Lots happening out on the road, visitors around and new shops abound. Color has come back with a splash, just look at Michel Harcourt’s boutique on Jl Raya Basangkasa, stunning color & combo’s. Be daring this season, add some citrus & splash to your wardrobe, we are in the tropics you know!
Louise – a new snazzy boutique in a great location!
Just opened on Jl Raya Seminyak, No 2, Seminyak, just before Made’s Warung or after (depending on which way you are heading) & next door to the new jazz & blues hip bar/eatery, Mannekinpis. A bijou ‘Napoleon’ sort of style decorated boutique (wood & iron) painted out in chocolate & pearl tones which provide the perfect foil for a chic & exciting range of feminine finery featuring plenty of color! From classy resort wear of Hollywood design swimwear encrusted with sequins (some with matching mini wrap-arounds) to easy jersey daytimes to crinkle silk, silk/satin dazzle, studded with jewels for evening pleasures. All garments have fluid flow, are soft & pretty, daring, alluring, exquisite & luscious & come in a host of colors from Red, Turquoise, Cobalt Blue to pastels & of course, Black, White & Grey.
Now the collection of jewelry here is terrific! All designed by Louise, made by experienced Balinese craftspeople, all pure brass, some coated with silver plate & beaten into submission. If you have been following the jewelry trends you will know that ‘link’ jewelry is all the rage. This jewelry is smart, not the small sized links but nice big circles & ovals shapes, interspersed with fashion stones & crystals along with the all popular Buddha, cross & disc charms. Intricate neckpieces (short & longer versions) belts to drape softly at the hip, bracelets to dangle & earrings that ‘flirt’, all add up to the perfect accessory for a Louise creation! A three day turnaround for those visitors to the isle, wholesale inquiries welcome, just send a note to, c_dox@hotmail.com
Esprite Nomade – lifestyle products for the sophisticated traveler!
This is one clever design company that already has a name around town for exceedingly smart lifestyle designer products with a focus on traveler’s accessory kits, travel wardrobes, exclusive luxury tents & interiors. Now have moved into the area of the hotel amenities biz, more accessories, VIP personalized gifts for him & her and Tropical Whites. Further this smart lady who runs the show, continues to work on concept & design for custom-made products for the luxury hotel/resort and travel industry. So what’s left you may ask of a very talented being - Ah, apart from setting up delightful private picnics (which includes a flower foot bath, sweets & snacks, tree planting, yoga & a walk to the sunset at the edge of the world (in the jungles of Ubud, a touch of Out of Africa here!) you are now invited to a complimentary high tea/lunch in a unique tented showroom/design studio in Ubud where you can relax and see the Best of Bali all in one space! Make sure you mention this column to Anneke, for info – 0812 3849924 Esprite Nomade Design Manufacturing Retail Wholesale www.espritenomade.com
Quidzy – and the lady behind the name!
This spot is a real haven in Seminyak where you can spend some quiet time taking in an extraordinary collection of unique fashion items & art. It’s also the workspace for the talented Meriem, a true artiste on fabric design who is quite the authority on Chinese, Mongolian, Indian, Asian & North African history, culture and of course textiles. Particularly in the area of embroidery, batik & other decorative motifs, obviously these provide a wonderful source of inspiration for her limited one–off editions. Take your time to examine the items as they are so very different. Lycra named Geisha, Batik on crinkle silk, Thai wild silk pieces from Laos, some unique embroidery work indicative of the nomadic tribes (the Rabaris) of Rajasthan and then a cotton collection featuring an all over pattern in gold paint, using the ‘perade’ technique (which is a combo of first glue & then gold paint) all truly fascinating! And of course some obligatory jewels, here on a small table, you will spy some extra fine wire crochet jewelry. Quidzy - Jl Kunti Two, (other side of Sunset Rd) No 20, Seminyak. Meirem hp: 081 855 2535
Now, the Black & White images on the wall are from a series called ‘Asia Travels’ by LUCA TETTONI these works are from his travels in Papua New Guinea & Indonesia as well a small collection of wonderful scenic images of Burma/Myanmar, Thailand & Vietnam. The other exhibition of Luca’s works is ‘Seeking Serenity’ astounding images that he has taken for the Wellness movement that has swept the world. These images line the walls of a space within Fashion Point No 63 (a collection of little boutiques/cafe located on Jl Raya Seminyak, (opp Lily Jean) In these works Luca Tettoni’s keen eye for composition, combined with technical expertise captures the desired ambience & brings out the best aspects of interior architecture & design. Luca’s coffee table books can also be found in Periplus Bookstores.
For comments and enquiries, email: retailtherapym@yahoo.com.au
