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ABOUT KARINE BLOEM
Karine Bloem (33) Founding Editor The Digitalistas.com| Online Creative | Stylist | Conceptmaker I am working in the online business since 2004. First with my own online PR-agency, later as a first generation online fashion editor. As of today I am an online creative allrounder with emphasis on fashion and lifestyle. The aesthetic side of life has always interested me. Art, literature, fashion & design are things we deal with on a daily basis, but not everyone takes the time to look, read or experience them. Visually and literately oriented, I like to take people on a ride to enjoy the better things in life, and inspire them in both text and image. Amsterdam has been my hometown for 13 years already, but I also love to travel and discover what other cities have to offer. On this blog I will reveal some of my favourite international hotspots!
A juicy fact
The concept is originally from Denmark -where the main office is also located- but I’ve discovered Joe & the Juice in London, and there are two more opening in Germany soon.
They actually sell more than juice. Coffee and sandwiches are on the menu as well, and some of the new stores are now divided with coffee on the top floor and the juices on the lower level, but the smoothies and vitamin boosted juice-mixes are still the main attraction it all started with.
Founder Kaspar Basse used to be an elite athlete who was inspired by the succesful concept of Starbucks, and took on the mission to create a place where the surrounding was equally important to the freshness and quality of the products. Employees of Joe & the Juice can even go to the juicer academy to follow courses and become a professional juicer! Like barrista’s are trained to make coffee.
What attracted me to set foot at Joe & the Juice was the cozy athmosphere. After running around all morning in London, I felt like sitting on a sofa in a living room with my newspaper and healthy juice, and that’s exactly what I got. Another added value is that the juicers –mostly guys I’ve noticed- seem to have been selected for their good looks. Handsome hipsters with funky hairdos and ripped jeans.
Joe & the juice has a wide range of juices one can choose from; fruit and vegetables can also be mixed together, always containing at least three flavours. The names are quite relevant to different moods or physical states. What about a freshly squeezed Pick me Up (raspberries, banana, apple), Hangover Heaven (elderflower, apple & mint), Hell of a Nerve (a smoothie with strawberry, elderflower and banana) Iron Man (strawberry, kiwi & apple) or Energizer (red grapefruit, apple and ginger)? The vegatarians amongst will be delighted with The Veggie Focus; mixing celery, carrot and apple.
It is a bit pricey though, but this unexpected oasis of calm in the middle of Oxford Street, made it my favourite hangout after a shopping spree at Topshop.
A list of Joe’s juicebars can be found here: http://joejuice.com/site/#/stores
The Villa of art & fashion
Located on top of a hill in the small town of Hyères an avantgardistic villa arises: Villa Noailles. It was built in the 1920’s by Robert Mallet-Stevens for Charles and Marie Laure de Noailles, – a couple that became patrons of modern art and counted Man Ray, Salvador Dalí and filmmaker Jean Cocteau amongst their friends. Ever since the owners passed away and the villa became property of the city of Hyères, it was used as an arts and special exhibits center. But foremost, these are the headquarters of the ‘27th International Festival of Fashion and Photography’ during three days; from April 27-30.
This festival has propulsed many talents in the fashion galaxy, even Viktor & Rolf have participated (and won) many years ago. It has showcased, more than 300 first-time collections by new fashion designers from all over the world and exhibited the works of over 130 young and innovative photographers.
The main goal of this festival is to introduce new talents and influencers to the fashion business in the shape of a parallel design and photography competition, but also as an inspirational platform with exhibitions and conferences. Although a lot of Dutch talents have been part of this, it seems it’s still a bit of a fashion incrowd event.
Nevertheless, it is a relevant fashion incrowd that attends the festival –and even presides the jury. All the big names in the fashion industry show up in the small town of Hyères, which is normally not a very exciting or booming place like other cities on the Côte d’Azur. This year no less than Yohji Yamamoto has been named as the jury president, and he will be assisted by Terry Jones from I-D and Paolo Roversi, just to name a few.
For those who can’t attend the festival, the exhibition –which also beholds work of Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin- will be prolomgated a month after the festival. More information can be found on: www.villanoailles-hyeres.com
Photography of the designer’s work is by Ina Jang –winner of the 2011 photography prize
The W-effect
Curtains opening with a push on the bedside button to reveal a blue, sunny sky would put a big, happy smile on my face every morning. Luckily I had the chance to experience that exact scene at the W hotel in Barcelona.
Being part of a chain of hotels, does not take away the fact that each W in the world offers a totally different ambiance. Even on the outside they are not alike. In the case of Barça’s W, it’s a like a big sail arising from the ground up. That was what the architect aimed to do, since the hotel was built at the time of the Olympics, and located on the Barceloneta boardwalk near the city port.
Overlooking the Mediterranean sea with a 26 storey building, the W also houses a design bar on the top floor, the Eclipse bar. From accidental hotel guests to local fashionistas barely standing on their Louboutins, a drink up on the 26th is an entertaining distraction. Not to mention the delicious cocktails created by a team of renowned mixologists, and the magnificent view of Barcelona by night.
Struck by the W-effect, I could have stayed in the hotel all day, lounging at the pool, getting pampered at the Bliss® Spa (the first in Spain), or enjoying a culinary delight at one of the restaurants, but then I would have missed out on all the other good things Barcelona has to offer (of which I will reveal more soon…).
W Barcelona
Placa de la Rosa dels Vents,
1 Final Passeig de Joan de Borbo
Barcelona, 08039 Spain
http://www.w-barcelona.com/
Get your coffee at the Bank
It’s not as strange as it sounds. With ‘getting your coffee at the Bank’ I mean the new Starbucks conceptstore in Amsterdam. You will actually have your coffee in the ancient vault.
That is kind of special already, but it doesn’t stop there. The 430 sq meters surface of the historical bank building was transformed by at least 35 local artists and craftsmen into a unique venue where sustainability is key (LEED® certified).
Liz Muller –Head of Concepts Design- was in charge of the operation to create the innovating and cosy Starbucks ‘The Bank’ conceptstore it has become, from an old, raw concrete vault:”You have to feel welcomed and at home. This is not just a coffee company, but a people’s company. Sure you can drop by to get your coffee-to-go, but we’d rather have you stay here and relax all afternoon, the choice is yours. We just aim to offer you the most extensive of coffee experiences.”
The decoration offers interesting and humoristic references to the Dutch and their history. Don’t forget to look for surprises in every corner (some hints: speculaas and bikes) and lift your head to the impressive ceiling sculpture made of 1876 wooden blocks. You’ll even see it better through your phone’s camera.
Speaking of your phone…having your Twitter at hand would be a good idea. Since you’ll be getting a tweet when the freshly baked cookies you just ordered come rolling out of the oven.
Find more details on the newly opened Starbucks –The Bank here.
The philantropic eye on style
Paris Fashion Week is going full swing as we speak. But don’t let what you spot on the runway be your only inspiration. If you have some time left in your busy schedule make a little worthwhile detour to Merci.
Yes, it is a conceptstore slash departmentstore. Yet, this one has a philantropic vision besides showing us what is on trend. Located in a less posh area than where you might expect a venue editors and creatives speak highly of –the Boulevard Beaumarchais is not known for being upscale, except for a designhotel a few steps away- Merci found a nice roof over its head in a gigantic loft.
When you cross the patio a red Fiat 500 (also subjected to make overs) is like smiling at you, and you already feel at home before passing the entrance. Once you’re in you can wander around the different departments: Beauty, Fashion, Accessories, Home…even a flowershop. To keep its visitors interested Merci has themed installations like an art gallery that change frequently.
Merci managed to collaborate with well-known designers who have set aside their margins. This means you can buy that fab Isabel Marant top for approximately 30% less than usual without any guilt because all profits the store makes are donated to charity –third world children projects to be exact.
Also don’t forget to take a coffee break in the Literary cafe while you’re there, with bookshelves filled with second hand books that reach the ceiling.
111 Boulevard Beaumarchais
75033 Paris
Subway: Saint Sébastien Froissart
Where are my chopsticks?!
Not sure where my love for Asian food comes from, but it seems that anywhere I am in the world, I at least end up enjoying sushi, dumplings or noodles somewhere. Wether it is the Vietnamese take-away next to the hotel in Paris, the stylish Spice Market in New York, or an authentic Japanese restaurant in London. Before it becomes an obsession and I hear myself shout out: “where are my chopsticks?!” in an occidental restaurant (imagine eating coq au vin with this primitive form of wooden cutlery…), I forced myself to see what other Asian concepts I like abroad. That made me come up with two: Uniqlo and Muji.
Why these two? Because we don’t have them here in Holland. And you always want what you can’t get, right? Luckily there’s internet to make that possible, but it takes away the charm of walking around with your recycled paper shopping bag, branded with a minimalistic Japanese logo.
Uniqlo
At first glance there’s nothing exciting about this concept, really. The clothes are basic. But that’s the starting point for every wardrobe. It’s the individual’s task to make it look unique. As their pay-off quotes: “we make casual clothes for all kinds of people“, Uniqlo has developed a nice user generated- and mobile application for that. The brand also likes designer collaborations, from which designers known to us are: Charlotte Ronson, Vena Cava and ofcourse their collaboration with Jil Sander on the +J-line . Unfortunately this collab has come to an end, so be quick to get your hands on items from the final collection.
Muji
From furniture, to home accessories, to clothes. Muji is functional and sober. The company’s principle is to make qualitative and reasonably priced products while considering environmental issues. It’s the essence of the product instead of the branding that makes Muji unique in its sort.
I usually make a stop at the Muji shop in the Marais when I’m in Paris. It’s a funny contrast to walk around in a cosy and historical neighborhood and then entering the universe of sobriety.
For those who oppose to the Christmas abundance, Muji has some cute minimalistic items like a wooden X-mas tree and loads of practical stocking fillers. You can find them online in the Christmas shop. The word-travellers amongst us can be rejoiced with a Muji To Go in Hongkong in the departure hall of the airport.
In the meanwhile I’ll try to rehab from too much sushi and focus on cashmere pullovers or minimalistic notebooks.
Vice Verso
If shopping is one of your vices, a visit to Verso will surely fulfill the craving. It is a true luxury style destination in the centre of Antwerp. From the Lange Gasthuisstraat, a 16th century mansion arises. When entering through a patio and the classic entrance, the massive stained glass dome ceiling is what first impressed me. The interior -all grey, black and brownish shades- makes it a serene environment that doesn’t divert the attention from the designer items displayed in what used to be an old bank. Now it has become a place to spend money, not save it.
The ground floor presents a selection of high end brands from Italy, France and the US. To name some we favor: N °21 , Alessandro Dell’ Aqua’s latest line (not sold anywhere in the Netherlands yet), Erdem, Giambattista Valli, Givenchy, Ralph Lauren Black Label, Marc Jacobs, Jil Sander and the beautiful accessories from Bottega Veneta.
In the middle you’ll find exclusive fragrances. The catacombs of the multi-brand store offers (aside from a view on the authentic copper safe deposits) contemporary, more affordable apparel from: 7 for All Mankind, Alice + Olivia, Moncler or Paul & Joe.
When tired of all this abundant luxury, you can settle down in a cosy seat next door to enjoy drinks or refined cuisine (yes! They have shrimp croquettes!) at the Verso café.
Opening Hours:
Monday: 11:00 -18:30
Tue-Sat: 10:30 -18:30
You can also shop online
Berlin Prenzlauerberg – East is a feast!
Berlin wasn’t highest on my shortlist of places to visit, but I was pleasantly surprised once I was there. And that had probably something to do with the fact that I was staying in the more creative Eastern part of the city, (leaving the Kadewe and the touristic marks in the West side of town aside) and that I wasn’t staying in a hotel, but in an apartment located on the Schönnhauser Allee, in the Prenzlauerberg-district.
Interesting about this area, are the small boutiques, unconventional shops (often pop-ups or concept stores), vintage selling points (some sell by the kilo), and art galleries. Mulackstrasse and Torstrasse should be on your planning. This is where I discovered brands like Lala Berlin, Bless or Starstyling Berlin and got inspired by the (often small) creative initiatives.
The wine&dine department also left me a happy camper; Monsieur Vuong for sophisticated Asian food, the best currywurst in town at Konnopke (Schönnhauser Allee 44b), and feeling at home at Café Wohnzimmer. The best way to explore the surroundings is ofcourse by foot. And because the Schönnhauser Allee is one of Prenzlauerberg´s busiest shopping streets, everything is in an approximate distance.
Tip: Become ‘ein Berliner’ during your stay. You can find appartments on appartmentsappart.com or via Wimdu.
Luxury outlet-shopping under the Tuscan sun
Not being a huge fan of outlets, I always think twice before I decide to head over to one. Thus, I make an exception sometimes… During my stay in Tuscany on two consecutive holidays, I managed to discretely plan my little daytrip to The Mall in Leccio Regello.
I had to convince my at-the-time boyfriend to be the chauffeur, but the perspective of facing some of his favourite luxury brands for an affordable price made him drive the car in a Ferrari-like speed.
Gucci, Bottega Veneta, Stella McCartney, Dior, YSL, Burberry…you name it, are assembled here. Don’t expect too much from the setting. It has nothing charming, the busses with Japanese shopping-tourists await, but the premises are clean and well organized. The food isn’t even that bad (hey, we’re in Italy), and when I got home with a pair of Sergio Rossi boots for just € 70 on my first visit, it confirmed that my outlet-shopping exception was righteous.
True fashion-addicts may be familiar with this Tuscan Triangle. Not far from where the Mall is located, a Prada and Dolce&Gabbana/Fendi factory outlet pop their noses.
Though you’ll have to operate more strategically as I did if you want to visit them all on the same day. One of my convincing methods for the hungry chauffeur, was to combine The Mall with some culture and pasta in Florence. The hometown of the world’s greatest artists, is just a stone’s throw away. It’s all about getting best of both worlds.
The Mall: Via Europa 8 |50060 Leccio| Reggello (Fl)
Prada Outlet: Via Levanella Becorpi | 52025 Montevarchi (AR)
DOLCE AND GABBANA INDUSTRIA S.P.A.- Spaccio Aziendale: Localita S.Maria Maddalena| 49-Pian Dell’Isola |Incisa in Val A’arno (FI)
Best tip: plan your trip in the low season. (September/October/November) Tuscany looks wonderful in Fall, and the outlets are less crowded.
Manhattan’s vintage heaven
It has been a while since I have been to New York, one of my favourite cities. The last time, my colleague and I were there for the NY Fashionweek. We stayed for 10 days, and almost felt like New Yorkers. We filled our days with hard work -running to shows and directly writing our reports so our readers could be updated without noticing the time difference- and shopping (I worked as a fashion editor for the website Shopgirl.nl at the time, so shopping was a major part of my job).
We were on a quest to find good vintage adresses that wouldn’t be too much over-budget. Most uptown shops that sell vintage propose qualitative pieces and present them in stylish colour-ranged racks, but it is very expensive and more suitable for the lazy –and not really vintage loving- customer.
Therefore we ended up in East village (the area is known for its bohemian, arty and punkrock-vibe), where you can find those typical vintage shops where Patricia Field would buy her props. Messy, narrow boutiques, but where unique pieces could just pop-up from a corner.
In one of them, a friendly shopkeeper advised us to take a look at the Manhattan Vintage Clothing show , where all of the US continent’s best vintage was presented. Almost every decade of style, and antique clothing, is gathered in the Manhattan Pavillion. Collectors, models and actresses come do their vintage shopping here.
For us, and many designers (this is one of the places they buy archive pieces or swatches of fabric they can use to base their collections on), it’s merely an inspirational injection. But who knows, you just might find that one of a kind, second hand Hermès Birkin bag or Chanel 2:55 – slightly more affordable than a new one, and without a waiting list.
The next Manhattan Vintage Clothing show will be on October the 21st and 22nd 2011.
