A Cool European Founder Shares Her Little Black Book
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@Meryl_Chiche
If I could only shop in one place, it would be Soho in New York. I love the neighbourhood because I can find well-known names but also small multi-brand boutiques where I like to discover new designers. It’s also got great vintage stores, where I take the most pleasure in shopping.
The best destination for independent stores is Japan. I've just returned from a two-week trip to Tokyo and Kyoto, and I loved shopping in both cities. They’re teeming with young designers, all very different but with the same minimal touch that I love. The Japanese have an eye for detail and a mastery of technical materials. As a result, you can shop for pieces that stand out from the more classic offerings you find in Europe.
I think the most unexpected destination for great fashion is Naples. I'd always dreamt of visiting, so a few years ago I went alone for four days. I loved the idea of travelling alone and being able to discover the corners of the city at my own pace. To my surprise, I did some incredible shopping. There are so many vintage boutiques with extraordinary pieces at ridiculous prices. My best find was a 1991 YSL blazer in 100% cashmere for €90.
Italy is fantastic for vintage shopping. For me, it’s much more interesting than luxury vintage shopping in Paris, and the prices are better than in other cities. I bought the craziest piece in a vintage store in Rome called Ciao Vintage: a Chanel jacket from the 2000s in perfect condition.
@Meryl_Chiche
When it comes to staples, I wear everything from my own brand Sessei. Each one is the fruit of a very personal need and desire. I wanted to create timeless pieces that would accompany me in my daily life, and that's exactly what I've done. There are very few days when I don't wear a piece from the collection: the right t-shirt in the right colour, a well-cut shirt that I slip on without a second thought in the morning, and accessorise differently to dress me up for dinner.
My most recent brand discovery is Le Monde Béryl. I know I'm late – the brand is three years old, but I discovered it last month and fell in love. Then there’s the bag brand Metier London, where luxury meets effortlessness. Its pieces are just gorgeous in every detail.
I love to pick up special pieces from Prada. They're expensive, but even the simplest sweater has a special touch. The pieces are simple, chic, and beautiful with a twist. I have a few pieces and build outfits around them.
I collect jewellery from vintage stores. I shop in vintage boutiques everywhere I travel. My favourite piece of jewellery is a pair of Valentino earrings from the 80s, bought in a small shop in the Brera district in Milan.
My perfect shopping day would involve waking up in Tokyo. After a delicious savoury breakfast, I’d stroll through the streets of Ginza, wearing my most comfortable sneakers from On, with my husband Leo who, between emails, always has a very sure eye in case of doubt. This perfect day would be punctuated by lunch at Kokoro, one of the city's best omakase restaurants.
The last thing I bought is a pale yellow Jil Sander bag. I bought it two weeks ago in Florence, it's called the Goji and can be worn as a clutch or shoulder bag.
The best fashion gift I’ve ever received is a pre-owned burgundy Hermès Kelly bag. My parents gave it to me for my birthday. I will treasure it forever.
Sessei
Meryl's Zurich Favourites
The best place for coffee is my home. My husband is crazy about coffee and spent months tasting and finding the perfect machine. We are happy owners of a La Piccola. Away from home, I love a coffee at La Stanza and a spicy cookie from Babu’s.
The coolest spot to eat is L’O. Fifteen minutes outside Zurich, it has an insane view of the lake and the best grilled fish. Bindella and Da Angela are also favourites.
For after-hours drinks, head to La Stanza. It’s the venue people are excited about right now. The rooftop bar at La Réserve also has the most beautiful view, it’s called La Muña.
The best hotel in Zurich is the Storchen Hotel. In the old town, it also has a beautiful rooftop where you can enjoy a nice aperitif.
Storchen Hotel; L'o; @Meryl_Chiche; Sessei
Most recent discovery is the boutique Trois Pommes on the famous Bahnhofstrasse. It’s a new find for me, but an institution in Zurich. It stocks well-known designers, as well as up and coming names. The boutique also has an outlet store just outside the city on Seestrasse 463.
The best spot for soaking up culture is the Kunsthaus, Zurich's art museum. It’s in the city centre, overlooking the Heimplatz square at the edge of the historic district. It houses a major collection of European artwork from the late Middle Ages to the present day.
My favourite way to explore the city is on foot. Zurich is relatively small, and if you're lucky enough to visit, you can lose yourself in the narrow streets of the old town, which are full of charming boutiques.
One of my favourite spots is Rigi mountain. Our weekends are often made up of incredible hikes and picnics there.
Visit SHOPSESSEI.COM and follow @MERYL_CHICHE & @SHOPSESSEI
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