LIFE etc.
TRENDING NOW They’re the fashion destinations on the rise with a style all their own. Add them to your holiday radar
The Row’s flagship boutique features a courtyard pool. BELOW, FROM LEFT: Abbot Kinney Boulevard; Le Labo; Palihotel Melrose; Intelligentsia Coffee
Los Angeles
BY CHRIS URANKAR
Last February, LA was named one of the five Top Global Fashion Capitals by US-based reasearch company, The Global Language Monitor. It now joins New York, London and Paris at the pinnacle of the esteemed list. Given the recent influx of international designers such as Saint Laurent creative director, Hedi Slimane (who moved his studio from Paris to LA in 2012), and Tom Ford it’s easy to see why. A week before the Academy Awards in February this year, Ford relocated his Autumn/Winter 2015 show from London to LA’s Milk Studios. His move was shrewd and his front row blindingly A-list; Beyoncé Knowles, Sir Elton John, Gwyneth Paltrow, Jennifer Lopez et al. Other proud LA-based, internationally renowned labels that understand the benefits of mixing fashion with celebrity include Rodarte, J Brand, Monique Lhuillier and Band of Outsiders. In town? Make your first stop Melrose Place where A-listers and high-end brands love to mingle. Head straight to the The Row flagship on Melrose Place, opened by its Californianative founders Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen last May. The residential-style boutique—complete with a cool courtyard and swimming pool— stocks the entire line of womenswear and accessories, among locally designed furniture. While you’re there, check out red-carpet jewellery favourite Jennifer Meyer (who’s
This old thing? VINTAGE TREASURES The Way We Wore: Owner Doris Raymond is considered an LA legend and her boutique (left) contains rare finds from each decade of the 20th century (with a leaning towards Pucci), all expertly curated. 334 S. La Brea Avenue
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married to actor Tobey Maguire), located just next door and, nearby, sit down to a blow-dry (approx. $70) at the West Coast HQ of celebrity stylist Frederic Fekkai, who counts Cameron Diaz as a fan. If you’re after emerging indie talent, head to “the coolest block in America”, Abbot Kinney, in Venice—a shopping strip of quirky, acid-bright vintage bungalows. Start your day with a one-on-one barista coffee “experience” at Intelligentsia Coffee or a bite at celeb-haunt bistro Gjelina. Then, take a leisurely stroll via temple of boho-chic Principessa, Le Labo for bespoke fragrance, Alternative Apparel for eco-minded pieces, and, if you’re feeling homesick, Aust. for the latest from Ellery and Dinosaur Designs. For one-off interior pieces, sift through kaleidoscopic Latin-American upholstered furniture at Knibb Design (spotted in Koreatown’s lauded The Line Hotel). And head to HD Buttercup in Downtown’s Arts District, a glamorous cache of mid-century modern pieces favoured by Halle Berry and Lea Michele. STAY: PALIHOTEL MELROSE The rustic-bohemian Palihotel Melrose exudes luxury without superfluous gloss. With just 32 guest rooms, book early. Rooms from approx $277 per night; pali-hotel. com. Qantas flies to LA direct from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane; qantas.com.au
LA street style comfortably mixes designer and casual, but the secret weapons are the curated vintage treasure troves found in West Hollywood for that cool one-off Chuck’s Vintage: A shrine to all things Americana. Stars and stripes, along with wall-to-wall denim, abound in patriotic glory—think Wrangler, Levi’s and a Coachella-ready vintage rock tee. 8012 Melrose Avenue
Decades: An established favourite of the city’s top stylists and recommended by Rachel Zoe, Decades is the go-to for mint condition Halston, Chanel and Oscar de la Renta of yesteryear. 8214 1/2 Melrose Avenue
Copenhagen The Danish aesthetic is impossible to describe without referencing the work of Arne Jacobsen. The architect and designer’s modernist chairs embody a Nordic passion for simplicity and naturalism, and are lauded the world over. A similar ethos lies at the hearts of local fashion designers, including internationally renowned Malene Birger, whose empha sis on minimalism and functionality speaks volumes about that understated Danish chic. To begin your day, swap your heels for a comfor table pair of flats, and four wheels for two—bike is by far the best way to explore the cit y. The first por t of call should be the very hip neighbourhood of Nørrebro. Located on Guldbergsgade, boutique Adelié takes its name from the online alias of its owner, Tikkie Oestrich, one of the country’s most popular fashion bloggers. Inside, find a well-edited range of local favourites including Goya and Wood Wood alongside Mario Badescu skincare. Around the corner, the stylist secret Acne Archive offers key vintage pieces and one - of f s by the popular Swedish label. Then it’s time to look to the Danish masters. For silver, Georg Jensen flagship in the Amager tor v square of the cit y centre houses an ar r ay of flatware, vases and sparkling jewellery. Similarly, for gold and precious stones, head to Ole Lynggaard Copenhagen located nearby.
Pony showcases seasonal produce
Design aficionados will adore furniture establishment Rox y Klassik, centrally located, housing post-1900 pieces by the likes of Ole Wancher, Hans Wegner and of course, Jacobsen. Venture further afield, 35km south to the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art in Humlebæk to find works by the likes of Andy Warhol, Pablo Picasso and David Hockney. Back in Copenhagen, don’t miss the Nyhavn Waterfront with its pretty rows of coloured houses. Another
must-see (and try!) is the award-winning interior s and rur al - Nordic menu of Höst restaurant. STAY: HOTEL SP34 This address in the city’s old Latin Quarter houses 118 rooms, and each with luxurious linen, free Wi-Fi and products by REN skincare. Rooms from approx $350 per night; hotelsp34.dk. Singapore Airlines flies to Copenhagen via Singapore from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Darwin and Cairns; singaporeair.com
Effortless Scandinavian style at Hotel SP34
No Luck at Noma? TRY THESE… Relæ: Opened by former Noma sous-chef Christian Puglisi, this minimal fine diner serves a four- and seven-course New Nordic tasting menu. Jægersborggade 41, 2200 København
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Höst restaurant; Nyhavn waterfont; Roxy Klassik showroom; Georg Jensen flagship
Rene Redzepi’s world-famous restaurant, Noma, will close to undertake a 10-week stint at Sydney’s Barangaroo from January 2016 (book early!). So try these great options instead Kul: Named after the Danish word for coal, Kul is aptlyplaced in the meatpacking district. On the menu, grilled Norwegian lobster and trout. Høkerboderne 16B, 1712 København V
Pony: The offshoot of Michelin-starred Kadeau promises a similar, foragedstyle menu. Think tartare with horseradish and herb salad. Nørre Farimagsgade 41, 1364 København K InStyle / SEPTEMBER 2015
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LIFE etc. TRAVEL
Skye Bar (and its rooftop pool) at Hotel Unique is just as stunning during the day, with views of downtown São Paulo
São Paulo
Montreal
As Brazil’s financial centre, its largest metropolis and home of the country’s richest architectural traditions, São Paulo knows a thing or two about design and commerce. Rio de Janeiro may lay claim to Carnivale and “The Girl from Ipenema”, but São Paulo has might, scale and sprawl—cleverly mixed with pragmatism, creativity and, of course, cuttingedge fashion. And it is the unique blend of these elements that has propelled this city to place 15th on the 2014 Top Global Fashion Capital list, with São Paulo Fashion Week the biggest fashion show in Latin America (Gisele Bündchen made her catwalk career debut and officially retired from the industry here). In a city known for gridlock traffic, begin early at the opulent, tree-lined Rua Oscar Freire in the city’s Jardins distict. It’s home to the country’s top designers, as well as the requisite Havaianas flagship store, where you can create your own custom pair or add a unique twist to the ones you’re wearing. Boutique highlights include Maria Bonita (worn by Kate Beckinsale), Osklen (the pick of Miley Cyrus) and Alexandre Herchcovitch (a go-to for Lady Gaga). From here, take a short cab ride to Vila Madalena where the street art of Batman’s Alley is an alfresco art gallery experience. The area also showcases the country’s best emerging talent, with many indie boutiques. For a bite to eat, famed restaurant D.O.M, where chef Alex Atala redefines the national cuisine by incorporating exotic Amazonian produce, is a must. Come cocktail hour, Skye Bar at Hotel Unique is where the fashion crowd sip signature Wasabi Martinis by the rooftop pool.
Thinking moose heads, Mounties and maple syrup? Think again. Chic surprises are in store for the traveller who lands in Montreal. First, walking through the streets and cobblestone laneways is akin to being lost in a European destination—with good reason; Montreal is the second-largest Frenchspeaking city in the world, after Paris. This artistic hub is also North America’s third-largest clothing manufacturing region, after New York and LA. The thriving ragtrade that stems from this intelligent mix of creativity and commerce is celebrated with Montreal Fashion Week, which showcases the best of Canadian design, and the city’s Fashion & Design Festival. Start your day by hitting the 15km shopping strip of Rue Sainte-Catherine for international and über-cool native labels, being sure not to miss M0851—a treasure trove of locally made luxuries (leather jackets, cashmere
STAY: HOTEL UNIQUE A ship-like architectural feat by BrazilianJapanese architect Ruy Ohtake, Hotel Unique is suitably named. Rooms from approx $589 per night; hotelunique. com.br/mrandmrssmith.com.au. LAN flies to São Paulo via Santiago and Auckland (return leg only) from Sydney and Melbourne; lan.com
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and covetable accessories). Other requisite stops on Rue Sainte-Catherine include Quebecexclusive department stores Simons, which emphasises local designers, and Ogilvy, offering a higher-end experience. Don’t miss the bricks-and-mortar answer to online shopping sensation Ssense, packed with brands such as 3.1 Phillip Lim, Helmut Lang and A.P.C., as well as local heroes including Denis Gagnon and Mackage (Nicole Scherzinger and Blake Lively are fans). Ready to relax? You’re in luck as nearby Bota Bota, Spa Sur L’eau is considered the city’s finest. Once an old ferry, this spa offers an array of outdoor hot tubs, saunas and treatments. Later, head to Schwartz’s on Saint-Laurent Boulevard for its famous turkey sandwich, or opt for Boris Bistro in Old Montreal if you’re seeking a more substantial bite (and the perfect caipirinha). Night owls can finish the evening—or morning!—at the sleek Wunderbar nearby at W Montreal. —LAUREN BACIGALUPO
STAY: LOEWS HOTEL VOGUE In the heart of Downtown Montreal, this boutique hotel offers 16 exclusive suites. Rooms from approx $312 per night; loewshotels. com/montreal-hotel. Air Canada flies to Montreal via Vancouver from Sydney and Melbourne; aircanada.com
Osklen at Rua Oscar Freire
Take the plunge SWIM’S HOTTEST NAMES…
In a city famous for its swimwear, these are the designers to watch Adriana Degreas: Touted as the country’s top couture swim designer. Rua Haddock Lobo, 1151, Jardins Agua de Coco: Liana Thomaz’s cuts have adorned Beyoncé. Av. Francisco Matarazzo, 892, Água Branca Lenny Niemeyer: One of Nicole Kidman’s favourites. Rua Sarandi, 98 Cerqueira César, Jardins
ABOVE: The sleek, industrialvibe of leatherspecialist M0851. RIGHT: A plush Premium King room at the fivestar Loews Hotel Vogue
Natural Wonders ESSENTIAL SIDE TRIP Quebec City is the jewel of French Canada and a must for nature enthusiasts Old Quebec: This historic enclave of the city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Quebec City is North America’s only remaining fortified city and Old Quebec is surrounded by 4.6km of fortifications Parc national de la Jacques-Cartier: If you’re keen on hiking, kayaking and canoeing, this postcard-perfect national park is known as the city’s “green crescent”—and offers stunning verdant vistas Fairmont Le Château Frontenac: Housed within Old Quebec, this unbelievable fairytale-like five-star was recently renovated with refined, elegant suites and a state-of-the-art health club. 1 Rue des Carrières