works, traveled the world collecting rare books and magazines; worked with underprivileged communities; and tracked down Mumbai?s illegal booksellers who?d been wiped out from pavements and bought their stock.

 

The result: Bombay Underground-- part bookstore and part lending library newly started up in a grungy garage, with an eclectic range of novels, comic books, magazines and concert DVDs that ?will only keep expanding.?Here, the probability of finding a coffee table book on post-modern Japanese architecture is as high as finding that ubiquitous Marquez or Orwell bible. Other intriguing titles include Playground Jokes for Kids, A Book of Russian Stories, TheChe Handbookand independently published graphic novel, The Smile.

 

The magazine and newspaper racks are stacked with everything from The London Review of Books to Sight and Sound film magazine. Music fans can rent uncut versions of Pink Floyd, Rolling Stones and Bob Dylan DVDs.

 

If you?re visiting the city, Bombay Underground is a fun place to hang out post-6 pm and get a sense of Mumbai?s creative scene. The evening slot will soon be dedicated to book readings, film screenings, art exhibits and jam sessions.

 

Bombay Underground, garage no 5, Luisa Apartments, next to Domino?s, St. John Baptist Road, Bandra (W), call +91 9821209085 / +91 9833452170, prices start at USD 1.50, open daily from 11 am to 8.30 pm.

Vacation Spots: Palawan Islands, Philippines

January 14, 2011

Unless you live in Australia or other parts of East Asia, it is unlikely that you have heard of the Palawan Islands. Situated west of Manila, there are approximately 1768 islands, total extreme length about 650 kilometers from north to south.

Unless you live in Australia or other parts of East Asia, it is unlikely that you have heard of the Palawan Islands.  Situated west of Manila, there are approximately 1768 islands, total extreme length about 650 kilometers from north to south.

 

For the past two Christmas? I have traveled to these islands, predominately for the fact that they are one of Asia?s last ecological frontier.  Most islands have beautiful white sand beaches, clear waters and immense rain forests.  As an avid swimmer, snorkeler and scuba diver, there are unlimited choices of coral reefs (11,000 square feet) along with a plethora of fish.  Some of the top hotels are on their own private island, so you have the exclusivity and privacy rarely offered in resort settings.

 

The fact that most people need to traverse the globe also makes it less of a tourist destination  (although in high season many local families choose these islands as a holiday of choice).  The journey takes you to Manila, where according to your arrival time, you most likely need to spend the evening.  Most flights take off in the morning to Palawan with a two hotels offering direct flights to their island, including the Amanpulo (of the Oman resorts) or the El Nido.  As with any Oman resort, the Amanpulo is a breathtaking and luxurious experience, but you will pay the price, hovering about $700 USD/night in the high season.  For a lesser-pricier experience, I have also stayed at the El NIdo.  It?s less exclusive and includes buffet style dining and perhaps a more child-friendly environment. 

 

Instead of the typical beach holiday in Thailand, I would recommend the Philippines.  It?s off the beaten track and the pristine beaches make it a destination unlike anything else experienced.

Globe-Trotter: Ece Sukan

January 11, 2011

Model, stylist, owner of one of Turkey?s most well known vintage shops, and Vogue Turkey?s Editor-at-Large to boot, Ece Sukan?s resume reads nothing short of impressive. This fashion plate let?s us in to her enviable life and answers a few of our burning questions:

Model, stylist, owner of one of Turkey?s most well known vintage shops, and Vogue Turkey?s Editor-at-Large to boot, Ece Sukan?s resume reads nothing short of impressive.  This fashion plate let?s us in to her enviable life and answers a few of our burning questions:

 

L-atitude: What is your favorite boutique in Turkey to frequent?

EceSukan: Midnight Express and Maybe Design.

 

L: What type of treasures does your vintage shop carry?

ES: I have a rich variety of clothing and accessories from different periods. For example, I have this amazing beaded fringe dress from 1959 by YSL for Dior and a stunning evening gown by Mainbocher.  I also have dresses by Giorgio Di Sant'angelo and suits by Thierry Mugler.  The list goes on!

 

L: What accessory completes your outfit these days?

ES: These days I'm wearing either something art deco or 50's modern necklaces over bright colored turtleneck sweaters

 

L: Which designers inspire you?

ES: Always the great YSL.  The last exhibition at Grand Palais was so amazing.  And also Miuccia Prada, AlberElbaz, Raf Simons, Ricardo Tisci and Nicholas Ghesquiere.

 

L: What are your favorite restaurants in Turkey?

ES: I like to go to Changa, M?nferit, Kahraman Fish Restaurant and EceMeyhane.

 

L: What are your favorite pieces from L-atitude?

ES: I love the Ikat pillows and the Vivien heel from Carmen Ho.

 

Vist Ece Sukan Vintage Store

Ahmet Fetgari Sokak No:152 Te?vikiye - ?STANBUL

 

Warding Off Evil

January 03, 2011

If you?re casting evil glances at an Indian home, business or vehicle, it will only leave you feeling bitter--and also a little hot. A culinary charm made up of one lemon and seven chilis, vertically strung together, is said to ward off evil with its potent combination of acid and spice. Sold at traffic signals and corner shops, this good luck symbol you?ll see hanging outside front doors and from rear view mirrors of vehicles. More recently, the ubiquitous lemon and chili motif has become a muse for kitschy artists, showing up in pop art pictures and on trendy bags and jewelry.

If you?re casting evil glances at an Indian home, business or vehicle, it will only leave you feeling bitter--and also a little hot. A culinary charm made up of one lemon and seven chilis, vertically strung together, is said to ward off evil with its potent combination of acid and spice. Sold at traffic signals and corner shops, this good luck symbol you?ll see hanging outside front doors and from rear view mirrors of vehicles.  More recently, the ubiquitous lemon and chili motif has become a muse for kitschy artists, showing up in pop art pictures and on trendy bags and jewelry. 

Protection From the Evil Spirit

January 03, 2011

It is quite common to walk through the more traditional streets of Hong Kong and both see and smell the smoke of incense sticks as well as pass by dragon stone carved statues outside of shops and temples. Quite often at night, one also hears the sound of fireworks. All three things are widely and historically believed in China to ward off evil spirits.

It is quite common to walk through the more traditional streets of Hong Kong and both see and smell the smoke of incense sticks as well as pass by dragon stone carved statues outside of shops and temples.  Quite often at night, one also hears the sound of fireworks.  All three things are widely and historically believed in China to ward off evil spirits.  To further mark the significance of the superstition against evil, all major holidays, such as the Harvest Moon Festival, Chinese New Year and the Dragon Boat Festival, all market the celebration to protect from the evil spirit. 

 

Unlike in the West, Asian dragons are regarded as wholesome and worthy of life.  Many commerce shops and all temples have a carved dragon outside of the establishment/place of worship to bring in good luck. If you walk into any temple there are over 100 sticks burning, both as a method to ward off negative spirits and as an offering to god, as the smoke rises to the heavens.   

 

As Chinese New Year approaches, many people believe that fireworks are meant to scare away the evil spirit and misfortunes at the start of the year, and keep the year free from evil.  A parade takes place and all participants must through firecrackers at the feet of a dragon with the aim to keep them awake during the parade.  The blowing up of fire-crackers is intended to scare off evil. 

 

Global Give

December 29, 2010

I'm proud to introduce to you a new section called ?Global Give?. It pays homage to the artisans and traditional craftspeople I?ve met while curating L-atitude?s global collection. Over the past year, I've discovered a group of socially-minded designers who are using their creative eye to help artisans from developing countries improve their traditional products. Since their work helps sustain local communities and their cultural heritage, we wanted to welcome and present to you these designers collectively under our ?Global Give? umbrella.

I'm proud to introduce to you a new section on our site called ?Global Give?.  It pays homage to the artisans and traditional craftspeople I?ve met while curating L-atitude?s global collection.  Over the past year, I've discovered a group of socially-minded designers who are using their creative eye to help artisans from developing countries improve their traditional products.  Since their work helps sustain local communities and their cultural heritage, we wanted to welcome and present to you these designers collectively under our ?Global Give? umbrella. 

From India ? Women Weave & Amba

The first designer I met who is applying her design skills to improve indigenous artisan product is Hema Patel, from Amba.  Hema works with women handloom artisans in India to produce beautifully woven scarves that celebrate India?s centuries-old traditions.  Hema is also on the board of Women Weave - an organization dedicated to empowering and improving the lives of women who weave in rural India.  Its goal is to make handloom a profitable, fulfilling and sustainable income-earning activity for women.

From Laos ? Article 22

 

Article 22 is headquartered in New York, but its soul lives in Laos, one of Asia?s poorest countries and the most bombed nation in history. Elizabeth Suda, Founder of Article 22, works to embody what it was named for: Article 22 of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which calls for economic, social and cultural rights, and the free development of personality. Articles 22?s bags, scarves, native organic cottons and silks, and jewelry (made from Vietnam War scrap metal) are a reflection of the great respect for the culture and eco-conscious practices the brand has for its artisans.

 

From Cambodia ? Wanderlust

 

Wanderlust comes from the one-time LeSportsac creative director, Elizabeth Kiester?s vision to create a line of clothing and accessories that spoke a ?global language.? She left the States for Siem Reap, Cambodia, home to ancient temples and a French colonial past. There, she launched Wanderlust.  Elizabeth spends her day scouring local markets for fabrics and prints that are sure to make you happiness. The ultimate goal: creating a brighter future for the local team of seamstresses under her employ.

 

From Kenya/Guatemela ? NEST

 

From Kenya to India, and Guatemala to Morocco, Nest helps women around the world escape the cycle of poverty.  The goal is to have them become self-sufficient artisans and successful businesswomen. Nest employs a unique microbarter system, equipping women with the tools and skills to launch their own endeavors. Interest-free loans are repaid with jewelry, clothing and accessories that are marketed to US consumers. After the initial launch period, Nest ensures fair wages and safe conditions for its entrepreneurs. The result: authentic goods and a feel-good collection as diverse as its many countries of origin.

 

 

From China - SHOKAY

 

Shokay launched in 2006 after founders Carol Chyau and Marie So tapped into a little-known resource: yak down, sourced directly from Tibetan herders. Carol and Marie trekked China, following both the yaks and herders. The Shokay yak has long been a life source for these herders; employing them allows them to earn a living, and preserve their culture and traditions for future generations. The unique yak fibers provide maximum warmth; Shokay?s design aesthetic provides modern pieces that will last you a lifetime.