Shopping in Hanoi: Metiseko

Like the cuisine, the best shopping Hanoi can be found in the fusion of French flavors and Vietnamese handiwork.  Metiseko is a popular destination for chic women's and children's fashion and home decor.    With the stress on the "eko" (eco) part of the collection, the brand features organic and sustainable silks and cottons in their products.

Creative director Florence Mussou designs the collection with the lifestyle of the world traveller as muse.  She herself is French and studied art before journeying to Vietnam.  The pretty prints are stylized graphic interpretations of traditional Vietnamese motifs like dragonflies, lotus leaves and rice.  The goods are environmentally friendly and have a relaxed, happy vibe.

Visiting the Hanoi shop itself was a little oasis from the chaos of mopeds and over stimulation outside.  Situated on Hang Gai, the street of silk, the store staff were all chatty and friendly with a love of the collection.  The boutique is having a party later this week and promotes a wellness lifestyle I think we could all benefit from.

If you can't travel to Hanoi, shop from Metiseko online.

Read more >>

Shopping in Hanoi: Ipa Nima Handbags

Yes I am BACK from my epic trip to Vietnam.  Ipa Nima Handbags  was one of my favorite finds in my shopping excursions through Hanoi.  Christina Yu's celebrated accessories label has its own boutique, but was also carried in the top galleries and upscale stores around the country.

The purses caught my attention for their unique embellishments (you know I am a sucker for that).  They had a wonderful mix of embroidery, applique and creative manipulations of materials.  The color sense was fun and sophisticated.  The motifs were fun, but not cloyingly cute.

Christina Yu was a former fashion editor who was driven to create her brand after being inspired by the work of local artisans.  The company commits to working with smaller, family owned manufacturers in Vietnam for the collection.  I am a bigger fan of the designer's participation in  an organization called KOTO "Know One Teach One" that trains and employs disadvantaged youth, orphans and young people with chronic disabilities.

Ipa Nima already has international fans like Cate Blanchett, Maggie Cheung and the Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden.  Now let's get these bags into New York City too.

Read more >>