Spotted. I do declare the Stockholm store NK (Nordiska Kompaniet) winner of the the prize for most hilarious and smart window displays! With a theme of high fashion thieves that combined couture, money, mug shots in killer stiletto heels that were long, thin, and unbelievebly high, included every bit of suspense, even master cat theives. Love the drama! If you currently find yourself in Stockholm, Hamngatan, this display is certainly a must see. Enjoy the photos!

Stopped by the Dance Museum to catch their latest exhibition on dance and ballet choreographer Mats Ek. Celebrated as one of the world’s most successful choreographers, the exhibition gives insight into what goes on both on and behind the scenes of the world famous Cullberg Ballet.



“Mats Ek’s dedication, like that of Robert Wilson and Suzanne Osten, is a kind of obsession and I love obsession" - Lesley Leslie-Spinks



The photographs are intense with the dancers striking surreal poses and movements in dark, moody settings.

Self-portrait with Parasol, 1916, Oil on canvas

What to do on a rainy day? Most people resort to staying in or going out only to stay indoors at another location than their home. I opted for heading out and went to the Modern Museum here in Stockholm which is currently showing a collection of artist Siri Derkert's work. I'm not such a huge fan of cubist work but figured it could still be fun to see the work of an artist who's paintings attributed to international modernism.



Works from her youth, cubist paintings, fashion drawings from the 1910s, profoundly psychological portraits of children and adults, drawings and later experiments with materials such as concrete, iron strips and clay are all featured.



It was fun to get out and explore the Modern museum but all in all Siri Derkert's work was simply not my cup of tea. Instead I have a weakness for sensuous rococo paintings by artists such as Antoine Watteau, Jean-Honoré Fragonard, and many more. Reow, they're easy on the eyes and very romantic.

Still at the PUB shopping center, I found this fabulous little shop specializing in quirky and fun knits. Not a particular fan of handicrafts myself, as I have absolutely no idea of how to knit.



I decided to face my demons head on by purchasing some yarn and knitting needles. Apparently knitting will be a unit while studying my course of fashion and textiles at Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design in London. Classes will begin shortly and I'm super excited to begin working again.

Party! I stopped by the shopping center PUB in the center of Stockholm and found this delicious pink meringue with colorful sprinkles on it. It tasted absolutely heavenly, sweet and slightly sticky in the middle, perfection! So, I ask myself why not give in to my cravings and whims when they result in such delight, happiness and excitement. Dare to dream and try new things!

Treasure! Not only have I had the opportunity to shop at Illums Bolighus in its homeland Denmark but I have also managed to stumble upon it here in Sweden. I recently ran out of one of the most essential toiletries that exists - hand lotion. Chaos in other words, but luckily Illums was there to save me with this fabulous moisturiser from Tokyo Milk. Not only did I love the box but also the scent which is Gin & Rosewater. Gorgeous!

Wow, I simply can't resist the intensity of the sky here up north. It is so unlike what I am used to seeing in Asia. It is so dramatic but then again we got some serious rain showers because of it. Either way, don't forget to adore the small things in life. The sky is just fascinating.

DRAMA! How ghetto is this? Beware all bike riders out there! Saw this trashed bike standing at the corner of Humlegardsgatan/Sturegatan. Be sure to lock up and by that I mean everything!

Hiding in the City No. 87, 2009



In his first exhibition in Scandinavia, Chinese artist Liu Bolin presents his exhibition The Invisible Man. His body resembles “camouflage”, thereby making Liu Bolin both present and absent in each photograph. These cleverly orchestrated images have earned him the name, the invisible man.



Liu Bolin is renowned for his series of images entitled Hiding in the City. Liu Bolin maintains that his art is a protest against a state known to censor its artists. You'll find his works of art at Fotografiska in Stockholm as well.

Now in Stockholm, Sweden, I took the opportunity to visit the Northern Women in Chanel exhibition by photographer Peter Farago and stylist Ingela Klementz-Farago. In 2010 Farago, in close co-operation with Chanel, was given the opportunity to choose among collections from 1920 up until today. The result is presented as a coffeetable book and this exhibition.



The pictures were inspired by opera, dance, art and with that created a unique universe where every picture becomes a fashion fairy tale.



Together with famous, iconic models from Scandinavia and the Baltic countries, the photos feature Chanel classics as well as contemporary fashion composed in the Nordic light. "It was a fashion journey", says stylist Ingela Klemetz-Farago of the epic art project she recently completed with her husband, photographer Peter Farago.

Back in Copenhagen, I took the opportunity to return to the Danish design department store Illums Bolighus to do a last runthrough of whether or not I was missing some "essential" items before leaving for Stockholm and later London.

Now I am back in Copenhagen after my tour to Italy. I will only stay a few days so I'd better make them count! I hit the town straight away...



There was a flower stand selling the most gorgeous hydrangeas! Super fresh, it's such a shame that I am leaving because otherwise I would come home with a large bouquet of them.

Visited the multifunctional concept store 10 Corso Como, dedicated to art, fashion, music, design, cuisine and culture. it was founded in 1990 in Milan, Italy by gallerist and publisher Carla Sozzani, whose famous sister is Italian Vogue editor-in-chief Franca Sozzani.



How wild is this? I met the darling Franca Sozzani, editor-in-chief of Vogue Italia. AMAZING!



10 Corso Como has been described as "a so-called concept store, a mini lifestyle emporium", and has been identified as an inspiration for stores in both London and Paris. The store is large, with two full floors worth of goods. The first floor features a selection of luxury designer goods by the top brands in the fashion industry. The second floor is an entire bookstore filled with literature on art and fashion journals and a section with trendy music.



It was hard to leave without anything in my hands, so I purchased their Best Of CD and a lovely box which I might use as a sort of jewelry box for my growing collection of accessories. Great for my dormroom!

Stopped by La Triennale di Milano, the design museum, which hosts exhibitions and events that highlight contemporary Italian design, urban planning, architecture, music, and media arts, emphasizing the relationship between art and industry. An exhibition which I really wanted to see was their latest addition China New Design. After having lived in Beijing for four years, I wanted to revisit my home away from home. I felt at peace immediately, recognizing the sleek modern Asian styles that I love and know. A highlight was definitely this wood and steel bench as seen above, it would absolutely work in my future home!

China New Design was sponsored by Beijing's UCCA and curated by Jerome Sans.

I might not have visited Egypt yet, however, luckily there are still ways in which I can do so without physically setting foot here. At the Musei Civici di Milano, I visited the Museo Archeological which feature several artifacts from ancient Egypt.



There's always such a mysterious feel when entering these exhibitions on powerful ancient societies. A common element or rather fascination is the incredible craftmanship present at those times. Amazing, the detailing is so fine considering how tiny the trinkets are.





Imagine writing these beautiful Egyptian hieroglyphics and the time and skill it must have taken.

I Pinco Pallino Imelde & Stefano Cavalleri

In order to dress a baby or child in true Italian style, elegance and sophistication is required just as much as if you were to dress yourself.  Classy is the word. Simple enough, really. There's nothing I love more than when a child is dressed in high-fashion, there's really not a reason as to why they shouldn't look fabulous as so many designers have now begun adding children's lines to their collections.
Baby couture...

Whilst walking the streets of Firenze, this adorable little shop caught my attention. Il Papiro is a small boutique that specializes in hand decorated paper with techniques inspired by the tradition of Tuscany. Their items are produced following methods and procedures in the best tradition of Italian craftsmanship. I am so glad that I found this because I now have the loveliest monogrammed papers and cards with my initials. It gives an exclusive air, a total must have!

"Ooh, heaven is a place on earth", clearly Belinda Carlisle was singing about the delicious French macaroons made by Ladurée. I found heaven the other day while walking along the streets here in Milan when I came upon the small boutique.

Kenzo

Hot and dangerous, now that I am in one of the major fashion capitals of the world - Milan, I wouldn't leave without visiting the "Quadrangle of Fashion", which consists of Via Montenaploeone, Via Andrea, Via Gesù, Via Borgospesso, Via della Spiga and Corso Venezia. In this luxe fashion district the most prestigious fashion designers offer their creations.


Versace

What we decide to dress our feet in can at times be crucial, not only for our comfort but also for style. This season I am feeling dangerous. I love the daring new heights of the heels, yet I'm also falling for the more odd shoes. It's all in the details.



Iceberg


Etro

Who can resist these whimsical cowhide shoes? I certainly can't. They may be from Etro's Male Fall/Winter collection but even I'm willing to get dressed up in these elegant shoes.


Prada

My strongest weakness is this pair of fierce green Pradas'. J'adore!





Miu Miu


Giorgio Armani

Razor sharp and with the right to be! I'm picturing a total sci-fi shoe moment with these killer shoes.

The classic hat company known particularly for its fedoras also stocks a wide variety of products.



The company has expanded to include ties, clothing, watches, perfumes and even old fashioned bicycles. The company strives to keep all the charm and class from last century's fashion.



The store was located in the poplular Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, a covered double arcade. The arcade is formed of two glass-vaulted arcades at right angles intersecting in an octagon, and is prominently sited on the northern side of the Piazza del Duomo in Milan, and connects to the Piazza della Scala.

What more can I say?

Lago di Como (Lake Como) is a lake of glacial origin in Lombardy, Italy. It has been a popular retreat for aristocrats and wealthy people since Roman times, with many villas and palaces located there now.



Many celebrities have homes on the shores of Lake Como, including stars like George Clooney, Madonna, and many more. The lake is also widely regarded as being one of the most beautiful lakes in Italy.



Unfortunately, the weather was not exactly on my side when visiting the shore as it was raining and rather foggy. The villages around Lake Como was however, still extremely beautiful and the villas absolutely breathtaking. It felt very intimate.


Bellagio

Located in Florence, the museum's shoe collection documents the entire span of Salvatore Ferragamo's career, from his return to Italy in 1927 to 1960, the year he died.



It highlights his technical and artistic skills which, through his color choices, the creativity of the designs and use of innovative materials made a fundamental contribution to the growth and establishment of Made in Italy.



The exhibition documents his continuous quest for the perfect fit and the invention of special constructions and materials, from the famous cork wedge patented in 1936 and immediately imitated all over the world, to the raffia or cellophane vamps, and candy-wrapper paper used during World War II.



There are the shoes that are famous because they were made for Hollywood stars such as Marilyn Monroe, Greta Garbo and Audrey Hepburn. Truly a century of history told by gorgeous shoes! A total must see! While there, don't forget to observe the incredibly small and delicate shoe sizes, as a reference to the recently reported increase in women's shoe sizes, only since 2008.

Had such a Ripley's Believe It or Not moment when seeing The Leaning Tower of Pisa. Crazy but, apparently all the buildings of the Campo dei Miracoli lean because of their shallow foundations and sandy silt subsoil. Surreal! Prior to restoration work performed between 1990 and 2001, the tower leaned at an angle of 5.5 degrees, but the tower now leans at about 3.99 degrees. This means that the top of the tower is displaced horizontally 3.9 meters from where it would be if the structure were perfectly vertical!

Reow! The traditional sweet shops are to die for! Enjoy the pictures, but is your laptop liquid proof? Beware! :P

One thing that is for certain is that there is no shortage of art here. Frescos is one of several related mural painting types. It was executed on plaster on walls or ceilings and were especially popular through the Renaissance.



It's amazing how this intricate work has survived so well through the centuries.

Whenever I hear conversations about Italy, a comment that always comes up is how gorgeous the men are. Much to my surprise, I have discovered that this is very untrue. Perhaps they are on vacation but the only delicious men I have recently found have been at the museums and made out of marble.

Pop a bottle of frizzante and sit back and enjoy the view! It is just like in the movies; Italian vespas fill the small narrow streets while the heat of the sun burns...



After several days out and about running around town in an attempt to see as much as possible, I constantly find my feet and legs in the worst of pain. I should give up now and give in to my urge of renting a vespa in order to see the rest of the city.



I know, several of my latest Italian posts have been about food but it is rather difficult not to share the fact that I'm eating like a king here. The food is incredibly delicious, no one does it quiet like the Italians do!



Pastel colored pasta, where else could you possibly find this?

Rabarama, Co-stell-azione, Alluminio dipinto, 2002, 200 x 370 x 455 cm

Spent the entire day at the vast Palazzo Pitti. Within the large complex are several galleries such as the Royal Apartments, Gallery of Modern Art, Costume Gallery, Silver Museum, Porcelain Museum, Palatine Gallery, and the Carriages Museum. An entire day barely does the place justice. I am absolutely in love with the scadalous and notoriously rich Italian Medici family! They are the ones who built the incredible palace way back in 1457.



It can be rather exhausting being out and about as these two darlings clearly felt.



The Boboli Gardens was amazing, consisting of box hedges clipped into symmetrical geometric patterns and gorgeous large marble statues.







The Boboli Gardens offered a great view of the city!





Reow, my fascination for large chandeliers never seizes. This one was snapped inside the Royal Apartment.



Galleria Del Costume (Costume Gallery), the exhibition reflects the changing tastes in the courtly fashion of the late 18th century up to the 1920s.

Gelato (ice cream) is an ancient Italian frozen dessert and extremely delicious! The history of gelato dates back to frozen desserts served in ancient Rome and Egypt made from ice and snow brought down from mountaintops and preserved below ground. Reow, delicious treats with a history, love!





Limoncello di Angelino is an Italian lemon liqueur that is very popular here in Italy.



Bruschetta is an antipasto from central Italy, which origin dates to at least the 15th century. It consists of roasted bread rubbed with garlic and topped with extra-virgin olive oil, salt and pepper.



Who would visit Italy and not have a pizza? I certainly wouldn't dream of it.

What more can I say than reow, reow, double reow! The Italian sculptor, artist and general genius Michelangelo, masterminded this 5.17 meter masterpiece of a standing male nude between 1501 and 1504. Might I say time well spent darling!



With a replica in the same place as David originally stood in the public square Piazza Signoria, outside the Palazzo Vecchio, crowds draw in daily. David might be a marble statue but there's no stopping me.



Beware, you can look but not touch!

Darlings, I have jetted off to Italy so, ciao! I am currently in Firenze (Florence), the capital city of the Italian region of Tuscany. Although this might not be one of the fashion capitals of the world, it is not far behind. While walking the steets, I fell over and over again for several stores and their selections of the latest trends.



Patrizia Pepe's certainly caught my eye with their fall collection which featured hot hipster looks in a downtown chic manner. Fierce!



Bottega Veneta, founded in 1966, the Italian luxury goods house is best known for their leather goods.



Les Copains



Bulgari has been setting the pace for Italian style in jewellery, watches, accessories, fragrances. Love their Leoni collection with the lion clasps!



Richard Ginori, 1735



How suiting, as designer Cavalli originally hails from Florence, Tuscany.

Movie Poster, Cleopatra, 1963.

Stopped by the art museum Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek to check out their latest exhibition Cleopatra's World. I am a die hard fan of Cleopatra in general, including all of the films and books so I was really excited to see what was going to be on show.



The Lion Goddess Mehit and the God Onuris-Shu.



The Priest Hori with a Statue of the God Horus.

The exhibition was rather small but large enough to provide a glimpse into the ancient world of Egyptian art. One day I would absolutely love to go to Egypt and explore everything in its authentic setting!



Two Men Catching Birds. Boy Playing with Animals, limestone with inlays, 4th Dynasty, c. 2550 BC.



Yum! The Glyptotek is rather large so I took a break mid through wandering the long halls filled with art. I had a delicious prosciutto and rucola sandwich with pesto. It was so refreshing in the summer heat, the perfect light lunch!



The Glyptotek was covered in fine embellishment and detailing stretching from the marble floor to the stucco ceilings. I especially fell for these panther details on the staircases. Fierce! I have a matching panther ring so why not match it with these dramatic features?



Nerva, Roman Emperor, 96 - 98



The Ancient Rome exhibition may be a permanent fixture at the museum but as powerful as ever. The large marble statues never fail to get me excited! Ancient societies have such a power over me, I get weak to my knees with butterflies.