Shopping
This month we’re launching our brand new shopping section. Michelle Lewis and Cecilia Ramirez.
The Akaretler district of Nişantaşı went through a major transformation last year. The W Hotel opened, with London’s famous Spice Market inside, as well as Konyalı 1897, Caffe Nero and many other new additions. But the biggest draw was of course the row of boutiques that opened, including Jimmy Choo, Marni, Marc Jacobs, Chloe, Bottega Veneta, Lanvin, D-Squared, Catherine Malandrino, Alberta Ferreta and more. The long row of shops reminds us of Robertson Boulevard in Los Angeles. We spent a day in the area and have chosen some of our favourite places.
MARNI
This season expect a lot of bright colours, playful tops and skirts. Typical Marni designs are present including block-colour and retro inspired prints and large ‘60s-ish sunglasses. The store still has some pieces from last season, including last season’s statement piece: a black fur sleeveless jacket. The new season is dominated by light, airy materials, shirt-dresses and jersey fabrics. We spotted a handful of very thin t-shirts decorated with childlike drawings. The in colours of the season are bright pinks and purples; we spotted this trend at other boutiques as well. Accessories this season include big, black leather slouchy purses, tan clutches, retro glasses, plastic-y bracelets and the classic Marni necklaces, which consist of plastic pieces laced through a fabric band. We headed to the shoe section and noticed the colours are more neutral than for the clothing; tan sling-backs with 4-5inch heels, purple and tan coloured suede flats, lots of peep-toe heels and platforms. Glasses are, as you would expect from Marni; big frames in neutral colours; ‘grandma-chic’, you could say. No surprises here!
Süleyman Seba Caddesi 8,
Akaretler, Beşiktaş
www.marni.com
JIMMY CHOO
Accessories designer Jimmy Choo’s latest collection features bright fluorescent colours, which is a definite trend for the season. Snakeskin is also a big theme this season as Choo has used the print on everything from his sling-back flats to purses. There were a handful of large beach totes in fluorescent pinks and blues, with a sheer section for seeing the contents of the purse. Fringe is also super popular as we spotted loads of brown fringe purses, fringe clutches and even fringe on some shoes. Gladiator sandals are still en vogue. Fancier shoes include black patent leather boots, both tall and shorter bootie versions. Choo has incorporated grommets on purses in red and white tones as well as snakeskin cuffs in pink and grey and keychains in red and gold into the latest collection.
Şair Nedim Bey Caddesi No: 8
Akaretler Beşiktaş İstanbul
www.jimmychoo.com
HAREMLIQUE
While in the area, we stopped by Haremlique, which is a luxury homestore. Haremlique has been producing their products since the turn of the 20th century and focuses on “luxury linens and towels, as well as fine silks, cashmeres, upholstery and home accessories for the finest homes, yachts and boutique hotels” (www.haremlique.com). We checked out backboards decorated with iznik tile and çini prints, robes, sheets, candles and more. Everything is designed by Caroline Koç and Banu Yentür. Haremlique has been open for a year and benefits greatly from being located in the Akaretler district. Their customers are a mix of Turks and tourists, with more tourists frequenting the shop in the high summer season. The prices change according to how much detail has been put into the design, but we were assured all the sheets etc. are 100% cotton. They also sell their own coffee and strangely enough, ‘ütü suyu’ (ironing spray). If you are looking for some Ottoman-inspired sheets or cosy bathrobes, Haremlique is perfect.
Şair Nedim Bey Caddesi No:11
Akaretler Beşiktaş İstanbul
+90 (212) 236 38 43
+90 (212) 236 54 28
www.haremlique.com
Café City
Between our browsing we stopped in at Café City and refuelled with some salads and espresso. The interior consists of tables, of which the tops are decorated with Ottoman-esque designs in black, dark wood chairs, and playful Ottoman caricatures on the walls. We ate inside, but noticed after we’d been seated a very inviting garden area, which will be perfect when it gets warmer out. I had the grilled chicken salad, while Sibel had the sun-dried tomatoes and feta cheese salad, both of which were fresh and delicious; the sauces were particularly yummy. Their website (www.cafecity.com.tr) lists all the dishes and while browsing I decided that next time I go back I’ll try the club sandwich with smoked salmon; they’ve really got loads to choose from. Browsing the website also revealed that Café City has its own publishing company and will be offering city tours soon (that area of the site is under construction).
Café City
Suleyman Seba Caddesi
Akaretler Sira Evleri No: 25
Besiktas 34357 Istanbul
+90 (0212) 236 95 17
info@cafecity.com.tr
www.cafecity.com.tr
Editor’s Note: Beymen wasn’t willing to participate with us for this piece, thus the photos seen are not from the boutique but rather from the collections' photos found online.
A day in the Akaretler district
Writer: Michelle Lewis and Cecilia Ramirez
This month we’re launching our brand new shopping section. Michelle Lewis and Cecilia Ramirez.
The Akaretler district of Nişantaşı went through a major transformation last year. The W Hotel opened, with London’s famous Spice Market inside, as well as Konyalı 1897, Caffe Nero and many other new additions. But the biggest draw was of course the row of boutiques that opened, including Jimmy Choo, Marni, Marc Jacobs, Chloe, Bottega Veneta, Lanvin, D-Squared, Catherine Malandrino, Alberta Ferreta and more. The long row of shops reminds us of Robertson Boulevard in Los Angeles. We spent a day in the area and have chosen some of our favourite places.
MARNI
This season expect a lot of bright colours, playful tops and skirts. Typical Marni designs are present including block-colour and retro inspired prints and large ‘60s-ish sunglasses. The store still has some pieces from last season, including last season’s statement piece: a black fur sleeveless jacket. The new season is dominated by light, airy materials, shirt-dresses and jersey fabrics. We spotted a handful of very thin t-shirts decorated with childlike drawings. The in colours of the season are bright pinks and purples; we spotted this trend at other boutiques as well. Accessories this season include big, black leather slouchy purses, tan clutches, retro glasses, plastic-y bracelets and the classic Marni necklaces, which consist of plastic pieces laced through a fabric band. We headed to the shoe section and noticed the colours are more neutral than for the clothing; tan sling-backs with 4-5inch heels, purple and tan coloured suede flats, lots of peep-toe heels and platforms. Glasses are, as you would expect from Marni; big frames in neutral colours; ‘grandma-chic’, you could say. No surprises here!
Süleyman Seba Caddesi 8,
Akaretler, Beşiktaş
www.marni.com
JIMMY CHOO
Accessories designer Jimmy Choo’s latest collection features bright fluorescent colours, which is a definite trend for the season. Snakeskin is also a big theme this season as Choo has used the print on everything from his sling-back flats to purses. There were a handful of large beach totes in fluorescent pinks and blues, with a sheer section for seeing the contents of the purse. Fringe is also super popular as we spotted loads of brown fringe purses, fringe clutches and even fringe on some shoes. Gladiator sandals are still en vogue. Fancier shoes include black patent leather boots, both tall and shorter bootie versions. Choo has incorporated grommets on purses in red and white tones as well as snakeskin cuffs in pink and grey and keychains in red and gold into the latest collection.
Şair Nedim Bey Caddesi No: 8
Akaretler Beşiktaş İstanbul
www.jimmychoo.com
HAREMLIQUE
While in the area, we stopped by Haremlique, which is a luxury homestore. Haremlique has been producing their products since the turn of the 20th century and focuses on “luxury linens and towels, as well as fine silks, cashmeres, upholstery and home accessories for the finest homes, yachts and boutique hotels” (www.haremlique.com). We checked out backboards decorated with iznik tile and çini prints, robes, sheets, candles and more. Everything is designed by Caroline Koç and Banu Yentür. Haremlique has been open for a year and benefits greatly from being located in the Akaretler district. Their customers are a mix of Turks and tourists, with more tourists frequenting the shop in the high summer season. The prices change according to how much detail has been put into the design, but we were assured all the sheets etc. are 100% cotton. They also sell their own coffee and strangely enough, ‘ütü suyu’ (ironing spray). If you are looking for some Ottoman-inspired sheets or cosy bathrobes, Haremlique is perfect.
Şair Nedim Bey Caddesi No:11
Akaretler Beşiktaş İstanbul
+90 (212) 236 38 43
+90 (212) 236 54 28
www.haremlique.com
Café City
Between our browsing we stopped in at Café City and refuelled with some salads and espresso. The interior consists of tables, of which the tops are decorated with Ottoman-esque designs in black, dark wood chairs, and playful Ottoman caricatures on the walls. We ate inside, but noticed after we’d been seated a very inviting garden area, which will be perfect when it gets warmer out. I had the grilled chicken salad, while Sibel had the sun-dried tomatoes and feta cheese salad, both of which were fresh and delicious; the sauces were particularly yummy. Their website (www.cafecity.com.tr) lists all the dishes and while browsing I decided that next time I go back I’ll try the club sandwich with smoked salmon; they’ve really got loads to choose from. Browsing the website also revealed that Café City has its own publishing company and will be offering city tours soon (that area of the site is under construction).
Café City
Suleyman Seba Caddesi
Akaretler Sira Evleri No: 25
Besiktas 34357 Istanbul
+90 (0212) 236 95 17
info@cafecity.com.tr
www.cafecity.com.tr
Editor’s Note: Beymen wasn’t willing to participate with us for this piece, thus the photos seen are not from the boutique but rather from the collections' photos found online.