FASHION

Hello Fashion | Gabrielle Chanel. Fashion Manifesto @V&A

Hello Lovely People, Finally, a new post for our fashion archive, and this one does not disappoint. The V&A South Kensington has once again outdone itself with the Gabrielle Chanel. Fashion Manifesto exhibit. If you haven’t already, take a peek at my previous blog posts from the V&A about the Christian Dior exhibit and “Inside Out,” where we delved into the fascinating world of bags.

Approaching this exhibit with an open mind, I found myself fascinated, not just by the iconic brand Chanel, but by the visionary woman behind it all—Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel. Starting her journey by crafting hats, her designs garnered attention, marking the beginning of an extraordinary career. As I strolled through the exhibit, I discovered the evolution of her life, from opening the first store in Paris at 31 Rue de Cambon to the creation of her groundbreaking signature perfume, Chanel No. 5.

The exhibit beautifully unfolds her legacy, showcasing not just her iconic suits, tweed blazers, sequin dresses, and the timeless little black dress but also the majesty of her final collection. It’s a mesmerizing journey through the life of a woman who lived to the fullest, making deals that shaped the fashion landscape.

 

One cannot help but admire Gabrielle Chanel’s versatility. From crafting hats to designing comfortable yet feminine clothes, creating costumes for influential movie producers, and venturing into perfumes, bags, and custom jewellery, she mastered it all. Her approach to these diverse realms reflected not just creativity, but a profound business understanding.

As I immersed myself in the exhibit, the V&A once again demonstrated its mastery in curating a profound narrative. The Fashion Manifesto laid bare the layers of Gabrielle Chanel’s personality, allowing us to witness the woman behind the iconic brand.

What resonated with me the most was Chanel’s fearless experimentation with various facets of the fashion industry. She embraced challenges, and navigated highs and lows, all while maintaining an unparalleled level of class. The exhibit stands as a testament to her groundbreaking contributions and the impact she left on the world of fashion.

With the exhibit closing on Sunday, 25th February 2024, there’s plentiful time for you to secure tickets and experience the magic for yourself. Don’t miss this opportunity to step into the world of Gabrielle Chanel and witness the evolution of a fashion icon.

As always, the V&A South Kensington has left me in awe, and I’m eager to see what they have in store for future exhibits. Until then, stay fashionably curious!

#GabrielleChanel #FashionManifesto #VandAExhibit #CocoChanel #FashionIcon #TimelessStyle #FashionJourney #ChanelNo5 #LittleBlackDress #FashionLegacy #VandAMuseum #FashionHistory #ExploreWithStyle #FashionCuriosity #IconicDesigns #FashionInspiration

LIFESTYLE

HELLO LONDON | WINTER WONDERLAND – HYDE PARK

Hello Beautiful Souls, I hope this post finds you in good spirits as we dive into the enchanting world of Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park. If you haven’t experienced it yet this December, let me tell you, you’re in for a treat! The festivities are in full swing until the 1st of January 2024, so there’s still plenty of time to immerse yourself in the magic.

I must confess, that I ventured into Winter Wonderland with no particular expectations, but what awaited me was a delightful surprise. On my first visit, I decided to make it a group affair, and boy, did we have a blast! Our first stop was the majestic Giant Wheel. It was my inaugural ride on a Ferris wheel in London, and the view was nothing short of breathtaking. Pro tip: the sparkling city lights make for an unforgettable experience.

Afterwards, we found ourselves in the heart of the Christmas Garden, where I sipped on some warm mulled wine and couldn’t resist the urge to dance. The lively atmosphere and festive spirit were contagious, making it an unforgettable evening. While I must admit that rides aren’t exactly my cup of tea, Winter Wonderland offers a package for £25 that includes free entries for those thrill-seekers among us.

Unfortunately, I missed out on the ice skating rink, but I consoled myself with a hearty helping of bratwurst. Though, I have to be honest, my taste buds were slightly disappointed. But hey, the joy of the season makes up for any culinary letdowns!

If you’re planning to visit, make sure to book your entry ticket in advance. Some off-peak slots might still be available for free, so seize the opportunity. I genuinely hope you enjoy your Winter Wonderland experience as much as I did and that your Christmas was filled with joy and warmth.

Thank you for joining me on this festive adventure, and here’s to a splendid start to the new year! ✨

#WinterWonderland #HydeParkMagic #FestiveFun #LondonChristmas #GiantWheelViews #MulledWineMagic #ChristmasGardenDance #SeasonsGreetings #HappyHolidays #NewYearJoy #LondonAdventures #WinterWonderlandExperience #ChristmasCheer #InstaWinter #FerrisWheelFun #BratwurstTales #FestiveVibes #JoyfulMemories #Hello2024 #MissWidjajaAdventures

DRINKS TABLE, FOOD CORNER, LIFESTYLE

HELLO LONDON | BOOM BATTLE BAR – OXFORD STREET

Hello Beautiful Souls, I’m thrilled to share a recent adventure that added a spark of excitement to the festive season—our yearly Christmas dinner for work at Boom Battle Bar on Oxford Street. Trust me; it was an evening filled with unexpected fun and laughter.

Boom Battle Bar isn’t your typical hangout spot; it’s the UK’s first and solely Battle Bar. The moment you step inside, the spirit of competitive play whisks you away from the dullness of the ordinary day, immersing you in a fully interactive gaming experience. Picture this: Augmented Reality Darts, Crazier Golf, Augmented Reality Axe Throwing, Shuffleboard, Beer Pong, BOOM BOX Karaoke, and more—all under one roof. It’s safe to say, you’ve never had a night quite like this before.

But the real magic happens when you dive into the games. Augmented Reality Darts takes the traditional pub game to a whole new level [Unfortunately, I am not the best at darts], while Crazier Golf adds a twist to the classic. Axe Throwing in Augmented Reality? Count me in! Shuffleboard, Beer Pong, and BOOM BOX Karaoke complete the lineup, ensuring there’s never a dull moment. We only booked a few of these games for the evening, however, we had so much fun.

And let’s talk about the cocktails—Boom Battle Bar has crafted an all-new cocktail menu that’s destined to make its way onto your Instagram story. Sip on innovative concoctions as you immerse yourself in the gaming frenzy.

But wait, there’s more! The fun extends to the palate with the BOOM BITES street food style menu. Reload on energy with tasty treats like chicken wings, loaded fries, and pizza. It’s the perfect fuel for an evening filled with competitive camaraderie.

Our Christmas pre-dinner at Boom Battle Bar was nothing short of a revelation—unexpectedly fun, engaging, and a welcome departure from the ordinary. So, if you’re looking to infuse a bit of playfulness into your evenings, head to Boom Battle Bar on Oxford Street. You won’t be disappointed!

Cheers to festive fun, unforgettable games, and the joy of discovery! ️ #BoomBattleBar #OxfordStreetAdventures #FestiveFun #ChristmasDinnerIdeas #InteractiveGaming #CocktailMagic #FoodieFinds #CompetitivePlay #LondonNights #UnexpectedJoy #InstaWorthyMoments #GameOn #BoomBites #ChristmasCheers #HelloLondon #MissWidjajaAdventures

LIFESTYLE

HELLO LONDON | CHRISTMAS DISPLAYS CENTRAL LONDON

Hello Beautiful Souls! Lace up your festive boots, because I’m taking you on a magical walking tour to witness the best Christmas displays in Central London.

Our journey begins at Green Park Tube Station, and our first stop is the enchanting display at Annabel’s. Take in the mesmerizing decorations before we make our way towards New Bond Street. Here, the luxurious shops compete for the title of the best Christmas display. Keep an eye out for Cartier, a standout masterpiece next to the delightful Dior decorations. And don’t miss the cosy Christmas tree adorned with bears in front of Ralph Lauren.

Next up, let’s stroll towards Fortnum & Mason. Their window displays tell heartwarming Christmas stories and the festive spirit inside the shop is irresistible – a perfect spot for finding unique Christmas gifts.

Our journey then leads us to Regent Street, where majestic angels grace the thoroughfare, creating a truly angelic atmosphere. From there, let’s head towards Leicester Square to experience the vibrant Christmas market. If you’ve still got some energy left, Covent Garden awaits with its breathtaking Christmas tree and the radiant lights that adorn the shops and restaurants.

Of course, we can’t forget to take a peek at the famous decorations at Carnaby Street and the iconic Liberty London. Our lovely three-hour walk, weather permitting, concludes on Oxford Street. From there, we caught the tube back home, surrounded by the mesmerizing lights of Central London.

Now, I’m curious! What’s your favourite spot for Christmas displays in London?

Thanks for joining me on this festive journey!

#ChristmasWalkingTour #LondonLightsAdventure #FestiveStroll #CoventGardenMagic #FortnumAndMasonChristmas #RegentStreetAngels #CarnabyStreetWonders #LibertyLondonMagic #OxfordStreetLights #ChristmasInLondon #MagicalMoments #MissWidjaja2023