EMILIANO & JAEHEE
emiliano@lacasapark.com  917 406 2854
jaehee@lacasapark.com  917 373 1548
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IMG_7766Day 1 at Rose Bowl Flea, Pasadena, LA

Auwheee!  It has been So long that I have been at Rose Bowl Flea!!  Maybe almost good 8 years have passed by since the very first glorious visit to the market. Ahhh it was a hot beautiful day then with blazing sun on my back complaining at myself not thinking of bringing a tube of sun block with me. But this time around, it was quite chilly and cloudy only reaching up to 45 degrees. Only after 5 hours of sleep, Emi, Gael and myself hit the road to Pasadena munching on complimentary continental breakfast in the car to go (Chocolate Croissants and some coffee from Viceroy, Santa Monica). By the way, Viceroy Santa Monica was bit of disappointment after all for that whooping nightly rate they charged on us. ( Pls send me an email if you were planning to stay there and have any questions).  The market opens at 5:00 am with VIP admissions then regular admissions from 7:00 am till 4:30 pm for the last minute bargains. The market is HUGE with 6 colored areas. The white area across 2 small canals is where most of hard core vintage clothing lovers will be at and that is where you get to do most of people watching. And be ready to say ” Kawai and Ohaio”  to those well vintagely dressed Japanese friends popping everywhere!

IMG_7765We arrived right before 7:00 am and our admission costs $15.00  From 8:00 am and on, admission reduces down to $10.00.  12 years old and younger gets in for free.

IMG_7768The Rose Bowl Stadium itself. We pay a quick visit.

IMG_7791Welcome to Rose Bowl where Real Vintage Hippies exist.

IMG_7816Epitome of Men’s Vintage and Cool Gals: ARMY AND NAVY.  You go crazy here. Experiences like this truly sharpens your eyes to spot what is Really good Vintage or not.

IMG_7779Plus Turn of the Century ones. They are too good!

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IMG_7811Motorcycle is Huge here.

IMG_7808Dress comfy and casual to dig at Rose Bowl.

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IMG_7795Two things here. One, you need to have at least 1 breakfast Burrito when you are in Rose Bowl Flea. Two, all those tough denim and leather Rose Bowl girls.

IMG_7796Then real highlight of Rose Bowl this time was these Heavy weight Vintage Insiders and Dealers visiting Rose Bowl only a day after now the 4th annual event:  Japanese Vintage God Father Rin Tanaka’s Kulture Recycling Show, INSPIRATION LA in Long Beach, LA. Lots of Hand shaking, huddled groups deep in conversations, exclusive U haul trucks with highly collectible vintage items being dealt inside…  Then beautiful Japanese buyers completely decked out in Kapital denim pieces with all those Army jackets and Native American accessories.  How about sharp and stylish Italian buyers dealing all those sexy leather jackets… It truly felt like we were in a week of Grammy of Vintage in LA as we kept bumping into those insiders feeling lots of energy in town!

mf8coverweb1Here is the 8th edition I purchased of Rin Tanaka’s MyFReedamn! Book series. A great book that shows Tanaka’s wealth of Knowledge and love for Vintage Clothing, Motorcycles and Accessories. It’s a Great source for everything I do.  It’s inspiring and I really respect how far Tanaka had taken his love for the Vintage and it’s history. Rin Tanaka was born in 1970 in Japan.

IMG_7785Then here’s the owner and a crew of Irons and Duck.: An awesome Wear house full of Vintage and Vintage Inspired Industrial Design furniture and clothing.  They Fuel many of important design showrooms, retail places and residential homes in west coast.  Great guys with all the positive energy.  And I LOVE their about to shred to a string small yet well edited vintage clothing.

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IMG_7772Awesome collection of Vintage Iron Rail road nails. The number indicates what year the nail has been produced and used to repair or build the rail roads. They are beautiful.

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IMG_7803Serious buyers will come prepared with big bags. I had brought luggages on wheels!

IMG_7782We also browsed Home stuff and mid century modern. By the way, we saw very little of Mid century modern furniture at Rose Bowl.

IMG_7780Ever so getting popular NA and European Farm Crop Sacks ( for any end use).  The stripe indicates which farm the crops belong to.

IMG_7787Crop Sacks come to a Life in one way.

IMG_7831Day 2, we are hitting Abbot Kinney in Venice Beach Area. All the business opens at 11:00 am so we came to the Venice beach to stroll a bit and check out also the Canal area. ( it got little warmer! yay!)

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IMG_7853Ahhh We love Canals of Venice beach!  It’s so quiet and It’s Lovely! Sun is finally out and homes are cute. I am totally envious of beautiful palms, cactus and flowers… I want to have a home here!

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IMG_7875A lady on a surf board in canal. It feels so surreal to see such thing as I am from NY. This is Very LA.

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IMG_7906Ahhh I So want this tree!

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IMG_7929Gosh, they are Gorgeous.  I am in LOvE!!

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IMG_7900Keep Walking.

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IMG_7993After day 2 at Abbot Kinney and my favorite store in LA, Opening Ceremony in West Hollywood, here we are on Day 3 at Silver Lake. We are here for some breakfast and a few store visits.

IMG_7969Inside at Inteligentsia Coffee in Sunset Junction. I love cool Blue mosaic tiles against the rustic warm lighting.

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IMG_7979Here we are sitting at Cafe Stella the next door to Itelligentsia for some warm breakfast. LA has been chilly the whole time…!

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IMG_7971It’s a French place in Brooklyn sort of way in Spanish style architecture. It feels like home here.

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IMG_7983Warm pita on Soft eggs and Merguez.  SOOo delicious!

IMG_7988Entering a Cheese Shop the next door. A cutest little places here. Got some locally made Sea Salt Caramel bags for my design team back home here and they are delicious!

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IMG_8000Shop Lake. We had such little time before taking off to Airport and Shops open late in this area. But managed to hit a few good ones.

IMG_8005Lovely Wall paper.

IMG_8007The Last place we visited in LA. High Mart in Los Feliz.  A great airy space that offers Tranquility and quality.  Japanese owned and this place will take you right to Tokyo ( in Zen way).

Here’s my LA list:

Sunset Marquis

Lemonade Venice

Rose Bowl

Opening Ceremony

Katsuya

Abbot Kinney

Cafe Stella

Eams House

Mohawk General Store


And For the BEST COMPLETE GUIDE:

Unlike.net LA


IMG_6201Me and Director of Fashion Design Department, Alida Leon in the center surrounded by bright future stars at Altos de Chavon School of Design.

Over the Thanksgiving week, I was invited to give 3 day lecture and workshop for 19 very talented Fashion Design major students at Altos de Chavon School of Design in Dominican Republic. What an wonderful opportunity for me to give back and be inspired again!!  I like to specially thank to my friend and wonderful Professor Miss Alida Leon in behalf of Altos De Chavon for inviting me as her very first guest speaker for her department. The Lecture was a Power course of Introduction to Cut and Sew Knits and Sweater Knit. The Cut and Sew Knit and Sweater Knit are maybe the most important categories financially to any brand in Fashion Industry world wide and also needless to say an epitome to anyone and everyone’s wardrobe on any given day.

Unless you travel all the way to Europe, it is true that not many schools or possibly No Fashion schools in US offers specialized major degree program in Cut and Sew knit or Sweater knit. Almost every designer in this area I know learned and still is learning designing knits doing the actual work at their current and past jobs. During my school year at FIT then, actually I was going to do 1 year Sweater knit major program at St. Martin School of Design in London followed right by my 2nd year exchange program through FYT NY at Polimoda Florence ,which actually did not happen as I met Emiliano but at least I was able to take special Sweater course for 1 full semester at Polimoda by traveling once a week to this Knitting studio located in Empoli about 20 minutes outside of Florence.  So Students at Altos de Chavon in such a hot climate to have this opportunity is surely an eye opening experience and I was thrilled to be there to feed all the knowledge that I was able to share from years of experience working in the industry.

IMG_5843A rustic and quaint view from the Guest House we are staying at Altos de Chavon.  Altos de Chavon is located in the heart of Casa de Campo in La Romana area in DR. Altos de Chavon is a small village built in 1970’s inspired by general architecture of Medieval European village. It is so well done, its hard to believe that this town is only built in 70’s!

IMG_5848We are going for an easy dinner and bit of night stroll at Altos de Chavon. I feel like I am in South of Italy here.

IMG_5851Passing by the Gallery. It will be open in the morning.

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IMG_5869The Best and Go to restaurant in Altos de Chavon. We are having a dinner here.

IMG_5870Gael snapping us. Just arrived and I look very tired coming out of many weeks of intense work back in NY. I am so glad Emi and Gael are with me during this trip and hope this will have a good influence on Gael especially. Teaching mom!

IMG_5887After dinner quick visit to School. Fine Art major students are working late hours to meet their deadline on group project.

IMG_5889Nothing like a roomful of fresh artists’ art. Ahhh I love this.

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IMG_5933Continuing Education!  Student Gael at Altos de Chavon with back ground of Incredible work of fashion design students. I can’t wait to meet them tomorrow!!!

IMG_5915Beautiful illustration of one student on the wall.

IMG_5916Beautiful hair she got! I love it!

IMG_5941The dorm. So rustic and So beautiful. All the talents live and work here.

IMG_5956Good morning Chavon! A beautiful day.

IMG_5957A view from the guest house.

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IMG_6095Early morning visit to an amphitheater.  This theater held quite a bit of heavy weight concerts.

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IMG_6322Look out to Chavon river.  It’s sssooo lush here with mountains and river.

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IMG_6073The piazza and the church.

IMG_6048The First day to School!

IMG_5992Walking into the campus. It’s very cute!

IMG_5974Day one talking through all the technical aspects of Knit fabrication, yarns, knitting terms, wash techniques, how to read and measure fabric weight, yarn weight and gauges, texture vs non texture… The list goes on and on. Hundreds of images of examples and inspiration from all around the world and my own travels… So much to talk about and learn.  9-5 full 3 days are going by fast.

IMG_5999Now talking about technical flats and showing how to illustrate stitches, cuts, shapes and drapes.

IMG_6005Now showing a Life of one sweater from a sketch to the final product.

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IMG_6051Day two. The Workshop and mentoring. The project outline is given at the end of day one and here we are together practicing rendering and sketching sweaters and building the line. 3 looks to complete from the top to bottom full outfit including cut and sew knits and sweater pieces with complete flat sketches and colored illustration showing full texture and stitches. Kids got only 24 hours to turn it around after 1 day of lecture. And day 3 is presentation of their collection and all day critique.

IMG_6065They learn fast and they are amazing.

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IMG_6170A creative desk. I love it.

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IMG_5967Quick break outside but questions are pouring in.

IMG_6021A night check out of swimming pool. We had great early morning swims here looking out to Chavon river. Hope kids are doing all right and they will show up with fabulous work tomorrow.

IMG_6160Wow Kids!!! You guys are Super!!!  I guess This is Why You Teach. See what you harvest after you plant that seed. I mean only after 2 days of lecture to who never knew anything about knits and sweaters, I get this wonderful fruits back. I get teary. Thank you kids.

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IMG_6103The presentation and Critique starts now. So CREATIVE!!!

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IMG_6184Critique and discussion goes all day.

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IMG_6164The president of Altos de Chavon School of Design and the Cultural Center Foundation, Ms Dominique Bluhdorn visits the class during the Critique hours. Dominique, thanks again for the wonderful hospitality and conversations we had and of course for the teaching opportunity! You have wonderful Directors like Alida and very talented kids at your school. Thank you!

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IMG_6153More memories!  Thank you guys!

IMG_6226After completing much successful 3 day lecture, here we are off to Bayahibe with Alida!

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IMG_6246Amazing lunch at Captain William Kidd. Despite the name, trust  me, you get beautiful food here!

IMG_6245A beautiful and really delicious Appetizer for 4. Octopus salad, grilled lobster, pan fried shrimps, Tuna carpaccio with cilantro and lime juice and sea bass fritters. To die for. And a bottle of Falanghina!

IMG_6248Yum Yum Yum. Spaghetti with tomato and a Whole crab. Amazing! This is an Italian restaurant owned by this Italian lady. Very authentic Italian but all  based on fresh local seafood from ocean of DR. One to share for 4.

IMG_6289Ahhh the Saturday always feels short…

IMG_6284Gael synchronizing.

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IMG_6300The Last night at Altos de Chavon. Here we are for a dinner at Marina area in Casa de Campo. It’s quite lively!

IMG_6297After dinner Pre B day cake for Emi with mega Fire work Surprise! Thank you Martha! Thank you for taking us out for a wonderful dinner al fresco and for such great hospitality! We enjoyed the night very much!

IMG_6302Night Stroll around the Marina. It’s a lovely night.

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IMG_6309From the left, Martha Victoria, Administrative Director of Altos de Chavon Cultural Center Foundation, Director Alida Leon, Me and Gael. Emi on the camera. Cheese!

IMG_6307Alida and me.

Alida! Thank you for everything and thank you for inviting me to teach your wonderful 19 little stars. You are very well respected and loved by all of your students.  So it was easy for me to just take your string and go with it. Teaching is a wonderful thing and I loved every second of it.  On the third day, Seeing all the projects from the kids and their hard work truly impressed me. You have taught them well and you are doing a wonderful work guiding and nourishing them to become bigger stars. Thank you my friend.

To all of you wonderful fashion kids at Altos de Chavon! I saw such height of true talent and passion in that room for the fashion. Eager to learn more and wonderful plans for your future studying more and getting into the field. Passion is a beautiful thing and do not ever loose it no matter what condition you ever will be in.  Don’t forget to do your best and show up at your best you can. Thank you all.

IMG_5081At NYS Sheep and Wool Festival, Rhinebeck, Upstate NY.

In mid October, when all the leaves just started turning to those gorgeous autumn like colors in golden mustard and velvet reds, we were invited to a lovely weekend home of Chicco and Paola’s for a cozy sleep over and visit to Wool Festival up in Rhinebeck, NY.  The sun was cuddly and warm against crisp air that signals true beginning of beautiful fall. It has been many weekends and long hours of work, so a get away over a weekend felt much needed to rest my soul and recharge a bit. A small back pack does the magic, a warm pair of socks and sweaters for the family, we are ready to Off!!!

On a way to Chicco’s, we also had stopped at New Paltz for a quick lunch and bit of stroll. Its always a nice drive you have going through New Paltz for it’s warm and cozy scenery and the small down town’s lively antique shops and restaurants to spend a good half day.  Water Street Market by the old Train station is also a cute spot to browse and get nick knacks to local cheese and wine to take home for the weekend. While you are in downtown, I also like to suggest you to go visit Huguenot street Historic Site for bit of French style historic Stone houses and this one amazing shop where you can taste all sort different kind of aged Balsamic vinegars and olive oils you can bottle your self: Scarborough Fare.

A little get away here we come, and I am so ready for this!

IMG_5018In Korean expression we call Autumn for a season when Horses get to really grow and the Sky gets real high. And I think that is so right.

IMG_4992It was such a warm day. We are near the New Paltz, NY here.

IMG_4946In New Paltz downtown, taking a walk along a small river.

IMG_4984This little shop, Scarbrough Fare carries Mighty flavors to be bottled by you!

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IMG_4951Gael tasting almost every kinds of Vinegar here. They are really great kinds. Most of them are imported from Italy and Spain.

IMG_4960We took 3 flavors home. Espresso ( yes Espresso, the coffee), Bianco white  and Apple.

IMG_5036We picked up Vintage Cricket set at one of Antique shop in Water Street Market.  It was both me and Gael’s first time! We had fun playing it at Chicco’s Garden.

IMG_5050At lovely kitchen having some pasta dinner. We are waiting for the home owners to arrive. They are bit stuck in the traffic back in the city…

IMG_5058The morning after long and relaxing Sunday breakfast. From the left, Amelia, Gael and Ercole. Yum Fluffy and Warm home made pancakes. Kids are the Best.

IMG_5066Yeah we are here at Rhinebeck!  Wool Festival!!!

IMG_5065It’s a big venue full of much to see!

IMG_5069Hays, Farmers, Sheeps and Lamas, Yarns and Knitters… It’s Fantastic here!!

IMG_5072Hand dyed cashmere rugs. They are So soft and Very expensive.

IMG_5077Some demonstrations. She’s weaving a rug.

IMG_5090And they are Just so irresistible!! Lamas.

IMG_5076Gorgeous wool Yarns. Colors are amazing. It’s very inspiring.

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IMG_5084Omg, How cute is he!!!  Kids are going nuts.

IMG_5087By the way, A great pattern at one of animal booth.  Many of cuties are walking around and getting ready for ” Best in show” for the later afternoon.

IMG_5098It’s truly a big party!  Proud farmers!

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IMG_5109Emi and Ercole.

IMG_5112OK , I am back to see some yarns and rovings. Roving is carded stage of airy wool balls. Once you twist the roving, it becomes a yarn. I always love rovings as somehow colors are true to how it’s dyed than a yarn form. It’s gorgeous.

IMG_5119Amazing Rovings.  They come in millions of colors. All Felting Artists use these to create anything that is done through felting technique. Paola is one of them and She makes the most beautiful art pieces by wool felting.

IMG_5117This booth had some amazing colored rovings in Cashmere and Alpaca and so much more. All of these are to be sold by weight. Which is a very typical way to do so.

IMG_5118You can also buy all sort of tool related to make yarns from rovings and fleece. Carding machine, spinner, spools and knitting pattern books….

IMG_5123He’s making wool yarn by using a Yarn spinner. There’s a little foot paddle and you need to coordinate while you hold the string of roving. The paddle spins the machine.

IMG_5122Knitters, Hold your breath.

IMG_5114She’s needle quilting.

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IMG_5126This is a typical wooden basket/back pack for the farmers and you can dare it and rock it like this cool wool lady!  Yes you can buy this basket at the festival.

IMG_5127Here we are at the ” Best in Show”

IMG_5128Showering light on Emi and Chicco.

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IMG_5143Vegetable dye demonstration.

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IMG_5149We have been waiting for the 2:00 pm Sheep Shearing!

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IMG_5161To Shear a fully grown Sheep takes a well experienced skill and also strength to hold her down during a full shearing that lasts about good 5-7 minutes.  Depends on the time of the year when you shear or clip the woolen fleece off the sheep, the quality of wool can change quite a bit.

IMG_5173Impressive amount of Sheared Fleece. Usually they go through once a year shearing.

IMG_5185Hand Dyed felted Wool sheets.  They come in a square shape and  they are quite soft.

IMG_5182Ercole and Gael

The Wool festival up in Rhinebeck comes back every year for 2 days in October.  If you haven’t been yet, you should visit one for the next year.  The drive to get there  is beautiful and there are ton of amazing yarns and other source around wool related and also great farm food that’s based on Lamb.  And as it is peak of Fall, stopping by farm shops here and there is also lots of fun. Pumpkin picking, Apple picking, apple cider and all those home made pies coming right out of Farmer’s kitchens…

And absolutely amazing Alpacas!

IMG_4152Super awesome window and exhibition at Bon Marche, Paris celebrating 160 great much stylish years of Bon Marche.

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IMG_4225Hotel Bourg Tibourg, Collection of mini Moroccan boxes. Super Cute and Super Petite!

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IMG_4242Palais Royal

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IMG_4306Hermes, the one near Bon Marche

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IMG_4298Place des Vosges

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IMG_4285Saturday Pop Up Farmers Markets around the city: check out all little squares!

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IMG_4311Bicycles and cuties

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IMG_4271A great one!

IMG_4239Not Sushi, It’s Hearts of Smoked Salmon and dill cream at L’avenue

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IMG_4273Night walk with Cynthia

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IMG_4268So many chick eye glass shops.

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IMG_0706One of my favorite restaurants.

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IMG_1807Me standing inside of FireFlies on the Water by Yayoi Kusama, Whitney Museum

Her Posters are everywhere in NYC. Her fabulous bangs and oddly wild dotted outfit that blends into the back ground tells you ” Enough said “. You have to go see her. There is a long line waiting to get into Whitney is impressive. It’s handsome crowd gathering. Everyone seems bit nervous and excite. and Me too! I can’t wait to be in!!!

IMG_1837Doesn’t she look here like Edna in that animated film,  ” Incredibles” ?

IMG_1812In the lobby. Awwww, Exciting!

IMG_1814I followed the big balloons and it leads me to the restaurant downstairs. I want this situation at my house!

IMG_1816I am dressed for Ms.Yayoi Kusama. Huge respect.

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IMG_1818Going back to Lobby to see Fireflies on the water! I am starting YAYOI KUSAMA!

Only one person at a time is allowed in the room of Fireflies on the water. And you must make an reservation to get a ” Timed ticket” at the ticket desk on the day of visit.  Each visitor gets to have 1 full minute per visit.

IMG_1864Thank you Whitney for such a Fab walking guide!

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IMG_1867Photos are NOT allowed in the museum so I am about to share many images from the book, “KUSAMA” published by Rizzoli that I purchased at the Museum. Rizzoli edition actually better captures the Exibition at Whitney than Whitney’s own publication.

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IMG_1905One of early paintings.

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IMG_1907Kusama in her studio, early years.  I absolutely loved all the old pics of the artist at the exhibition!!!  And her sketch books. To die for….!

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IMG_1877She has done series of Pieces working with Fabric, stuffing, shapes, repetition…. This is called ” Cloud”. This covers about good 300 sqft of surface on the floor.

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IMG_1866These collection of Stuffed and painted canvas fabric fills up about 800 sqft of room. And it’s up to good 4 foot tall.

IMG_1870There were series of this Typography based posters of Kusama’s Arty parties in 60’s. They make me go crazy. I adore these.

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IMG_182457th street, 5th avenue. Louis Vuitton is an official supporter of this exhibition and also had collaborated ” INFINITELY” collection.

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LOvE ArT LOvE FaShiOn LOvE dOtS!

LOvE KUSAMA!!!

YAYOI KUSMA ends on September 30th. Do not miss it.

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Royal Tenenbaums, Court Side, Sexy Colors and Crazy Good Stripes!



IMG_0435Cutting edge clothing store ALCHEMIST at 11 11 Lincoln Road, Miami, Florida.

It has been like 12 years the last time I went down to Miami. Since then, a few things have definitely changed. If you still like to talk about Ocean Drive in Miami, Please, Talk to the hands. Because that is So over. Ocean drive and the crowd is there. So what?  Let People have fun. But that is Not my first interest when I Now talk about Miami. Why?  Because I saw and I was there for real interesting things. Not in the past. I was having a ” Design Moment” in Miami.

Miami is moving forward.

IMG_0301A Court Yard at MOCA, 770 NE 125th Street, North Miami

A small scaled Museum of Contemporary Art North Miami is located way out of the way from Miami Beach. When I was researching what I need to see in Miami, I assumed MOCA was in Design district but this is even little more out of the way from Design District. Sort of middle of nowhere but I love how handsome the building is. I was envy of space imagining us 3 living a modern life. A beautiful Court Yard, plenty of space to hang our favorite arts, parties with friends… It’s that cozy yet chick and modern. As soon as Atsuko has arrived from NY, we headed off to MOCA for little Art moment.

IMG_0303Yes. It’s a Paradise.

IMG_0327Outside of MOCA.

IMG_0312Current exhibition : Ragnar Kjartansson’s “Song” May 17-September 2.

A room size of about 400 square foot housing multiple screens showing the artists play different part of One song that is being played in physically different locations. Each screen and location plays each layer of components of the song but they complete each others as a whole in harmony. It’s an interesting concept. And the room is surprisingly relaxing and chilled. We were all sitting there on the floor for a while.  It was quite beautiful.

IMG_0309Atsuko and Gael.

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IMG_0320Here in a different room. The artist’s 3 nieces sing a gentle folk song that is written by Kajartansson in Carnegie Museum of Art’s Hall of Sculpture. Those pretty faces singing in such angelic voice… I was having a ” Virgin Suicide“  and “Tavi” moment here. Bit spooky and quite beautiful.

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IMG_0498Again, 11 11 Lincoln Road on Lincoln, Miami

Here’s the Quote from their site 1111Lincolnroad, “Envisioned by Wennett and Designed by Herzog & de Meuron, 11 11 Lincoln road represents the collaboration of renowned architects, landscape architects, artists and designers to create a unique shopping, dinning, residential and parking experience for Miami’s residents and visitors.”  You should really check out the site. It’s a beautiful thing.

IMG_0437Atsuko walking around bit.  Actually the building also reminds me of  Shanghai’s 1933.

IMG_0436Approaching the shop,  Alchemist on 5 th floor. The only store in the building off the ground floor.

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IMG_0429Beautifully edited collection of Balenciaga, Rick Owen, Proenza Schouler…. And amazing jewelries!

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IMG_0443A view from the second floor of 11 11 Lincoln. The multi colored glassed building is a cinema.

IMG_0484Now we are at JUVIA restaurant for Cocktails! A pent house restaurant right next to the building of 11 11 Lincoln.  The penthouse deck with a grand view to Miami beach. Ahhhh  It’s a real ideal Miami experience here. The breeze, people, design, relaxed vibe, even to the right volume of music like Atsuko says. All in A Style. Swanky and Smart. Just Perfect.

IMG_0465Sitting Bar. The beautiful planted jungle wall,what ever you will call is out of the world. Emi treated us with yummy cocktails!

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IMG_0479How much I love those chairs!

IMG_0477Indoor dinning area.

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IMG_0329Here we are now at Design district.  The Art installation called ” The Living room”. Then it used to be attached to low rise commercial building.

p104750-Miami-Living_Room_BuildingThis is photo taken by Ally at IgoUgo.com back in year 2004. See then it even had a curtain!

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IMG_0339There are many little low rise commercial spaces in Design district. They are all sort of different architectural style from industrial to Art deco to this sort of to super Modern… all mixed in.  But Always with lots of plants and flowers.

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IMG_0341Lots and lots of galleries and design shops.  Check out Miamidesigndistrict and DesignDistrictMag

IMG_0343Here there are couple cute boutiques and One of the Best Restaurant in Miami, Michael’s Genuine. And around the corner from here, there are shops of absolutely beautiful Martin Margiela and Marni.

IMG_0346Inside of Michael’s Genuine.  There’s cute little outdoor space and airy and simple indoor space with this boxed red lighting.  We are having Sunday evening dinner here!

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IMG_0347Slowly caramelized Pork Belly sitting on top of a Kimchi bed!  Miami loves kimchi for the moment!  All ingredients are Organic and they are all well priced.  Super low key vibe with great hearty food. Thanks to Anthony Bourdain for the recommendation!

IMG_0356Savory was savory and good. but WOW! Dessert at Michael’s Genuine is Out of the World!  So delicious. Here 2 donuts with buttered Pop corn Ice cream and lemon zest and and and…!  It sounded bit strange to hear the buttered pop corn ice cream, but the chef had nailed the flavor in such nice way. They were amazing.

IMG_0403Beautiful Monday Morning, Atsuko and I are hitting Miami by foot leaving boys by the beach. Palms, Sun and Breeze. It’s really nice!

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IMG_0402Checking out Hotel Delano for a cool shop we heard about.

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IMG_0412Such an elegant bar at Delano. I love it.

IMG_0413A Wall by the shop, Base at Delano.

IMG_0418A must Check out Concept Store, Webster.

IMG_0417And here’s a good old Miami moment with an Art Deco building…

IMG_0388Our last night at W Miami. There are many great arts in W Miami. Damien Hirst, a few of Basquiat… Usually I associate W with “Trendy” and “Lively” but  W Miami one felt more chick and relaxed. Grown up.

IMG_0391Bar Restaurant, Dutch at W.

IMG_0389I like the shot of soft grey stripe running down the middle of the pillars. Without it, it would have been more of NYC.

IMG_0376Our swanky deck to the ocean.

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It was more of an eye opening trip to me personally to learn about where Miami is heading to and was a really pleasant experience of Start of Modern Design in Miami. Something that just will stay in my skin for a long time. Not just pretty clothes. Not just another store.  Me sitting there at pent house of Juvia having one cocktail completely settled in me. The vibe and situation really inspired me heading into Summer research. A life style. But I really hope Miami will carry on and preserve their Art Deco heritage and turn it into the best form they can. I mean where in the world, can you find such a setting? All these deco buildings by the beach!

Hope you enjoyed Miami in My way and hope this gives you a different perspective about Miami.

(By the way $10 meal at Puerto Sagua was Puerto Sagua. It brought all back to me!)

LOvE  Design!

IMG_9809Kraftwerk, Die Robotor, 1978 at Kraftwek Music Festival, MoMa PS1.

No, we were not able to get tickets to Kraftwerk’s Retrospective Spectaculars at MoMa. But we definitely checked out  the 2 day Kraftwerk Music Festival to celebrate this awesome event at MoMa’s sister museum, PS1 in Queens on Sunday. “All ages are welcome” is my kind of event so we can take Gael with us to have him experience something more stimulating, creative and out of ordinary.  On top of it, the hosting DJ for the Sunday event was mine and Emi’s all time favorite, Francois K, the father and the house DJ of our much beloved good old time dance hall, Body and Soul. What good fun and memories we have there…!!  The weather was fantastic hang out outdoor and also it was a definitely event we wanted to check out. It has been a while having gone to listen to Francois K and this tie was even more special that he was spinning all of his own spin on 8 albums of Kraftwerks that have been loved by millions of people for all these years.

IMG_9719The dome was originally built for PS1’s Sunday Sessions.  Juan Atkins on Saturday and Francois K on Sunday were spinning inside along the multiple images of Kraftwerk. Drop Dead Gorgeous.

IMG_9720Walking in!

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IMG_9747Amazing Music! Francois K

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IMG_9749Gael was super fascinated by all the images and it was ” COOL” music to him!

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IMG_9761The indoor sounds flows to outdoor. ( Real) Cool Crowds chilling on steps to the museum entrance. Love you all.

IMG_9760And the museum pop up air stream book store. Brilliant.

IMG_9785And the only outdoor dancer: him.

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IMG_9789Not kidding. I had this urge to join him. I was just not brave enough to embarrass Gael.

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IMG_9781Always love the murals in PS1.

IMG_9779Re visiting for the 10th times.. James Turrell’s light filled sight specific project, ” Meeting”

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IMG_9774I still ask myself if this is for real. The real open sky light. With real breeze flowing into the room.

IMG_9775Under the sky light. People like to chill.

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IMG_9790At the Beer and burger garden. PS1

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One more hit of Kraftwerk! I LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS VIDEO.

ViVa MuSiCa!

IMG_7374Much anticipated De Kooning Exhibit at MoMa, NYC

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De Kooning at MoMA, NYC

LOvE ART!



IMG_7310A Beautiful grand view of Boom Boom Room, Standard Hotel, NYC

It’s a day before Thanksgiving weekend, Emi and I had met up in the city late afternoon to kick off our official Mental Holiday clock in our spirit! Let’s have a drink! So where is the perfect place to do it? Absolutely the Boom Boom Room at Standard Hotel!

It was then the Empire state building to steal the best view of Manhattan, then Brooklyn prominent looking over the East river admiring soaring Twin Towers then the little door open to the balcony outside next to the DJ Booth on the second floor of Tin Cup in Williamsburg for the Drop Dead Gorgeous Brooklyn Bridge in your face with undeniably amazing entire Manhattan’s skyscraper….  Then now, I would not hesitate for a second to call out loud the Boom Boom Room is definitely the Sexiest and Most elegant place to enjoy 360 degree of gorgeous Cityscape of  Manhattan…!!

You just have to be there.

IMG_7316Hot Hostesses greeting us at Boom Boom Room. Tall, beautiful, lanky and friendly..!

IMG_7315Entering.

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IMG_7282If I write up a recipe of Boom Boom Room itself it would be something like this: 1 part of James Bond, 1 part of Tom Ford, 1 part of Rainbow room, and a splash of lemon and 1 big solid Square Ice cube. Do not Shake. Just Stir!  Very Elegant. Nothing trendy here.

IMG_7284Here’s my drink. ” Lady Lavender” with St. Germain. Nothing sweet or sour either. Just perfect and just an elegant smile of quiet lavender…

IMG_7285And  a just right amount of nibbles to accompany my Lady Lavender and Emi’s manly Negroni.

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IMG_7298There are 2 fire places: 1 on the northeast corner and the other one on the north west corner. So swanky..!

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IMG_7318Leaving!

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IMG_7320Going down in an awesome elevator. A moving images of Heaven and Hell, I would call.

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IMG_7323Lobby.

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IMG_7329A mini ice rink outside of Standard Hotel. Genius!

IMG_7331The Standard Hotel, Meat Packing District, NYC

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Now buying Stakes and Salad at Chelsea market in full of warm and bit tipsy Holiday Sprit after a couple delicious cocktails and much chat with my Best friend, Emiliano!

Emi, I love you so much and Happy Begin of our Holidays together!!

LOvE, NYC!

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