Excitement is in the air. Or should we say on a lake. The next Black and Paper fashion production will take place in Northern Italy, at Lake Garda. Preparing the details, the team cannot help but feel excited. A location of spectacular scenery that inspires our imagination.
The collaboration born from a discussion at the ITB Berlin. We said “Yes” after the first 2 minutes of chatting.
After attending the ITB Travel Fair 2019, I learned the travel field continues to grow. More want to get away, however, questions are being asked of the effects. “Overtourism” is becoming common. As a result, Many cities have become overwhelmed by holiday makers. Town centers have been abandoned for tourist. Barcelona, Venice, and Prague are being hollowed out. Coping with the traveler influx has become political and economic topics.
Apartments used for AirBnB, big hotel chains grabbing any available space. Public spaces flooded with visitors armed with selfie sticks. Locals started rebelling against tourists, weary of the temporary guests. The answers are not easy. Recently, a picturesque Parisian neighbourhood petitioned to place gates on the street to stop the weekend Influencer invasion searching for the the perfect gram.
Can flying economy become human again? Perhaps flying in the back of the plane will improve. Airlines are upgrading their services with new seats offering more leg space. Can the budgets say, “AMEN!” Middle East carrier Qatar Airways ups the game. I checked out their new Airbus livery. I give it top marks. A wide choice of in flight entertainment, bigger food portions, and even Godiva Chocolate for dessert. A good product for those looking for a better travel experience without breaking the wallet.
Africa is rising. The continent offers destinations based on experience: a trek to Victoria Falls or a Safari in Namibia. Many countries are developing tourism infrastructure, upgrading airlines while building hotels. Zimbabwe and Sierra Leone, two places not known as tourist friendly locations, are open for business. Asking adventure seekers to give their countries a try.
Colombia continues to move forward on all tourism fronts. A place once known for drug cartels and civil wars has made great strides to become a travel destination. Blessed with an extensive beach coast, mountains, and an multicultural mix of people, the South American country is rolling out the carpet for every type of visitor. Brimming with a smile, the marketing head told me how his country wants to become a top LGBT holiday spot. Many cities have pride and other gay friendly festivals. The capital city Bogota, has a large gay population with many bars and clubs. Moreover, Cartagena and Medellin have vibrant scenes worth exploring. I placed Colombia on my travel list. Stay Tuned.
Thinking about your next holiday, check out the ITB coverage. Add a destination to a bucket list.
#ITBBerlin highlights.#traveladdict #Traveller #ttot #destination #vacation #FridayMotivaton #travelphotography #passport #travelislife #inspire pic.twitter.com/7iNi2BuKiN
— BlackandPaper (@BlackandPaper1) March 8, 2019
#ITBBerlin highlights. Where to go? How to go? How to go? What to do? #traveladdict #Traveller #ttot #destination #vacation #ThursdayMotivaton #travelphotography #passport #travelislife #tourism #inspire #berlin #itbfrance2019. pic.twitter.com/wxmDKkNoDB
— BlackandPaper (@BlackandPaper1) March 7, 2019
Paris Fashion Week coverage continues from France 24.
The fanny pack has become a luxury brand staple. An accessory once regulated to streetwear to brands like Nike and Puma. Luxury makers have recently picked on the trend by introducing their own versions. Louis Vuitton’s 1500 euro item sets the standard in the fashionista category. My opinion: I will never own one. Do not get me wrong, , except for jogging around the park. Using one for every day use is my style. I don’t wonder how a sportswear piece graduated to the luxury leagues. Fashion has moved in every direction. Items once not a part of a brand’s DNA are now key drivers of collections.
Never could I imagine wearing a fanny pack as a fashion piece. Especially, one emblazoned with a designer logo protruding from my waist. The feel is tacky, gimmicky, a here and now item that will become a dated fad.
I use bags because I carry around a PC, camera, cards, and everything needed for business. A small, overpriced piece of leather does me no good. I recommend getting a full size bag that will last with time.
Marrakesh. One of those places that excites the imagination of any traveller. My travel to the city turned into a delightful adventure of walks in the medina absorbing the sights, smells, and sounds. Getting lost was part of the fun.
Listen to the podcast sponsored by Beyerdynamic.
Clipper Inspired recommends:
Bahai Palace, Bab Agnaou Gate, Koutobid Mosque, and the market at sunset.
For great food, try Al Fassia, make a reservation in advance. It is very popular. Or try La Grand Post. Both located in the New City.
Paris Fashion Week is in fill swing. The report from France 24.
Forgive the crazy review. When I arrived in Milan on Wednesday morning of Fashion Week the schedule went off the rails quickly.
The Byblos winter 2019 was suppose to be the 3rdshow of the day for me. A tad wind blown when I arrived to the location by press shuttle, I knew the brand but had no clue what to expect. Navigating through the crowds to get to the door I made my way to my seat in a white event area.
Creative Director Maniel Facchini was inspired the by the colors and science of Auroras Borealis according to the press release. Another aspect of the collection was the use of sustainable materials. Recycled bottles for accessories along with nylon made into outerwear looks are brands eco-friendly direction.
Moving from puffer jackets to skin tight dresses the brand is positioning itself as high end sportswear and streetwear for the bling set. Embellishments, geometrics prints, 3D projections were on full show.
Hockey knee pads, knee high boots, furry booties, and chunky sneakers rounded out the get noticed footwear.
With model Winnie Harlow strutting the catwalk , Byblos is chartering a new course, upping its profile. The brands flagship store on Via Montenapoleone opens this Spring.
My overall impression of the collection: all about youth, on the street.
Sponsored by Canon Germany.
The Antonio Marras Show at Milan Fashion Week combined a catwalk with live performance theatre. I was not sure what I was suppose to watch, the models, the singers, the stage shows. The unique setting in an antique space made the event all the more theatrical.
The collection mixed dark romanticism with a 1930’s feel of frivolity.
Sponsored by Canon Deutschland
Milan Fashion Week is over. I love the Italian city with all of its creative instincts. Designers are always enthusiastic ready to speak about their latest works. I had detailed collection tours.
Fall 2019 will be about the bling. At least that is the word from ateliers in Italy. In other words, social media has affected fashion in many ways. Instant recognition means getting noticed. The right image on Instagram attracts free likes, comments, and shares. Fashion brands have leapt onto the instant fame generation.
Inspiration mixed with heavy doses of commercialization took over. These days fashion is shared not personal. Style liberation has been replaced by forced digital integration. Milanese designers continue to evolve this year. Incorporating social media friendly colors, shapes, and rebranding logos
Many fashion looks upcoming looks are based on the modern “It Girl”. A person who cannot live without a smartphone. Constantly connected with many followers. An existence centered on posting.
I viewed lovely collections not influenced by social media. Sophisticated, the tag inside, sadly, not sure if these brands would would be popular in Fall 2019. After a chat with one public relations representative, we agreed. Can reconciling elegance in the digital world work? On one hand, I want to say “Yes”. After I got back to my hotel, I looked over the feeds of a few “fashion influencers”. I wondered. Ostentatious has become a compliment.
Milan has stepped out of the shadow of Paris. Tailoring looks with an appreciation of the physical form, fitted silhouettes.
I attended many shoes and bags presentations, many brands are extending lines to accessories. A business strategy to counter Michael Kors recent acquisition of shoemaker Jimmy Choo. A country with a history of leather design and production, it was not surprising. Leather shoes prevailed. Some incorporated exotic skin and diamond materials.
Stay tuned for more reports.