PARIS FASHION WEEK Started the 28th of September and came to a close today, the 6th of October 2021. Despite the ever-present rain during our stay in Paris, it was a magical time. Bringing back wonderful memories of when I was a fashion illustration student at Parsons Paris and would run around the beautiful city and get endlessly inspired by the beauty of it. Paris Fashion Week (PFW) is one of the most important fashion events of the year when official membres of the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode (FHCM) show their new designs. It is the final destination of fashion month for buyers, fashion bloggers and the press.
What’s so exciting about Paris Fashion Week is the prestige of the fashion shows and designer brands showing their new collections. For the brands that were born in the city of lights such as Dior, Saint Laurent, Lanvin, Hermès, Givenchy and Chanel it really is an amazing moment. The fashion houses all have such fascinating and rich heritage that is deeply rooted in Paris, their creations are real works of art and impact the whole fashion industry. These collections will set the trends and the tone for Summer Spring 2022.
The past nine days clearly demonstrated how the fashion industry is now embracing technology. Fashion Weeks are back with a bang one might say, adapting to the post-pandemic era. Although many key designers remained digital during this particular fashion season, most will be back with full-blown fashion shows by the next one.
So here we go with this look that I wore during Paris Fashion Week. I played with the contrast of modern and vintage. Bold chic statement and rock grunge. Pairing a bright purple vintage Albert Nipon tailored blazer with grey stonewashed jeans and my tiny Le Chiquito handbag from Jacquemus. Whilst my dear friend Bella paired a canary yellow Chanel tweed coat with dark rinse denim.
This is actually a very “Parisian” fashion style. Unexpected twists on traditional combinations such as a beautifully tailored blazer combined with a pair of relaxed jeans. I remember I initially learned about these style tips from Ines de La Fressage’s book, “La Parisienne” (“Parisian Chic” in English). The author of the book (Ines de la Fressange) is a fashion icon and symbol of Parisian style. Indeed she was the late Karl Lagerfeld‘s muse and she is chosen as the ambassador for the House of Chanel and is the first model to sign an exclusive contract with a luxury brand. So if you are a fan of Chanel and the effortlessly chic look that Parisian girls all intuitively have, I definitely recommend picking up that book!
Situated in the picturesque and historic landmark of Anacapri, 2 Pini hotel is a charming, family run boutique hotel which I was so lucky enough to discover earlier this month.
ABOUT CAPRI – A LUXURY HOLIDAY RESORT
I was so happy to take advantage of the last rays of sunshine in Italy earlier this month and travel to the beautiful island of Capri for the first time. The elitist fame of this beautiful island is intermeshed with the 1950s. Known as a haven for jet-setting stars and celebrities.
Capri Island is situated along the Amalfi Coast in Italy and is one of the most beautiful jet-set destinations I’ve ever been to. A hotspot for celebrities, fashionistas, and the “elite”. Capri has been the setting for countless Hollywood films in the 50s and 60s. Indeed there still has a sort of vintage allure to the island. Fashion and luxury is a big part of Capri. Indeed, many fashion designers create special, capsule collections that are exclusively available in their Capri boutiques (including Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior, Hermès, Versace and Prada).
It is also home to the Annual Luisa Via Roma Gala, which took place in early August. In fact, the first thing I spotted when we arrived at the beautiful 2 Pini Residence which would be our home for the next few days, was a magazine with the Luisa Via Roma in Capri: Charity Event & Summer Party 2021. It really is one of THE main events of the year on the island. Indeed luxury and fashion design was definitely
Indeed, when one hears of Capri, instantly images of glamorous women on Vespas, lemon trees, blue-tiled stones, and stretches of the azure blue sea come to mind. This cliché is not for off from reality. The coastline, the colorful buildings, and the pastel-colored sunsets that we enjoyed during our stay were all real and simply spectacular. It really was an oasis of Italian glamour, secretly hidden away, steeped in traditional values, and rich with heritage.
THE ARRIVAL AT 2PINICAPRI
I visited this beautiful Italian island along with my friend and fellow travel blogger Bella in early September. We arrived midday on the island and had the pleasure of staying in the most picturesque hotel situated just West of Capri, called 2 Pini Residences. This area is called Anacapri and is located a little higher up on the island. Indeed this area has some of the finest gardens in all of Italy.
It was a truly wonderful gem tucked away and super close to the Piazza Vittoria, as well as being close to the shops and local restaurants of Anacapri. What was also amazing was that in terms of Covid-19, the hotel took all the necessary precautions and even had a special machine that completely disinfected our luggage before they were brought into our room. I found this super convenient and reassuring especially as we had taken a plane, taxi, and boat, and another taxi to arrive! I was also impressed with the warm welcome with which we were met.
ABOUT 2PINICAPRI HOTEL
Originally founded by Giuseppe (don Peppino) and his Swiss wife, today it is run by their grandchildren: the two wonderful brothers Augusto and Guido.
Since 1950, it is a family-run boutique hotel, that is perfect for a calm, scenic stay on the iconic Italian island. In fact, one of the aspects I adored about Capri, is that many of the businesses were family-owned and passed on for generations.
This was true for the boutique hotel: The 2 Pini Residence Hotel whose legacy begins with Giuseppe Ferraro. He owned a pasticceria in the Piazza Vittoria, and it was later renamed Bar Due Pini. In 1999 along with his Swiss wife Elisabeth and daughter Gulia they transformed the vineyards into what is today known as 2 Pini Residence. Today the boutique hotel is run by their grandchildren Guido and Augusto, who both kindly hosted us. They were so hospitable and helpful throughout our stay, they even arranged a private boat trip for us around the island which was one of my favorite parts of the trip.
Another aspect I loved about Capri, and which I find so rare today, is that so many products on the island are actually locally sourced. It was wonderful for example to see the fresh lemons displayed at the reception when we arrived. They had been freshly picked from the lemon garden that lined the property. I loved that 2 Pini Residence was surrounded by nature, growing their own lemons, and had the most stunning roses that lined the entrance greeting guests. The 2 Pini Residence gardens also had a terrace-solarium and an outdoor hydromassage pool.
ABOUT THE 2PINICAPRI ROOM
We stayed in a spacious and comfortable apartment. Fully equipped with all comforts, including a kitchenette, bathroom, and a beautiful terrace covered in flowers. The rooms were very spacious, furnished in a minimal style. Whilst the bathroom was fully stocked with complimentary toiletries from the local brand Cartusia.
Our private terrace had a view of the sea and from which I witnessed some of the most spectacular sunsets. This is also where we had our first breakfast in Capri the very next morning. It was a delightful dolce vita moment. The table was set with fresh roses from their garden. We sipped freshly brewed coffee and soaked up the sunshine before heading into town.
Alternatively, you can also enjoy a traditional Mediterranean breakfast in the morning which was served in the adjacent bar in the main square of Anacapri.
2PINICAPRI CONCIERGE SERVICES
We were truly lucky during our stay as our hosts were true locals and knew the island through and through. What is more, they offered fantastic services, including:
A Private Boat Tour of Capri
2 Pini arranged for us a private boat tour of Capri with a skipper and we had a truly unforgettable day in the glittering waters of Capri. We set off from Marina Grande, the main port, and went all around the island. During the boat tour we got all the inside information from our super-friendly guide for the day Salvatore.
The Delicious Food from the Restaurant Due Pini Capri
Although the hotel does not have a restaurant on-site, they have a partnership with the Restaurant Due Pini Capri. Located in the center of Anacapri, it has a splendid terrace that overlooks the main square and the food is absolutely divine.
Overall, it was a truly wonderful experience and I was so thankful to be able to discover Italy a little more this year.
A SPECIAL SUPRISE FOR YOU – Discount code – Residence 2 Pini
I also have a surprise for you wonderful readers and travel friends! If you are planning to travel to 2 Pini Residence Anacapri in the future I have a special offer just for you. You can book your stay at the Residence with a 10% discount with this code: ANNA_CAPRI
This code gives you a 10% discount on the reservations made on their web site www.2pini.com
Discount code: ANNA_CAPRI
Book your trip via the hotel via telephone: +39 081 837 14 04 or e-mail: residence@2pini.com
Don’t forget to mention my discount code ANNA_CAPRI when you book.
Wi-Ki-Woo, the pink hotel in Ibiza, is straight-up amazing for sunset lovers and those on the hunt for the perfect Instagram feed. This dreamy boutique hotel is situated directly on the coast of San Antonio in Ibiza which is where you catch the best sunset views on the island.
The Location
San Antonio is a beautiful municipality on the North central coast of Ibiza. Ibiza is a famous Spanish island in the Mediterranean Sea. This area has a beautiful open bay, and the seafront promenade is lined with legendary sunset cafés and clubs including Mamba and Café Del Mar. Referred to as the Sunset Strip, it is the ideal place to enjoy a cocktail, listen to all the latest summer sounds and watch the sun slowly sink below the horizon. With my travel partner-in-crime Bella Zofia, we visited Ibiza earlier this month and stayed at the ever so lovely Wi-Ki-Woo Hotel.
About the Hotel
Nestled on the Sant Antoni Bay on the north west seaboard of the island, this boutique hotel has a fantastic view over the glittering, turquoise blue sea. Even the candy-colored hotel entrance is lined with pretty hanging flowers, making it a fashion blogger’s haven. Wi-Ki-Woo was opened in 2018 by businessman Tony Truman who also owns Ocean Beach Club.
In his words:
“I first came to Ibiza in the 1980s. It was the birth of Ibiza as a prestigious party destination and since then it has been my dream to open a boutique hotel on the island. W-Ki-Woo came about from my desire to create my own Club Tropicana’ bringing luxury and individuality to the San Antonio beach front. We offer affordable quality and a quirky mix of the old and the new Ibiza. I am very proud of what we have created.”
Tony Truman
What I loved most about this hotel is that literally, every corner was a pic op! It’s a real haven for Instagrammers and travel bloggers looking for the perfect pic op in a summery setting. This pink-themed hotel has thought about all the details so you’ll be sure to get just the right shot for social media. From the heart-shaped pool floats to giant ice-cream cones, flower walls to the pink motorcycles – the aesthetics are so on point. It counts British celebrities amongst its guests, including Kate Moss.
The interiors of the Wi-Ki-Woo hotel were designed by Stuart William Taylor and each corner of the hotel is incredibly photogenic. Fun pops of pastel pink and mint with accents of charcoal and bronze. The room we had was fully equipped with Egyptian cotton bedding, a Cloud 9 hairdryer and straightener as well as Cowshed beauty products. The whole hotel has an Art Deco meets Palm Springs aesthetic that looks beautiful both day and night.
The Food
Wi-Ki-Woo offers a truly delicious selection of brunch specials. Classics with a tropical twist, Bella and I loved the smashed avocado toast and tropical bowl best. Another delicious dish for those with a sweet tooth was their French toast with fresh mascarpone, fresh berries and chocolate sauce. Their almond milk cappuccino was my absolute favorite morning ritual.
Thank You
It was a lovely stay in Ibiza with Bella and the floral-drenched pink hotel was a truly glamorous backdrop.
A huge thank you to the welcoming Wi-Ki-Woo team for having us.
A gourmet garden when fashion meets food. Situated in the heart of Saint Tropez, the street is lined with luxury boutiques from Saint Laurent to Gucci. The Dior des Lices café is a little oasis for fashion lovers in need of a quick pick me up. Created by the multi-Michelin French chef Yanick Alléno of the Pavillon Le Doyen in Paris, and LVHM (backed 1948 at the Cheval Blanc in Courchevel), the Dior café is light and elegant.
The café echos the aesthetic of haute couture. Located in a beautiful garden of the Christian Dior flagship store, (designed by Peter Wirtz). It was previously only open and accessible to the fashion elite who can afford something more than just an éclair.
For me, having written my thesis on Dior couture and the renowned fashion illustrator René Gruau (also know as the the Count Renato Zavagli Ricciardelli della Caminate), it was like stepping into a fairytale garden. Everything down to the silverware was branded by Dior. Even the waiters were decked in Breton tops, light chinos and white sneakers from Dior. It was without a doubt one of the most fashionable breakfasts I’ve ever had. Dior des Lices truly knows how to pamper their well dressed clients.
We enjoyed their breakfast which begins everyday at 10 am. I had a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice, a Dior stamped cappuccino coffee and eggs. As of 11 am they also serve the famous Dior choux pastries. My personal favorite was the green pistachio with praline.
For the occasion I wore a white lace eyelet dress, armfuls of bracelets and orange heels to add a pop of color.
On the second evening of Copenhagen Fashion Week, Baum und Pferdgarten presented their Spring Summer 2021 collection ‘The Woman Who Fell to Earth’. A collection inspired by the iconic 70s movie ‘The Man Who Fell to Earth’ where a futuristic David Bowie plays an alien that lands on Earth in search of a water to save his planet. Surreal and futuristic, feminine and forward thinking, Baum’s SS21collection was a celebration of earth, nature and cosmic space.
Given the global pandemic, the show was held in the headquarters of Baum und Pferdgarten in Copenhagen on August 11 2020. It was a semi-digital, semi-physical event attended by some of the coolest Scandinavian fashionistas including Josefine Hanning Jensen, Mathilde Gøhler and Emili Sindlev. After the show, guests where invited to enjoy Prosecco and pizza while a live DJ set played in the beautiful courtyard.
The next day Bella Zofia and myself where presented the full collection Simone, who gracefully outlined the steady progression of the new collection. The drop starts in January 2021 and runs till late summer. Initially still quite somber, the collection begins with monochrome prints, almond colored knitwear, black silks and high-shine patent leather pieces. Then transitioning to blue pinstripes and monogrammed lavender prints through to green and yellow with pops of strawberry pink and coral. Crescendoing with my absolute favorite silk printed pieces featuring beautifully illustrated planets and stars. This was the key print at the heart of the collection. Encompassing both the surreal nature of David Bowie in “The Man Who Fell From Earth” and the femininity of the fabric. Indeed Baum und Pferdgarten released an AR filter in their Instagram account days after the show.
The head designers, Rikke Baumgarten and Helle Hestehave launched Baum und Pferdgarten in 1999 and still design each collection today. What is more they are moving towards making their brand sustainable.
Exemplified by the ‘UND Breathe‘ collection. This part of the collection will drop in 2021 on Earth Day. Each of the pieces from the collection are made from 100% GOTS-certified (Global Organic Textile Standard) organic cotton. Furthermore, 10 EUR from the purchase of each piece is donated to Green Transition Denmark, an NGO informs and educates international audiences on air pollution and climate change. The ‘UND Breathe’ collection is part of the brand’s ongoing efforts to become more sustainable.
At the beginning of the month, we enjoyed the most wonderful, luxury escape in the Swiss Alps. I wanted to share my exceptional stay at the Arosa Kulm Hotel.
Arosa is a luxury ski resort in Switzerland, situated in the alpine resort village. The Arosa Kulm Hotel is nestled in the Schanfigg Valley, in the Swiss canton of Graubünden. A real winter wonderland, this breathtaking five-star hotel dates all the way back to 1882 and has the most fascinating backstory. It is the perfect setting for a snowy getaway like the one we enjoyed.
Upon arriving, I was struck by the fairytale nature of the hotel. We were warmly welcomed into the hotel and shown to the sprawling suite which we would call home for the next few days.
The Hotel
The hotel even features ski-in & ski-out access, Alpine Spa and 5 first-class restaurants (13, 14 and 15 Gault Millau points).
The Hotel Arosa Kulm is in fact steeped in wonderful history that dates back to even before 1882. It all began when the Arosa confectioner, Hans Hold, bought the house neighboring his farmhouse. It was in 1882 that the Arosa Kulm Hotel originated when Hans’ son, Thomas connected the two houses. Thus, transforming them into a 30-room hotel named the Kurhaus. In 1894, Thomas Hold passed away and the hotel was taken over by the chef, Mr. Scherrer who renames the hotel “Kulm”. Today the hotel stands proudly at the top of Arosa, now with 119 rooms with 207 beds and a stunning Alpin Spa. What’s more, each room in the hotel is furnished differently and tells its own story. Allowing guests to have a truly unique and memorable experience at the hotel.
The Location
Arosa itself has plenty of activities. So during our three-day stay, we took full advantage of all that this snowy ski resort had to offer, including a lovely squirrel trail. The Arosa Kulm Hotel staff even provided us with peanuts to attract squirrels. The Arosa squirrel path was amazingly scenic and we even saw a baby deer on the trail.
Our Room
The hotel suite reminded me of a James Bond film set, with rustic, chalet-chic finishings and huge bay windows that overlooked the Swiss Alps. It had a wonderful glamour and grandeur to it with a fantastic view of the snow-capped mountainside was spectacular.
The suite was classically designed in a Swiss chalet style with luxurious finishes. In addition to the large bedroom and ensuite, marble bathroom, we had a spacious living room area and dressing room. The bedroom had the most comfortable pillows I’ve ever slept on and I was so pleased that the bathroom had both a shower and bath (I am a huge fan of bubble baths!). The cherry on top was that our room had a huge south-facing balcony with lovely wooden deck chairs so we could soak up the sunshine and fresh alpine air.
The Food
The Arosa Kulm Hotel is known as a gourmet destination, with 5 different restaurants we were spoilt for choice.
The first night we enjoyed the delicious, locally sourced dishes from Chef Florian Mainzger at the Mutanella restaurant.
Before dinner on the second night, we cozied up by the fire and enjoyed a little pre-dinner appetitive. I sipped my divinely made expresso martini at the K.Lounge and could not help but be reminded again of the glamour of a 007 movie set.
Then we headed down to try the famous Thai restaurant: Ahaan Thai. This restaurant also has the most fabulous backstory to it In the 1930s the Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej learned to ski in Arosa and even stayed at the Arosa Kulm Hotel itself. Today, Chef Tussanee and her team have been flown in from Bangkok and bring their authentic expertise to each dish.
The Alpine Spa
The Arosa Kulm Alpine Spa offers relaxation and the most breathtaking view of the Swiss alps. The spa is entirely made of glass windows and you can see out onto the crystal white snow slopes. With 1,200 square meters of wellness and relaxation, the heated area and indoor pool have a calm serenity to them. Indeed, this is because the concept of the Arosa Kulm spa was based on the earliest power symbols from traditional European natural healing. Even the color of the local blue-green Andeer granite in the spa forms the energetic core.
The philosophy is rooted in a source of balance and harmony embodied in our tree of life which represents vital energy and a link to the subconscious. I even practiced some meditation in the quiet room. I felt deeply recharged in both my mind and body. There was a truly calming effect that the Spa itself had on me.
This luxury escape in snowy Arosa is exactly what I needed to unwind. The food, hotel staff and service were all exceptional. The hotel staff was incredibly professional yet so warm, kind and friendly. Everyone went above and beyond any expectations and I can wholeheartedly say this was one of the most amazing experiences I’ve ever had.
