Rakel Hafberg (Reykjavik, Iceland)

A few months ago during my Reykjavik trip, I came across a store window that displayed some of the most intriguing exotic leather accessories. I couldn't quite figure out what I was looking at - it definitely wasn't crocodile, ostrich or snakeskin. And the pattern of the material was rather unique as well. Would you be able to guess what the collars and cuffs (below) are made of?

A selection from the current lookbook (source: Rakel Hafberg).

Upon entering the boutique and on closer inspection, I had a sneaking suspicion, which was confirmed by the helpful shop owner who turned out to be the actual designer, Rakel Hafberg: Most of the bags and jewelry are in fact made of chicken leather. And if you thought the cuffs, collars, belts and capes had a unique shape, that's because these items in particular are actually made from the skin of chicken feet. Rakel explained that the idea actually came from her husband, and while she wasn't initially sure about using this particular leather, it seemed like a good option considering chicken skin ends up as discarded waste material. After experimenting with the production, she was pleased enough to use the chicken leather as the main material for most of her accessories, which also include beautiful tote bags.

Bags, jewelry and headpieces - all made of chicken leather.

Intricate collars and chokers made of chicken feet leather.

Most people (including myself) may have considered chicken skin a wonderful thing when served crispy along with its meat on a dinner plate - but the idea of toting it around as an accessory may sound a little creepy. Rakel herself admitted to me that chicken feet leather in particular might not appeal to most... initially. I for one never thought it would be something I'd want to wrap around my neck. Yet surprisingly the pieces bear only a mild resemblance to the original source and everything is beautifully crafted. The bags look like regular exotic skin material with a soft and supple finishing that features a striking design of diagonal panels. Best of all, being deemed as waste, chicken leather is a lot more sustainable than other materials out there.

An entire shelf filled with pieces made of chicken feet leather.

For the squeamish, there's also a range of hairbands made of feathers.

More accessories, along with colorful paintings which are available for sale.

If chicken leather still doesn't strike your fancy, there's plenty more to choose from. Rakel's boutique is a treasure trove of other gems that includes clothing and a large range of other jewelry items. With a colorful backdrop provided by the floral wallpaper, most pieces are either displayed along the walls like pieces of art (along with actual paintings that are for sale) or neatly arranged on shelves. Other favorites included laser-cut butterfly necklaces and beaded baubles made of hand painted tagua nuts. While chicken leather could once again be found on hairbands, there were also a few feathered varieties to choose from.

Some of the clothing on display.

Overview of the quaint boutique and the changing room.

More 'traditional' jewelry made of tagua nuts and laser-cut leather.

I have to admit that I was so distracted by the wonders of chicken leather, I hardly paid attention to the clothing. I remembered seeing a few silk tops and gorgeous slouchy jackets, all of which complemented the statement accessories perfectly. Because Rakel herself oversees the small boutique, you do get a sense that everything is handpicked and individual. The setting is intimate and immediately welcoming. If you ever find yourself in Reykjavik, definitely drop by if you get the chance. A select range can also be purchased online and for any other info, you can always check out Rakel Hafberg's Facebook page or send her an email.

More cuffs, chokers and belts - some also made with fur.

Cute chicken leather clutches and more beaded jewelry.

Another look at some of the items on display, including more handbags and simple slouchy clothes.

Address: Laugavegur 37, 101 Reykjavik

Opening Hrs: Mon-Fri: 10:00-18:00, Sat: 11:00-16:00

Rakel Hafberg Homepage & Online-Shop

The Kooples (Paris, France)

If you've visited Paris in the last few years - or London in more recent months - chances are you'll have seen quite a few boutiques belonging to The Kooples. And even if you missed them, you've probably seen the fairly prominent ad campaign featuring real life couples, posing in very chic clothes. The Kooples (a spin on how 'couples' is pronounced in French), is a bit of a phenomenon that started in Paris and is currently sweeping the UK. The label was founded by the Elisha brothers (Alexander, Laurent and Raphael), who are also responsible for the successful Comptoir des Cotonniers - a brand known for highlighting a different relationship: their ads feature real life mothers and daughters.

Real life couples posing for the FW10 campaign.

The current SS11 ad campaign.

The Kooples concept is based on the idea that people in relationships frequently borrow each other's clothes. And since it's usually the women who steal their boyfriends' shirts, blazers or accessories, it's not surprising that the majority of the collection is slightly more masculine and androgynous than girly. While I was initially told that the clothes were 'unisex', there are two distinct collections for men and women which are meant to complement each other. The line focuses on perfectly tailored clothes with a rock vibe. Most of the buttons, embroidery or jewelry feature the signature skull logo, which give classic blazers and military coats a bit of an edge.

Overview of a typical boutique (top). His & hers blazers featuring a skull emblem (bottom).

Items on display range from basic to feminine and lacy.

The first time I entered one of the Parisian boutiques, I was instantly addicted. I'll start off by mentioning that the prices aren't the lowest, but the quality and tailoring of the garments are superior to what you'll find in most high street stores. The monochromatic color scheme of the shops is identical in each location, and decor is kept to a minimum. The only notable elements are the campaign posters on the walls and a classic couch near the changing rooms. The staff is generally quite knowledgeable and if you end up in one of the new London flagships, you'll note that most of them are French as well.

The signature skull logo on a cardigan (left), and on bow ties & cuff links (right).

Some of the best pieces include blazers, such as the velvet version (left) or the light summer one (right).

It's worth mentioning that the accessories and shoes are just as coveted. Usually adorned with mini skulls, they're a good alternative if you're not in the market for another blazer. Delicate lace and silks are often used for dresses, skirts and shorts, and provide a more feminine style if you're worried about looking too much like your other half. This is probably the kind of label hipsters will flock to, but thankfully the selection is versatile enough to be combined with anything you might already have in your closet.

Another look for the gents (left).

Shorts, shorts and more shorts.

If you're in the UK and Ireland, the good news is that The Kooples are rapidly expanding, but I'm guessing that other countries will follow soon. In Paris, there are several boutiques in every arrondissement, so you'll be spoiled for choice. If you're in France or Great Britain though, you can always take advantage of the very tempting online store - filled with items that are very hard to resist.

Changing rooms (left) and a skull buckle belt (right).

More beautiful lace.

Address: various locations throughout France, UK & Ireland.
Opening Hrs: Mon: 11:00-19:00, Tue-Fri: 10:30-19:30, Sat: 10:30-20:00
The Kooples Homepage France / Great Britain

Assouline at Liberty (London, UK)

For many people, browsing old-fashioned bookstores or libraries and flicking through various printed publications is a favorite pastime. There's just something magical about spending time among shelves filled with written works. Even in the age of the Kindle or other e-readers, the trusty hardcover still holds its own - and there's nothing quite as coveted as the books brought to us by Assouline.

Overview of the Literary Lounge (top, source: Liberty). A wonderful selection of books in every corner (bottom).

Those who love fashion, art, design or travel may already own at least one publication by Assouline, but if you're not familiar with the publishing house, here's a quick summary: Founded in 1994 by Prosper and Martine Assouline in Paris, the company (which has since moved its HQ to NYC) is responsible for some of the most collectible luxury books dedicated to a variety of topics ranging from architecture to gastronomy. The fashion industry in particular has had a long love affair with Assouline, who have released books on Dior, Chanel and Pierre Cardin to name a few. Filled with beautiful photography/illustrations and luxuriously bound, these volumes go beyond your average coffee table books and are actual works of art.

Both vintage and new books were on display, accompanied by unique antiques and art.

The Assouline retail spaces are just as beautiful and I still have fond memories of the Parisian boutique, where one could spend several hours just browsing books while lounging in the seating area. Thankfully, London now has its own Assouline haven, housed in Liberty London's Literary Lounge on the ground floor. Over 1000 square feet large, this is Assouline's first flagship in the UK and the ultimate place to go if you want to immerse yourself in the beauty of photography, art or design. Like other Assouline spaces, this one has a huge selection of both new and vintage books. Yet what really makes the store special are the hand-selected antiques, which grace various shelves and tables, while the plush calligraphy carpet provides a very fitting center piece.

Paperweights, stationary and a MCM trunk (left). A magnifying glass helps you browse without having to bend down (right).

From rock to chic: skull stationary and Chanel books.

The Asian inspired corner filled with more vintage books and antique decorations.

Aside from some very tempting titles, such as the American Fashion Cookbook, Windows of Bergdorf Goodman or American Fashion Travel, you'll have a hard time tearing yourself away from some of the gift items. These included everything from stationary and candles, to the very indulgent special-edition Goyard trunk - filled with over a hundred books to kick-start your very own collection.

Tea for two or more (left) and the very extravagant Goyard trunk filled with books (right).

Another view of the main book shelf.

African inspired art (left) and a couple of antique bookends (right).

If you're ever in the area, you should definitely drop by and the good news is that Assouline also has boutiques in NYC, Las Vegas, California, Istanbul and Mexico City... in addition to the Paris location and various global retail partners. If you need an immediate fix though, there's no better place to go than the official online store. But be warned, you may soon end up with your very own Assouline library at home...

More literary delights and a very lovely white portable book case.

Survival Kits (left), satin wrapped and bound editions (center) and a quick look at African Cities (right).

Address: Liberty London, Great Marlborough Street, London W1B 5AH
Opening Hrs: Mon-Sat: 10:00-21:00, Sun: 12:00-18:00
Assouline Homepage & Online-Shop

For more boutique hopping, you can now also follow Haute World on Twitter!

Window Shopping at Prada (London, UK / Paris, France)

This is just a quick post, but hopefully it should provide enough eye candy to brighten your day. And one can rarely go wrong when it comes to Prada. Whenever I pass the brand's flagship on Bond Street, I always find myself snapping a photo or two, so I thought I'd share some of the images I've taken so far.

Sporty chic during SS10.

Staying cool in minimalist white (SS11).

Beautiful display featuring a few bags and the baroque sunglasses.

Traveling in style.

Going bold red in the most recent display.

Strangely, I always failed to do the same in Paris, where the boutique windows were always dominated by an army of mannequins. Many people I know find them creepy - and the fun usually continues inside...

Taken in SS11, Prada Paris. The New York and Milan boutiques feature even more mannequins.

It seems to be a Prada thing to apply so much of the visual merchandising within the retail space as well - something you usually only see in department stores. What are your thoughts: the more the merrier or mannequin overload?

For more window shopping and boutique hopping, you can now also find me on Twitter.

The Hummingbird Bakery - Spitalfields (London, UK)

As some of you may or may not know, I have a very sweet tooth which is why now and again, I like to feature some tasty treats on this blog. Few people can argue that cupcakes aren't just delicious, but as pretty to look at as a pair of shoes. So when I got the chance to view the newly opened Hummingbird Bakery in Spitalfields, I knew I was in for something special. Those of you who live in the UK may already be familiar with the bakery, which opened its first branch seven years ago in Notting Hill. As London's answer to NYC's Magnolia Bakery, The Hummingbird Bakery was the first to offer Londoners real fresh cupcakes - moist and fluffy with a buttercream icing - in addition to decadent layer cakes and genuine American pies.

Mouthwatering goodies: seasonal cupcakes with handmade decorations (left) and some of the classic varieties, including Red Velvet and the Black Bottom Cupcake with a dark chocolate sponge, cheesecake center and cream cheese frosting.

The concept proved a success. Not only did The Hummingbird Bakery start expanding the business, making the new Spitalfields location its fourth (with other branches in South Kensington and Soho), but you can now also indulge in whoopie pies, brownies, a variety of special edition cupcakes and hot or cold beverages while you're there.

Overview of the Spitalfields branch.

The seating area (left) and some very cool cupcake art (right).

The non-cupcake selection includes brownies, pies, layer cakes, cheesecakes and whoopie pies. Drooling yet?

Of course the baked delights are only part of the charm. If you've never set foot in one of the stores, I can tell you (as will these images) that the decor is just as enticing. Kept in the signature pink and brown, the sleek space in Spitalfields immediately felt welcoming once I entered. I was greeted with a seating area near the entrance, where the walls were lined with bright Warhol inspired cupcake pop-art. An abundance of cakes, pies and of course cupcakes were on display. These included classic favorites such as the Red Velvet, Vanilla or Chocolate varieties, many of which are also available gluten free. In addition, I spied a large range of colorful seasonal cupcakes which almost looked too pretty to eat. What's more, if you have a special occasion coming up, Cakes by Consultation allows you to order something bespoke to mark that important day.

View of the space overlooking the seating area.

A peek at the large kitchen, where the scrumptious cakes are baked daily throughout the day.

The very chic Cakes by Consultation area.

A quick tour of the kitchen revealed that all goods are freshly baked on site each day throughout the day. Though I wonder how the bakers manage to restrain themselves from gorging on cakes all the time - I know I would have a hard time resisting. The good news is that you can also recreating some of the yummy delights at home thanks to the bestselling cookbooks The Hummingbird Bakery and Cake Days, which can be purchased either in-store or online (the latter is also available as an iPhone app).

Drool-worthy reading material: The Hummingbird Bakery cookbooks.

The new East London space is conveniently located close to Liverpool Street and Shoreditch so if you're in the area or near any other Hummingbird Bakery location, definitely drop by for a visit, as these are some of the best cakes and cupcakes I've tasted. If you're stuck at work, fear not... you can even order online (London only). Supposedly other branches - even outside the UK - will be opened in the future. So keep an eye out and your fingers crossed, that a store will be heading your way soon.

The cash desk adorned with cute pop-art business cards.

The very tempting window display.

Address: 11 Frying Pan Alley, London E1 7HS
Opening Hrs: Mon-Fri: 8:30-18:30, Sat-Sun: 11:00-18:00
The Hummingbird Bakery Homepage & Online-Shop

All non-watermarked images © Benjamin C. M. Backhouse.