wanderlust: paris haute couture: the only gown in the world @ tokyo, japan

Paris Haute Couture: The Only Gown in the World; doesn't the title of the exhibition sound intriguing? I had short getaway to Tokyo last weekend and to visit this exhibition was on my to-do-in-Tokyo list. The exhibition will end tomorrow, 22 May 2016.

The exhibition showcases the history of haute couture from its beginning in the 19th century to the present. Interestingly, it was Charles-Frederic Worth, an English-born, who created the basis of haute couture in Paris in the late 19th century.  Haute couture means "high sewing" or "high dressmaking". Great pieces from great couturiers such as Chanel, Christian Dior, Balenciaga and Yves Saint Laurent to name a few are displayed in this exhibition.

Here's a snippet of the exhibition as most of the sections photo taking is not allowed.

Jean Pages, illustration 1935

Jean Patou, 1939

  

Premet, 1928 (left), Jeanne Lanvin, 1928 (right)

 

Chanel, 1937

  

Chanel, 1930

 

Lucile Paray, 1933

 

Robert Piguet, 1939

 

Jean-Paul Gaultier, 2006

Throughout my visit, I was drooling over the pretty and unique dresses and oh-ing and ah-ing almost non-stop. Who can resist such beautiful dresses? Furthermore, the amazing beading, embroidery and other embellishments are indeed making each dress display here the only gown in the world. Oh how I wish I could own one of the dresses....

outfit post: bringing vintage back

outfit: thrifted vintage top, thrifted denim a-line skirt, ballerina flats

Recently the management of my work place has decided to bring back casual Fridays. Yes, to me, it is an opportunity to wear vintage! I must admit whilst yesterday outfit was plain and ordinary but it was a good first step to wear vintage the office. What I love about the top is the double collars; such an understated design, don't you think? Now, I can't wait to wear vintage on every Friday...

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

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!