IBIZA LOVE Part VIII

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The bay of Benirras with breathtaking sunsets

Nowhere in Ibiza the beach, sunset and fine dining combine in such perfect harmony as in the beautiful bay of Benirras. It is my absolute favorite among the island beaches, although the sand quality of Benirras is not exactly top notch. Nevertheless, the bay with the obelisk rock provides an almost tropical feeling, and for me there is hardly a more beautiful place on the island, where I stay until the sun sinks into the sea.

The Restaurant Elements on the beach of Benirras is the perfect place for an unforgettable vacation

On the beach of Benirras is the Restaurant Elements. That’s right up my alley: The device acts like homemade with whitened, recycled wood elements, everything is open and airy – part of the concept of element boss Kiko Malcarne, an Italian, now resident on Ibiza: “Here, everything revolves around a native cuisine with fresh fish, salads and pasta. Our meals are prepared with high-quality products from the region.”

“One needs a lot of love to create something beautiful”. Kiko Malcarne

Beautiful vintage look: The furniture is made of whitewashed, recycled wood elements

I take him at his word and order sea bass in a salt crust, which is filleted at the table. For this purpose I choose grilled vegetables and my favorite Rosé Ibiskus. I look at the colors of the setting sun in the sky and feel like in paradise. Can there be anything more beautiful? The DJ puts on some tunes and I spend the evening in the lounge area. The first people start to dance, because I can’t stand back I dance barefoot in the sand. BvH

The lounge area in the Restaurant Elements. Here, the DJ puts on some tunes

Tip 1

How to fillet a fish perfectly in a salt crust

Tap salt crust with a cloth

Ahhh, the completely salt covered fish … here a sea bass

Release the fish from the salt and solve the skin …

Arrange the fillets, then remove the whalebone …

… Buen Provecho!

Elements Ibiza: News about the island

Tip 2

During the day, Elements offers yoga classes and massages in the spa area, how about the daily vitamin dose at the juice bar afterwards? The small boutique seduces to shop and I discover a sweet bikini, then worn right on the beach.

So wonderful that I can go shopping everywhere on the island. Also the Elements has its own, small boutique …

… for example these friendly grinning, colorful skulls …

… Beach towels and decorative jewelry

…and one more tip:

Sunday evening the beach of Benirras is the Eldorado of aging hippies and drum freaks. In high season, unfortunately already mutated into a tourist attraction of the official tour operators, the spectacle offers especially in the off-season a retro trip to ancient times.

A place to be … not only for the aging hippies: The beach of Benirras

Restaurant Elements

(April until October)
Carrer Benirras
Port de Sant Miquel
Ibiza, Spain

www.elements-ibiza.com

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Ibiza Love Part XV

Why wait for bad weather? Shopping is always an option!

At current summer temperatures on my favorite island Ibiza it’s almost hard to imagine, but yes, they do exist, the uncomfortable rainy days. My suggestion for a rather suboptimal weather condition: shopping! Get in your car and on the Carretera Ibiza Sant Miquel towards Santa Gertrudis. At kilometer four lies the probably largest shopping paradise of Ibiza, the Sluiz, which was founded by its Dutch owners as a small store in 2006 in Sant Josep. Today there are 6,000 square meters retail space of colorful lifestyle assortments, from hammocks to crochet bikinis.

Also in the assortment: Spanish ceramics and basketry

Who spotted the closet or the lamp of his dreams here, does not necessarily have to own an Ibizan finca, to embellish it with the new piece of furniture. The Sluiz offers a delivery service until the domestic front door, i.a. to Germany. And since I am in love with the blue ceramic dishes, I can therefore opt for more than one. Or should I rather take the floral-printed variant? Now at the latest, my husband’s patience languishes, so I can conveniently park him at the bar of Sluiz. Here, the friendly bartender serves a cool Cerveza whilst I take important consumption decisions. Shopping makes you hungry. Therefore, there is a restaurant next to the bar, that is also a popular lunch place even for the Ibicencos, and where delicious hamburgers and homemade cakes are served.

Charging station for tired shoppers and their companions

My Tip:

Regularly, the Sluiz organizes wine tastings, on the food factory, regional products are offered and fans of the good old records should not miss the vinyl-record-fair. Dates and events can be found on the website. BvH

Here everything’s so colorful!

Contact Sluiz:

http://www.sluizibiza.com/

The white porcelain boxes now adorn my kitchen!

Info:

Mallorca travelers do not have to be sad or even rebook their holiday: The Sluiz opened in Palma in April 2016! Shop ’til you drop.

Colorful lifestyle assortments on 6,000 square meters

The turquoise lanterns also look beautiful individually

Everything for a cozy bed and a good night’s sleep can be found here

Wine, tea, spices: The culinary department has plenty to offer

Shopping paradise Sluiz: Am I in heaven?

In addition to goods from around the world, the concept store also offers its own range under the name Sluiz.Ibiza

Fashion in casual Ibiza style – for men …

… and for women

These parking signs are just hilarious – maybe a gift instead of flowers?

Decorative accessories for every living room and every taste

Bring time and don’t forget the credit card!

Bargain hunters, check it out: In San Antoni, Sluiz has an outlet, too

Everything under one roof: boutique, cafe and bar

Trademark of Sluiz are the blue cows: Buen Venuto!

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IBIZA LOVE Part V

Even the colorful entrance of the World Family Shop has something seductive

Since my first visit to the hippy market of Las Dalias I’m in love with the colorful creations of the Spanish label World Family. Shoes, bags, clothes – everything comes in gorgeous colors, elaborately embroidered and decorated. It’s great that the entire World Family Collection is now under one roof – including beautiful home accessories and small furniture for our home. If you drive the street 733 towards San Juan, the World Family shop is at the height of kilometer 17, right next to Can Curune. Then it’s about either passing the accelerator and proceeding quickly – or getting out your credit card and shop.

A nice couple: Alok and Merel founded in the mid-90s their label World Family Ibiza

World Family is actually a family business behind Alok and Merel, standing with their children and grandmother Joke. Alok, who came in the mid-90s from Barcelona to Ibiza, where he met Merel, a former Dutch model, both looking for a new beginning. They made a tepee, where they lived together with their children coming from previous relationships and the three common as patchwork family.

The amber-colored bag is from the new collection. A moderate hippie look that also works well at home

Sweet: In leather framed, colorful clutch with embroidery and fringed pompons

Cool Leather Boots – for a perfect Ibiza look

Their first findings, which they had discovered on a trip to Morocco, they were selling on the beach of Benirras directly from the back of their rickety Mercedes transporter. Later, they managed to get a stand at the famous hippy market of Las Dalias – that was a breakthrough for their current success with a total of three stores in Ibiza and a showroom in Barcelona.

Aren’t they extremely chic? Turquoise peacock chairs and matching side table

In spite of the demand, each part of the World Family Collection is produced 100% handmade, designed by Merel, lovingly decorated with Indian borders and Moroccan beads. And why have Alok and Merel called their label “World Family”? “Because we all have different backgrounds with own traditions, customs and habits. But we all have in common, that we share this beautiful planet called earth.” BvH

I love these colorful cushions!

Interior and Fashion under one roof – to me, this is the perfect store!

Help, I can not decide!

Even from the outside the World Family Store is an eye catcher

In love with this elaborate embroidered dress. Is this possible? Cecilie says: Yes!

Adiós, World Family, we will be back!

Contact World Family Ibiza:

Crta. San Juan, km 17
07810 San Juan, Ibiza

www.worldfamilyibiza.com

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In the heart of Munich is the Meindl Authentic Luxury Store, where I easily bring my credit card to glow

He is the Grand Seigneur of fashion, being in the industry for more than 30 years. One who has seen it all and knows the fashion industry more than any other: Rolf Griesinger. For many years the sales-and product-manager pampered German companies and got them back on track, he took care of the distribution of the Joop and Kenzo licenses and was responsible for the product management of Falke-Fashion. Griesinger was involved in building the luxury brand René Lezard and brought, with his agency, international high-end labels to Germany. Since 1976, the in the Black Forest born Griesinger, who looks with his snow-white hair and tanned skin a bit like Gunter Sachs, lives in Munich. Here he opened the Meindl Authentic Luxury Store in 2012, where he clothed celebrities and privates with luxury Lederhosen. Even though the successful entrepreneur wanted to turn his back to the fashion-circus long ago.

Knows the fashion industry more than any other: The chosen-Munich and fashion entrepreneur Rolf Griesinger is a qualified textile management expert

MyStylery: Rolf, you really don’t look like a privateer in the retirement age to me.
Rolf Griesinger (laughs): This is what I thought too back then. Actually, I wanted to stop at the age of 55 and have a good life. But lunching with friends every day is too boring for me. I am neither a club-person nor suits me to play golf. Given that, I’m definitely not created for retired life.
MS: What was the challenge for you that made you try the plunge into the competitive retail again?
RG: When they offered me the store amidst the center of Munich, I immediately saw the potential. The ideal location near the Vierjahreszeiten, the Mandarin Oriental and the restaurant Schuhbeck corresponds to the radius of my clients, I just had to do it. Also, the traditional company Meindl was not present with an own shop in Munich and I was able to convince the Meindls with a cooperation and my concept.

Here tradition meets with high fashion

MS: What’s your strategy?
RG: I did not plan the classic garb business, which is why we don’t have Dirndls. The idea to combine tradition with high fashion is much cooler and distinguishes us from the competitors. I just wanted to know again.
MS: The concept seems to be approved by your customers quite well. You even dress the players of FC Bayern.
RG: We now have around 800 regular customers, interestingly, many Swiss, Italians, Americans and many VIPs. But there are no celebrity bonuses. All clients receive the same treatment and attention. Even TV celebs don’t get free Lederhosen here (smiles).
MS: Were there any trends that you have misjudged in your long career?
RG: Yes, the impact of the Internet on the purchasing behavior of customers. I could not have imagined that women even order their evening dresses in the net without having touched the fabric. I did not expect that the online trading market will develop so rapidly.

The shop silhouette reflects in the stylish lamps by Tom Dixon

MS: The clothing is similar to a concept store : You also present shoes, scarves, perfumes, watches, bags …
RG: With that I want to express my lifestyle. I like to discover the newcomers of the industry, and if I like a brand, then I’ll buy them.
MS: More and more stores close and retailoring has become an increasingly difficult and risky business.
RG: Yes, especially multi-brand shops are dying out. No wonder, given the exorbitant rents of commercial properties. That can only be afforded by the high-end labels, which in turn results in that the inner cities all look the same. I am an advocate with manageable dimensions. These can also be controlled better. Because in the end I am responsible for everything. I am proud that I didn’t need a Bank since ten years and that I am able to finance my business myself. This is an incredible feeling of freedom. For this, one needs no millions. It is a question of scale.
MS: You are the father of a grown-up son. Have you given him this attitude on his way?
RG: I think so. These are values that I stand for. The education of my son was important to me. A good education cannot be replaced. This includes staying abroad and foreign languages. My father was a watchmaker, I have a humble background and have always suffered from the fact that I am not so good with different languages.

Sweet, the leather jackets of Meindl for the fashion-conscious offspring

MS: Is there still time for privacy given all the action? How do you relax?
RG: I am passionate motorcyclist. Cruising through the countryside with my Harley makes me happy. I’m not a champagne type, don’t need a yacht or other luxury. Here and there, I have taken hiatuses. After 25 years in product management I needed a change of scenery and traveled through Australia for several months. That was one of the best decisions ever.
MS: In addition you’re a convinced Ibiza lover. In Ibiza we have also come to know each other…
RG (laughs) Right. At the beach of Tropicana Beach Club. When I came there in the 70s, there were only hippies. Later I had a house up in San Juan and to my neighbors counted Jade Jagger, whose father Mick Jagger is good friends with Kate Moss and Nina Hagen. This was an interesting clique. The island was a paradise for sannyasins. But that was never my world, just as drugs and the today exaggerated luxury tourism. For that I am too homespun. BvH

Proper in Lederhosen and Bavarian ‘Janker’-jacket: The football-stars from FC-Bayern Munich

In addition to the classic Lederhosen from Meindl …

… there are i.a. Cashmere from Allude and FFC, shirts from Salvatore Piccolo, Jeans by Adriano Goldschmied …

… clothes from Missoni, the collection of Paul Smith, Crossley, IQ Berlin …

… and my personal favorite: Camouflage-Cashmereshawls by Novelty

Cool guy: Fashion expert and motorcyclist Rolf Griesinger wearing a cool Bikerjacket

How about a costume dress made of suede for next ‘Octoberfest’?

Also the celebrities love Lederhosen. “But never speak their names,” says fashion entrepreneur Rolf Griesinger who appreciates his customers’ trust

Contact Rolf Griesinger:

www.griesinger-mode.de

www.meindl-munich.com

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In the heart of Santa Gertrudis you’ll find the shop “Es Cucons”. Also the entrance area invites you to poke around

Santa Gertrudis is one of my favorite places in Ibiza. Even if the small town in the center of the island is not a secret anymore, it draws me there every time when I’m on the Balearic island. There you can perfectly combine culinary and shopping in a pleasant atmosphere. Right next to the hustle and bustle marketplace with its many cafes and bars you’ll find the shop “Es Cucons La Tienda”. Outside I am already lured by the just so trendy, embroidered bast bag beside to XXL-lanterns, which would immerse my terrace in an atmospheric light. Let’s shop!

The sales staff of “Es Cucons” is busy, but friendly

I pass the turquoise shop door and find myself in a unique treasure trove again: Here not only fashion for women is offered – like sweet bikinis by Giulala Bruna, embroidered tunics, beach dresses, scarves, straw hats and espadrilles – but also beautiful ceramic, useful items for household, inspiring home-decoration and scented candles.

These colorful glasses would be also great on my terrace in Berlin – but do they fit into my suitcase?

Now I would like at least a small country house in Ibiza, to decorate all these nice items!

Okay, I also take the plates! By the way, can I pay here by credit card?

Men do not have to stay outside, because for them there is an own little department with casual menswear called the “Es Cucons La Tienda” – as trendy checked shirts – of denim and linen. The team of “Es Cucons La Tienda”, which, incidentally, also operates the hotel of the same name “Es Cucons”, offers toys as well as sweet clothes for the kids. Of course, everything in Ibiza-style. I love it! BvH

An eldorado for all fashion victims!

The turquoise lampshades have it done to me … will they be well accepted as carry-on luggage?

Guys come in! You’re also welcome

Girls, come around to “Es Cucons”! You will love it.

Contact Es Cucons

Es Cucons La Tienda
Venda de Parada, 19
Santa Gertrudis
Ibiza, Spain

+34 971 19 77 56

www.escucons.com

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Admirers of the cultivated table culture: these china dishes will delight you!

I have a distinctive weakness for fine china. Whether KPM or Dibbern, Rosenthal or Meißen, inherited, bought, or received as a gift: At home mountains of china pile up ‘till they reach the ceiling. But that doesn’t stop me from providing more supplies on a regular basis, risking that my husband is getting a seizure each time the newest acquisitions enlarge the domestic assortment. In Paris the best address for admirers of the cultivated table culture is situated in the Rue Saint-Honoré 173. Here Astier de Villatte, master of the peculiar ceramics, resides.

Elegant address, unusual ceramics: here shopping has it’s price

When the two French design students Ivan Pericoli and Benoît Astier de Villatte met at the Parisian École des Beaux-Arts at the end of the Nineties, none of them had a clue about the china-sector. But they did have a strong sense for form and design and so it doesn’t really surprise that plates and bowls, jugs and mugs – in solid white or extraordinary décor – quickly found their lovers and admirers. Inspired by old masters, secondhand discoveries, or flea markets, the duo loves to paint their creations with unusual motives like skeletons, skulls, and diverse animal species.

Creations with unusual motives like skeletons, skulls, and diverse animal species

Self-evidently the Astier de Vilatte china is “made in France” – produced in their company’s atelier at Boulevard Masséna, displayed and sold in the famous Rue Saint-Honoré, where the china is presented in old wooden shelves.
The retail store already exists since 1788 and used to be a shop for odds and ends. Pericoli and Astier de Vilatte left everything the way they found it: the creaking floor, the weathered walls and the rudimentary wallpapers accurately matching the setting in which they wanted to offer their luxurious and quite expensive china.

Most recent showpiece is the “Peanuts-Collection” …

Most recent showpiece is the “Peanuts-Collection” to honor US-writer and illustrator Charles M. Schulz (1922-200), creator of the same named comic series. Next to white china Astier de Villate also offers small pieces of furniture, calendars, papeterie, scented sticks and an exquisite collection of scented candles, resulting from collaboration with renowned perfumers and, needless to say, are also sold in Astier de Vilatte-Ceramics. I love this shop and can spend hours looking around. It makes me feel like I’m in a time long gone. Each time, I enter the shop. BvH

Estelle, the friendly salesgirl, shows me the newest Astier de Villatte Collection of the Peanuts: Hey, Charly Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Linus, Woodstock and Schroeder! Characters of my childhood! …

The Peanuts – the newest Collection

View on Rue Saint-Honoré

These eyes …

The exquisite collection of scented candles – one fragrance nicer than the other and I can not decide

In love with the Shabby-Chic atmosphere

Objects of Desire

Objects of desire

So beautiful!

… and another sales room

Very nice: the simple mugs with curved handles

Astier de Villatte: “We create objects that are inspired by old treasures or things nobody notices anymore.”

Also the wallpaper is a relic of ancient times

The assortment of Astier de Villatte includes selected Papeterie

Contact:

Astier de Villatte
173, rue Saint-Honoré
75001 Paris
www.astierdevillatte.com

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Pure idyll: Since one year Claudia Weidung-Anders resides in Klostergut Besselich in Urbar near Koblenz with her showroom ‘Home & Dogs’ *

Do you know that feeling when you enter a shop thinking, wow, how beautiful, I wanna have it all! Such a burst of buying power came over me when visiting ‘Home & Dogs’ in the Klostergut Besselich, a noble manor near Koblenz in southern Germany. Lovingly arranged and decorated for Christmas, Claudia Weidung-Anders – wife of popstar Thomas Anders – presents her assortments. Here, two- and four-legged friends will find everything their hearts desire, from a dressing gown to the dog lead. A conversation amongst dog owners and interior fans with tea and biscuits (dog-shaped, of course).

Thomas and Claudia Anders with mongrel dog Summer on Klostergut Besselich. The popstar supportes his wife with her company ‘Home & Dogs’

Room fragrances and scented candles adjusted to the Christmas season

MyStylery: It smells lovely in here – and clearly not of dog food …
Claudia Weidung-Anders: Yes, right? We just unpacked the candles with Christmas scent. They provide a good feeling of space.

At ‘Home & Dogs’, the visitor awaits Christmas atmosphere

MS: Originally it was your business idea to prepare own dog food. Sounds like a pretty big endeavor…
CWA: True, it took a while until I found the right partners. But the suffering of my dog drove me on. Summer (dog’s name) had an intolerance to conventional dog food and thus stomach and digestive problems. Our food is made with a gently cooking method in a 100% foodquality and is free of gluten and grain. The varieties are very well appreciated, the dogs love the food.

Lets dogs’ hearts beat faster: Savory treats – gluten and wheat free – by ‘Pepper’s Choice’. Or how about baked liverwurst bones by ‘Omas Hundekekse’ (grandma’s dog biscuits)?

MS: Now your product range includes things for dog and owner. How did this idea about such combination come about?
CWA: Actually, my customers put me up to this. The dog’s mat should be compatible with the furnishing. The maritime Sylt- (German island) and modern country house looks are currently trendy and very popular. And I love to be at the fairs, tracing beautiful things. Much inspiration I get on our journeys. We travel a lot.

The ‘Home & Dogs’ dog basket series ‘Classic luxury’ is equipped with washable covers and matching ball and playing-bone of the same material

MS: Certainly one of the reasons why, in addition to a large selection of baskets, ‘Home & Dogs’ even offers a dog travelling bed.
CWA: Right. But even dog leads are an important issue, and I’ve been searching for matching items for a long time. Bling-bling with rhinestones is completely out of the question (laughs).

Here only the Advent decoration glitters: Christmas feeling for dogs and owners in the ‘Home & Dogs’ Showroom

MS: Summer is a mongrel dog, which you got from a Spanish pound. Which dog would you not want have?
CWA: I basically like all dogs. In fact, animals from the animal welfare are particularly close to my heart. Especially the mixes are often the most fantastic characters. I Love Weimaraner, they are so pretty, but motion and time-consuming. That has to be considered when a dog comes into the house. Dogs should be kept appropriately regarding their species.

The dog food is available in eight varieties with resealable lids and in three different packaging sizes. The bestsellers: ‘poultry with rice’ and ‘beef with potatoes’. Yummy!

MS: Absolutely. Apropos: ‘Kangaroo with pumpkin’ or ‘horse with carrots’ sound rather exotic: Has a two-legged ever tried ‘Home & Dogs’ dog food?
CWA (laughs): Yes, I myself. I gotta know what I’m selling.  BvH

Did you already get an Advent calendar for your doggies?

Claudia Weidung-Anders has adapted to the needs of both dog and owner. Whether round, square, with border or exit: The range of baskets and dog beds serve all sleeping-preferences

“Dog leads – for example by Cloud7 – should be practical and look good at the same time. The leather must be durable and soft in the hand.”

Nice items for the bathroom from ‘Amélie & Mélanie’

The mistress will find cozy homewear and pretty decoration. Help, what should I get?

… presented in a beautiful countrystyle-look

New to the assortment are the cashmere-collections from ‘Heartbreaker’ and ‘MAP Ibiza’ for the mistress. I go for the comfortable casual wear by ‘Cornelie Weiss’

I admit it, for my two four-legged friends Franz and Willi – a Labrador and a Parson Terrier – it’s always got be the best. That’s why I just belong here!

This cozy cushions would look great on my sofa

Tip:

On all Saturdays of Advent, the ‘Home & Dogs’ showroom has open from 11:00 – 17:00 o’clock.

Okay, I take the wooden dog-decoration, too

Contact:

Home & Dogs
Claudia Weidung-Anders
Klostergut Besselich
56182 Urbar, Germany

Open from Monday to Friday 9:00 – 13:30
Saturday and Sunday by appointment

Email:
info@home-and-dogs.com

From the dog lead to the basket – the range now includes more than 500 different products, which can also be ordered via the online shop

Bye bye, Klostergut Besselich! I’ll be back

Online-Shop:

www.home-and-dogs.com

More about Klostergut Besselich:

www.klostergut-besselich.de

Featured pic by Nikolaj Georgiew

Photo marked* by Klostergut Besselich

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The original store of Daunt books can be found on Marylebone High Street, which is my absolute fav shopping address in London*

One of my absolute favorite bookshops in the world is Daunt Books in London. Here time seems to be frozen. And this is because of the impressing interior, not because of an obsolete structure or little to offer. On the contrary, Daunt books offer a large selection of fiction and non-fiction books and an even bigger selection of travel books. Founded in 1990, there are five other stores located across the city: on Marylebone High Street, in Chelsea, Holland Park, Cheapside, Hampstead and Belsize Park. But to me the store on Marylebone High Street housed within a beautiful old Edwardian building is the most impressive one.

Even though Daunt Books has six different stores it is still an independent bookshop, which needs customers support. So next time you need to buy a travel- or coffeetable book, go to Daunt Books to live a true experience

Specialized in travel literature, the way Daunt arranges the books is particularly interesting. For a single country, guides, but also phrase books, history books, fiction and non-fiction books are gathered together. This is kind of unusual but I prefer this clever arrangement a lot.

Although Daunt Books aren’t only travel bookshops, they are specialized in travel literature

Daunt pride themselves on old-fashioned service and extensive knowledge. The store’s owner James Daunt refuses to sell books he wouldn’t read himself. If you need a little rest of turbulent London life, enjoy the calm and distinguished atmosphere in here. It’s like a time journey, there’s nothing more pleasant than whiling away an hour or two. BvH

Daunt Books on Marylebone High Street is replete with oak bookcases stacked, quite literally, to the ceiling

The selection of guides is wide to please a large audience, from Lonely Planet to Wallpaper with many in between*

Contact:

Daunt Books
83 Marylebone High Street
London W1U 4QW, England

www.dauntbooks.co.uk

Featured pic and pics marked* by Daunt Books

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Rıfat Özbek was born in Istanbul, studied architecture in London, then moved on to study fashion at Central St Martins. In 1985 he started his own fashion line ‘ÖZBEK’ based in London

In 2005, Turkish fashion designer Rifat Özbek was looking for cushions to decorate his country home near Bodrum. Discouraged by the scratchy textiles and synthetic stuffing pervading the home décor marketplace, Özbek and his partner, Erdal Karaman, decided to design their own pillows, an endeavour that led to the launch of Yastik – Its name means ‘cushion’ in Turkish. Now, ten years later, Özbek has shops dedicated solely to cushions in Istanbul, Izmir and London, as well as retail spaces in exclusive department stores such as the ‘Bon Marché’ in Paris.

Rifat Özbek received twice the “Designer of the Year” award by The British Fashion Council. His work has been featured in many exhibitions including the Victoria & Albert Museum, the Pecci Museum in Prato and the Stedeligk Museum in Amsterdam. This pic shows the shop in Istanbul

What sets Özbek’s designs apart: incredible textiles, rich and intricate patterns, and high-quality down stuffing, which includes dried lavender. Özbek’s attention to detail contributes to his unique vision and steady success. While the back of a cushion might be overlooked by others, Özbek treats the back panel as of equal importance. In fact, the designer intends for both sides of the cushion to be used, and the ‘backs’ often feature contrasting patterns or colors. “Just like a small brooch can uplift a dress, cushions are the brooches of sofas”, says Özbek.

“Yastik means cushion in Turkish, and that is quite simply all we sell”, explains Rifat Özbek. For starters, there are one hundred different colors and patterns to choose from

Yastik stores, including one in Istanbul’s Nişantaşi neighbourhood, are an experience all their own, with dozens of varieties of cushions displayed against stark white walls, creating a gallery effect. At any given time, Özbek stocks more than 100 patterns, drawing inspiration from everywhere: the Majorelle Garden in Marrakech, tribal contemporary paintings, and centuries-old mosaics and tiles.

The pillows come in three sizes, in both rectangular and square shapes, and range in price from 60 €

Each cushion design is produced in limited runs. “You don’t want to go to someone’s home and realize you have the same cushion,” he says. “We keep adding new patterns all the time, and there are some cushions, like those made from vintage fabrics like antique velvet, that we only make a single pair of.” BvH

“Cushions are like brooches”

Yastik cushions are produced in limited editions using hand woven Ikats and Suzeni embroideries

Sourced in remote areas of Central Asia and Uzbekistan, these centuries’ old textile designs have their own language and stories are told using colour, weave and pattern

To add the ultimate sensual touch:

A handful of lavender flowers is added to the luxurious down filling in each cushion: “Just enough to suggest a sense of tranquillity.”

A handful of lavender flowers

Patterns and motifs change. It always come back to new designs

Yastik has gathered an exclusive celebrity clientele: Tilda Swinton, Donna Karan, Jemima Khan, Rupert Everett, Femke Janssen, Cindy Sherman, Daphne Guinness, Daniel Craig, Aerin Lauder, Monica Bellucci, Elizabeth Hurley, Lily Allen, Graham Norton

Contact:

Şakayık Sokak 13/1
Teşvikiye, Şişli
İstanbul,Turkey
www.yastikbyrifatozbek.com

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