City Secrets: Woodstock, New York
Since 1969?s famed music festival, Woodstock has been an artist?s haven with an entrancing aura of retro-cool. Just a 1.5-hour drive or bus ride from the city, this upstate destination is a hip weekend retreat with a laid-back history? and some salacious lore. I?ve made the pilgrimage upstate since birth, and never tire of the area?s rejuvenating vibes. My family?s property sits on a lush plot of land near Woodstock?an...
Read MoreL-atitude X John Robshaw Indian Bazaar
Last night's L-atitude event celebrating textile designer John Robshaw was a dreamy trip to Imperial New Delhi filled with luxury bedding, decorative pillows, tabletop linens and more.
Last night's L-atitude event celebrating textile designer John Robshaw was a dreamy trip to Imperial New Delhi filled with luxury bedding, decorative pillows, tabletop linens and more. Establishing an "inner" scared space evoking the energy of sacred ceremony, John aims to spin the prayer wheels all the way into your home. Gauging from the fine energy in his gorgeous New York showroom last night, he succeeds with aplomb.
Things to know about John and his master craft:
A fine arts graduate of Pratt, Robshaw specialized in traditional block printing in China. Catching the Asia bug, he sourced his natural indigo dye in India, falling in love with local artisan textile traditions.
Working alongside artisans in villages of Gujarat and Rajasthan, India, John crafted court batiks in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, and his block printed sarongs and vegetable-dyed ikats in Thailand.
For his signature look he used his own ?painterly aesthetic? employing traditional methods for an updated spin on the exotic. He now works in workshops around India, travelling several months each year to oversee production and experiment hands-on.
John is a consultant for ?Aid to Artisans? a nonprofit community dedicated to creating economic opportunities for craftspeople in developing countries. Most recently he travelled to Vietnam, Cambodia, Zimbabwe, and Bolivia to stay involved. http://www.aidtoartisans.org/
Best of all, he has an online souk selling items he has collected including antique textiles and rare objects daring you to time travel with him.
http://johnrobshaw.com
L-atitude Favorite: The Dutch
Andrew Carmellini?s latest venture promises to be your new-season favorite restaurant: the kind of place you?ll want to while away warm summer evenings, seated in an open, airy space, indulging in an epicurean?s take on American comfort food. The refreshingly light wooden interior will allow sunshine in all season long, and keep spirits bright after dark. An oyster bar will make you feel like you?ve escaped to the Hamptons without having to make the traffic-ridden trip.Carmellini has wowed diners at the likes of Locanda Verde and Caf? Boulud ? so we know he?s an expert on some of the world?s finest dishes from Italy and France. The Dutch is a departure into American food, but not the pigeonholed menu you?re thinking ? this goes beyond hamburgers and fried chicken.
Armed with an international culinary background, Carmellini sees American food as the melting pot America itself is. He believes the scope can include dishes like miso soup and pierogies, dishes that may have originated elsewhere but have been cooked stateside for decades. The menu, which will continue to change with new offerings and special focuses on particular international influences, promises to excite ? think of your favorite, familiar dishes reinvented with not-so-familiar but oh-so-delicious and complex flavors. Carmellini includes undeniable crowd-pleasers like smoked black cod in his rotation, but he adds his own unique vision with spices and seasonings like lemongrass and ancho chilies.
As for the space, the two airy rooms and oyster bar are perfect for any occasion, from dates to larger groups of friends. There is a reservation-only back room, as well as a private dining room for pre-booked dinners. Just as Carmellini?s menu is the perfect blend of comfort and adventure, his restaurant strikes a balance between openly welcoming and luxurious.
Global Looks: Connecticut Chic
Crisp and clean, the Connecticut prep is celebrated as an American ideal first known as a Gibson Girl - healthy, unruffled, untouchable, wielding her tennis racket with unassailable confidence. Known for their independence and vigor, East Coast ladies still have sporty allure, with a feminine twist.Crisp and clean, the Connecticut prep is celebrated as an American ideal first known as a Gibson Girl - healthy, unruffled, untouchable, wielding her tennis racket with unassailable confidence. Known for their independence and vigor, East Coast ladies still have sporty allure, with a feminine twist.
CITY SECRETS: MAD HATTER TEA PARTY, NEW YORK CITY
Though the psychedelic Cheshire Cat may remain in Wonderland, those with an appreciation for all things Alice related can join the in trippy fun thanks to the 2nd Annual Massive Mad Hatter Tea Party.Though the psychedelic Cheshire Cat may remain in Wonderland, those with an appreciation for all things Alice related can join the in trippy fun thanks to the 2nd Annual Massive Mad Hatter Tea Party. The first day of August in 2010 welcomed the first iteration of the celebration, complete with ?splendiferous? hats, over the top costumes, copious amounts of tea, and musical performances by Raya Brass Band. So successful it was, that Alice in Wonderland supporters are set to brush off their decorative toppers for a second tea party to toast to Lewis Carroll?s imagination! Seeing as New Yorkers are wont to go all out for events, it?s clear this festivity will have all the elements of last year and more. Revelers embodied all things Alice, from the hookah-smoking caterpillar to the distinguishable Queen of Hearts with her pursed lips, causing passersby to do double takes, as if they fell down the rabbit hole into another world. Don?t be late for this year?s tea party!
Beach Bound
Ready to hit the beach? After juicing, fasting, yoga and pilates, it's time to relax and enjoy. We've rounded up my favorite beach looks to put you in the mood. A mix of sporty, sexy and rad, you'll be cool and comfy while turning heads with your fierce style.Ready to hit the beach? After juicing, fasting, yoga and pilates, it's time to relax and enjoy. We've rounded up my favorite beach looks to put you in the mood. A mix of sporty, sexy and rad, you'll be cool and comfy while turning heads with your fierce style.
Shop Beach Chic Style on L-atitude here.
Globetrotter: Nina Freudenberger
After earning a degree from Rhode Island School of Design and spending four years with New York firm Costas Kondylis and Partners, Nina Freudenberger decided to branch out on her own. The Munich born interior designer jumped into the scary world of working for herself and quickly found success as she founded her own design business while also opening a retail store in NYC?s Nolita neighborhood called Haus Interior. Given her attention to detail and undeniable enviable knack for artfully styling anyone?s house into a home, we reached out to Nina to talk all things interior design and travel.After earning a degree from Rhode Island School of Design and spending four years with New York firm Costas Kondylis and Partners, Nina Freudenberger decided to branch out on her own. The Munich born interior designer jumped into the scary world of working for herself and quickly found success as she founded her own design business while also opening a retail store in NYC?s Nolita neighborhood called Haus Interior. Given her attention to detail and undeniable enviable knack for artfully styling anyone?s house into a home, we reached out to Nina to talk all things interior design and travel.
1. You own a brilliant interior design retail store in New York called Haus Interior and run your own firm. Which three countries top your list for inspiration?
I love traveling so try to get away every chance I get. I draw inspiration from each trip, but my largest influences are Scandinavia (the countryside in Denmark in particular), southern Germany (Bavaria) /northern Austria (Salzburg) and each and every time I go to Paris!
2. How would you describe your personal interior design aesthetic?
I would say that I lean towards the ?warm-modern look.? Clean lines in combination with natural materials are a constant throughout all of my work. I tend to stay neutral in my color choices but love to mix and match patterns for a fully decorated look.
3. What are a few of your favorite stores or sites to visit for ethnic/travel inspired home accessories?
In New York City, there are quite a few shops that have a really well traveled look. John Derian is a classic but I also love De Vera and Andrew Martin. And of course ABC! (http://www.andrewmartin.co.uk/ - there is one in NYC, http://www.deveraobjects.com/, http://www.johnderian.com/)
4. As a native of Munich, which shopping destinations in Germany do you consider a must-visit?
My two favorite cities for shopping are Berlin and Munich. Berlin has an incredible energy and is extremely supportive of young, innovative fashion designers. And Munich I always stop by my favorite store, Theresa, the owner has an incredible sense of style. (http://www.theresa.de/)
5. How does your interior design vision reflect in your personal style?
I tend to gravitate towards neutral colors and structured looks, such as blacks, nudes, grays and love to layer on major accessories to add that sparkle and glamour as a major statement. This season I am really loving that ?grellow? color ? that fabulous mustard/green yellow that is popping up everywhere, from clothing to home accessories.
6. What are your favorite pieces from L-atitude?
All of them! It is such a wonderfully curated collection! I think it is so exciting to be able to discover international designers through the site. Here are a few of my favorite pieces for the summer:
Shop Nina's Favorites From Top Left to Right:
Nicholas Liu Waterfall Bracelet
Lars Andersson Silk Lace Cowl Neck Tunic Dress
Grand Bazaar Istanbul Ikat Pillow
Globetrotter | Caroline Winberg
Becoming a top model at the age of sixteen ? after very nearly rising to be a professional football player in her native Sweden ? Caroline Winberg was gracing issues of Vogue and traveling to cities far and wide while many of us were still sitting in our high school math classes. The New York resident and Victoria?s Secret model sat down to shed some light on her travels and worldly experiences.1) How would you describe the style of women in Stockholm?
Swedish women are normally very fashionable and trendy at least from Stockholm where I am from. They don't wear a lot of colors more than the basic ones black, blue and grey.
2) What are your favorite places to shop in Stockholm?
When I'm in Sweden I try to only buy clothes from Swedish and Scandinavian designers. My favorite store is the big Acne store on Norrmalmstorg. Other stores are Filippa K, Whyred and Rodebjer. You an also head to NK ( Nordiska Companiet ) which is a big department store in the center of Stockholm, they carry lots of Scandinavian designers but also have a lot of international ones. Try and stop by their gorgeous food market on the lower floor which has amazing food like smoked salmon and crayfish.
3) What is the best fashion find you?ve had while shopping during your travels (Can you send us a photo)?
Right now my favorite pants are black leather pants from the Row that I basically live in. They are great wearing during the day with converse as well as with high heels for parties.
4) What three things ? besides the essentials ? do you always pack no matter where you go?
Converse, leather pants and a white t-shirt
5) What are your 4 favorite L-atitude items (www.shoplatitude.com)?
Veda max silk and leather jacket
Thakoon ruffles side tank
Thakoon blouson dress (in white)
Gabriele Colangelo washed silk drape dress
Behind the Label: Mesi Jilly
A love of the beach and a fascination with the sea has propelled Mesi Jilly?s exquisite jewelry collection since 2005. The Austrian-born designer has traveled world-wide, collecting inspiration from varied destinations that she would later turn into stand-out rings and pendants. Jilly?s rings are crafted from shells and embellished with silver, crystals and semi-precious stones to bring a bit of nature into a woman?s daily style. 1) You?ve lived in...
Read MoreBrushstroke: David Bouley's New Japanese Restaurant
Considering his massive success with Bouley ? which was named by over 7,000 diners as the meal they?d desire as the last of their life ? David Bouley took great care in planning his new Japanese restaurant in TriBeca. Such care in fact, that three years passed before his new baby finally enjoyed opening night. What was once a side comment to Yoshiki Tsuji during a trip to the Tsuji cooking school in Osaka is now restaurant reality.Brushstroke
30 Hudson Street
New York, NY, 10013
Meet David?s newest in the world of culinary delights, named Brushstroke. The restaurant sits on Hudson Street between Duane and Reade Streets, features a dining room with 65 seats, a lounge with 24 seats, and a massive kitchen that serves as the home to chefs Isao Yamada and Hiroki Murashima. But this is much more than just another Japanese restaurant serving up sushi and sashimi?.
David?s newest location focuses on cosy Kyoto-style seasonal dining, with an emphasis on the ingredients. And while the food takes center attention, the design details are just as spectacular: a live fish tank downstairs, Japanese seeds imported specially in order to grow produce, and over 20,000 recycled paperback books as the walls. With three years of planning, fifteen years of dreaming, and 10,000 sample dishes that David created, Brushstrokes left me full of more than just succulent Japanese delights.
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