artBO - Bogota International Art Fair

My first time at the 9th Annual International Art Fair in Bogota, also known as artBO, on its opening night was quite exciting. The art fair took place at the exhibition centre, Corferias, and was home to thousands of attendees over a four day period from the 25th - 28th October. According to artBO, its main objective is "to offer the best proposals of national and international art, while preserving the median size of the Fair guaranteeing its quality and facilitating the visit of all Galleries." This year, there were representations from 65 art galleries from 19 countries of which 14 galleries are from Colombia. Similar to last year, the fair had two curated sections with one called the Project Room selected by invitations only by Jose Roca. While the other is called the Artecamara Pavilion representing promising emerging Colombian artists and were selected by Juan Sebastian Ramirez. Overall, it was a mind opening experience viewing the work by so many talented artists from all over the world. Of the pieces that were shown, the following are some of my favourite of the evening. First is the "Archaeological, 2013, estructura metalica, acrilico, 42 inch TV" by Leandro Erlich of Argentina / Known for his three-dimensional illusions, looking into his art can transcend your mind and change your view on ordinary things, even if they do not seem quite right at first...

Next is a mesmerising piece by Francisca Sanchez of Chile / At first glance, this may look like a very simple painting but with a closer look, there is an element of three-dimensional that was quite grasping from all angles

Adonis Flores of Cuba, who fought in the war of Angola, uses humour to convey his vision of raw reality

Ivan Navarro of Chile is best known for working with lights, capturing them in his minimalist and hypnotic artwork

Graciela Sacco of Argentina is an all around artist who combines photography and visual art in this simple, yet utterly powerful display of emotions (my personal favourite)

Sonia Falcone of Bolivia, known for her love of all colours, delivered yet again another of her beautiful creation

Liliana Sanchez of Portugal with her interpretation of Beta Vulgaris, also known as garden beet (made of porcelain and paraffin wax)

Chosen Individual Project from Galerie Nordenhake of Berlin and Stockholm

As for the Artecamara Pavillion, on show are artwork from 23 emerging Colombian artists under 40 who are not commercially represented, but were selected through a national open call. Amongst the individual pieces, one artist stood out mainly due to the simplicity, yet eccentric artwork. Showing below are some pieces I like from Nestor Andres Pena's original portfolio

And finally, some other stand out pieces of the evening

Similar to a mood ring, the large artwork changes its colour in the most simplistic and tranquil pattern

Stepping back in time at Times Square

Since its inception in 2005, artBO has attracted more than 150,000 attendants and 1,300 artists. Last year, more than 20,000 visited the monumental art show. For Bogota, it is an important platform both at home and abroad in terms of finding and nurturing young artists, as well as promoting an appreciation of art worldwide. Overall, it was an international art fair dazzled by creativity in many ways, shapes, and forms. Whether categorically diverse or just simply different, these pieces stemmed from the creative minds we all came to view, appreciate, and ponder...

In styles - London

I just arrived back from London and still feel like it was all a dream. Nothing seemed to change from when I left a few months ago. As usual, time flew by so quickly as I was running around working and catching up with friends. It was wonderful to be back and especially this time of the year when the season is starting to change. London is one of my favourite cities when it comes to Fall fashion. Shops are stocked with the latest collections whilst Londoners bring out their best Fall wardrobe of furs, boots, oversized scarves and hats. The trend I see this year is a bit of everything but the main stand out is and has always been black. When one think of London, black always come to mind as it is the signature colour at this time of the year. During my stay, I had the pleasure of meeting some of the most diverse group of beautifully stylish people that together with the cultural energy and architectural beauty of London, makes it one of the most fashionable cities in the world.

Steph Cheng and Alice Tseng / Favourite designers - Chloe, Chanel, and Jean Paul Gaultier / Favourite shop - Browns of London

Robert Marciniak

Rebecca Shamoon / Favourite designers - Prada, Stella McCartney, and Alexander Wang

Sophie Nesbitt - London College of Fashion Design Womenswear / Favourite designers - Maison Martin Margeila, Alexander Wang, and Mary Katrantzou

Balint Barna - Fashion and Portrait Photographer living in Budapest but working in London

Lara Pictet

Lara Pictet and Carla Rodriguez / Lara's fashion inspiration is Blake Lively and favourite designers are Valentino, Karl Lagerfeld, Vivienne Westwood, and Diane Von Furstenberg / Carla's favourite designers are also Karl Lagerfeld, Marc Jacobs, and Balenciaga

Sofiya Nilsson - Former model / Fashion inspirations - Loves vintage and Patricia Field / Favourite designers - Alexander Wang, Lanvin, and Joseph

Violet Roe - Model / Favourite designers - Alexander McQueen, Chanel, and Chloe

London is a place where one can freely express themselves through fashion, music, and art. The city thrives on individuality and creativity as some of the most influential designers started their careers here. There are inspirations everywhere and in many ways, unexpected yet wonderful places. Similar to any big city, some might say London is a bit overwhelming but to me, it is where some of the most memorable inspirations came from. Whether through art, music, fashion, or more importantly, friends I made over the years, there will always be a special place in my heart for the city I once called home.

In styles - Bogota

I am falling in love more and more each day with this wonderful and vibrant city. Bogota reminds me much of New York and London with its immense energy, busy streets, and beautiful people. In terms of individual styles, it is evolving as both fashion and inspirations are becoming more readily available today than before. Just in recent years, more international labels are making their way here, and together with the renowned Colombian designers, these fashion houses are changing the way people view their own styles. Here is a glimpse of the bold and beautiful people who I consider to be pushing the trend of this great city toward becoming a fashion capital of Latin America.

Anonymous yet Fabulous!

Paola Betancourt Martinez / Style description - Trendy / Favourite shops - Zara, Mango, and Bershka / Favourite European designers - Louis Vuitton and Carolina Herrera / Celebrity style inspiration - Rachel Zoe

Dora Pena Antury / Style description - Trendy and classic / Favourite shops - Zara, BCBG, Mango, and Nine West / Does not have a specific celebrity inspiration / Likes to mix classic with alternative garments

Camila Pamplona / Favourite shops - Zara, Bershka, and Tenis / Celebrity style inspiration - Taylor Swift

Paola Gutierrez / Style Description - Classic / Favourite shops - BCBG, Tory Burch, and Zara / Celebrity style inspirations - Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn, and Victoria Beckham

Camilla Villamil / Fashion Blogger / Style description - Classic / Favourite shops - Express, Mango, and DKNY / Favourite European designers / Carolina Herrera, Christian Dior, Oscar de la Renta, and Victoria Beckham / Celebrity inspiration - Victoria Beckham

Ana Maria Chalela / Favourite shops - Zara and abroad in Miami / Celebrity inspiration - Taylor Swift

Juls Fe / Fashion Blogger / Favourite shops - abroad in Italy

And finally, a group of street dancers and aspiring actors called "STARS". Fashion and music go hand in hand and they caught my attention earlier today with their style, energy, and passion. For those of you who are interested, their first and only public performance is scheduled for tomorrow night, Friday, October 11 at 7PM in T-Zone or also known as the Zona Rosa area of Bogota.

Silvia Tcherassi

Everything about the Silvia Tcherassi shop just seems perfect. Upon entering the two level boutique, I found myself surrounded not only by the serenity and grandeur of the space, but the beautifully delicate clothes seem to be floating everywhere around me. These are the creations by one of the most recognisable Colombian designers of the international fashion world, Silvia Tcherassi. Originally from Barranquilla, Silvia has been designing her lines of Prêt-à-Porter, Bridal Gowns and Accessories for more than 23 years. And in 2009, she ventured into the hospitality business by turning a 250 year old colonial mansion into a luxurious 7 bedroom boutique hotel in the old historic part of Cartagena. Shortly thereafter, it was named one of the “Best New Hotels” by Travel + Leisure and Conde Nast Traveler, as well as one of the top “Designer Hotels” by both Town & Country and Smart Luxury Travel.

On display at the moment are the Fall / Winter 2013-2014 line with some pieces from the Resort 2014 Collection. I love how her clothes feel and they look even more amazing on. She understands how to design clothes for a woman that accentuate both their body and style. According to Silvia, "the last three collections have been inspired in the works of many artists. The pieces translated the artistic textures, the masterful handle of colors, the innovation in the use of materials or the amazing shapes of some art pieces, in perfect tune with the effortless elegance and casual luxury, part of the DNA of the brand." And that is exactly how I would describe her work. Everything about the design breathes sophistication, vibrancy, beauty, and delicacy. Each piece of clothing and accessory has been designed with the utmost details and individuality. They all carry a sense of quiet ease wrapped in an array of colourful, creative and softly balanced fabrics. Fabrics that are so light and delicate, as if melting to the touch, have been designed in Italy to Silvia's specifications. Nevertheless, production for the clothes are in her original hometown of Barranquilla.

There are many unique and stand out pieces this season. Some of my favourites range from a full flirty skirt or a maxi dress made out of neoprene in various shades of mesmerising sky blue, to a more classic choice of a beautiful and simply beaded black dress for the evening.

As for accessories, besides the beautiful statement necklaces and whimsical evening clutches, some of Silvia's signature pieces are the mochilla bags made by the Wayuu women in the north of Colombia. She and her team work closely with the indigenous women to help keep their tradition alive by transforming the handwoven bags into unique pieces adorned with Swarovski crystals and other embellishments.

I had the privilege to admire the collection up close and what I learned from this experience is not only Silvia Tcherassi is an amazing designer who pushes fashion boundaries with her mind and constant innovation, but she is also a kind person where she is giving back and helping others. In my opinion, this beautiful act of kindness is constantly woven into her work. Whether it is in the delicate dresses, intricate handwoven bags, bold accessories, or just simply, a beautiful oasis in the heart of Cartagena, her remarkable traits as a designer and as a woman are always present.

Special Thanks to Silvia Tcherassi for opening up her beautiful shop and to the wonderful staff, Dominique Lemaitre D., Lia Siado, Alexandra La Rotto, and Bibiana Becerra.