Entranced by her recent trip across Turkey, edit lifestyle (FB/Instagram) founder, Florence Lim, will be bringing back a piece of its magic with a Turkish Delight Pop-up held in her very own store. From 28 August to 20 September 2015, the resort-getaway vibes of 137/139 Tanglin Road will be transformed into Istanbul’s famed 500-year-old Grand Bazaar.
The pop-up will showcase Florence’s picks of traditional and contemporary Turkish design handcrafted by Turkish artisans. It will include a mix of handcrafted wares sourced from hidden shops only locals and insiders-in-the-know (which in her case was leading travel agency TravelStyle) are privy to. Expect gorgeous carpets, hand-tooled metal bowls, opulent tea wares and sterling silver wares.
One thing to look out for would be the decorated Iznik ceramics. Dating back to the 15th century, the meticulous designs fuses traditional Ottoman arabesque patterns with China blue/white porcelain.
With Florence, one cannot leave out the fascinating designer lifestyle brands she always has an eye for. There will be kaftans, toile-de-jouy linens and cushions from Haremlique; handwoven carpets made from 100% organic hand-spun wool from Dhoku; home and bath accoutrements with exotic Ottoman-Eastern scents from Lokum. The latter will also bring in Turkey’s best known sweet and its very own speciality, Turkish Delights.
Masterfully crafted objet d’art and homewares from luxury hotel and design house of ARMAGGAN available during the pop-up is more than just eye candy. Using endangered traditional Anatolia craftsmanship the founding Aysali family is helping to preserve, they have birthed refined collections of contemporary designs inspired by ancient civilizations. Each piece is not only long lasting, but will also be a timeless piece handed down from generation to generation.
The Artist Jeweller of Istanbul, Sevan Bicakci
Those who have yet heard of Sevan Bicakci may have already seen his breath-taking jewellery on the likes of Gwyneth Paltrow, Brooke Shields, the Olsen twins and Tory Burch.
Apprenticed from the age of 12 to Armenian master jeweller Hovsep Chatak, Sevan honed his craft surrounded by the very beauty of Istanbul’s myriad oriental charms. He further embraces his Armenian heritage, from its monuments, lifestyle, and mythological figures from Ottoman and Byzantine legends, into his majestic dome-like rings.
His work is unlike anything I have seen. Each piece tells a story, from the miniature marvel as the centrepiece to the carvings on the sides. The intricate metal-based painting and intaglio carving on high-karat gold, sterling silver, rose or antique diamonds and a host of uniquely cut gemstones truly gives each piece a life of its own, and almost looking like heirlooms worthy of royalty.
While available in many stores across the globe, including the original Grand Bazaar and Zorlu Center in Istanbul, U.K., Tokyo and U.S., it is the first time his exquisite masterpieces will be available exclusively in Singapore. Bringing one home may not be impossible, but I would not miss seeing his fine pieces in person for the world.
The Turkish Delight Grand Bazaar Pop-up will be held at edit lifestyle at 137/139 Tanglin Road, Tudor Court, Singapore 247927 from 28 August – 20 September 2015. Prices range from S$35 for small plates to S$5,050 for a handwoven carpet from Dhoku. Check out their website for more information.
