Kawaii BC: Vancouver Hello Kitty Cafe & Miffy clothing! Victoria Fairmont Empress Sunset Sips, Malahat Skywalk.
Welcome to my Miffycore era! I’ve recently been enjoying the warm weather (nod to #TheCollapse) and a variety of cute activities in Vancouver and Victoria, British Columbia. Read on to see my coverage of the opening of the Vancouver Hello Kitty Cafe, sunset cocktails at Fairmont Empress Victoria, the Furiosa press premiere, and a slide down Malahat Skywalk!
It’s fun to see younger generations getting into Miffy, as I’ve been stanning her for years. These days, I see more people sporting character goods featuring the Dutch bunny — like this adorable t-shirt from Miffy UK shop (which I cropped)!
I can’t get enough of Dick Bruna’s round, minimalist, kawaii designs (although Miffy is from the Netherlands, not Japan — she predates Hello Kitty!)
I styled my Miffycore outfit with accessories sent by Miffytown in Williamstown, Kentucky. I hope to visit Miffytown one day: it’s an interactive experience where you can play, shop, and explore her whimsical world.
I paired my black-and-white outfit with this glamorous Eugenia Kim Mirabel hat. Perfect for a luxe beach getaway, the Mirabel is a wide-brim sunhat with a dramatic retro-glam downturned brim and ivory satin ribbon with tail. Eugenia Kim is known for her hand-crafted, high-end millinery: this is made from lacquered straw and has UPF 50+ protection.
The Eugenia Kim Mirabel sun hat comes in various colors (see below), but I love the black one because it channels the one worn by Audrey Hepburn in iconic photos!
As temperatures rise, I’ll need to drink lots of water — and this metal water bottle from Miffy UK shop helps me stay hydrated in style. (Plus, it doesn’t contain any microplastics, my current nemesis.) Their “Hey” grey Miffy tshirt is also a delight, and the cotton fabric is light and cozy (and plastic-free).
I’ll be carrying around these Miffy accessories in my large Miffytown tote bag — isn’t she a beauty? It is by DutchTapestries; they preserve the ancient art of weaving through modern jacquard designs, like this beautiful carryall bag. (Miffy photos by Joey Wong.)
Speaking of cuteness… the Hello Kitty Cafe in Vancouver opened at last! BC’s new Hello Kitty Cafe invited me to a private preview before the official opening on May 17. Look who greeted me at the door — the Japanese mouthless cat herself.
We Goth girls represented Kuromi (the Sanrio devil character) at the press preview. The Vancouver Hello Kitty Cafe has two floors of kawaiicore decor, special merch, and the cutest sweet treats.
Even the bathroom is done up Kitty-style. If you’re a lifelong Sanrio fan like Mujitsu and me, get over here! (Adress 1274 Robson Street at Jervis in downtown Vancouver.)
Please watch our Instagram video of the Hello Kitty private preview. You can see what the space is like, and what’s inside our gift bags.
So many pink spaces for photo ops. The Vancouver Hello Kitty Cafe sells special edition Canadian merch as well, such as clear folders, magnets, and crop tops.
You can nom on Hello Kitty themed sweets like taiyaki ice cream, cakes, and lattes. Would you visit the first Canadian Hello Kitty theme cafe, in Vancouver?
Then, I hopped over to Victoria, BC with my friends Sancho and Drew for a long weekend. We went to the Fairmont Empress Hotel to try Sunset Sips: playful cocktails served in teapots at golden hour!
The Fairmont Empress Victoria hotel is known for its elegant afternoon tea, and Sunset Sips feels like the Mad Hatter took over the Lobby Lounge for the night.
As you watch the sun dip into the harbor, nibble on tuna tiradito, blue Qualicum cheese, BC smoked salmon and other fine snacks on tiered plates.
We adored the original cocktails made by the award-winning bar, like Tiffany’s Breakfast (Empress 1908 gin with chamomile and marmalade infusions). The staff even concocted an older recipe, The Concord, special for me (above — it contains mezcal, Giffard creme de violette, Luxardo maraschino, and lemon juice).
What a treat to enjoy tea-inspired craft cocktails and desserts at this classic hotel overlooking the water.
Would you try this intoxicating twist on afternoon tea? Sunset Sips at The Fairmont Empress in Victoria “ate!”
My friends and I also drove 40 minutes north for an amazing outdoor adventure at Malahat Skywalk. Take an accessible TreeWalk through the forest to a 250m tall spiral tower… and then dare to slip down the long spiral slide!
On the way, Sancho and I spotted driftwood critters like the contestants did on The Amazing Race Canada, which filmed here. (Watch my video on IG @lacarmina about our Malahat Skywalk adventure, including footage of me whizzing down the metal slide!)
From the top of the open-air tower, you get stupendous views of Vancouver Island, the surrounding water, isles and mountains… reminding you why the West Coast is the best coast.
Malahat Skywalk also has a SkyWalk Shuttle with direct transport from downtown Victoria, making it a perfect half-day excursion. I hope you get the opportunity to come and take in these sweeping nature views from up high.
Finally, I was honored to be invited by Warner Brothers Canada to the press preview screening of Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga. As a #WBPartner, I got to see the film several days before the release date in downtown Vancouver’s Scotiabank Theatre — a real treat, as Mad Max: Fury Road is my all-time favorite flick!
Not surprisingly, I was literally the only one at the Furiosa advance screening who dressed up… “Into the gates of Valhalla, you shall ride eternal. Witness meeee!”
The WB Canada team provided us with gifts. There’s a Wasteland cowl or snood inside the box.
Furiosa was an exhilarating successor to Fury Road. The 2.5 hours sped by as director George Miller took us on a deranged ride through the Wasteland – the war boys and their hot wheels are back, shiny and chrome! – and young Furiosa’s quest for revenge against a savage yet charismatic warlord. Chapter 3 particularly blew me away when the War Rig revs through the desert as motorcycles lay siege… Let’s just say there’s nothing “Mediocre” about the road warrior action!
The new Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga lived up to my high expectations, and paints a fiery picture of our Collapse future (or present, IYKYK). Will you watch the blockbuster action film? Thank you Warner Brothers Canada for inviting me. #wbpartner
What’s next for LC? I’ll be heading to a few new destinations in June — including my seventh world wonder. The photos are going to be next-level so buckle up, buckaroos. (Above is a throwback to Havana, Cuba.)
Do you have any adventures planned for the summer? Will you be checking out any films, cute cafes, or local attractions like I did?
Keep up with my friends and me on our global adventures on @LaCarmina Instagram — there are new posts and stories almost daily!
SHARE & COMMENT
London alternative art! Yoko Ono at Tate Modern, Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill, The Athenaeum Hotel & Residences
London, baby, yeahhh! Always a pleasure to be back in England — my starting point for my collab with Play Airlines (which I flew from London to Iceland to NYC).
If you’re looking for avantgarde and artsy things to do on London, UK, then this post is for you. Read on for my queenly stay at The Athenaeum Hotel and Residences (above photo) and Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill, two of London’s finest boutique hotels… as well as my visits to Sketch (avantgarde afternoon tea), fashion boutiques, and Yoko Ono’s exhibit at The Tate Modern!
“Yes, I’m a witch too.” Yoko Ono is one of my creative heroes… so I was beyond chuffed to see the Japanese artist’s show, Music of the Mind, at The Tate Modern, London. (It runs until Sept 1, 2024). Please watch my IG video of the exhibit to see the interactive elements, as well as clips from her films “Cut Piece” and “Fly.”
The Tate exhibited a number of Yoko Ono’s works from the mid-1950s to the present. Music of the Mind turned out to be one of the most moving exhibits I’ve experienced. Her conceptual art and participatory works – such as where audience members cut off her clothes – are imaginative, absurd, genius.
Here I am following Yoko’s instructions to trace my shadow on the wall, using pencils provided. (My skirt is Kuwalla Tee.)
The artist was married to John Lennon, and has been unfairly blamed for breaking up The Beatles. But if you ask me, Yoko Ono is the most talented of them all!
I loved seeing her thought-provoking, creative instructions written in Japanese (and published in her book “Grapefruit.”) Visitors can put their feet on “A Work to be Stepped On,” or add messages to their moms to the wall in “My Mummy Is Beautiful.”
Here I am adding my wish to the Wishing Tree. Come see my video of the Yoko Ono x Tate Modern Britain exhibition — it’s one of the best art shows I’ve seen in recent memory. PS: Sound on when you watch my IG reel because her singing is “Ai Ai Ai Ai Ai Ai Ai Ai!”
For another eccentric experience — book the afternoon tea at Sketch. An 18th century townhouse was transformed with maximalist decor that ranges from psychedelic to space-age (and the bathrooms look like alien eggs!)
The funky space encompasses several restaurants and bars. My favorite is the pink Gallery by India Mahdavi, which serves as a playful salon de thé.
Perhaps you’ve seen Instagram pics of the Sketch bathrooms. Each white egg is an individual toilet!
The afternoon tea included British classics like cucumber sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and Battenberg cake — all artistically presented.
Then, a requisite visit to Machine-A, a luxury concept boutique with a brilliant selection of emerging, contemporary, and streetwear labels.
Dover Street Market is another must-visit for fashion lovers. The multi-floor space feels like an art exhibition — I spotted a nod to The Collapse.
After walking around London all day, I was happy to rest my head at The Athenaeum Hotel and Residences. The 5-star hotel has a bespoke, indie spirit that shines from the moment you’re greeted at the Art Deco doors.
There’s a new queen of England… Or so I felt, staying at The Athenaeum Hotel and Residences near Buckingham Palace, London! The Mayfair location can’t be beat, and with only about 100 rooms, every guest can depend on personalized service.
It was a royal stay by every measure… check out these spacious Art Deco rooms with views of Green Park, and a teddy bear on the bed.
Unlike “cookie cutter” hotel chains, every space here is full of character. As the kids say these days, the bathrooms are a vibe.
I received a sweet welcome when I checked in. Guests can also access the top floor lounge, and enjoy snacks while taking in skyline views (you can see the London Eye Ferris wheel and other landmarks over the trees).
She loves a high protein breakfast… and The Athenaeum Hotel and Residences customized it to include all my favorites! (Free-range eggs made to order, smoked salmon, avocado, spinach, and berries with farm-fresh yogurt and chia seeds).
The hotel has a marvelous spa and Jacuzzi as well. I recommend treating yourself to a nice stay in Central London to experience it to the fullest.
Wearing a Kuromi top from Uniqlo, Miffy pouch, and Windsor Store denim skirt with slit. Hair ribbons are from Japan.
Dinner at the in-house 116 Restaurant was a delight. The locally-sourced, seasonal dishes included gin-cured salmon and British asparagus. The fresh floral-infused cocktails paid homage to the neighborhood’s surrounding gardens.
An impeccable stay at The Athenaeum Hotel and Residences, London… Can I move in?
I also experienced the best of British hospitality at the stately Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill. The hotel is in my favorite neighborhood of Marylebone/Mayfair — known for its flower gardens and classic homes, and close to Hyde Park and Oxford Street. Just look at these surroundings!
Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill tips its hat to Sir Winston Churchill (Britain’s WWII Prime Minister) with elegant design and service to match. His charm radiates from the paintings and sculptures of his likeness, which fill the classic lobby.
Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill is ideally situated a peaceful area, yet close to all the major London landmarks and shopping streets.
Loved the seasonal British cuisine at The Montagu Kitchen: asparagus with poached egg, grilled octopus with spring peas puree, Dover sole and steak. The Churchill Bar also serves craft cocktails inspired by Sir Winston Churchill’s life and achievements.
The joy of warming up by the fire, as my friend played the grand piano in the lobby… Can’t wait to return to the Hyatt Recency London – The Churchill to make more memories.
We bade goodbye to London, and made our way to Stansted Airport. Hot tip: National Express is “the” way to do airport transfers in London. The buses are timely, comfy and inexpensive, with many stops throughout London. I easily booked my rides online and boarded from Victoria Station, which was close to my hotels.
If you’re flying into London, take National Express to/from the airport — very happy with the rides and service.
PS: If you’re interested in Goth guides to London, see my previous Gothic England posts here. I covered Camden Market / Cyberdog, Highgate Cemetery, Last Tuesday Society / Viktor Wynd, and other Halloween / dark attractions. I also have stories about Manchester’s alt culture and Whitby Gothic Weekend — there’s so much to see and do in UK!
PPS: I was interviewed about fashion and travel in The Wall Street Journal. I also have new Tokyo guides up on Fodors. including where to shop, eat, and how to save money.
Much more travel writing and content to come soon from my Europe and NYC trip… check back on the blog soon, and see my videos and pics on @LaCarmina Instagram!
LA CARMINA
