Victor Mosquera

Nomadic Airstream

This wonderful 1969's Airstream trailer owned by Designer Rachel Horn and her husband  Justin Kreizel , who were inspired when they deiced to attend the Burning Man Festival.

Found on Craig's List fro $5000 , they gutted and totally renovated the trailer into this beautiful Moorish Inspired design. Beautiful Kitchen with stainless steel appliances and Corian counter tops. Living area with a day bed using luxurious fabrics from Nobilis, Donghia, Larsen , tribal inspired rugs in shades of blue and grey. The bedroom is separated by curtains and Moorish arches and clever storage under the beds.

What a beautiful and well designed Trailer, in this small space they thought of everything, there is even air conditioning and a Cappucino maker. I would not mind going anywhere in one of these! They should be the official designers of Trailer Chic or  Nomadic Trailer Hotel were you can rent them and have room service and depending the season be in different locations....

Happy Trails! xo

All photos via www.nytimes.com

Dora Daar

Leonardo da Vinci

"Leonardo da Vinci :Painter of the Court of Milan is the most comlete display of rare surviving paintings ever held. This unprecedented exhibition, the first of its kind anywhere in the world, brings together sensational loans never seen before in the UK"

                                                                                                        The National Gallery

I am so excited to see this show, London Culture at its best. GO NOW, but make sure you buy tickets in advance they are giving time slots, I presume so it does not get overcrowded. The website explains everything so prepare before you go.

Enjoy!

The National Gallery

Trafalgar Square

London

WC2 5DN

www.nationalgallery.org.uk

Video on the exhibition

www.nationalgallery.org.uk/whats-on/exhibitions/leonardo-live

Most photos via The National Gallery and Taschen

The Splendor of Motu Tane

" Never before had I seen waters the color of the rainbow or like fireworks, springing right out of some maddened imagination, or from Gaugin's own palette. Waters the color of bronze, of copper, gold, silver, mother-of-pearl, pearl, jade, emeralds, moonlight or the aurora borealis. The stars themselves seemed to have fallen to the sea, scintillating brilliantly on the lagoon's surface, in bright sunlight, who could find the right words,what poet images,what painter even colors , to describe the scene? I give up."

Paul Emile Victor, a French Explorer's impression on seeing Bora Bora for the first time from the cockpit of an airplane in 1958. He retired to Bora Bora and lived in Motu Tane.

Motu Tane island lies across the channel from Bora Bora, owned by renowned french make-up artist François Nars with interiors by Christian Liagre. This stunning island can accommodate up to 20 guests and is rented to only one party of guests at a time.

The island has all that you would expect, a chef to cook divine and fresh meals, in the garden under hundreds of coconut tress, beach barbeque's, torch-lit dinners and Tahitian feasts with those incredible dance groups. Snorkeling the crystal clear waters to discover the phenomenal array of colors, local massages with the unforgettable fragrance of Monoi oil, paddle board, windsurf and even for those who can't bear to live without there is a gym and flat screen tv's in the rooms.

From the pictures you can just use your imagination on how unforgettable this place would be. I would just stare at the the beauty all day long, swim,eat, sleep and have a big perma smile all day and night. One on my list of places to see, still have not done Polynesia and this would be just perfect, anyone interested in renting it? The only shock is the price but understandably, its a trip of a lifetime, see the website for more info.

Bon Voyage xo

Resources,

www.motutaneisland.com

www.narscosmetics.com

www.vogue.com

http://player.vimeo.com/video/37876758

INTERMISSION: CHAI BREAK

Masala Chai is perfect for a cold winters day.

Video by High Beam Media

Via Fine Dining Lovers

America Inedependence Day

Photo via Jasper Johns

Photo via Pam Glew

Photo Via Restoration Hardware

Photo via O Magazine

Photo via Marie Claire Magazine

Photo via Country Living

Photo via Country Living

Photo Unknown

Photo via Martha Stewart

Photo via Urban Outfitters

Photo via Martha Stewart

Photo Via Juan Jose Martinez

Photo via Habitually  Chic

Photo via Home Sweet Home Decor

Photo Via Flickr Beverly & Pack's

Photo via Cottage960

Photo via Reuters

Photo via Catherine Malandrino

Photo via Habitually Chic

Photo via Disney

Happy Fourth of July ! xo

Tales From A Reading Room

Transport yourself back in the days of the Nabateans on their Spice route or Marco Polo on the Silk Road. Here on both of these incredible roads is how traders, merchants, nomads and royals would move spices, silks, silver, incense to and from faraway lands . This is what Australian designer Camilla Franks collection Tales from A Reading Room makes me dream of the weaving of storytelling from all these journeys. Ancient mystical nomads on their caravans adorning themselves as they cross over foreign lands and cultures. 

Camilla Frank has captured it so well, the colours, the styling, the jewels , having grown up in Theatre herself she would transform her own costumes  to give life into them. Doing this manifested into  a whole line of Kaftans and from there she expanded into home ware, jewellery, accessories, children's line and more. A Modern Nomadic Merchant. 

Her online shop is full of merchandise but sadly they only deliver in Australia  and where she has a whole list of boutiques. For ther rest of the world there is stockist list on the site.

I want the whole package must be my multi cultural blood. xo

All images sourced via Camilla 

Totally Crazy for Elise Dray

Bo Goia Dragon Earring in White gold, White, Grey & Black diamonds.

Bo Aigle Earrings, White Gold and White & Black Diamonds.

Hypocampe Ring , Black gold, Grey & Black Diamonds.

Bracelet Black Leaf, White Gold , White Diamonds & Onyx.

Bague Siamoise, Black Gold, White & Black Diamonds & Blue Sapphires.

Bracelet Peace Flower, White Gold & Black Diamonds.

Bague Hibou, Black Gold , Onyx , Black Diamonds & Rubies.

Bague Muguet, Black Gold , Black Diamonds & Red Sapphires.

Collier Aigle. Yellow Gold, Black & White Diamonds.

Bo Feuille de Latanier Earrings, Yellow Gold, Tigers Eye and White Diamonds.

Bague Serpentine, Rose Golds and Brown & Black Diamonds.

Bo Leaf Earrings, Yellow Gold, Malachite & White Diamonds.

Bague Papillion, Rose Gold & White Diamonds.

Bague Hippie Croix , Yellow Gold & White Diamonds.

As I was browsing for jewellery to drool over I stumbled upon a piece that made me blink a couple of times in rapid succession. What was this ? A Dragon Earring made of Black and White Diamonds.

I quickly researched this genius designer and fell totally in love with the world of Elise Day. Dragons, Wings, Leafs, Serpents, the Mythical World,  are some of her subjects for her pieces, yes we have seen some of these used before but the design is done in such a clever and beautiful way that I had such a hard time picking a few to chose for this post.

Based out of Paris her shop is located in 7 Rue de La Paix, How come I never saw it before! How wonderful to find someone as unique as her. Can't believe no one stocks her here in London and only one shop in the US.

Get on her website to see even more choice,

J'Adore Elise Dray xo

All Photos via www.elisedray.com

Big In Japan : Kaikado

The History of Kaikado

Kaikado was established in 1875, shortly after Japan opened its doors to the rest of the world. With civilization came the import of tin plate from England. Tin was used for the plating of steel, and was considered a fashionable foreign-made item. In the Edo era, canisters made from tin were a commonplace means of storage for tea, as were jars made from china or earthenware. It was the company's founder, Kiyosuke, who first designed the tin tea caddy and made it into a commercially available item. His aim was to provide a well-designed, functional tea caddy capable of storing the type of tea leaves commonly sold by dealers. Showing sympathy for local traditions, Kaikado designed a product that would leave a lasting impression on the discerning Kyoto locals. A great many orders were received from tea dealers and hardware merchants alike. The tea caddies were tailor made to the requirements and needs of each and every store. In a time before the invention of the refrigerator, air tightness was key to maintaining the flavour and quality of freshly picked leaves for a period of one year.

Kaikado's tea caddies were a blessing in disguise to tea dealers, in particular in terms of their functionality. Before long, there was an increase in the number of stores supplying the tea caddies, in Kyoto and throughout Western Japan. A manufacturing process that involves anywhere between 130 to 140 steps, the hand-made tea caddies have virtually remained true to the designs established by Kaikado's founding generation. The die and mold used in the early years of the company is still in use today, whilst some shapes of tea caddy used 130 years ago are still in production today.

In 1916, the company was succeeded by Otokichi. The second generation, Otokichi was said to be the most able craftsman of all generations. The third generation, Hikojiro, successfully led the company through difficult times in which, preceding and after the 2nd World War, materials were scarce and tools also had to be sent away in the name of war. The period of economic growth that followed the war years, saw the advent of cheaply made, inexpensive tea caddies. Dissatisfied with this, the fourth generation successor, Shouchi, continued to make tea caddies in the traditional manner, at the same time developing a caddy made from copper. The fifth generation, Seiji, started producing tea caddies to sell to the general public and for this purpose introduced a portable caddy suited to the individual user. Seiji also developed a caddy made from brass. The sixth successor, Takahiro, developed a two-tiered tea caddy. He initiated the first ever collaborations with tea brands, and marketed his caddies abroad. Whilst maintaining tradition, Takahiro set his sights on the global market. Adding a new element per generation is a tradition that Kaikado has carried throughout its history.

Even as its horizons widened, Kaikado has made the same tea caddies it has always done. Doing away with excessive detail, the caddies are based on the pursuit of function. Their simple forms are overflowing with functionality. Each time a Kaikado tea caddy is handled, it develops a unique sheen specific to the type of material from which it is made. Witnessing the changes in color that develop over time will surely bring great joy to the person wishing to nurture their caddy over time. A tea caddy that has been filled with the memories of 100 years can be passed onto the next generation to treasure. With the hand-made materials and methods that comprise Kaikado’s selection of caddies, one can enjoy the expressions unique to each and every tin caddy, or the rapidly changing appearance of copper, or the mellow changes of color that make the brass tea caddies so unique. These qualities forming an important characteristic to its tea caddies, Kaikado have selected only materials with which this can be achieved.

The precision inherent in the hand-made process of the tea caddies is also unique to Kaikado. The double-walled construction guarantees excellent air tightness and will protect tea leaves from humidity whilst helping them to maintain their scent. In addition to being used for storing tea leaves, the caddies be used to hold a wide variety of foodstuffs. They can also be used to store English or Chinese tea, as well as coffee, spices, pasta and grain. We are confident that our customers will not only enjoy the long-lasting quality of our tea caddies, and the scents that arise with each removal of the lid, but experience the difference in function between our caddies and standard containers or boxes.

Having spanned 130 years of history, it is our wish to maintain the art of and passion for our tea caddies for future generations to enjoy.

Love the story of Kaikado, wonderful craftsmanship and design, you can have them customize your logo or any design on them and combine the brass, silver and bronze together, they are also useful for to store other ingredients like herbs, pasta and coffee. For more information and ordering please visit their beautiful site. Your kitchen would look magnificent with these caddy's gleaming. 

Utsukushii xo

Pictures sourced via,

www.kaikado.jp

www.designboom.com