Globe-Trotter: Thakoon
One of fashion?s fastest rising design stars, Thai-born Thakoon is heralded for his timeless feminine collections that seamlessly blend classic, traditional style with fresh silhouettes and modern detail. The innovative designer answers a few questions and shares a few secrets about his collection, travel and style in Thailand:
One of fashion?s fastest rising design stars, Thai-born Thakoon is heralded for his timeless feminine collections that seamlessly blend classic, traditional style with fresh silhouettes and modern detail. His work has attracted a devoted fan base that ranges from Michelle Obama to Anna Wintour. The innovative designer answers a few questions and shares a few secrets about his collection, travel and style in Thailand:
How does your native Thailand play a role in your line's inspiration?
I don't think there is ever a direct or clear influence; inspiration is always a product of something, a theme. For the line, I think the influence of Thailand is seen in the playfulness of color.
How would you describe style in Thailand?
There's definitely a coexistence of tradition and new youth revolution. Thais are very traditional: they're so proud of Thai silks, which made into traditional kinds of garments that are very beautiful and that the older generation continues to wear. But I think the influence of global fashion has been felt there, too, and so you see quite a bit of youthful fashion penetrating through.
How would you describe your own personal style?
Very simple, almost uniform-like. If I like a look, I'll continue to wear it 24-7.
Do you have any secret tips for traveling in style - any must-haves or tricks?
Always have a dependable carry-on. And a great scarf that you can wear on the plane, but also wear at meetings or shopping around. If you focus also on a certain look for the trip, you can really edit the number of pieces you bring with you (shoes, jeans, etc).
What are your top shopping destinations in Thailand?
Siam Paragon mall is a good fashion fix, Club 21 in the Erawan area is great. Though, I usually love the night market in Bangkok because that's where you'll find cool local things like scarves from the North of Thailand or Cambodia.
What is your favorite Thai restaurant in New York?
Pongsri at the corner of Bayard and Baxter Streets in Chinatown.
What are your all-time favorite travel destinations? Where do you find the most inspiration?
Paris, London and Tokyo.
What is your favorite hotel destination in the world and why?
It?s hard to decide on one! Four Seasons in Changmai, Claridges in London and Park Hyatt in Tokyo.
What inspired you to make the Thakoon Addition line?
Really to offer my customer the ability to have more casual pieces from us, so she can live in Thakoon all the time!
To shop the Thakoon Addition collection, please click here.
Global Give
I'm proud to introduce to you a new section called ?Global Give?. It pays homage to the artisans and traditional craftspeople I?ve met while curating L-atitude?s global collection. Over the past year, I've discovered a group of socially-minded designers who are using their creative eye to help artisans from developing countries improve their traditional products. Since their work helps sustain local communities and their cultural heritage, we wanted to welcome and present to you these designers collectively under our ?Global Give? umbrella.I'm proud to introduce to you a new section on our site called ?Global Give?. It pays homage to the artisans and traditional craftspeople I?ve met while curating L-atitude?s global collection. Over the past year, I've discovered a group of socially-minded designers who are using their creative eye to help artisans from developing countries improve their traditional products. Since their work helps sustain local communities and their cultural heritage, we wanted to welcome and present to you these designers collectively under our ?Global Give? umbrella.
From India ? Women Weave & Amba
The first designer I met who is applying her design skills to improve indigenous artisan product is Hema Patel, from Amba. Hema works with women handloom artisans in India to produce beautifully woven scarves that celebrate India?s centuries-old traditions. Hema is also on the board of Women Weave - an organization dedicated to empowering and improving the lives of women who weave in rural India. Its goal is to make handloom a profitable, fulfilling and sustainable income-earning activity for women.
From Laos ? Article 22
Article 22 is headquartered in New York, but its soul lives in Laos, one of Asia?s poorest countries and the most bombed nation in history. Elizabeth Suda, Founder of Article 22, works to embody what it was named for: Article 22 of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which calls for economic, social and cultural rights, and the free development of personality. Articles 22?s bags, scarves, native organic cottons and silks, and jewelry (made from Vietnam War scrap metal) are a reflection of the great respect for the culture and eco-conscious practices the brand has for its artisans.
From Cambodia ? Wanderlust
Wanderlust comes from the one-time LeSportsac creative director, Elizabeth Kiester?s vision to create a line of clothing and accessories that spoke a ?global language.? She left the States for Siem Reap, Cambodia, home to ancient temples and a French colonial past. There, she launched Wanderlust. Elizabeth spends her day scouring local markets for fabrics and prints that are sure to make you happiness. The ultimate goal: creating a brighter future for the local team of seamstresses under her employ.
From Kenya/Guatemela ? NEST
From Kenya to India, and Guatemala to Morocco, Nest helps women around the world escape the cycle of poverty. The goal is to have them become self-sufficient artisans and successful businesswomen. Nest employs a unique microbarter system, equipping women with the tools and skills to launch their own endeavors. Interest-free loans are repaid with jewelry, clothing and accessories that are marketed to US consumers. After the initial launch period, Nest ensures fair wages and safe conditions for its entrepreneurs. The result: authentic goods and a feel-good collection as diverse as its many countries of origin.
From China - SHOKAY
Shokay launched in 2006 after founders Carol Chyau and Marie So tapped into a little-known resource: yak down, sourced directly from Tibetan herders. Carol and Marie trekked China, following both the yaks and herders. The Shokay yak has long been a life source for these herders; employing them allows them to earn a living, and preserve their culture and traditions for future generations. The unique yak fibers provide maximum warmth; Shokay?s design aesthetic provides modern pieces that will last you a lifetime.
New York: Shopping Under the Influence
Shopping with a glass of champagne in hand is hardly a new idea, but previously the luxury was saved for designer stores and individuals with unlimited credit cards. In New York City, where time is always of the essence and multi-tasking skills are always quite necessary,there?s a new trend in town. As boozy brunches lead to lazy afternoons of shopping, also known as ?dropping,? the brilliant idea to combine the two finally surfaced. Here are three of New York City?s emerging stores quick to realize the future?s possibilities.Shopping with a glass of champagne in hand is hardly a new idea, but previously the luxury was saved for designer stores and individuals with unlimited credit cards. In New York City, where time is always of the essence and multi-tasking skills are always quite necessary,there?s a new trend in town. As boozy brunches lead to lazy afternoons of shopping, also known as ?dropping,? the brilliant idea to combine the two finally surfaced. Here are three of New York City?s emerging stores quick to realize the future?s possibilities.
The Dressing Room
The best of oh-so-many-worlds converge at The Dressing Room: vintage shopping, clothing exchanging, and cocktail sipping. Fashion designer and stylist Nikki Fontanella created The Dressing Room with Alexandra Adame and Paul Frazier with the intention to showcase new designer talent as well as vintage styles in a boutique that boasts a bar, event space, and the opportunity to sell and exchange clothes.
75A Orchard St
New York, NY 10002
Neighborhood: Lower East Side
(212) 966-7330
Kingdom
With two previous lives in the bar world, this Brooklyn outpost has only sort of strayed from its beginnings, as Kingdom claims to be the very first bar/boutique in Williamsburg. The combo services the multitude of hipster residents with creations from designers from within the neighborhood as the roster of talent includes 15 Brooklyn designers.
170 North 4th Street
Brooklyn, NY 11211
Beau Brummel
For the male fashion enthusiasts, fear not. The old world manners of cigars and martinis are far from antiquated at this brick and mortar. Though the front of the store displays suits, cufflinks, and suit jackets upon arrival, in the back it?s all about sports, scotch and stiff drinks.
347 West Broadway
New York, NY 10013
(212) 219-2666
Globe-Trotter: Antony Todd
Antony Todd made a name for himself as a sought after floral and event designer. His chic creations come in the form of dinner parties, destination weddings and fundraising events. Todd travels the globe searching for rare vintage furniture and enhances each and every find, adding his own creative finishes. His meticulously edited lifestyle collection is sold in his New York and Istanbul boutiques. Todd enlightened us on everything from his favorite international shops to how to throw a fabulous soiree.
Antony Todd made a name for himself as a sought after floral and event designer. His chic creations come in the form of dinner parties, destination weddings and fundraising events. Todd travels the globe searching for rare vintage furniture and enhances each and every find, adding his own creative finishes. His meticulously edited lifestyle collection is sold in his New York and Istanbul boutiques. Todd enlightened us on everything from his favorite international shops to how to throw a fabulous soiree.
L-Atitude: What made you decide to have a store in New York and Istanbul?
Antony Todd: I?ve lived and worked in New York City for many years. The showroom here is a natural extension of my growing interior design and event design business. The second location, Istanbul, was an interesting move and a great challenge in an emerging market.
L: Where are your favorite design stores in Istanbul?
AT: Midnight Express for furniture, objects, clothing and jewelry.
Day of Design for fabrics and textiles
Ceremony for flowers
L: Word on the street is you know how to throw quite the soiree! What are your secrets to a successful fete?
AT: Spoil your guests.
L: Where's your favorite place to travel to?
AT: I don?t have only one favorite place but Cartagena, Columbia springs into my mind right now. I like vacation destinations away from crowds.
L: What is your favorite international purchase and why? What do you hope to purchase on future travels?
AT: A 1950?s beautiful horse torso from ARBUS. I will purchase whatever strikes my fantasy next.
King of throwing parties, Antony Todd really showed us how it?s done when we visited Istanbul recently. Todd, along with Alphan Eseli (Turkish Film director) and Demet Muftuoglu (creative director of Vakko, who you?ll be reading more about on our site shortly!), hosted a cocktail party to introduce L-atitude to Istanbul's fashion-set & magazine editors. Todd along with Eseli have created a parent company to the Antony Todd Istanbul store, called Istanbul 74. The company focuses on every detail of event planning and decorating. Todd opened up his retail store in Nisantasi for us, which was the perfect venue for entertaining.
New York: Warm Up with Winter Drinks
It?s that time of year ? the temperature starts to drop and the buzz of the holidays begin. The sidewalks are even more jam-packed as people rush from store to store picking up gifts for giving, and preparations for holiday dinners and parties.It?s that time of year ? the temperature starts to drop and the buzz of the holidays begin. The sidewalks are even more jam-packed as people rush from store to store picking up gifts for giving, and preparations for holiday dinners and parties. Thankfully, there are more than a few ways to unwind and actually enjoy the season-- one of them being the warm and utterly delicious drink selection throughout the city, both with or without alcohol.
Hot Chocolate with Handmade Marshmallows at City Bakery
The line wraps around the spacious bakery for the city?s best cocoa the second it gets chilly ? but trust me, it?s worth the wait. The hot chocolate is the perfect balance ? rich and chocolatey but without that overwhelming sweetness that keeps some hot chocolates from being drinkable. Adding the large, dense marshmallows that are made in-house is a must.
City Bakery is at 3 West 18th Street near Fifth Avenue
The Perfect Hot Toddy and More at Fort Defiance
Cozy, welcoming bars like Fort Defiance is the type of place you want to be in the winter, curled up at a table with friends and season-celebratory drinks. Fort Defiance is known for making a must-try Hot Toddy ? a Hot Apple drink spiked with amaretto. Next, try the Kentucky Nightcap, a bourbon milk punch spun with an espresso machine wand. These drinks will warm your bones and set the tone for a perfect cold-weather evening.
Fort Defiance is at 365 Van Brunt Street near Dikeman Street in Red Hook
Hot Buttered Pisco at PDT
You can?t forget Irish coffee when you think of body-warming tipples ? and East Village bar PDT offers up a refreshing take on the tried and true classic. This drink fuses elements like hot buttered rum, Peruvian pisco, and vanilla H?agen-Dazs, among other winter favorites. It seems like the only way to unwind after a day of fighting crowds and searching for the perfect gifts.
PDT is at 113 St. Mark?s Place near First Avenue
Globetrotter: Tom Marchant
Tom Marchant defines jetsetter ? having lived in such varying locales as London, Moscow and Johannesburg, he?s spent time in practically every other destination the world has to offer. With a never-ending thirst to be truly immersed in other cultures and to find unique experiences off the beaten path in new locations, Marchant helped found cutting edge travel agency, Black Tomato, in 2005 to help others do the same. Creating bespoke vacation experiences for a luxury audience looking for the roads less traveled, Black Tomato ? and Marchant ? is arguably the last word in travel expertise. We sat down with Marchant to give us a taste of the world as he sees it.Tom Marchant defines jetsetter ? having lived in such varying locales as London, Moscow and Johannesburg, he?s spent time in practically every other destination the world has to offer. With a never-ending thirst to be truly immersed in other cultures and to find unique experiences off the beaten path in new locations, Marchant helped found cutting edge travel agency, Black Tomato, in 2005 to help others do the same. Creating bespoke vacation experiences for a luxury audience looking for the roads less traveled, Black Tomato ? and Marchant ? is arguably the last word in travel expertise. We sat down with Marchan to give us a taste of the world as he sees it.
L-atitude: How did you develop the concept of Black Tomato?
Tom Marchant: The idea was hatched deep in the Australian outback when three like-minded travellers met and realized that there was no company catering for the thirst for hip, authentic and off-the-beaten path travel experiences that was coming from a discerning, metropolitan market. Over the next 4 years, we shaped our business plan in every spare hour we found. One day (in 2005) we decided to take the plunge and do what we love the most in the world: create travel experiences that we can share and organize for other like-minded people.
L: What is your all-time favorite destination in the world and why?
TM: An almost impossible question to answer as, given my job, I am lucky enough to see many, many inspirational destinations that all mean a great deal to me in their own unique way. However, if push came to shove, I would ask if I could list two. For landscapes that blow your mind and an escape like nowhere else on the earth, then it would be Namibia and specifically the Skeleton Coast in the North East of the country. For a city whose culture and social side are both on a par in terms of decadence, then it would be Moscow. I lived there for a year when I was 22 and never has a place left such an impression on me.
L: What are three things you never leave home without?
TM: Notebook. And it needs to be old school. Love gadgets but nothing beats the end of a day when you scribble your thoughts and findings from that day into the book.
I-pod ? travelling without music makes the whole experience only half complete
A novel by an author from the place I am visiting (or if not possible, to source a book on the place ? but not a guide book. A story that relates to the place is better). I find literature is the best way of putting places in context and also evokes a strong sense of connection to a place.
L: What music do you listen to on your iPod while traveling?
TM: Depends on the trip and often what part of the trip. On a plane I like to listen to music that lulls me to sleep and removes me from the journey and to another place. When I?m in a place it is always good to dig out music from local artists, as it produces a great local flavor and connects you with a key aspect of what comprises the cultural side of a place. That aside, current bands making up my travel play lists include, The National, Port O?Brien. The Acorn, Jamie T and Delorean.
L: What is one place you are dying to visit but haven?t yet?
TM: The country of Cameroon. I have heard it is the most incredible country. It combines a stunning coast with jungle, desert and mountains. People talk about it as the best of Africa in one gorgeous country, and it has yet to be un-ravaged by excessive development.
The city of Bucharest. Romania?s capital is by all accounts a stunning destination with great culture, nightlife, cuisine and a rich history to be explored.
L: What is the most popular destination on Black Tomato?s site?
TM: It varies by season and we add many over the year, but to reflect on 2010, the following are the top 5 destinations from our site: Brazil, Indonesia, Tanzania, Syria, Iceland.
L: What is the perfect day spent in Istanbul?
TM: Start the day? at the Spice Market. The rich scents of spices and the bustle of the people haggling prices will sure get you on your toes. Fill your sweet cravings with flavored tea and delicious Turkish Delights.
Best View? from down below. Head to Hagia Sophia, an ancient mosque where you can head underground to find a gorgeous ancient water pool lit up by the flicker of candles.
Lunch? Make your way to the suburb of Ortak?y, a chic suburb brimming boutiques and atmospheric coffee houses and tea terraces. Be there on a Sunday and expect an electric artsy market to pick up some great finds.
End the day? on an island between two continents. Catch a boat to the Suada Club sitting on Galatasaray Island in the middle of the Bosphrous, this club boats an Olympic size swimming pool, restaurants and bars for a hedonistic night.
L: Which nightlife spots in New York do you make sure to visit when you?re there?
TM: I always like to combine the rough with the smooth, but tend to start with smooth first. In my case this manifests itself in a hotel bar, such as the Gramercy Park Rose Bar. Then I?ll head to a superb bar, be it Death and Company, Angel Share, Milk and Honey or a current favorite, Painkiller. The thing I love about NYC is that there is always a dive bar to hole up in and keep the evening going.
New York: Shopping Spot- How to Make Boots from Your Garage
If exclusivity is one of the most important things to you when it comes to your style, and you get a high off of knowing you?re wearing something one-of-a-kind, then new Bushwick spot, How to Make Boots from Your Garage, promises to thrill your style senses.If exclusivity is one of the most important things to you when it comes to your style, and you get a high off of knowing you?re wearing something one-of-a-kind, then new Bushwick spot, How to Make Boots from Your Garage, promises to thrill your style senses.
How to Make Boots from Your Garage is built on these principles ? those and the solution to all those times you?ve dreamed up the perfect boot in your head only to realize it doesn?t actually exist. This craft school/shop is the creation of designer Olivier Rabbath, who was tired of not being able to find the shoes he envisioned for his unisex line, Illusion. He studied the art of shoemaking, and now wants to share with shoe lovers in New York.
At How to Make Boots from Your Garage, $375 will enroll you in a fifteen-hour class that can span over the course of a week or a month. During this class, you?ll learn how to make a pair of shoes from start to finish, and then you will, of course, get to keep the pair you make. This is DIY at its finest. You?ll learn from a master. You?ll reach that fashion nirvana state of knowing that you are, without a doubt, the only person wearing those boots.
If you?re not feeling so hands-on, you can also shop Rabbath?s creations at the Bushwick location. A buzzed-about favorite is a pair of boots with gold-plated heels. As fashion continues to get more and more hands-on and community-based, making your own boots could be the future of shopping.
How to Make Boots from Your Garage is at 180 Hoyt Street in Bushwick.
New York: Hotspot Restaurants
There are three hot spots you simply must run to check out: The Dutch, The Lamb?s Club and The James. They are the latest and greatest NYC has to offer.The Dutch
Foodies flock to chef Andrew Carmellini?s (Caf? Boulud, Locanda Verde) latest venture in Soho?s old Cub Room space to try an updated American menu with international influences.
131 Sullivan Street
The Lamb?s Club
The prestigious restaurant has become the quintessential pre and post-theatre dining spot thanks to chef Geoffrey Zakarian and homage is paid to the space?s former occupants: the Lambs theatre group.
http://thelambsclub.com/index.php
The James
It?s all about the view at The James hotel and rooftop bar, so take them in from this stilted architectural wonder as you ride the external glass elevator up to the posh pool and bar.
http://www.jameshotels.com/Page.aspx?name=The-James-New-York
New York: City Secrets- Accessorize Your Social Media Presence
Social media isn?t just for the tech world anymore; in fact if there?s one industry that has embraced the vast world of Twitter, Foursquare and Facebook ? fashion wins.Social media isn?t just for the tech world anymore; in fact if there?s one industry that has embraced the vast world of Twitter, Foursquare and Facebook ? fashion wins. Womens Wear Daily keeps its Twitter followers up to date on the event details of the evening, while rouge accounts like @NoBtotheS calls out certain eccentricities and personalities in the style crew that everyone wants to evoke, but can?t.
Now the world has a chance to reap additional shopping benefits from their social media habits and Foursquare check- ins. Certain locations reward their mayors with certain discounts or freebies, but let?s be honest: becoming the mayor of a store in a big city like New York, Paris, LA, or London is nearly impossible.
So forgo the serious stalkage involved with earning the virtual crown and focus on the ever-growing list of badges that Foursquare?s creating. For the sartorial inspired individuals, direct the aim towards earning a select few of the fashion approved circles of social media goodness. Though Marc Jacobs? Fashion Victim badge has already hit retirement, the brains behind Foursquare are regularly updating their offerings. Snag Lucky Magazine?s Elite shopper by checking into five of their favorite boutiques, Bravo?s Fashionista and Real Housewife with a few visits to the well-heeled socialites must-visit spots, or People?s Hot Spot with check-ins at celebrity shopping haunts.
Sure, they?re virtual badges, but who doesn?t love a nice little accessory to decorate their social media presence?
City Secrets: Le Bain
Breathtaking views, an impossibly cool guest list of celebrities and tastemakers, a destination with a scandalous history and the piece de resistance: a pool. When Le Bain opened in June at the Meatpacking District?s The Standard Hotel, it was instantly clear that this nightclub would be THE place to party.Breathtaking views, an impossibly cool guest list of celebrities and tastemakers, a destination with a scandalous history and the piece de resistance: a pool. When Le Bain opened in June at the Meatpacking District?s The Standard Hotel, it was instantly clear that this nightclub would be THE place to party.
Since its opening, The Standard Hotel has been stealing the show downtown with antics that people couldn?t resist paying attention to--especially with floor-to-ceiling windows in the hotel rooms that set the stage for a ?show? to passer-byers. People have embraced this downtown hot spot, making it the perfect place for a rooftop nightclub that celebrates decadence.
The Standard has two nightclubs that equally take center stage. Le Bain sits just next to New York?s other sexy spot, the Boom Boom Room. Head to Boom Boom to mingle with the more traditionally fashionable and socially powerful crowd, or choose Le Bain for the cool kids and bright young things ? like James Franco, Terrence Koh, Justin Theroux, Olivia Palermo and Christian Siriano. You can mingle around the pool and even go for a swim ? take advantage of the pricey but convenient swimsuit vending machine if you?re ill-prepared. Thirsty? The pool?s bar is close by with cocktails and bar snacks ? like the aptly named Paris Spritz: Aperol, St. Germain, soda and champagne.
There?s no bad night to hit Le Bain ? there?s always a chic crowd of familiar faces and it?s always a party. Between the rooftop views and the pool, the club is arguably the sexiest destination right now in New York.
Le Bain is located at the Standard Hotel, at 848 Washington Street.
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