HOTELS: Mama Shelter by Philippe Starck

There’s something that you need to know… I love Philippe Starck. I also love travelling. So when you put these two together, it just… well… drives me crazy.

So imagine my joy when I found out that I can now actually afford to check into a Philippe Starck-designed hotel, albeit just for a few days. Ladies and gents, I give you MAMA SHELTER.

Consisting of 172 rooms on 7 floors in 5 color schemes, Mama Shelter opened its eclectic doors on September of 2008. It is located in the heart of Paris, in the Saint Blaise quartier.





The hotel offers all the modern-day amenities a traveller can hope for– free wi-fi, hip common areas, services like babysitting, transportation and laundry, and 24-inch i-macs in all rooms.



To top it all off, a stay in Mama Shelter would mean you’ll get to be surrounded by Philippe Starck pieces. This might not appeal to some, but to a Starck fan like me, this is simply heavenly!

I can’t wait to check in. Now, the only problem is, when do I go back to Paris?:)

MAMA SHELTER
Address 109, rue de Bagnolet,
75020 Paris
Phone + 33 1 43 48 48 48
Facsimile + 33 1 44 54 38 66
Reservations | paris@mamashelter.com

all images from www.yatzer.com

paalam, jacko!

In Praise of My Birks

This post is dedicated to my friend, Bochog, who loves Birkenstock as much as I do. -PT

I fell in love with Birkinstock 15 years ago. My first pair was the classic two-strap which I asked my friend, Grace, to buy for me when she went to Germany. Since then, I’ve owned several pairs most of which I have loved to death. I’m happy to report, though, that the first pair is still being used by my mother in Aklan.

As you probably know (and as if its name is not a dead giveaway), Birkenstock is a German brand of footwear which is known for its contoured cork and footbed design. What most of you probably don’t know is that its founding dates back 225 years! It was the shoemaker Johann Adam Birkenstock who registered the name ‘Birkenstock’ as a ’subject and shoemaker’. Because of its revolutionary design, Birkenstock has gained popularity in Europe and eventually, in the US and the rest of the world.

Cozumel

Some people find Birks too chunky or hippy-ish. And while I don’t really mind their classic look, I do agree that Birks need a much-needed makeover if they want to appeal to the younger set. Good thing they’ve come out with some really stylish designs.

Gizeh

Yara

Sparta

And then there’s the collection from German supermodel Heidi Klum…

Bikita Thong

I especially love this one, the Bikita Thong, which looks very current and high fashion. There’s also Heidi’s take on the classic single-strap…

Crazy Brick Slip-on

If you want a little luxe on your sole, these will fit the bill. At EUR179 a pair, I don’t think you’ll see these anywhere near a hippy set of feet. (I apologize for the indiscriminate use of puns. Teehee…)

Crystal Thong

Diamond Slip-on

Well, whatever your style, there’s surely a pair of Birks that will suit you. My only beef with Birkenstock is that they last too long and I’m too cheap to buy a new pair unless I’ve worn out an old one. But then again, seeing the Bikita Thongs got me thinking… Would my mother appreciate a new pair of old Birks?