how far would you go for vintage dresses?

How far would you go for a vintage dress? What would you do to buy vintage dresses on sale? Well, I was tested when Dear Golden had an InstaSale on 22nd April at 1 pm EST. With 13 hours time difference this would be a challenge, which means sacrificing my beauty sleep.

After patiently waited for each vintage item to be posted, my eyes caught a post of a lovely dress that needed additional care. However, my fingers were not fast enough to claim the vintage dress. Perhaps I would better luck in next sale in May?

Have you done anything out of the ordinary just to buy vintage dresses on sale?

wanderlust: house of dior, seoul

House of Dior, the most eye-catching architecture in the district of Gangnam, Seoul, is a work of art; combining haute couture with architecture. Christian de Portzamparc was inspired by the movement of the fabrics and the weaving effects and created a facade which would explore these elements. He further explained, "this white softness is like the couturier's toile when he's at work. It has a sense of movement that plays with light. This sculptural suppleness was my starting point".[note 1] The building was also inspired by the movement of the Cyclone and Cocotte dresses, designed by Christian Dior in 1948. It has an art gallery on the fourth floor and Cafe Dior by Pierre Herme on the top floor.

From 23rd February 2016 onwards, an exhibition entitled Lady Dior as Seen by is held. In this exhibition, you will see some of the talented international artists take on the iconic Lady Dior bag. Here's a sneak peek of the exhibition...  

After checking out the exhibition, don't forget to check out Cafe Dior on the top floor either just to have sneak peek or take a coffee break.

I wish I could buy one of these!

Normally, I hardly have coffee breaks at designer cafes but for this time I stopped for a much needed break after all the walking around the city. Instead of tea or coffee, I ordered a cup of hot raspberry and dark chocolate drink and macaroons. From my observation, most of the customers are young, dressed stylishly and not forgetting some tourists like myself.

Take Bundang line metro and alight at Apgujeongrodeo Station, exit 3 (if I remember correctly). Walk along the K-star Road; whereby there are many Gangnamdols of Korean artists on the opposite of the street that you are walking. The walk takes about 20 to 25 minutes. Here's the address;

House of Dior

464, Apgujeong-ro

Gangnam-gu, Seoul 

I never thought a visit to a designer boutique would turn out such a pleasant experience. Hmm... perhaps from now on, I may consider checking out designer cafes? Will see... 

On a separate note, this is my last wanderlust post on Seoul. I hope these posts would help or inspire your trip to Seoul. 

Till my next post, stay chic and have a great weekend!

Reference:

Note 1: http://www.dior.com/diormag/en_us/suggest/architecture

wanderlust: 9owls vintage, seoul

After visiting Simone Handbag Museum, I strolled along Dosan-daero 13-gil and came across a relatively big and outstanding signboard of comic strip like. Then my eyes caught the word 'vintage' and I gasped. I was excited to find a vintage store! At last, I could check out vintage in Seoul. 

The shop is well curated with vintage designer pieces such as bags; Chanel, Versace, Ferragamo, clothes from the 70s to the 90s, extensive collection of accessories such as necklace, earrings, hats, gloves or sun glasses. I was drooling over vintage Chanel bags... Oh, how I wish I have money to splurge on one or two vintage Chanel bag!

Whilst browsing around, I noticed this rather rare or unique Ferragamo bag. Most of the time, I see bags with vara bow (or perhaps it's just me...). Anyway, once I put it on my shoulder and looked at myself in the mirror, I knew I was in trouble.Needless to say further, in the end I bought the bag. 

Details of 9owls vintage:

Address: Sinsadong 546-3B1, Gangnam district, Seoul, Korea

https://www.facebook.com/9owlsvintage  

Do check it out if you are vacationing in Seoul. 

Have a great weekend and stay chic!

wanderlust: simone handbag museum @ seoul, korea

The Simone Handbag Museum, which is located in Gangnam area, houses one of the finest collections of handbags in the world. The architecture of the museum is indeed an interesting design; in the shape of a bag. Who would have thought of this? Clever idea, isn't it?

 Entrance of the building

 

Entrance of the museum on the third floor

 Its collections include bags dated back to the 1500s and the latest 'it' bags of the 21 century. The museum is divided into two themes; third floor - modern gallery and fourth floor - historical gallery. Photos are not allowed to be taken in the museum but a booklet with information of each bags is given when purchasing an admission ticket. The collections are available on the museum's website as well; click here. 

I was drooling over some of the lovely vintage bags. The collections are well curated and definitely worth a vist for any fashion or bag lovers.
 
Museum details:

Address: 17, Dosan-daero 13-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
Hours: Tuesday to Saturday: 10 am to 7 pm, Sunday: 11 am to 7 pm
Admission ticket: 5,000 KRW
Website: http://simonehandbagmuseum.co.kr/     
How to get here: Sinsa station, exit 8 or Apgujeong station exit 5

Till my next post, stay chic and have a great weekend!

wanderlust: the fashion world of jean paul gaultier @ seoul, korea

Whilst I was reaching for things to do and exhibitions in Seoul for my holiday, I was so excited to found out that 'The fashion world of Jean Paul Gaultier' exhibition would take place in Dongdaemun Design Plaza, Seoul. Although I am not a big fan of Gaultier, I would want to miss a chance to check out this exhibition. 

The exhibition was launched in 2011 and from then onward it has travelled to Dallas, San Franscisco, Madrid, Rotterdam, Stockholm, New York, London,  Melbourne, Paris, Munich and now making its final and first stop in Asia - Seoul, Korea. The exhibition will end in June 2016.

And now, fast forward to the day of my visit....  The exhibition is divided into seven themes:

Salon 

It showcases Gaultier's interpretation or reinvention of early 20th century corsets and 1940s girdles.

Odyssey

The founding myths such as virgins, sailors and mermaids which captivated Gaultier and how these were expressed in his work. 

Skin deep

In this section, Gaultier explored human externalities; skin, gender and sexuality.

Punk Cancan

Pieces showcase here depict how classic Paris fashion was transformed by Gaultier's synthesis of the rebellious Parisian spirit with the freedom of London's 1970s punk movement. 

Urban Jungle

The idea of jungle here refers to the variety of culture influences but also the use of unusual and rare materials such as leathers and feathers characteristic of haute couture. In Gaultier's ideal society, the world's diversity can be expressed in a single piece. 

Metropolis

This section depicts Gaultier's many collaborations with movie directors, pop stars and dance choreographers all illustrated with costumes, videos and sketches. 

Les Mariees
Unconventional wedding dresses by Gaultier.

For more photos, please click here.

Exhibition details:

Venue: Dongdaemun Design Plaza, 281 Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul Korea

Transportation: Dongdaemun History and Culture Park Station (Lines 2, 4 and 5, Exit 1)

Period of exhibition: March 26 to June 30, 2016

Admission hours:

Open Tuesday - Sunday

Art hall 10:00 am to 9:00 pm

Museum 10:00 am to 7:00 pm (Wed, Fri 10:00 am to 9:00 pm)

Admission ticket:

Adult: 15,00 KRW

Youth: 12,000 KRW

Children: 8,000 KRW

The exhibition is definitely worth a visit and if you are in Seoul before the end of June, do try to check it out. My timing was just right and I was lucky to be able to immerse myself into the world of Gaultier.