The Shoe Library

I'm very excited to be able to share these images with you (especially with those of you outside of HK!) of the recently completed 'Shoe Library' in the new Lane Crawford flagship store in Tsim Sha Tsui. For those of you who don't know, Lane Crawford is to Hong Kong as Barney's or Bergdorf's would be to New York, or Harrods & Harvey Nichols to London. Simply put, its a shoppers paradise. And I've considered moving in there on several occasions. Known for their stylish modern interiors, which had previously been done by the super retail duo Yabu - Pushelberg, this time around Lane Crawford has asked local design wunderkind Andre Fu (the designer behind the uber chic Upper House Hotel) to design some of the spaces.

Stepping through the Canton Road entrance of the store you find yourself in the 'Great Room', the mainstay of the entire space, featuring a soaring 5m high ceiling, library armoires in bronze and abstract French panels. Floors are finished in Romano marble and covered with elaborate rugs from the Andre Fu Collection for Tai Ping Carpets. There are also eighty-something bespoke pieces of furniture dotted around the entire Library, among them The Salon's 5m long table with Alberto Giacometti inspired legs, and hand-embroidered silk wall panels echoing the work of French fashion illustrator Christian Berard, in warm shades of solferino and lilac.

The entire experience is somewhat surreal considering the quietude and sophistication of the space (not to mention all those shoes!) in contrast to the chaotic streetscape just outside. I would make the Shoe library my home, if only I didn’t have to leave the island to get there ;)

All images care of AFSO

more from Mohn

A couple of treasures from James Mohn's online portfolio...the top one has kept me going all day...it looks like such a snug spot to spend a cold winters day...

although knowing Hong Kong, just give it a few months and I'll be dreaming of somewhere cool and calm, just like this...

Loft living

My husband and I have recently been thinking about converting some warehouse space to live in, and while I'm obsessing over how I would furnish it, I was reminded of this amazing duplex loft apartment in New York that is the home of architect/designer James Mohn and his partner. The space was published back in the Feb/March 2004 edition of Elle Decor, but its been firmly planted in the back of my mind ever since. The high ceilings and sheer amount of light is definitely appealing, but they've used the space so perfectly I think. Plus, I'm in love with the artwork and their furniture...

in search of the perfect chai

I came across the spicy chai blend by French artisinal apothecary company, Mad et Len, in the Causeway Bay I.T. store before Christmas. I couldn't wait to get back to the Hong Kong winter after my holiday to give it a try. Its not quite as spicy as the label suggests, its actually quite mild, but still very nice. It seems my hunt continues. I'm not sure anything will ever come close to my favorite tea house, Kusmi.



As I've admitted before, I'm a sucker for packaging, and of course this is partly what attracted me to the tea (although the list of ingredients also sounded pretty yum). So, I think I need to track down a local stockist for their perfume and bathwares as those black bottles with atomisers are so cute I don't even care what's in them!

What a way to start the year!

Happy New Year everyone! I think 2012 is going to be a good one, I can feel it in my bones. And what better way to kick-off the blogging year than with these images from what is fast becoming my favorite online read, Nuevo Estilo? Maybe one of my new years resolutions should be to learn Spanish? For a start, I'm loving this green. My trip back home to Australia over Xmas saw me fall in love with all shades of green all over again. Its quite an eclectic look, but I adore the coziness of it, and I think I'd be quite happy curling up on any of those chairs with a cuppa and a book and while away the rest of winter. What do you think, sound good?

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

I think a few groups of these lovely antiqued and mercury glass hurricanes by Skogsberg & Smart would put me in the spirit!

Unfortunately I'm not in the spirit just yet, I'm running all over the place like an idiot at the moment trying to finish of a few projects before I head home for a much needed holiday. I haven't been back to Australia for 2 years, first time for Christmas for at least 3yrs, and my little sister is getting married, so excited! So...you might not hear from me til the new year...in which case, I wish you all a fantastic 2012, I have a feeling it'll be a good one! (although I say that each year, don't I?)

Suzy x

Dealers Choice

I'm not sure why it took me so long to come across this book, but I'm glad I finally have a copy. "Dealers Choice" (released in May this year), with a foreword by Michael Bruno of 1stDibs.com, is a stunning compendium of the homes of some of the worlds greatest dealers of furniture and design. There are so many well known names amongst the list, but its the home of Parisienne, Mary Jourdan, in particular that has caught my eye. The monochromatic palette may not be to everyone's taste, but I love the quiet sophistication of it. This is but a taste of her apartment, let alone the entire book, so if you like what you see I highly recommend it.

Scored!

This is my kinda drug. Two stunning original Tommi Parzinger chairs. A very naughty purchase, but you only live once, and living without these wouldn't be really living I think. Now I just need the patience to wait for them to be shipped...

los interiores español

I need to move to Spain...Like now.

The latest deliciousness on Nuevo Estilo.

riva, arriba!

can you handle one more brass post?

I've fallen head over heels in love with the products of Brazilian manufacturer, riva. Currently stocked in Lane Crawford for you Hong Kongers, although you'd better hurry because the brass is selling out fast! I couldn't help myself...I snagged a lovely cake stand and water jug...and now I want the cutlery, and the champagne bucket, and....

highly polished productivity

I've been eyeing off the brass limited edition version of the CH110 desk by Carl Hansen for a while now, so I was thrilled to finally see the real thing in person at Lane Crawford today. The original was designed by Hans Wegner in 1970, but I think the brass version is the perfect blend of Scandinavian modern and present day pizazz!

a floating paradise...

A reader kindly sent me images of this stunning Yacht, “NUMPTIA”, which was on show at Monaco Boat Show recently. The interior was done by someone unknown to me, Achille Salvagni, an Italian Architect. Definitely one to watch. It seems from his website that he specialises in boat interiors, so If I decide I'm in the market for a boat anytime soon, he'll be the man for the job!