Ready or Not, Here I Come
Watch out darlings because guess who's in town?
After a short flight, I am now in London. Can't wait to get out and explore the city but here is a sneak peak of what's to come.
The view from the plane was amazing! Here you can even see the London Eye. It is a giant 135 meter tall Ferris wheel situated on the banks of the River Thames, it is also the most popular paid tourist attraction in the United Kingdom.
NK's Dramatic Window Displays
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!
Mats Ek- As Seen by Photographer Lesley Leslie-Spinks
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.
Happy Color at Hötorget
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.
Systrarna Voltaire
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!
Illums Bolighus - Stockholm
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!
Intense
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.
Bike Riders Watch Out!
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!
Northern Women In Chanel
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.
Illums Bolighus
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.
Back In Copenhagen
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.
10 Corso Como
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!
La Triennale di Milano
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.
Bambini Style
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...
Il Papiro
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!
Dessert Heaven in Milan
"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.
The Shoe Edition
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.
Borsalino
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.
Teatro alla Scala
Teatro alla Scala is the world renowned opera house here in Milan, Italy. Therefore, I decided to get the grand tour of the glamorous opera house and the museum halls.
Elaborate period piece costumes were on show, including intricately decorated masks.
Masquerade...
I truly wish that I had enough time to see an Italian opera, however, it's vacation time here in Milan and many establishments are closed.
Lake Como
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