Antwerp

Antwerp is a city that has held much mystique to me through my years working in fashion. It has always seemed like a quiet town where time slows down and people can think without the inertia of modern chaos & commerce. It sits outside of the major fashion capitols yet has more influence than virtually any other city in the world when it comes to shaping fashion and creating emerging talent.

This small city produces some of the most avant garde designers in the world and when you wander the streets you begin to understand how artistic integrity has permeated the city over hundreds of years.   

 I spent 32 hours exploring this special place trying to cover as much ground as possible to grasp the energy of the city.   I cannot wait to return and in the meantime I hope to keep a piece of the city essence with me as I head back to New York.   There is something deeply private and almost protective about the people of Antwerp I encounter while I'm here. It feels like they aren't searching for outside approval or a need to over share and connect with every passing stranger. Coming from the US this is a stark contrast to our culture of overexposed desperation and endless need for attention and fame. I think therein lies the answer to part of the mysterious draw of this special city. 

In shopping heaven at Rosier 41, the best designer resale shop in Antwerp.  (http://www.rosier41.be)

The Dries Van Noten store, in a building that was a fashion emporium dating back to the 19th century. 

Happiness when you're travelling in Europe: a raw food & juice cafe

Boulevard Leopold, the chicest B&B in the city. A truly special experience. www.boulevard-leopold.be

Boulevard Leopold, Breakfast room

Boulevard Leopold

A detail in our room at the B&B

Self-portrait of Peter Paul Rubens at the Rubenshuis

Birds of Paradise exhibit at the Mode Museum

This was a coat Marlene Dietrich wore in the 50's, it took over 300 Geese to make. 

A McQueen piece from his 2009 collection made of goose feathers. 

Artist Kate MccGwire's original piece, covered in feathers at the Mode Museum

The Mode Museum

Outside Ann Demeulemeester's store. 

Antwerp's Centraal Station. One of the most beautiful train stations I've ever seen. 

Silent stunner.

Iceland is a magical, magical land. I was struck by the sweet openness of the people and the stunning silence of the country itself.  I have never been anywhere else in the world where I could stand still and hear nothing but the earth. Nothing else. Not a plane, a car, a bird, another human: nothing.

There are few things more powerful in this world (especially when you live in New York City) than silence. Beautiful stunning silence. I felt every single cell in my body disconnect from the frenetic world I left behind and twinkle to life in this peaceful solitude. What a wonder of natural beauty. Iceland is like nothing I've ever seen, not just the landscape but the culture as well. There is a twinkle in the eye of Icelanders that makes you feel like they are in on a secret, they are part of a mysterious culture that follows the rhythm of its own beat. What a gift to get a moment to take it in. I hope I can keep a piece of this feeling with me for a very long time.

Quite possibly the freshest & tastiest fish and chips I've ever eaten. 

The concert hall by Olafur Eliasson

local flavor. 

The Blue Lagoon

Sun Voyager by Jón Gunnar Árnason

Cannot wait...

In 3 days I'm heading here for 2.5 weeks of vacation. 2.5 weeks of doing nothing, no emails, no early mornings, no running non-stop like a banshee through the city...just calm wandering with my man through some beautiful northern cities.  This is whats getting me through it right now.

Futurist

Nancy Cunard was a woman way beyond her time. In both style & attitude she lived outside of societal expectations and blazed her own way. She was a muse to Man Ray, Ezra Pound and Aldus Huxley and she fought tenaciously against anti-semitism and racism. Her style has been referenced for decades. She had a way of evoking strength in her eyes and hands that was enhanced by her use of accessories. 

Well-mannered wardrobe.

The well-mannered woman needs a wardrobe that is chic, modern, functional and effortless. Season after season Pheobe Philo crafts a collection that is the epitome of these elements. She makes clothes for a woman who doesn't need superfluous details, brash textures or loud colors to attract attention. Philo makes clothes for women who are confident and feminine, strong but not aggressive. She makes the modern well-mannered wardrobe and she does it perfectly. See for yourself.