Tag Archives: Luxury

Tokyo, Japan: Shopping and Architecture in Roppongi

Posted on February 20, 2014 | Leave a comment

TOKYO CITY GUIDE: DISTRICT / ROPPONGI

The refined Tokyo Midtown

Incredible blue sky! I get in one of the six buildings of Tokyo Midtown, hosting the Suntory Museum of Art.

A luxury mall. Tasteful minimalist decoration, with staright light wooden and picture windows with a view to the small park. Zen feeling in the cosy atmosphere.

Comfortable leather sofas to relax between two shops (exhausting shopping, lol!). Check out the high end multibrands Restir and The Cover Nippon for refined arts and crafts: beautiful fabrics for home, ceramics and traditional bags.

For ceramics, I also recommend Asakusa small shops (a traditional district of Tokyo).

At the food level, stop at Toraya for the incredible look of the Japanese pastries (on the picture above)! I was so happy to find “my” Dean & Deluca too, soulful Soho! Could you believe it?

Then I sat in the small park under the sun. Lazy, lazy. Maybe tomorrow I’ll visit the Issey Miyake and Tadeo Ando‘s 21_21 Design Sight: “The first center in Japan dedicated to Design, where the creation process will be exhibited” (Issey Miyake).

The National Art Center Tokyo

Now I head to this amazing Museum with a glass wave front designed by the famous architect Kisho Kurukawa, located five minutes walk from Tokyo Midtown.

Relaxing bright inside, thanks to the wooden in this all glass and concrete architecture. And big surprise: the two huge concrete cones in the hall! Finally I’ve more enjoyed these cones than the beautiful front!

At the Museum shop, I found an eclectic selection of art books and various items. My fav: some sushi USB keys and traditional bags of a young fashion designer.

After four hours in the big exhibitions halls, I need fresh air, greenery and blue sky (again!), let’s move back to Tokyo Midtown. Yes, the sky is so blue!

Informations

Metro station: Roppongi

Tokyo, Japan: A walk and coffee in Omotesando

My Selection of Hermès Petit h Accessories

DESTINATIONS, HOTEL REVIEWS & LIFESTYLE

Casa Vanni: A Room in Viganella, Piemonte (Italy)

Posted on September 11, 2013 | Leave a comment

After a very long day

among the beautiful gardens of Sacred Mount Calvary of Domodossola, a short hike in Anzuno and a visit in the ancient village of Tappia, what a fantastic surprise when I arrived at the hotel!

If for you too, luxury is defined by scarcity, taste, simplicity and warm hospitality, you’ll soon become addicted to Casa Vanni Dimora storica (historical house). From the exterior, I immediately loved it! THE pearl of my weekend in the Antrona valley, Piemonte!

This small hotel with 5 bedrooms is located in the center of Viganella, a semi-desert remote village that full of charm and surprises. In my room at the second floor, I was conquered by the elegant sober contrast between the ancient thick walls and minimalist modern decor (pictures 1 & 2). Spotless bedding and bath room, with new facilities, where every detail is perfectly thought out (pictures 5 & 7).

Simple almost monastic, but so refined, congratulations to our smiling charming hostess! Big euphoria when I discovered my little terrace with panoramic views of the mountains and village (pictures 3, 4 & 8). The bottom of the air is fresh and invigorating and the moment is magical.

Informations

CASA VANNI

Related posts : DESTINATIONS, HOTEL REVIEWS & LIFESTYLE

London Shopping, Art and Bar

Posted on April 2, 2013 | Leave a comment

Here is my ultimate London shopping, art and bar review: check my spring summer issue! For new comers: my city walks are one of the hallmarks of my blog (you can find all the city walks, full of exclusive address and tips in DESTINATIONS). I walk for hours and hours to capture, watch and take the pulse of the city. This time, I start to Piccadilly Circus, where was my hotel. Not really my usual London, I’m definitely more Portobello and East End than Soho or Covent Garden. Pictures 2 & 7: incredible, after so many trips to London, I’d never been to the National Gallery! I’m a big fan of the Tate Modern and the Victoria & Albert Museum (coming up post and if you like contemporary art, check my interview with Gilbert & George). In the picture 2, this piece of art (in gold or it looks like gold) of Elmgreen & Dragset is placed in front of the National Gallery. Honestly I don’t like it and I don’t dislike it, let’s say it intrigues me a bit. Picture 3: don’t miss the Radio Rooftop Bar, located on the top floor of the ME London (a newly opened hotel). For a drink or dinner with a panoramic view of the city … hoping you have a better weather than me (LOL!). Picture 4: totally by chance, on the side of Mayfair, I found in the lobby of a company’s building, my favorite work of the Portuguese artist, Joana Vasconcelos! I had the great opportunity to visit her workshop few years ago and see one of her famous giant sandals under construction! Small world! Picture 6: the most iconic London department store, Liberty! Beautiful wooden interiors, in addition to excellent fashion selection and home selection, the place has lots of character. A must do, I had the chance to photograph a famous London based blogger there. Pictures 8, 9, 4 & 1: Anglomania! In Soho, a poster of the theater that displays a show about the Queen. Picture 9: I’ve always been impressed with all the mix of colors, patterns and materials of the English. Unique! Beautiful or not beautiful, that is not the question! Picture 1: beautiful Burberry‘s window in Regent Street. Where you must stop by the huge store of Anthropologie, if you want to shop for your home. Very nice design both contemporary seriously boho, a little regressive (LOL) and very colorful (plates, bowls, candles, furnitures …). In the store, I also like the great wall covered with plants. Picture 10: This small pedestrian street is full of shops and leads to a nice place a little apart, with some (crowd out) terraces, St Christopher Place. Enjoy!