Kyoto Part 1: Gion

As much as Tokyo brings the excitement of the big (very, very big) city life, Kyoto shows its more cultural and traditional side of Japan.
The difference in architecture is enough to speak volumes.

Our first destination was Gion, more popularly known as the district of geisha (or geiko, in Kyoto dialect).
We were also fortunate to be able to catch the Miyako Odori festival, where it has been held at the Kaburenjo Theatre since 1872. Never once I thought I'd be able to watch geishas perform.
The geishas were hauntingly beautiful, verging on getting under your skin with their soft but perfectly synchronised movements.
My mother learned about the festival from the posters while we were walking in the streets of Gion. Being able to read Chinese certainly comes in handy.

We also tried Issen Yoshoku's okonomiyaki (something like a Japanese version of the taco) after seeing a line outside the little restaurant.

You can read more about my trip to Japan here, and there is still more to come!



The Kaburenjo Theatre

See by Chloé: Revealing Myself

See by Chloé, the diffusion line of the popular French luxury brand, has released its very first (and eponymous) fragrance.
I was recently contacted by Luxasia and See by Chloé to produce a creative post to reveal myself and participate in See by Chloé's Most Creative Blogger in Malaysia Contest.
Seeing how the bottle resembles a dainty bird cage, incorporating Flyoga was the perfect choice.
It's as if I've liberated myself from a cage.

Huge thanks to Cheryl who helped me photograph my Flyoga poses!
*Photos taken at Dreams Dance Studio

Salvatore Ferragamo: The Art of Shoemaking

What a privilege it was to be invited to witness an Italian craftsman, Giuliano, construct Salvatore Ferragamo shoes from start to finish, and there is a reason why shoes from luxury brands cost a month's salary.
The quality and workmanship are unbeatable, coupled with the sturdiness of the shoes (no matter how high and thin the heels are)
Most, if not all, shows from luxury brands are handmade by shoemakers.

The amount of meticulous work that goes into each pair of shoes is astounding, from cutting and stitching the leather, wrapping them around the lasts (wooden moulds of feet), applying the soles and nailing them in, and applying the signature Vara bow, all using only a few tools.
Truly a work of art.