The Many Faces of La Paz, Bolivia

La Paz, Bolivia, is a very small city with only 2M people but it is quite spread out giving you the impression that the place is actually bigger than it really is. It is one of the less developed countries in Latin America so in terms of infrastructure, there are plenty of rooms to improve. And similar to any other cities, there are areas that are perfectly safe to walk around and of course, those that would be best to avoid. Our hotel was in a residential area called Calacoto with lots of shops and restaurants where one can safely walk to. However, the one constant issue that we had to deal with is the fact that La Paz is actually one of the highest cities in the world, hence an altitude of nearly 12,000 feet above sea level. The best advices that were given to us is to take things slow, eat plenty of carbohydrates and drink lots of water. But all in all, our few days in La Paz was quite memorable and different to anything we have experienced thus far in Latin America. It is a city with many facets to life and within all that, it is a place surrounded by a majestic mountain view that is breathtaking in the evening.

At a closer look…

One of a more interesting visits was to the Moon Valley in the Pedro Domingo Murillo Province. One cannot tell that there is a world all unto itself until you are literally face with a mystical view of natural rock formations. It is a pretty place yet there is a bit of eeriness about it that made me question what really went on here centuries ago or even to this day. No wonder it is being compared to another area in La Paz called the Valley of the Souls where people come to celebrate Day of the Dead holiday.

This will not be a complete adventure without a trip to the popular Witches' Market run by the local witch doctors in Cerro Cumbre. At first glance, this looks like any other typical tourists market with local arts and crafts but look closer and you will find anything from medicinal plants to dried frogs. The most popular and disturbing item for sale are dried llama foetuses that the locals bury under the foundations of their houses as a sacred offering to the goddess Pachamama. To be honest, the only items that impressed me most were the beautiful hand woven scarves seen here.

There is a diverse menu in La Paz including llama and alpaca, though I did not try either one. What we did try, however, is a new restaurant called Gustu opened last April by Claus Meyer, co-founder of Copenhagen's Noma, currently number two of the World's Best 50 Restaurants. One would ask why Bolivia but "why not" due to the vast availability of fresh and exotic ingredients. But what is more profound is Meyer's idea behind this concept. In addition to the restaurant, he also opened a school where young and poor local chefs will have the opportunity to learn to cook and all profits will be used for local non-profits initiatives.

It is a beautiful and warm restaurant with an even more delicious menu. Everything we tried was absolutely wonderful and this has to be one of our favourite restaurants, anywhere! So, as this is a new venture, I would not be surprised if many people will be hearing a lot more about Gustu in the near future.

Overall, we had a pleasant time in La Paz and survived the altitude. The people are very warm and there are no real safety concerns. It was a different experience from any other countries in Latin America and for that, it was a very memorable trip. The question now is whether or not we would go back and I am not sure. While it was a lovely city with a great view, wonderful people and great food, it is not a place where I would categorise as a return holiday destination. It is one of those things in life that you are happy that you went, and now, you can check that off your bucket list. _________________________________________________________________________________ La Paz Bolivia es una ciudad pequeña compuesta por tan solo 2 millones de habitantes, y dado que es un poco dispersa da la impresión de ser más grande de lo que en realidad es. Este uno de los países menos desarrollados de Latinoamérica, y en lo que a infraestructura se refiere, hay mucho por mejorar. Como muchas otras ciudades hay lugares que son perfectamente seguros para caminar así como otros que sería mejor evitar. Nuestro hotel estaba ubicado en un área residencial llamada “Calacoto” con diversidad de almacenes y restaurantes donde se puede pasear tranquilamente. Sin embargo un aspecto importante con el que tuvimos que lidiar continuamente, fue el hecho de que La Paz es de hecho, una de las ciudades del mundo ubicadas a mayor altitud a casi 3,800 metros sobre el nivel del mar. Uno de los mejores consejos que nos dieron fue beber mucha agua, comer muchos carbohidratos y tomarnos las cosas con calma. En general, nuestra corta estadía en La Paz fue una de las más memorables y particulares con respecto a todo lo que hemos experimentado hasta ahora en Latinoamérica. Es una ciudad con muchas facetas de la vida, rodeada de majestuosas montañas que en la noche nos regalan una vista maravillosa.

Una mirada más cercana…

Una de las visitas más interesantes que hicimos fue al “Valle de la Luna” en la provincia de Pedro Domingo Murillo. Está ubicada junto a la carretera principal y no se podría decir que hay un mundo en sí mismo hasta que te enfrentas, literalmente, a una vista mística de formaciones rocosas naturales. Para mí, es un lugar hermoso y misterioso que me hizo cuestionar acerca de lo que pudo haber pasado aquí hace siglos e incluso durante esta época. Nada raro que este lugar se compare con otro lugar en La Paz llamado el Valle de Las Almas en donde las personas van a celebrar el Día de los Muertos.

Esta no sería una aventura completa sin visitar el popular Mercado de las brujas, dirigido por los chamanes locales en Cerro Cumbre. A primera vista se parece a cualquier otro Mercado para turistas con lugares de arte y manualidades, pero si se observa más detalladamente se encontraran desde plantas medicinales hasta sapos secos. El artículo más popular e inquietante a la venta eran los fetos de llama que los lugareños entierran bajos los cimientos de sus casas a manera de ofrenda sagrada a la diosa Pachamama. Siendo honesta los artículos que más me impresionaron fueron las hermosas bufandas tejidas a mano que se ven acá.

En cuanto al menú hay gran variedad, desde llamas hasta alpaca, aunque no probé ninguno. Sin embargo, fuimos a un nuevo restaurant llamado “Gustu”, que abrió el pasado mes de abril Claus Meyer, co-fundador de Noma en Copenague, calificado como el segundo mejor restaurante entre los 50 mejores del mundo. Uno se preguntaría porqué Bolivia, aunque porqué no, dada su gran disponibilidad de ingredientes frescos y exóticos. Sin embargo lo más relevante detrás de este concepto es la idea de que Meyer, además del restaurante, creó una escuela de gastronomía en la que jóvenes de bajos recursos de la región, tendrán la oportunidad de aprender a cocinar, y todas sus ganancias serán destinadas a apoyar iniciativas locales sin ánimo de lucro.

Es un cálido y hermoso restaurante con un menú aún más delicioso. Todo lo que probamos fue absolutamente exquisito y de los mejores restaurantes a los que hemos ido, este será uno de nuestros favoritos! Así, dado que es una nueva empresa no me sorprendería el escuchar mucho mas de él en un futuro no muy lejano.

En general la pasamos muy bien en La Paz y sobrevivimos la altitud. La gente es muy amable y no hay temas de seguridad imperantes. Fue una experiencia diferente en comparación con otros países de América Latina que hemos visitado, y por esta razón fue un viaje memorable. En cuanto a si volvería, no estoy segura. Si bien es una ciudad hermosa, con una gran vista, gente maravillosa y excelente gastronomía, no es un lugar que yo clasificaría como un destino de vacaciones al que volvería. Es como una de esas cosas en la vida que te sientes feliz de haber ido y ahora puedes estar tranquilo pues salió de la lista de tus deseos. __________________________________________________________________________________ Tram D Martinez with Contributing Editor Paola Betancourt Martinez / Tram D Martinez con Asistente Editorial Paola Betancourt Martinez

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