Fashion Fun Roihuvuoren! When Marimekko Meets Kumamoto: At Helsinki Cherry Blossom Hanami

Roihuvuoren Kirsikkapuisto 19 May, 2019 

Happy Hanami in Helsinki! For the 100th anniversary of diplomatic relationship between Finland and Japan in 2019, Helsinki Cherry Blossom Park, together with Agency of Cultural Affairs Japan, City of Helsinki and Scandinavia-Japan Sasakawa Foundation celebrate by holding various events, include koto music and Buton dance performances, Aikido, Jodo, samurai sword and Taiko demonstration, the most intriguing to me, is the Japanese costume contest on Stage One. It would be always interesting to watch how manga cosplay or Kimono worn through the version of Finnish perspectives. 

The yukata of Helsinki Cherry Blossom Hanami 2019, was purchased at Obiya (帯屋), Kumamoto shopping tori in September 2018. Founded in 1866 by Ichiro Miyazaki(宮崎伊八郎), Obiya celebrated its 150^thanniversary in 2018. I have been totally intrigued with the floral patterns of yukata and the Hanami cutie accessories for ages, introduced by my dear Japanese friends while I was having my holidays in Kumamoto, I was assisted by two elegant, elderly, at least over 80, Japanese ladies to try-on at least bleak black, off-white and indigo blue in the selections of perfect tone and fitting.

 

The 100% cotton, made in Japan, indigo blue with white dahlia, decorated with pastel pink and light green lines, is one of my proudest investment at tour de Japan 2018. I hand-carry my very first yukata (in my life) from Kumamoto to Fukuoka International Airport, direct flight of 9 hours back to Helsinki, wishfully plan to have fashion fun photo shoots either in Taipei or Okinawa when I reunited with my Taiwanese family during Chinese New Year holidays in 2019, unfortunately neither mine or family’s busy schedule is available, therefore, I check-in my well-folded yukata in the long haul of approximately 7960km, stopover at Frankfurt International Airport, safely and sound back to my Helsinki flat, once more, in February 2019. Hence, at the moment at the decision to attend Helsinki Cherry Blossom Hanami in May, my very first yukata can never be absent. 

How to mix and match Kumamoto yukata without the collective set of obi(帯おび), geta(下駄げた), or kinchaku(巾著きんちゃく)? From leftover of Marimekko Hortensi 100% cotton curtain, with its pure white as base, baby pink dots representing cherry flowers and black stripes standing for the cherry tree braches, wrapping double-round of Kumamoto yukata, highly symbolizes the 100^thanniversary of diplomatic relationship between Finland and Japan, and also my special meet-up experiences both in Helsinki and in Kumamoto. As for Geta, Louis Vuitton patent calf skin leather slippers with Go-14 malletage metallic grids, the central piece carved with LV monogram, is the surprising idea to replace the Japanese traditional Geta pairs.

 

As for the accessories, I take Kyo-oli (京織) mini wallet as modern version of kinchaku, the dark Tiffany green ribbon I hunt at flea market in Jyväskylä during this Easter holidays, is  both my Hanami headband and the knot-belt of Marimekko obi, all complete with Chao & Eero Sparkling Forest earrings to pop out the whole look. It surely takes me almost over an hour to wear yukata and accessories properly, since I watch some youtubers’ demonstration and practice the tricks at the same time, and try to measure the pleated and angles in lineal. 

At Cherry Blossom Hanami, my Italian friends and I decide to have picnic on the grassland, with Japanese rice cookies, nut snacks and chocolate; we take turns to watch the performances, cruise around the merchandise stalls, take photos or videos, together relax, eat and enjoy under the May Day sunshine. After the costume contests, we chit chat with some competition goers, and this Finnish elderly gentleman with samurai outfits, a huge handmade bamboo hat, carrying 2 large Samurai swords, insisted that I am his long-lost Japanese granddaughter. Helsinki Cherry Blossom Hanami 2019 reunite the special relationship all together: fashion, culture, languages, friendship and fun, what a lovely May Day! 

TOP TIP1: Mix and match with 100% cotton ribbons or leftovers with yukata, both creatively fun and environmental friendly 

TOP TIP2: Wear a silk or cotton plain robe or leggings underneath of yukata

NOW USING PROMOTE CODE Mindy15 TO GET 15% DISCOUNT at CHAO & EERO

Special Thanks: Family Nagashima, Family Miyamoto, Stefa, Dario, Chao & Eero 

特別な感謝:長嶋家，宮本家，袁家

 OBIYA

Fashion Fun Varna! When Chloé Meets Chanel at The Roman Thermal Baths in Bulgaria

4-12 May, 2019 in Varna, Bulgaria 

The Roman Thermal Baths (Bulgarian: Римски терми, Rimski termi) are a complex of Ancient Roman baths (thermae) in Varna, approximately 20 minute- walk from Varna Cathedral. Having discovered Roman thermal ruins in Bath, England in 2016 and Zaragoza, Spain in 2017, this largest in the Balkans, and in the rank as the fourth-largest preserved  Roman thermae in Europe, constructed in late 2nd century A.D, is definitely a must-visit attraction on my adventure list. 

May Day in Varna is pleasant but not burning hot, while at The Roman Thermal Baths without the roofs, the ultra violet could harm the skin. Chloé button-detailed cotton-gauze, 100% cotton, purchased at outnet.com, has decorative laces, ties at front and button fastenings through side, is effortless French style to either wearing as solo piece or layering up with Chanel long cardigan. Preferable to adapt the long sleeves to protect my skin from the UV than to apply the overdose of sun cream, this 100% dark black light wool with 100% cotton quilt side pockets, is a cutesy freebie from the House of Chanel of 2015 AW collection. While the bottom pockets do not allow tie the knots to create a rather funky look, the curved hem of Chloé cotton gauze is easy to make the whole silhouette concise, still in an elegant way. 

American Apparel provides the best high waist leggings ever, though it is 100% polyester, the comfort is never less. Chanel suede and lambskin black and white espadrilles are my all-time favourite during the traveling. The rubber soles are easy to walk on the marble stairs of Roman Bath and the grasslands of the ruins. 

At the intersection of San Stefano Street and Han Krum Street, the Roman Thermal of Varna feature the whole range of facilities, including an apodyterium (changing room), a frigidarium (cold pool), a tepidarium (warm pool) and a caldarium (hot pool) as well as a palaestra (a plaza for social and athletic purposes), where built with pastel brick wall, the isolated photo shooting location of outfit in off-white and bleak black. 

TOP TIP 1: Adapt long-sleeve cardigan, apply less sun cream to protect the skin from the harm of UV 

TOP TIP 2: Tie the knot, create a top or cardigan a more of funky trendy look 

Special Thanks: JMH 

Cuisine Crush: Irish Pub & Restaurant Pizzico in Constanta, Romania

IRISH PUB 

Next to the Black Sea, Constanța is a great mix of cultures and history. After arrival and the quick shopping at city centre, in the evening we hit at cosy relaxing Irish Pub in the neighbourhood alongside Tomis Boulevard. 

With a spacious brownish tiled building, adorned with plants and a beautiful terrace near the Black Sea, Irish Pub is great for family, friends and business meetings alike. The entrance is an enlarged wooden Irish bar, the alcohol choices are vary, the dim light of the interior design as if from Oscar Wilde’s The Happy Prince setting; the whole tone of the bar and pub brighten up at the terrace in the mood of pastel brick together with a huge greenery bonsai tree. The waiters (definitely the clone of Rupert Friend!) escorts us to the window seats, recommends Romanian red wines and beer, gently places the intriguing lemon squeezer and table wears. 

Instead of mussels, my seafood plate is sea bass fillet with sweet corn puree, artichoke, edamame beans served with Saffron wine sauce. Usually not the fan of the any products of puree, while the first dinner in Romania changes my traditional opinion. The sweet corn puree is not plain, nor too dense, but with a slight sweet taste with tongue buds. The grilled sea bass fillets is crispy of the skin, only a few drops of fresh lemon is enhancing the whole flavor of the fresh salty touch. Unto with light pink ceramic plate, the pale yellow sweet corn puree in the decoration of light green edamame beans and the grey sea bass fillet completes a cute and tasty look. 

RESTAURANT PIZZICO

A rainy cloudy day, after the deep research at History and Archeological Museum of Constanța, the opposite of in Ovid Square, Pizzico Restaurant is a bouquet of syringes. With an organic kitchen where everything fresh is remodeling gourmet to the extent of papillos with cultural fantasies, the vintage newspaper design of the menu catches our attention. Among various burgers and pizzas list, the seafood is still the most attractive option, therefore, grilled octopus & squid served with sour cream sauce, 350 grams in total, treated in a off-white ceramic plate, a perfect softness to chew effortlessly at mouth, alongside with rather a bit plain green salad, in total the late lunch makes a chilly day warm and fulfilled. 

While enjoying the window view, I accidentally run down a pinkish candle by taking my cardigan off, I am terribly embarrassed but relieved after the Nepalese waiter keeps telling me there is no worry at all. After the lovely dining moments, the waiter is curious about my life and work in Helsinki, hoping one day he could work in Brussels and visiting the Nordic territories. I wish him all the best, again, the tiny mistake to confess: I even forget to ask his name. 

IRISH PUB 

RESTAURANT PIZZICO 

Fashion Fun Constanța! Stradivarious Jeans & Chloé Denim at Art Museum of Constanta, Romania

7-9 May, Constanța, Romania 

From Varna to Constanța takes approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes driving, the landscape along the route 29 is a mass of greenery hills and plains. We failed to book the shuttle bus since we never received the responding email, while waiting almost hopelessly at the front gate of Varna Cathedral, a taxi driver called Angel promotes his deal of 40 EUR each; therefore, the150 kilometers road trip unexpectedly hits on. 

Arriving cloudy and windy Constanța, historically known as Tomis, (Roman Emperor Augustus exiled poet Ovid (Publius Ovidius Naso) to Tomis in year 8 A.D) does not prevent us from the journey of adventure: the old town, the ruined casino, the black sea and the shopping streets show the vintage touch of the city look. While the drizzling moments, getting lost in the art museum is the blessing moment to enjoy the capsule of the city history. 

Established in 1961, the Art Museum of Constanța exhibits more than 7,300 Romanian contemporary art masterpieces: paintings, sculptures, ceramics, china, upholstery and furniture, ranging from the works of Theodor Aman and Nicolae Grigorescu to those of Ion Jalea and Corneliu Baba. From ground floor to the top patio, is yet the alternative opportunity to view the Black Sea and Constanța through the eyes of the artists who portrayed them. Perhaps due to the chilly day, I am the only visitor in the whole afternoon, owning the art museum as the temporary paradise. The two middle-aged ladies at the information desk are very friendly, out of my surprise that they even need to turn on the gallery lamps for their only visitor. The ground floor is the hallway distributed to Romanian impressionist artist Nicolae Grigorescu, the off-white, the brick burgundy and a bit touch of the gold compose the major tone of the façade of the interior design of the art museum. 

Wearing layering at Art Museum of Constanța, from Sandro 100% off-shite silk camisole (at Sandro La Roca Village Outlet, Barcelona), Chanel 100% wool black cardigan (15AW collection), Chloé 100% cotton denim washed blue shirt, Made in Tunisia, French size 34 has the 62 cm in length can actually be a mini jacket, which the puffy sleeves are designed for a slightly loose fit. Acne Studios Raya Mohair 30% nylon, 30% wool, 28% mohair, 4% elastane long cardigan is always the best replacement for the winter coat in chilly days. Wrapping around with Vivienne Westwood 48% alpaca, 36% wool, 16% polyamide orange double-side scarf prevents the drizzles, and 5 buttons high waist dark grey jeans (98% cotton 2% elastane) from Stradivarious (also under Index group) is my great hunt at The Grand Mall, Varna. There is no doubt that Chanel lambskin/suede espadrilles are always my travel essentials, due to the fitting and style are between sneakers and ballerinas, they are super comfortable to take a long walk/shopping but still with less bulky look. The major warning to wear espadrilles is not to expose them at showering days, since the straws may summon moulds afterwards. 

The basic tone of outfit at museum day is pure black, dark grey, washed denim and crimson orange, lightening up the cloudy day of Constanta, and it’s a highly match with the burgundy brick at the mini garden of the art museum. 

TOP TIP 1: Tie a knot and transform a fine quality denim shirt as a bit Rock ‘n’ Roll mini jacket 

TOP TIP 2: High waist jeans protects the belly from the exposure with the chilly air, prevent the risk of getting unnecessary flu 

Special Thanks: JMH 

Magazine Madness: Pure Style, Forever Kate. VOGUE British May 2019

“Everybody loves Kate”. Editor-in-Chief Edward Enninful comments so on Editor’s Letter column at May 2019 British VOGUE. Kate Moss not only helped to define fashion magazines over past 26 years, but also British style around the globe. The interesting statistics show that May 2019 issue marks the 40^th month that this cultural icon has fronted British VOGUE, in total, Kate has spent more than 3 years of her life on the cover of this world leading fashion bible. This month, VOGUE has been published with three different covers for collectors’ wishes, and my version is that Kate wears jacket with necktie and snake bracelet, Gucci felt hat and Van Cleef& Arpels gold rings and diamond bracelet. Photographed by Mikael Jansson, Kate Moss herself is the fashion editor of these three versions of cover looks.

As for photography, due to Kate Moss has been on the runway for CHANEL since her early stage at modeling career, I selected Chanel Longwear Powder Eyeshadow #34 Poudre D’or Metallic with the gold-plated carving interlocked logo on the lid of cosmetic case and Rouge Coco Lip Blush #418 Rouge Captivant in order to enhance the pastel hues of VOGUE cover. Elie Saab’s GIRL of NOW perfume trial toy shields the price tag of the magazine, its light Tiffany blue tone matches powder pinkish VOGUE font in harmony purpose. Love, Chloé Eau Florale cute perfume bottle attached with the golden-tone lid performs well together with Chao&Eero 18K gold rings for the shooting. For the complete of the shooting, I place a dried rose atop of Kate’s Gucci leather hat, as if she wore flower during May Days.

For the fashion campaign pages, with working Dutch duo Inez van Lamsweerde & Vinoodh Matadin, Kate can be both graceful or Rock ‘n’ Roll on wearing Saint Laurent’s Le Smoking, or Alexander McQueen’s sheer, flimsy ruffles with slim leather coat on rather fuzzy curl hair, or, under the lens of Mikael Jansson, she pays homage to her friend Anita Pallenberg in a glittering take on 60’s bohemian glamour or 70’s sophisticate feminine. The contrast between the now-and-then archive fashion pages has more of a comparative study of apparel evolution. While Anita strikes a pose by wearing Jimmy Choo platform sandals with black-and-white stripe jacket and trousers, on the opposite page, that Kate is casually sitting on the stool, half-opened eyes, naturally let the ANITA PALLENBERG ARCHIVE polka dots jacket trousers suits flow. At intimate shoots with photographer Jamie Hawkesworth at deserted Goan Beach. Kate looks as innocent teenager, half nude, only wearing an earring of her own and JW Anderson’s leather headscarf with chain. The adaptation in black-and-white photography at this project case propose more of retro touch of Kate’s versatile tastes, though this fashion icon has any personal accounts on any social media. We audience know her through the works, via the words of fashion designers, on the pages of fashion news. Kate Moss remains highly mysterious. We see her through a haze, at dawn and at dusk.