‘Travel is the biggest inspiration for fashion designers’
Imran Amed, the founder and CEO of The Business of Fashion, on how creativity is found in tiny, offbeat places and the Hong Kong hotel that won his heart
In 2015, you visited 25 countries and spent 150 days away from home in London. What trips stand out? Despite being a beach bum, I’d have to say Tokyo and Berlin. Both cities have such unique energy. Exploring Tokyo’s neighbourhoods, vintage shops, outstanding restaurants—it’s special. In Berlin, there’s this don’t-care, laissez-faire vibe that instantly makes you feel relaxed.
Is most of your travel work-related? When you run a business that grew out of a personal passion, the lines between work and play become blurred. My work trips are often interspersed with personal diversions such as meeting old friends, while my personal trips often inspire creative ideas. It’s hard to draw a line. In November, I went to Dubai for a speaking engagement, followed by a full day of media interviews. It was wonderful because I got to connect with so many of our readers, but Dubai is not my favourite place. So I challenged my friends there to take me somewhere totally unexpected. The next thing I knew, we were in a laid-back club called Stereo Arcade, which shatters all the Dubai stereotypes of bottle service and overly engineered nightlife. I had a blast.
Tell us about a recent holiday. I recently visited Sri Lanka for the first time, and it was a great opportunity to experience a new culture. My favourite discovery was the work of architect Geoffrey Bawa, whose ‘monsoon architecture’ has influenced Southeast Asia so deeply.
Your favourite place on Earth? Vancouver, because my family lives there. As a kid growing up in Calgary, just west of the Rocky Mountains, I didn’t really appreciate being so close to some of the best skiing and mountainous terrain in the world. Now, when I go back to Vancouver, I feel lucky to be surrounded by such rare beauty.
‘Tokyo is the most fashionable city in the world. Here, fashion, even if it’s out of this world, is an expression of one’s personal philosophy.’ Photo: cowardlion / Shutterstock.com
How would you say the fashion and travel industries influence each other? Travel is probably the single-most acknowledged inspiration for fashion designers, many of whom take abstract—and sometimes very literal—cues from artists, architecture, uniforms and even vintage clothing that they discover on their trips. Menswear designer Kim Jones’s recent collection was inspired by the royals of Rajasthan. Proenza Schouler’s Jack McCullough and Lazaro Hernandez usually cite a trip they’ve taken somewhere for each of their collections—last time, it was Cuba.
BoF is known for its global perspective. How has travel informed your worldview? Looking at the media, it sometimes seems like creativity is the god-given right of the megalopolises in the west, but you find it in the tiniest, most offbeat places. I once visited Bandung, Indonesia, and was electrified by the creative expression of the young people in this small city, which was born out of the local indie music and skateboarding scene. These unexpected moments and little discoveries are what make a life of travel so rewarding.
What’s the most fashionable city in the world? I would have to say Tokyo, where fashion is used to express not just one’s status but one’s personal philosophy. Every neighbourhood, restaurant, boutique, every experience here is linked to this form of expression, be it a conservative businessman in his choice of suit and briefcase, or the Harajuku Girls, whose outfits are out of this world.
Your favourite hotel and why? Definitely Hong Kong’s Upper House. As I’m on the road so much, I need to feel at home and have the best service possible, the kind where every need is anticipated. On my last visit to Hong Kong, I fell ill just before boarding. By the time I landed, I was a sneezing, sickly mess. When I reached the hotel, not only did the staff welcome me back like an old friend, but within minutes, sent up a pot of ginger and turmeric tea. That kind of service makes all the difference.
Next: 50 insiders share their shopping secrets from around the world
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Photo: RosaIreneBetancourt 9 / Alamy Stock Photo
Oxford Street, Sydney
This lane has established itself as one of the sharpest, most innovative shopping destinations around the world, and it is always my first stop when I get back to Australia. Most of the stores belong to stylish local designers, and my favourite is LIFEwithBIRD, which makes graphic dresses in relaxed silhouettes. Sarah Todd, Condé Nast Traveller cover girl, MasterChef Australia finalist, and chef at Antares, Goa
Le Marais, Paris
My favourite Sunday activity is to walk around Le Marais, which has the most eclectic boutiques such as Jamin Puech(pictured). The handmade bags are so unique. Kalyani Saha Chawla, VP marketing & communications, Christian Dior Couture
Sanskriti Lifestyle, Pune
I always unearth exciting finds at Sanskriti Lifestyle—vintage furniture, striking artwork, jewellery boxes, Kutchi torans and much more. Karishma Shahani Khan, founder & creative director, Ka-Sha Change By Design LLP
Photo: Shine Bhola
Rajasthan Fabrics & Arts, Jaipur
Located in the City Palace complex, this small shop sells an exquisite collection of vintage fabrics, jewellery, paintings and other antique treasures (+91-141-2600555). Pippa Small, jewellery designer
Photo: Shutterstock.com
Holiday home, Goa
Areas such as Moira, Aldona, Bastora and Carona are good value. Obviously, the builder should have a good reputation and all the correct permissions, but he must also ensure there is a maintenance contract for the property. Goa’s extreme weather leads to wear and tear. Neville Dsouza, owner & partner, Square Meter
Photo: Facebook page of Southex Books & Prints
Southex Books & Prints, Delhi
I buy books from anywhere I can and read them in every form, but for a special present, I love to go to this vintage shop that has a great collection of old books and prints. The musty old store is a wonderful place to spend an afternoon and stumble upon real treasures. The last book I bought from there, The Artist, was a catalogue of Rabindranath Tagore’s paintings, written by his nephew Abanindranath Tagore (+91-11-26257095). Chiki Sarkar, publisher & founder, Juggernaut Books
Frazer Parfum, Cape Town
Master perfumer Tammy Frazer creates intoxicating scents using natural and organic raw materials sourced from farmers all over the world. Hanneli Rupert, founder & CEO, Okapi & Merchants On Long
The Qurio City Shop, Bengaluru
An antique shop run by Ramchandran, who also custom-makes products in recycled wood (+91-80-41623438). Karthik Vaidyanathan, founder, Varnam
Playtype, Copenhagen
When in Copenhagen, check out the type objects at Playtype, a cool design store. Jiten Thukral & Sumir Tagra, mixed media artists
The last surviving cloth merchants in Spitalfields market, Crescent Trading sells surplus fabric from luxury brands at discounted prices. Abhishek Advani, founder, Advani London
Bazart UC, Santiago
Over 300 emerging and established national artists display their creations at this bazaar, which is held thrice a year at Casa Central, Universidad Católica de Chile (+56-2-2354-6598). Archana Aithal Rose, writer
Photo: Arvind Garg/CORBIS
Old City, Hyderabad
No visit to this historic place is complete without a trip to the Old City, with its bangle shops, pearl merchants, ittar walas and the iconic Charminar. Suhani Pittie, jewellery designer
Photo: Peter Forsberg / Alamy Stock Photo
Vintage market, Milan
On the last Sunday of every month or every two months (you have to keep track through local websites), in this little place called Navigli, you’ll find the best vintage market full of surprises: books, antiques, 1970s denim pieces, cat-eye sunglasses and the coolest boyfriend shirts. Rebecca Zhimomi, fashion communicator, Wild at Heart
Photo: Selvaprakash L
Balaji Antiques, Bengaluru
Balaji Antiques is a treasure trove of original South Indian and colonial antiques. Sanchita Ajjampur, designer
Rellik, London
The vintage store Rellik has rare curios, clothes and more. Shanay Jhaveri, assistant curator, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York
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Muck Floral and Were Bros, Auckland
You’ll find things such as pretty wildflower bouquets, organic homemade bread and artisanal ice cream at Muck Floral and Were Bros in Auckland.Olivia Fleming, New Zealand-born, New York-based writer
Photo: Paulette Sinclair / Alamy Stock Photo
Chavda Khanga Shop, Zanzibar
The women around the Swahili coast wear a colourful printed fabric called khanga (pictured). You can buy it at the former slave market located at Darajani, specifically the Chavda Khanga Shop. It can be used for anything, from fashion to home décor. Doreen Mashika, designer
Garderobe, Dubai
Garderobe, a Jumeirah boutique that sells vintage clothing, is perfect for those looking to own designer labels without splurging (+97-1-43942753). Arva Ahmed & Farida Ahmed, Frying Pan Adventures
Come here on weekends to find beautiful artworks by university students at affordable prices. Nadia Samdani, president, Samdani Art Foundation & director, Dhaka Art Summit
Cuero-Handcrafted Luxury, Pune
Naman Shah of Cuero-Handcrafted Luxury makes beautiful handwoven shoes for both men and women; we have used their footwear for our ramp shows. I especially love the Three Tone brogues. Jayesh Sachdev, artist & co-founder, Quirk Box
Stellacello, London
In Bethnal Green, Joe Stella makes this unexpectedly delightful drink. Stellacello is similar to limoncello but is made using grapefruit instead of lemons. Roohi Oomerbhoy Jaikishan, director, R R Oomerbhoy
The Odd Piece, Dubai
Located on Al Serkal Avenue, this store is a complete visual treat. The Odd Piece stocks vintage furniture from flea markets around the world, pretty chinaware, colourful lamps and more. Nadine Kanso, creative director, Bil Arabi
Photo: ROUSSEL BERNARD / Alamy Stock Photo
Haji Lane, Singapore
Haji Lane is a narrow back alley in the heart of the Arab Quarter, a hip shopping destination. Young Singaporeans frequent the offbeat boutiques in search of cult labels and vintage clothing. Nikasha Khemka, designer
The Shepherd Craft Project, Pahalgam, Kashmir
The organisation sells embroidered bags and shawls made by the Gujjar and Bakarwal communities (+91-941-9045056). Gulzar Hussain, Western Himalayan ethnographer
Taller Marmo, Dubai
A finalist for the Woolmark Prize, the label Taller Marmo is recognised for its fresh, clean aesthetic. Sujata Assomull, consulting style editor, Khaleej Times
Neil Dantas, Mumbai
Graphic designer Neil Dantas makes Mumbai-inspired T-shirts and only delivers to Charni Road station. Siddharth Samant, curates@sidart
Serendipity, Delhi
My favourite home and accessories store, Serendipity is situated in a beautiful haveli. Naina Redhu, photographer and blogger
Thailand has the most gorgeous flowers. Buy these boxed orchids at Suvarnabhumi airport duty-free on your return. You’ll find the best mix of colours and shapes, and the longest stems. Plus, they’re long-lasting. Divia Thani Daswani,editor, CNT
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Righi Coltelleria, Parma
This knife store is owned by a family of craftsmen known for making the most incredible blades, utility and paring knives (+39-052-1285-019). Manu Chandra, chef partner, The Fatty Bao & Monkey Bar, & executive chef Olive Beach, Bengaluru
Photo: Lavonne Bosman
Kingdom, Cape Town
This store has the most eclectic mix of products—from incredible art and quirky collectables to unique jewellery and one-of-a-kind clothing. In addition, Kingdom supports South African designers and artisans. Kanishtha Dhankhar, model
Photo: Twitter page of Kerala Arts
Vimala Welfare Centre, Kochi
The centre teaches young women embroidery and sells the finished products (+91-484-2395649). Sreejith Jeevan, designer
Shahid and Wahid Mansoori, the father-and-son duo that runs this store, stock all kinds of memorabilia, from movie posters to vintage telephones (+91-9892586086). Divya Thakur, Design Temple
There’s a bazaar held every Friday at 6am, where vendors sell items not found on regular days. Mutton Street is a favourite; I do a lot of sourcing for my shoots there. Meher Ahmed, stylist
Photo: Elena Dijour / Shutterstock.com
Brick Lane, London
Hanbury Street in Brick Lane market is great for vintage clothing and jewellery. I’ve picked up cool jackets from Harnett & Pope and some quirky accessories from Shop 172—a designers’ collective that sells premium clothing from independent labels. Aastha Sharma, founder & head stylist, The Wardrobist
A photo posted by Rickshaw Bagworks (@rickshawbags) on
Rickshaw Bagworks, San Francisco
If you want to look like a native in San Francisco, pick up “cycling” brand Rickshaw Bagworks’ backpacks or iPad sleeves. Kaamna Bhojwani-Dhawan, founder & CEO, MomAboard.com
Portobello, Paris
Every corner of this store is filled with beautiful objects. I have never ever walked out empty-handed from Portobello. Rymn Massand, graphic designer, brand consultant and writer
Photo: Jan Wlodarczyk / Alamy Stock Photo
The Jaipur Gota Works, Jaipur
Established in 1941, this small gota workshop is one of the few that continues to use the traditional materials (real gold and silver) and hand techniques (+91-141-2565517). Aavriti R Jain, co-owner, Dhora & Teatro Dhora
Marcou Artifacts, Goa
I’ve been living in Goa for two years, and this store is one of my best discoveries yet. You’ll find beautiful ceramic ware in signature pop colours that add a little touch of Goa to your home (+91-777-4032311). Rhea Gupte, creative director, www.fuss.co.in
Moughal Arts Decoration House, Hyderabad
Near Dine Hill restaurant at Masabtank, this is my favourite shop. Ask to be taken to the back, where you’ll find exquisite handcrafted furniture. Archana Rao, creative director of Archana Rao Label & Frou Frou
Photo: Google Plus page of Munshi Ram Manak Chand Jain
Munshi Ram Manak Chand Jain, Chandigarh
Popular among the artist community, this shop sells canvases, charcoal and easels, along with premium imported art supplies (+91-172-2705225). Samar Singh Virdi, photographer @samarvirdi
Photo: Tim Graham / Alamy Stock Photo
Mehar Chand & Sons, Delhi
Go to Khari Baoli, the spice market in Old Delhi, and visit this store, which takes pride in being “just 97 years old,” as owner Anshu Kumar puts it eloquently (+91-11-23958801). Himanshu Verma, arts curator, Red Earth
Photo: allOver images / Alamy Stock Photo
Cuban cigars, Spain
Fifty per cent of Cuba’s cigar production goes to Spain, and the pricing here is very competitive, making it one of the best places in the world to buy Cuban cigars. The downside? Watch out for fakes. There are as many dubious Cohibas available as there are bottles of “Black Label” in Mumbai. Anish Trivedi, writer, whisky & cigar evangelist
Photo: Facebook page of Prestige The Man Store
Prestige The Man Store, Bengaluru
If you’re looking for an incredible custom-made sherwani, look no further than Prestige The Man Store on Commercial Street. The master tailors have nearly 50 years of experience in making menswear. Sana Rezwan Sait, co-founder & creative director, Indelust
Photo: LatitudeStock / Alamy Stock Photo
Xipamanine Market, Mozambique
Go here to buy the famous capulana (African print fabric; pictured), and experience a bit of local culture. Taibo Bacar, designer
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Cao Jia Du, Shanghai
At the flower market in Cao Jia Du, you’ll find all kinds of flowers, plants, birds, gold fish, crickets and more. Bonsai are my favourite; these miniature trees help your garden look Zen and Chinese. Deng Bingbing, creative director, Bingdesign and Pilingpalang
Vāyu, Delhi
Located in Bikaner House, this shop features unique objects, art and clothing from labels such as Lacquer Embassy (+91-11-23072821). Peter D’Ascoli, luxury fabric designer
The beautiful stationery store is located on Piazza S Fedele 2. The brand Pettinaroli dates back to 1881 and has gorgeous personalised items: leatherbound pocket diaries, wrapping paper, greeting cards, vintage maps and my personal favourite—monogram wax seals. Maneka Thadani, marketing & communications manager, Gucci
Photo: Don Freeman
De Vera, New York
Located on Crosby Street, this jewel of a shop is a feast for the senses. De Vera is filled with antiques, beautiful santo statues, Venetian glass and jewellery. Roopal Patel, senior vice president, fashion director, Saks Fifth Avenue
