BCBG Maxazria of Bogota

Growing up in America, I do not remember a time when I used to spend a lot of my earlier years in various malls and there was not a BCBG store to browse through. It was always one of those shops that a girl can count on to find that special occasion dress or outfit. I am a big fan of the brand and it is refreshing to see how BCBG has evolved over the years. The Company was founded in 1989 by Max Azria who remains as its Designer, Chairman and CEO. According to the Company's website, its main objective is to offer "high quality, on-trend clothing at contemporary price points." The vision was maintained and heightened when in 1998, they acquired Herve Leger fashion house and relaunched the label with their own designs in 2007. Together with the 2006 launch of an exclusive runway collection called, Max Azria, the brand has since attracted many fashion followers including celebrities worldwide. Today, there are approximately 570 shops globally with 175 in the U.S. Therefore, needless to say I was very happy to hear that the brand is also here in Bogota. There are two locations including the newly launch BCBG Maxazria franchise in the Andino mall last week. The franchise was acquired and introduced here by two local business women, Lorenza Jaramillo and Cecilia Urrutia. The widely attended event was hosted by the beautiful and talented model, producer, and TV Presenter, Andrea Serna.

Many of the attendees included Irma Aristizabal, former founder and owner of Colombia's largest agency, Stock Models, as well as celebrities, actresses, and models who are fans of the brand. On show was a beautiful and wearable collection that range from understated yet statement accessories to the "on-trend" biker jacket, feminine jumpsuits, sharp and slim cut trousers, to evening dresses included those that take us back to the 1970s boho chic. Here are some of my favourite looks of the evening.

My choice of the evening...

As mentioned in an earlier post, In Styles - Bogota, the fashion market here is changing. Not only do we have choices from the talented Colombian designers such as Silvia Tcherassi but as well, the international labels at our doorstep. There is a general awareness and excitement that the consumers of Bogota no longer need to go abroad and shop for the latest fashion. They are coming to us and whether we know it or not, our shopping experience here will never be the same. __________________________________________________________________________________ *Upcoming Posts / Holiday Gift Ideas, In Styles New York, Fashion Make Over, and Spring/Summer 2014 Fashion Line Up

Region Cafetera

We recently went away for a long weekend to Region Cafetera, also known as the Coffee Region of Colombia, and opted to drive instead of flying because of the scenic route everyone was talking about. I love drinking coffee and have always wanted to visit the well known area. Without having any sort of expectations except to taste amazing coffee, it actually turned out to be quite a little adventure.

Once we arrived in Pereira, our final destination, I was so struck back by how majestic the landscape was. As if right out of a painting, there they were, rows after rows of sprawling green spaces laid out under bright blue sky. I have traveled to many places in my life but I have never seen anything quite like this. It was just absolutely spectacular and I wished that we could freeze time and admire the magical view forever.

We chose to stay at a boutique hotel and spa resemblance of a country home called Sazagua. Everything was lovely from the spacious two level room, to delicious meals at its international restaurant, and of course, the much needed spa treatment after our long journey from Bogota.

The first thing was to visit a coffee plantation and we decided to go down the traditional path. We wanted to see and taste the freshness of the process without the bells and whistles of today's modernity so the locals recommended a place called Cafe Don Elias in Quindio. After driving up toward the mountain through small, winding yet scenic roads, we arrived at what looks more like a house than a plantation. Then appeared Don Elias himself who greeted us as if we were his relatives visiting from Bogota. After a brief introduction to the place, Don showed us the art of making coffee, the way his father had taught him.

After the beans are collected (photo above and once they turn red), the outer shells are removed by this machine and soak overnight

Once dried in the sun, they are ready to be roasted

Then manually grind to fresh coffee

The entire process was much simpler than I expected. The best part was tasting and while it was fresh and delicious, it was the way that Don made sure the art of making coffee lives on that impressed me most. Don Elias has been living in coffee farms his whole life and the only one amongst his siblings to stay in the business after his father, who was also a farmer, passed away. The rest of his brothers and sisters moved to the big city after they received their inheritance but Don decided to buy a farm. Today, he lives there with his wife while his own children and grandchildren lead a city life somewhere nearby. After the tour and a delicious lunch at a nearby town called Salento, next up is horse riding in Valle de Cocora. I have never been on a horse and I can honestly say I was petrified. But after the first few minutes and several prayers later, it was one of the best decisions of my life. My horse loved to eat so he stops frequently throughout the ninety minute journey up and deep into the forest. That meant I was able to admire the surrounding view while sneaking in a few photos without expecting to be thrown over the mountain edge or into the riverbank.

My horse, Cappuccino

Besides the region being famous for its coffee, I came to realize that there are many other wonderful and eye opening activities one can enjoy here. There are nearby places for white water rafting, outdoor rock climbing, and zip lining across and into the river. Sadly, I did not have a chance to try these activities but there is always the next time as I plan to return one day. Nevertheless, I leave you now with some of my other favourite moments of the trip.

A Vespa well traveled by a local and still going...

Most memorable moment as we were heading back to Bogota

What this trip has taught me is that while beautiful things can be made, natural beauty is rare...it is a gift that must be respected and preserved by mankind.

Inspirations

Over the last few weeks, I have met many interesting individuals, who in their own styles, bring forth a range of inspiring fashion to my stories here in Bogota and London. All the while, my one constant question for them had always been "who are your fashion inspirations?" Therefore, it is only fair that I share mine with you. There are three rules I always abide by when it comes to my own fashion choices. First, style should be kept simple and classic. For example, not everyone can pull off a print on print or the double denim look. Second, never follow trend but instead, create your own look. And finally, do not over accessorised but put delicate emphasis on your outfit. In addition to these rules, my other inspirations also come from three iconic figures of our time, Audrey Hepburn, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, and Tom Ford for Gucci. These individuals represent everything that is stylish yet classic, effortless yet elegant, and finally, forever timeless. Both Audrey and Jacqueline's styles were quite similar with each held an important role in the fashion world. Both were born in 1929 and passed away around the same time in the mid 1990s. However, they continue to inspire many generations thereafter with their iconic fashion moments.

Audrey on Wall Street

Muse for Givenchy

Finally, an iconic moment taken from "Breakfast at Tiffany"

Jacqueline in her trade mark "Jackie O" sunglasses

Pushing fashion boundaries with daring choices

Fast forward to the present time where our fashion choices are limitless yet in my view, no one can quite match what Tom Ford had done for Gucci between 1994 and 2004 as its Creative Director. The Company was suffering with large losses until new management appointed him to the top post. From that moment on, the brand was revived with a fresh new direction. Tom brought exclusivity and fierce femininity to the brand. Something that was not done under former management and it has brought Gucci back from the brink of collapse. Today, it is one of the most recognisable luxury brands in the world and though he is no longer there, Tom Ford's legacy lives on.

My favourite pieces from Tom Ford's Final Collection for Gucci / Fall-Winter 2004/2005

To me, inspirations come from all areas and different times of our lives. As we grow older and wiser, our styles evolve into who we have become. There was a time in my life where fashion was an experimental journey and while it was fun, it was not me. But I am glad I experimented because it helped me realised that with every mistake, failure or success, staying true and accepting who you are will always be the most important traits to embrace. _______________________________________________________________________________ *Upcoming Posts / Region Cafetera, Holiday Gift Ideas and In Styles New York