My Thailand Luxury Travel Video! Bangkok pop culture at boutique hotel, Sofitel So.
I loved getting to know the glam side of Bangkok, thanks to the Tourism Authority of Thailand. There’s so much more to this city than backpackers, banana pancakes… and dare I mention ladyboys?
See for yourself, in the latest episode of my Business Insider travel video series. Watch it here — isn’t Bangkok’s pop culture fascinating?
Photos and video by me and Seby. Our Thai adventure included disco clubs, skeleton corsets, and an amusing encounter on the way to Siam mall!
We also visited two sweet designers, who are making Lolita and Japanese-style clothing (here’s a full post about ChuChu). Wonderful to see how the subculture is thriving in unexpected places.
I couldn’t have stayed in a more beautiful hotel, the Sofitel So. They even served absinthe in the lobby.
VIP members get access to the club lounge, which is stocked with food, cocktails and fashion.
Christian Lacroix designed the interior. His colorful couture is unmistakable.
The ground floor contained a Bonnet chocolate shop. I spotted Little Prince sweets, and Parisian shoes and handbags.
Sofitel So BKK is inspired by the five elements. I stayed in this funky Earth-themed suite.
The other themes are Water, Wood, Fire, and Air — represented by modern cloud art.
The entire hotel had glorious views of Lumpini Park. This is a far cry from the Khao San Road hostels…
Stark art is everywhere. I saw a child climbing on this white deer statue.
I spy Ted the Bear in the gift shop.
The lobby’s design mixes traditional and modern.
Also check out the romantic photoshoot I did inside the Sofitel So Bangkok. (My hair is now blue; these are older photos).)
Please take a minute to watch my Bangkok travel video, and leave a comment to let me know what you think!
Did this series change your impressions of Thailand? What is the loveliest hotel you’ve ever slept in?
SHARE & COMMENT
Hats Off to Israeli Fashion & Bloggers! Tel Aviv style tour: glitter fruit headbands, Art Deco jewelry.
Israel rocked my socks! I had an incredible time exploring Tel Aviv and Jerusalem with my filmmakers. The Tourism Board went beyond our expectations, and put together a dream press trip for the three of us.
If you think Tokyo fashion is the epitome of cool… then read on. You’ll be amazed at what Israel’s young designers and style influencers are up to.
We went on a fashion adventure with Galit Reismann of TLVstyle Boutique Tours. She gives guided style tours that are perfectly tailored to your interests; she’ll introduce you to insiders, and help you find the best shops. I wouldn’t have found any of these labels without her.
Let’s begin with what I wore. So nice to escape the winter weather…
Blue colored hair: by Stephanie Hoy, Avant Garde Hair Vancouver. I put it in two small buns.
Sheer panel little black dress: Gladnews, from Shibuya 109 in Tokyo. Very Metal, for sure.
Gothic cross tights: gifted by UK Tights – here are the exact cross suspender tights I’m wearing
Mary Jane Goth shoes: Demonia; purchase them for only $46
White crown handbag: Baby, the Stars Shine Bright
I met Tel Aviv-based designer Tami Bar-Lev, and we immediately hit it off. She custom-makes headpieces that would feel at home in Harajuku. Fruits, flowers and sequins are just some of the gems that she pulled out of her hat-box.
We filmed at Eden House, a charming and LGBT-friendly boutique hotel, run by two sweet locals. I wish I could have spent more time in the Victorian doll-like tea room.
Tami brought several big boxes. I was amazed by the array of hats and headbands inside.
Photography by Melissa Rundle. (So grateful that I’m able to travel with my friends, who happen to be pro filmmakers and photographers.)
And here’s a triad of Tami’s works — aren’t they adorable? Her hats are sturdily made, and stay on with adjustable combs or wires. Each sequin is sewn in by hand, to form the patterns.
At the top of the staircase is Israel style blogger Korin Avraham of Ya Salam fashion blog. Love her feathered skirt and infectious smile.
Pineapples, fish bones, flowers… oh my! The designs are fun and poppy, but not overpowering, so you don’t wind up looking like Carmen Miranda.
Korin and I modeled these flower hats on the balcony, which overlooks this fascinating city.
The sparkly fork headband is one of my favorites. Tami made me a silver one, which I’ll show you in upcoming outfit posts. (You can see more of her hats on her Facebook and Tumblr as well.)
Galit joins us on the bed for a hat slumber party. From banana splits (one of Tami’s first creations) to fairy bridal crowns, and turbans with fabric ties… there’s something for all tastes.
A salute to my talented new friends! We could have hung out all day, but the tour was only beginning, and I had three more places to visit.
Galit took me to the fashion-centric Noga district, and introduced me to jewelry-maker Shelly Dahari. I was drawn to her bold pieces, influenced by Art Deco and African art.
Shelly hand-crafts accessories from carefully sourced and limited-edition materials, such as vintage buttons and shekel coins.
She showed me around her store, and offered us coffee and cookies. Everyone I met in the Israeli fashion scene was so hospitable. There’s a close community here that encourages creativity.
Shelly generously gave me this necklace, featuring a row of transparent stars. It has a Sailor Moon vibe, no?
I also loved her rings with retro cars symbols and lion heads.
Close up of the vintage, romantic detailing. Shelly Dahari’s Facebook shows more of her imaginative collections.
Thanks to Galit for these behind-the-scenes photos of our filming (my friends are working on a video about Israel). And this is only half of her personalized style tour… Coming up, I’ll take you inside two more Israeli boutiques.
If you’re impatient, you can see sneak peeks on my “lacarmina” Instagram. Above is a close-up on my Nintendo nail art by Glam Nail Studio, over a cup of fresh mint tea.
Did you know Israel has such an exciting fashion and indie scene? What do you think of my “Very Metal” outfit and blue hair?
LA CARMINA
