Lee Broom - Product and Interior Designer

It is not very often that we are struck by pure creativity and indivividuality. But that was exactly what happened a few years ago when we were in The Shop at Blue Bird, on King's Road. There it was, in the middle of the store was the most unique and captivating piece of furniture we have ever seen and at that moment, we knew we had to have it. As collectors and admirers of vintage furnitures brushed with a touch of modernity, it was a moment to be seized. The talented designer behind this one of a kind work is the award winning Product and Interior British Designer, Lee Broom. The chair, also known as the "Luminaire Bergere", was founded by Lee in a flea market in North of Paris and became part of the Rough Diamond Exhibition at The London Design Festival in 2008. The chair was purposely left in its original condition with the exception of added turquoise neon lighting, highlighting its original craftsmanship. According to Lee, "it's a total one off and I carried it back to London all the way from a Paris market on the Eurostar myself. A complete labour of love." It is truly a testament to Lee's eyes for originality and by preserving its authenticity, the designer is respecting its original beauty while still able to create a one off art piece.

Lee designs and manufactures his own furniture and lighting collections as well as many retail spaces, restaurants, and bar interiors. With his own collections, I love and admire the fact that he remains true to British manufacturing techniques and craftsmanship by working closely with traditional craftsman throughout the entire process. This particular attention to details coupled with a raw talent for exquisite designs has earned Lee many prestigious recognitions over the years including the British Design Award, Crystal Bulb in 2012 as well as the British Design Award, Designer of the Year 2011. Below are some of my favourite pieces from Lee's own Products range: __________________________________________________________________________________ First up are The Clear and Frosted Crystal Bulb Table Lamps - Handcrafted and inspired by traditional whiskey glasses and decanters

Frosted Crystal Bulb and Decanterlight Chandeliers (Decanterlight is inspired by the original vintage collection released back in May 2010)

Pieces from the Salon Collection - Six pieces of furnitures inspired by the 1930s with a contemporary edge

Carpetry Sideboard and Console Table - These were manufactured with a technique dated back to the early 17th century known as the "Wilton looms"

Part of the Rough Diamond Collection, this "Club Chair" has a limited release of only ten

"Electric Louis" is part of a limited edition of twenty five as shown in the Neo Neon 2007 Collection

Also part of the Rough Diamond Collection, the limited edition of fifty "Bright on Bistro" bentwood chairs that were rescued from a tea house in Brighton, England, and have been beautifully transformed

Besides working on his own collections, Lee has designed many well known retail, restaurant, and bar spaces over the years. For example, his first project was for the Nylon bar in 2002 that led to the Best Bar Nomination by London's Evening Standard.

The Lancaster House where Lee was chosen alongside other British designers to transform the location that played host during the recent Olympic Games into a showcase of modern art and design. Shown here is the only room that was dedicated to just one designer, the Gold Room, where Lee displayed his collections of modern and contemporary pieces connecting the past and the future

And finally, to all the shoes fans out there, Lee created a magical world of Christian Louboutin located in the world's most famous department store, Harrods, with inspiration from iconic landmarks throughout London

Lee's own label was launched in 2007 and we were happy to learn of the recent opening of his first shop in London's Shoreditch called Electra House. One can also find Lee's beautiful creations with various dealers throughout Europe, the U.S., Asia, and the Middle East. Nevertheless, his work has yet to make its way to Latin America but I have no doubt that not before long, his unique designs will be showcasing in this part of the world. His work is quite simple but eloquently resonates that old glamour that so many artists today try to replicate but they lack originality and heart. As for our piece of treasure, its place in our home forever reminds us of that special day of great discovery that forever opened our minds to a world of possibilities, imagination, and the true meaning to "labour of love." __________________________________________________________________________________ All Photos credit Lee Broom / Background Info at www.leebroom.com __________________________________________________________________________________ *Upcoming Posts - Bid Farewell to 2013 in Style / Spring and Summer 2014 Fashion Lineup / Fashion Makeover

In Styles - New York

It was around this time last week when I immersed myself in the Big Apple. As always, I love being in New York around the holiday season. You can feel and see the festive mood everywhere as the city is wrapped up in holiday decorations with everyone out and about looking so effortlessly stylish. We were only there for a few days and with the fast moving energy it seems to possess, everything just flew right by. I have been waiting to do a story on New York City for a while now as there is no other places in the world where every experience can forever imprint in your mind and wake up your senses, regardless of time spent. As one of the most famous cities in the world, it has been written about, reported on, documented and represented throughout history. To me, no matter how long it has been since I was last here, the energy is still raw, unpretentious, full of life and creativity. One of the stories I love writing about is the street styles from different cities as this is when I have a chance to meet some of the most wonderful individuals and New York is certainly one of those places. Last week, whilst walking around the different areas of Manhattan, I had the pleasure of meeting and chatting with some of the nicest and stylish people who were all so kindly agreed to be a part of this story. __________________________________________________________________________________ Ha-Tien Nguyen - Creative Director of Zink Magazine / Favourite Designers - All Saints, Helmut Lang, Alexander Wang and Aritzia

James M. Rosenthal - Fashion Stylist

Alejandro Nones and Heather Miles

Deirdre Hering - Digital Advertising / Favourite Designers - Rag & Bone and Alexander Wang

Josephine Papasavvas - Sales Director for Nicholas Kirkwood

Alexandra O'Neill and Natalie Obradovich

Vivien Shahzad and Janiece Dilone - Models / Favourite Designers - YSL, Alexander Wang, Philip Lim, Calvin Klein and DKNY, respectively

Aside from the many wonderful facets of fashion we see here, I also fell in love with the artwork represented throughout the city. Whether it is a painting depicting the daily NY commuters by award winning illustrator, Marcos Chin, to random graffiti, I see New York as a diverse outdoor art museum and gallery. It is an idyllic place to create a personal collage from some of the city's most original artwork.

Marcos Chin

I must admit though and similar to many of you out there, I took advantage of the city when I lived here seven years ago and did not really explore all it has to offer. I thought time was on my side and there will be many opportunities to properly explore but there was the transfer to London and by that point, I ran out of time. Since then, I made every possible effort to get to know the city from every aspect whenever I return for a visit. But this does not apply only to NY but other parts of the world where I am fortunate enough to live and travel to. It is the best part of living and exploring everything that life has to offer because at the end of the day, it is a luxury that money can't buy but something you have to do for yourself. __________________________________________________________________________________ *Upcoming Posts / Product & Interior Designer, Lee Broom; Fashion Makeover; Spring and Summer 2014 Fashion Lineup

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.