Lafat Bordieu

Santiago 

This is where I used to come and sell on the street, right on that corner. If the police came you’d go to Bellas Artes. There weren’t as many police as there are now. 

An emblematic place. There are people selling art in spots like Galería La Curtiembre and Factoría Santa Rosa. I mostly move in the street or in festivals, but it's where artistic things are happening, for sure.

An independent place, run by people who are interested in books. It has a good selection of titles.  Books are difficult to make a business out of; whoever decides to work in this industry is a form of resistance to a certain digital era, it’s a way to reaffirm the physical and tangible. Anyone who starts a business with books is excellent to me.

Gabriela Mistral Cultural Centre, GAM hosts various cultural fairs and exhibitions. It is a bureaucratic institution, but even so, it offers a varied mixture of things. What I most like is that it's a public space—where people can do there own thing; dance, sell, whatever, go to the library. It's an open community space, which is the main difference between a cultural centre and a purely artistic one. 

There’s a street market with a lot of secondhand items; people selling vegetables next to people selling art and other things. Another incredible place.

There’s a mix between generations that go to this bar, and you always find interesting people, there’s good music playing and it's relatively affordable.

I like to draw here because it’s relaxing. There are old museums, families on day trips, drunks, people BBQing, me drawing, dogs in the lake. I feel that it’s very Chilean, it’s a collage. You take things from here and there and put them together like cutouts—that’s my style too, mixing things.

A space that holds activities, with a genuine interest in supporting local and interdisciplinary art: vinyl records, books, and souvenirs.

Skip the Gallery, Stick to The Street: Lafat Bordieu On Santiago's Independent Art Scene 

Casey MQ

Toronto

Fresh pressed juices and cold cut bánh mì sandwiches from this local restaurant. A gem in Toronto and the owners are incredibly kind. Plus their instagram is amazing.

A great beach spot to suddenly feel a little removed from Toronto while maintaining a view from the city. There is a clothing optional area as well.

I do not drink coffee but if I did, from what I’ve heard, I would purchase from The Common. I regularly get a tea and croissant from there though. Currently takeout but in the past I have spent a lot of time hanging out in there.

This family run restaurant in Parkdale makes excellent Momos. Lovely place!

TECHNICALLY you could ride your bike from Leslie Spit through to Don Valley Trail but it would be a mission. It’s a beautiful bike ride though and Leslie Spit takes you to an outer point of Toronto where you end up looking right back at the city by the end of the epic trail.

The Lightbox is not open at the moment but I’ve always loved the programming and have gone on solo dates there many times!

This is a lovely fashion store in Toronto. Tightly curated selection of clothing and publications. The store really has it’s own demeanor.

A great place to find preloved books. There are three locations at this point in Toronto but most of my purchases have been at the Bloor location. I basically stand around the recommended reads for a little too long.

Which brings me to the Toronto Reference Library lol. Last year I spent a lot of time at this library on the fourth or fifth floor. The inside is gorgeous. I actually spent a lot of time working on ‘babycasey’ at this library.

I have only been here a few times at night but if you hope the fence which is not a particularly easy task - you can maybe get a few laps of swimming in!

Casey MQ takes us around Toronto

Spaghetto

Milan

Best movie theater in Milano. They screen really cool and diverse movies at literally every time of the day. Movies are not dubbed! You don’t have to hear your fav actors speaking with a weird Italian voice! Yes!! Another awesome thing about this place is that the lovely lesbian couple who run it got it from the local church. I have no idea how they manage to screen stuff like a death metal documentary there but I swear they do!

Illustration and comic book art museum. They have great exhibitions and workshops. The place where the museum is located is very nice. There is a cool funny statue, a little park with a tiny skatepark and a bar called Boom where you can enjoy happy hour sitting outside or on the rooftop.

The place is def not fancy and they only make pizza, but it's super delicious and it gives you an idea of what the Isola district used to be before hipsters and gentrification arrived.

It's a public swimming pool, but also a theater and venue that hosts various events. It's really a unique place, where beautiful 1930s Italian architecture meets contemporary art and happenings.

Triennale is home to the Italian design Museum and hosts some of the best exhibitions in Milano. They also have concerts and sometimes music events that start super late at night and in the morning. Outside in the garden there's a bar, amazing sculptures and a fountain by Giorgio De Chirico.

Probably the best gelato in Milano. Fucking amazing! Try salty pistachio!

It is the first fetish boutique in Italy opening back in 1998. Arianna and Martina are super nice and they have the best lingerie, toys and latex in Milan. What I love is that they also carry pin-up dresses and 50s inspired clothing.

Super fun and friendly place in the heart of Lambrate. They brew their own unpasteurised/unfiltered beer and have won many awards for it. They sell their craft beer to a lot of pubs in Milan, Italy, and abroad, but this is the original spot where it all started in the mid 90s.

I like Rob de Matt because food is good but it’s also a very cool concept/project. The association who runs it provides work and help to marginalised people. They have a big garden/outside area that is fantastic in the summer where you can have brunch outside in the weekends and they hosts lots of happenings.

If you love to be surrounded by books like I do, this is the place for you! It’s a wine bar/bistrot/second hand bookshop all together. You can go for lunch, aperitif, dinner or just drinks. They host poetry readings, stand up comedy nights, little concerts and you can take your drinks outside in the nice little square.

Spaghetto's Guide to Milan

Guillaume Schmidt

Amsterdam

A really beautiful shop owned by a beautiful brown lady. They have a really rare and diverse selection of dolls in all shapes, forms and colours. Unique and super nice. Colourful Goodies is situated in the north of Amsterdam.

I wouldn’t say it’s a business per say, but at the same time you can spend money there. It's important that Black Archives is here, it gets supported and that people can see it. It's Black history in [the] Netherlands. The shape and form that it takes in this country, and all the different parallels and historic touch points about the disgusting tradition of Zwarte Piet – it goes on and on. They are very active and do a lot of stuff, and there's always something to see over there. So that's definitely a recommendation.

It's like an alternative canal ride that shows you the history of Amsterdam through a different lens and a different perspective. Mainly the slave trade, so to speak. How did this beautiful city get so rich?

Super dope little bar in the west side of Amsterdam. A lot of fun people and always good vibes. I want to give an honourable mention to Pamela, who's actually around the corner. One of the owners, Lola, is a beautiful spirit. It's multiple owners but it's such a nice place and the best queer place in the city. If you're open-minded and you're a good person, you're cool, it's definitely worth a visit.

Lola Edobor is an Amsterdam-born restaurateur with Dutch and Nigerian roots. She is the owner of Pamela, a queer and BIPOC safe space in the city centre with plenty of high-quality drinks, music and food to satisfy your needs.

This unique store offers an extensive range of diverse and inclusive books. Books that function as mirrors so that children can recognise themselves, and windows so that they get a glimpse into the world of the other.

In the west side as well. Owned by the beautiful Shirley, that's our own spot – that's our local. Get a drink there – it’s good vibes – and just chill. Get yourself familiar with the Surinamese kitchen.

Another little jam you can't miss. Get yourself a nice little goat curry, get your reggae tunes and vibe the hell out.

Can't forget my cousin's beautiful place. Black haircare to the fullest. My cousin is a special person – good energy and good vibes – so check it out if you need to get your hair done. It’s a big recommendation.

Patta’s Guide to Black-Owned Businesses in Amsterdam

Paris

When I was younger, I worked as a receptionist. I took the opportunity to look at the exhibitions and that is where I discovered cinema culture. This place offers complete experiences around the seventh art with a cinema, a museum and a library dedicated to the seventh art. Being around cinema offers retrospectives and a vision of it that is not uniquely Western-influenced. As a self-taught artist, this place helped me a lot to consolidate my culture of cinema. I am starting a feature film project for the first time, and going to La Cinémathèque Française helps me a lot.

A place where you can find different maps of the world, old books and engravings dating from different centuries. It's fascinating to see how each one tells something of its time. The iconographic aspect is also interesting; many cards present various drawing techniques and colour palettes. A small shop full of curiosities with books from the floor to the ceiling.

IBKKI is a creative studio created by two designer friends, Azel and Youri, who work their pieces with artisans from the Kabylie mountains. To further immerse yourself in their world, they offer ceramic workshops to learn modelling techniques and tame colours. A great experience!

This museum is the former house and workshop of the sculptor Zadkine. I discovered it while skipping classes when I was at law school, which was on the same street. The permanent collection of sculptures presents works sculpted in different materials: wood, stone, earth, etc. The entrances of natural light enhance these different works. The garden is also very pretty, a beautiful place to read and write… or skip classes.

One of the most inspiring places in Paris in my opinion, much more than a store.  It is a real place of life that celebrates African cultures with contemporary accuracy and always with authenticity. The vision and cutting-edge aesthetic of the founder, Youssouf Fofana, makes it a unique space. There, you will find rare and inspiring works and design objects. Maison Château Rouge, through its prestigious collaborations, has contributed to making the African district of Paris shine throughout the world, and makes an entire generation of young Parisians proud.

I enjoy going there to continue to deepen, in an artistic and playful way, the little knowledge I have about architecture. Numerous exhibitions allow you to understand the architectural dynamics of Paris and its metropolises.

The best stand-ups from Paris and the world go through there. The Sarfati is more than a comedy club, it was thought of as a work of art, imagined and created by the stand-up comedy artist Fary (one of the GQ Men of the Year 2023 – congrats bro!). The main room is notably designed by JR. So you can laugh, chill and eat there with a very good menu curated by chef Freddy’s Kitchen.

A beautiful tea room which, to be honest, was one of my best date spots, but since dates have been rare in my life for a while (sniff sniff), this place ultimately became one of my favourite spots to work. The immersion in Iranian culture is complete – from the decoration to the dishes and drinks offered there.

If you want to learn more about Swedish art, go for it. If you want to eat good Swedish pastries, go for it. I go there mainly for one of these two reasons. I won’t say which one in order to preserve my “museum culture credibility”.

A contemporary theatre at the edge of the Canal de l’Ourcq, which offers quite curious performances. I don't always appreciate the programming, but it always leads to reflection and submits original proposals. I like going there to see things that take me out of my comfort zone.

Explore the Quieter Side of Paris with Regloi

Uèle Lamore

My little secret here! This library always has crazy sales on beautiful artbooks. I when I mean crazy I mean a book that was 100 euros is now 10 euros. Thanks to this shop my apartment is full of fancy books that make me look really smart.

This venue is actually inside a peniche boat located in one of my favourite neighbourhoods in Paris. I discovered so many indie bands there, such as one of my favourite groups: Kikagaku Moyo. 

This place is both a venue and a bar. It has a really laid-back atmosphere and there is always some kind of exhibition going on at the same time. You can have drinks at the bar, eat something nice and then go see a show all at once. Great during daytime as well to relax!

I'm a big cocktail drinker, and one you talk of cocktail bars, one might imagine this sterile, quiet, super stuck-up spot. Well, first time I went to Blue Bird I thought I had entered a crazy town (in a good way), it has this 70's retro western feel to it. The atmosphere is really exciting and the bartenders are some of the funniest people I know. Go there past 9pm for some action!

Another bookstore located between the Marais and Republique neighbourhoods. They have a big selection of indie magazines, and rare books. Pro tip: you can negotiate the prices depending on what you are buying!

Paris is all about chilling and the Coulee Verte is made just for that. It is an abandoned system of train tracks that circle the city and have been rehabilitated as a walking spot. There are many entrances all over the town to access it, I recommend getting to the tracks by the Bastille entrance and walking all the way to Bercy.

If you ever want to buy an instrument, head to this historical street located in Pigalle where all the shops of vintage and new gear are. From synths to guitar pedals, there is a shop for everything.

A Guide to Parisian Culture with Uèle Lamore

Vicky Grout

London

Multi-storey bookshop in Soho where I always end up spending way too much money

Amsterdam based streetwear brand Patta’s own London store

Formerly Plan B, Phonox has been the spot for underground dance nights and raves.

An indoor plant shop in Hackney, feels like you’re in the palm house in Kew Gardens.

The best store for photo/art books and magazines

The spot for streetwear and cute homewares.

One of my go-to film labs, and Terry is a sweetheart.

New and vintage records, always manage to find some gems whenever I go in.

Women’s streetwear and trainer store (for tiny feet and tiny garms)

Vicky Grout's London Guide

Isaac Kimbugwe

When I first moved to Amsterdam from London back in 2014, the first people who showed me the ropes in the city were Daily Paper co-founders Hussein Suleiman, Jefferson Osei, and Abderrahmane Trabsini who grew on to become my family. In 2016 Daily Paper’s first flagship store opened and since then has served as more than just amazing clothing, but also a hub for ingenious people from all walks of life to come together, hang out and share similar passion points. What makes this place unique is that you'll always feel welcome and directly get to know the people behind the brand.

Foam is an internationally renowned Amsterdam museum that exhibits all genres of photography in a beautiful canal-side setting on the Keizersgracht. The museum presents ever changing exhibitions and all kinds of photographic genres are shown, such as historical photographs, art photographs, news photos and fashion photographs. As well as displaying a wide variety of works, it acts as a creative hub where photographers can meet and participate in forums and symposiums. I first fell in love with this place when my good friend Mirelva Berghout, who is project cordinator at Foam invited me to enjoy a special viewing of the exhibition Gordon Parks - I Am You.

What you might get to know from me is that I’m all about supporting friends and their ventures, no matter the industry. You’ll most likely catch me hanging at friends' stores, offices, exhibitions, restaurants etc. This usually takes me over to Mendo located in the Berenstraat, which is one of the 9 Streets in the heart of Amsterdam. My close friend (Gunifort Uwambaga) is the publisher and co-owner.
Mendo is a candy store for book aficionados. It has a comprehensive stocklist of streetwear and fashion coffee table books that are both super informative and look great out on display. As I’m always in and out of London and Paris, my last pick up was the collection of ‘The Streets of…’ It's a series of books that offer a contemporary take on the classic city photo-book and contain: The Streets of: New York, London, Amsterdam and Paris. 

The Fitting Room is home to one of my favourite contemporary fashion and streetwear brands, ØLÅF Hussein, who marries technical features and sharp minimal silhouettes. Located in Amsterdam’s bustling 9 Streets shopping district, this beautiful space is on the ground level of an early 17th century warehouse with existing wooden ceiling beams, herringbone flooring plants and comfortable furniture. This is all intended to give the store the feeling of a living room and embody the timeless design of the modernist movement.

To be honest, Amsterdam Chinatown is one of the areas of Amsterdam I dread to go simply due to…. tourists, yet I find always myself there for Zeedjik 60. A multi-brand store of Amsterdam's finest young and independent labels: Bonne Suits, The New Originals, SMIB and Secluded Clothing

Best pancakes in town and another cool spot I and my friends like to hang. You can find a signature Daily Paper pancake on the menu as well. 

A Tremaine classic… a wavey 1.5 with the grain, skin fade and a beard shape up. At the back of the Daily Paper store you’ll find a barbering concept titled Day Studios. It's a one of a kind full men's grooming experience. The store is redesigned to emphasise a concept where fashion and barbering come together to give you a 360 experience. 

Personally for me the South-East of Amsterdam is a refreshing view of the city that I feel many have not had the pleasure to visit and explore when they come here. Amsterdam Bijlmer is a place where different ethnicities not only understand the challenges that face them, but unite and help each other which reminds me of how I grew up in South London. With a mix of 100,000 residents from 150 ethnic backgrounds, predominantly African and Caribbean, I really feel at home whenever I’m here. Every Saturday the Ganzenhoef Bijlmer market takes place and I like to come here and get my African ingredients and flavours. There are also a number of Afro-Caribbean salons and stores catered to black hair and skin in the area where I like to pick up my oils and creams. 

8 Places to Hit Up in Amsterdam with Daily Paper's Isaac Kimbugwe

If you've got a minute between morning shows, pop into Reference Point. Stockists of independent publications, host to exhibitions and events, and nestled right under the Dazed Mag Offices. Grab yourself a copy of the latest Boy.Brother.Friend while you're there.

Well it's all in the name. Not JUST another store, this Shoreditch space brings together creatives from fashion and lifestyle, art and music, featuring a fab lineup of designers, evening functions, and a library of Blackness by PRIM.

Cute little boutique restaurant in the heart of Soho, run by my fab friends Missy and Gabe with the best curated menu. It's a modern American dining experience like no other - while you're there make sure to try the Devilled eggs.

Well this is my favourite stop off of them all, because personally... I love eating cake. Situated on the first floor of the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane this is the perfect spot for a bit of bouj, serving high tea with a twist by the best baker in London. Very Bridgerton darling.

When fashion parties are done but the night is still young, head over to Colour Factory. It's the precursor to the afterparty and home to some of London's best clubnights and live music. 

Miss Jason's Best London Fashion Week Spots

CHAII

Los Angeles 

This is always the first Persian food place I stop at when in LA, Attari Sandwich shop! It reminds me of Iran, so it’s very special to me since I don't often get to experience that. To start off, you have to try the mouth watering Eggplant dish (Kashke bademjan) then any of their delicious sandwiches - my two favorites are Sausage and Tongue. They have an amazing menu filled with yummy Persian food that you can enjoy in the cute outdoor area. Persian cream puffs (Noon Khamei) is a MUST for dessert.

The name says it all! When you go to Saffron and Rose Ice Cream shop in Westwood you must try the ice cream that the shop is named after, the Saffron ice cream. Mixed with pistachios, I don’t know anyone who could dislike this signature Iranian Ice Cream flavor, it’s a must try.. 

Feeling a little fancy? Then Darya restaurant is the place to go to have an amazing dinner. My favorite dish is Zereshk Polo Morgh (Persian Barberry rice with chicken) OR ANY of the dishes. If you’re new to Persian food then get a few different dishes and share. Some nights there is live music to enjoy while dining at Darya Restaurant.

Iran has such a rich culture and a long history in arts, music and traditions. Stores like Ketabsara (ketab = Book) are much needed to keep the Persian culture alive. I can never get enough of walking in a store that carries that much depth in the art and history.

This is definitely the spot to go for a casual hang out with your friends where you can enjoy Shisha food and board games. Open until 3am most nights and until 5am on weekends this is the perfect place to end up after going out for dinner to the movies etc. I think of this place as somewhere nice and chill and if I lived in LA I imagine i’d become a regular here. Shisha (Ghelyoun) is a big part of Persian culture. In Iran, my family always would have the Ghelyoun going after lunch or dinner over a cup of tea and snacks. It’s not about smoking, it's more the fact it brings everyone together.

I went to Cafe Glace with my cousin and my friends for the first time in 2019 when we were in LA to shoot music videos. Everyone is so lovely here and the food is amazing. I’ve had their gourmet Pizzas and sandwiches. Don’t forget to order some Chai (tea) after your meal. In Persian culture, we drink tea a lot. First thing in the morning, before and after meals tea is something that is always being made and poured into your glass. We also believe that tea is great for the stomach after meals to help with digestion.

If you’re looking for some quality hair products including amazing hair extensions and wigs then look no further, my uncle's store Santee beauty in Downtown LA. I love visiting my family when I'm in LA and my uncle has had so much success at his store in downtown where many celebrities go to get their hair  products from.

Explore Los Angeles' Persian Spots with CHAII

XL Middleton

We're starting at the home base since this is my record store. Located in the heart of Chinatown. It's a tiny spot; tiny like the record stores in Shibuya but I'd like to think it's cozy. We carry everything but with a strong slant towards funk/soul/boogie, modern funk, & Japanese city pop. Google says we're permanently closed but, shows you what they know. We've kept the storefront closed since the pandemic started but we are gearing up to reopen later this year. In the meantime, we do Instagram vinyl drops every Tuesday & Wednesday so you can get a little slice of LA record store culture from anywhere in the world twice a week.

If you're visiting LA and want to dig as soon as you possibly can after stepping off the plane, you can go here, it's just a few blocks away from LAX. Nice selection in all genres and they've been around for quite a while. I love that the shop has that old school, record store dive kind of vibe where it doesn't feel like the wax has been 'overcurated' and compared against every pricing metric on Discogs & eBay. Also you'll be close to the iconic Randy's Donuts - The local secret is that it's not just a famous place to take IG selfies, their donuts are actually great.

This is one of those spots that diggers in LA will hesitate to tell people about because they wanna keep the jewels to themselves. Digs are top notch even in the bargain bins. The guy who runs the shop is another old school dude who doesn't rely on internet prices as a reference, which makes the game fun in a way that it often isn't anymore.

One of the newer shops in the city, and you'll definitely wanna keep up with them on the regular because you never know what they'll come up on next. One day they'll be rolling out a crazy jazz collection, the next it's all heavy Italo 12"s, after that a big stack of 90's R&B & hip hop LPs. If you go there on the right day you might see the homie Randy Ellis (CQQL Records/Hobo Camp) behind the counter.

When you come to LA, you can tell who is new to the city because they refer to parts of town like Echo Park & Silver Lake as the "east side." Nah, come to Sonido Del Valle and check out Boyle Heights, part of the actual east side. It's one of my favorite neighborhoods in town, love the old Victorian houses and the fact that the gentrification hasn't hit as hard here yet. This spot is run by the homie Rene, tell him I sent you when you go! Tons of great taco spots in the area too, take your pick. But after a dig at Sonido I might hit up Otomisan, old school Japanese restaurant right down the street from the days when Boyle Heights also had a big Japanese community.

Speaking of the east side, Record Jungle is located right on Whittier Boulevard just a few miles away from the famous cruising strip. This is a big store, not heavily curated but there's tons to choose from so you never know what you're gonna find. Recommend setting aside many hours to dig here.

Mainly a bookstore as you might've guessed by the name but their record section is no joke. The 7" section is fun to go through. Lotta table space and if you're lucky you can even score a chair to sit down while you go through their boxes. They're one of the better stores in town when it comes to having joints that you don't see in stores too often. You'll definitely also wanna check out the book tunnel, the old bank vault, and the other cool stuff they have to look at on their mezzanine.

Fingerprints, and the spot mentioned below, are both in Long Beach -- which is technically a separate city but still within LA County. It's very much a part of the fabric here, even if it does have its own vibe. Every time I go to Long Beach I always hit both of these stores up. They're kind of polar opposites which makes it fun - Fingerprints has the whole bookstore/record store/coffee shop thing going.

Fingerprints and Bagatelle Records are within walking distance of one another which is rare in LA. Bagatelle is all dusty stacks and tight spaces from floor to ceiling. You'll love the contrast between the two.

We're winding this down in the corner of LA I'm from - Pasadena. Technically its own separate city too but it's a 20 minute drive from downtown LA. When I was growing up, Poo Bah was located in a little converted red house so you'd walk into what was basically the living room and start digging through the bins. They've since moved to a proper storefront a couple miles away. Still got all the hallmarks of a great record store dive - nice prices, deep bargain bins, side shelves with cassettes, VHS tapes, and CD's. In the recent years they've done a lot of events revolving around the beat/producer community. The late Ras G was involved with the store pretty heavily. Dam Funk filmed part of his "Hood Pass Intact" video here too.

Here's a little Pasadena bonus for you to check out while you're in the area. Mainly a bookstore but they have a few bins of records, I recommend checking them out because they seem to carry a lot of weird, off the wall stuff, of all types.

The Ultimate Guide to LA's Record Shops with XL Middleton

Yuki Matsuda

Tokyo

It's a venue that has one of the best sound systems.

They are open until 3 am and they have the best late night food to take my mind off.

They always have really cool exhibitions and events.

I just love their authentic and very spicy Chinese dishes. Sometimes after doing a gig you just wanna eat spicy food with your mates.

Owned by one of my friends who has a very good taste in music.

It's a second hand book store. They have many great art books.

Tokyo with Yuki Matsuda

Sam Riddle

Detroit

Detroit is the birthplace of Techno and still hosts one of the most prestigious electronic music festivals in the world, contextually giving the city a rich history with record stores and DJ culture. Paramita is an unique record store that is also a wine bar and a steward in the Detroit beat scene.



Detroit is a potential gold-mine for the cannabis industry and will see an influx of jobs and industry in the city once marijuana is fully recreational. One disproportionate measure of the cannabis industry is that only 4.3% of the business is controlled by black owned companies. Furthermore, despite roughly equal usage rates, blacks in America are 3.73 times more likely than whites to be arrested for marijuana. Viola is a black-owned business and my favourite medicinal dispensary in the city, owned by former NBA star Al Harrington.

Cliff Bells is a Detroit institution and my favourite brunch in the city. Pre-Covid you could drop in here on a weekend morning or afternoon to hear live jazz with a scene that feels like a time machine or out of a Fred Astaire movie, as the NY Times described it.

With iconic shoe collaborations (see: New Balance) and a pivotal place in the street wear scene, especially in the Midwest - Burn Rubber shaped culture through its employees and friends that include Big Sean, Jay John Henry, Cliff Skighwalker and more hometown heroes.

Sweet Water is across the street from my favourite concert venue in Detroit, St. Andrews Hall. It was a ritual to visit Sweet Water before and after concerts to grab a meal. I haven’t eaten meat regularly in almost three years, but I still dream about their Buffalo Wings.

A library-esq used book store that boasts over an over 1-million book inventory across their two locations in Detroit and nearby suburb Ferndale. My father used to take me here as a kid and I would try my hardest to get lost in the maze-like-store so I could read until my heart was content.

Detroit has gotten a lot of attention for ‘ruin porn’; the trend of photographing delapitated buildings as if that was what represents the city. The Heidelberg Project flips that trend on it’s head a bit; as a city block-long outdoor community art exhibit that transforms discarded items into exhibits, sculptures and statements.

Coney Islands are kinda to Detroit as Waffle House is to Atlanta. There are so many great ones across all of Michigan including Lou’s in Detroit, Abe’s in Ypsilanti, and Sparty’s in East Lansing (where I went to college at Michigan State.) For this guide and looking at Downtown Detroit - the debate is American Coney Island vs Lafayette Coney Island, which sit next door from one-another. If you ask me its Lafayette all day.

Detroit with Artist Manager, Sam Riddle

Peroli

São Paulo

Starting as a ghost kitchen for deliveries only, Notorious Fish has become the cosiest restaurant in the Pinheiros district. It's a home for those who like good quality seafood an affordable price. If you never had oysters before, this is the place to go! But I would stick with a good old shrimp roll to start. 

A place where stationery lovers can find everything from cookbooks to the most genius pens. I love to check the Asian Vogue—Livraria Sol is the only place I know in town that stocks it.

A convenient spot for contemporary art lovers; this cultural centre is sprawled out on one floor, divided into three rooms that exhibit completely different works. The gift shop offers a large range of independent Brazilian brands.

Regô is a place for people who like to taste drinks and know exactly what they're getting. Each option on the menu is well thought-out, giving consumers a very unique experience. 

An iconic building right in the middle of the city, Renata is a hotel that offers furnished apartments—similar to Airbnb but much more luxurious. Even if you're not staying at the hotel, the swimming pool and restaurant is open to the public. 

From Shrimp Rolls to Stationery Stops: Peroli’s Guide to São Paulo

Elkka

The now infamous dyke bar and cafe, which opened after 700 lesbians turned up for a 30-cap venue, is one of my favourite spots for day or night time hangs. Expect delicious natural wines, gorgeous artwork, and hand painted tiles crafted by the FLINTA community who helped build the space. On Tuesdays they run a speed dating night as well hosting other cute events. A sacred community space to meet friends and lovers alike.

A radical, queer independent bookshop in Bethnal Green which celebrates the writing, artwork and crafting talents of marginalised and underrepresented communities. They also have a great events lineup including lectures, panel discussions and queer parenting meetups.

If you’re in need of some beautiful and unique ink, Vultures Peck are an amazing and incredibly talented queer tattoo artist based in Hackney.

A dystopian-utopian dyke fantasy club night based at The Yard in Hackney Wick. Expect gogo dancers and your fave FLINTA DJs. Highly recommended to bump into your ex or future wifey.

For post-party recovery or a gentle midweek pause: sauna, yoga, queer poetry nights, and a dreamy place to WFH. The FLINTA sauna sessions are a must.

A gorgeous queer-owned gallery that was setup to promote and empower underrepresented voices and champion the next generation of artists and collectors. Ellie Pennick, the owner and gallerist, also owns and runs FLINTA social institution, Goldie's Saloon, which is located next door.

An inclusive second-hand clothing market run by queer folk selling clothes, art and some music too.

“700 Lesbians in a 30-Capacity Venue”: Elkka Knows London’s FLINTA Scene Is Popping Off

Andrea Martina Specchio

Venice

My favourite place to have breakfast or 'merenda' (afternoon break). This tiny pastry and coffee shop is where I always start my day when I am in Venice. I discovered Tonolo many moons ago when I was in town often to visit my friends who were studying here. Every time, I cannot resist getting at least two pastries, if not more. 

My local restaurant crush! The food is WOW and the menu has a lot of veggie options. I love the warm atmosphere and the wooden walls, so I recommend booking a table inside.

Just another excuse to go to Venice. Every other year, from April to November, Venice becomes a living exhibition of contemporary art with worldwide artists exhibiting their works in different areas of the town. The theme for 2022 is 'The Milk of Dreams': artists were asked to think of creative ways for a more sustainable coexistence between us as individuals and the universe we inhabit. 

This little old fashion bar is the king of 'tramezzini' – fresh sandwiches stuffed with different ingredients and TONS of mayo. This is my favourite lunch spot and my place-to-go to grab a 'tramezzino' for my trip back home before leaving Venice.

If you love books (and the smell of old books – something I could die for) visit this historical shop. A maze of bookshelves, vintage armchairs, old posters, retro postcards and tons of other random stuff – including a couple of resident cats!

Come here to have wine and fresh sandwiches with cold cuts. This is a spot where locals have their daily 'ombre di vino' (little glasses of wine) from 6am to 8pm… Venice rules!

Come here to hang out in the University campus area. Opt for a spritz at Bar Rosso or the 'cicchetti' ritual (aperitif in Venice style) at Ai Do Draghi. 

An Insider's Guide to Visiting Venice During the Biennale

CHICA Gang

Bilbao

Best tortilla in Bilbao! You have to try their Spanish tortilla, as well as their croquetas and “ensaladilla”. Pure bliss, everyone in Bilbao recommends this one for tortilla, one of Bilbao’s main dishes. No doubt.

Located at La parte Vieja, this is a unique place to have a ‘Marianito’, a special martini made by the family that owns the place, they have been doing these for more that 10 years, and for the locals, they’re just like family. I was introduced to this place right when I started living here and since then it’s one of the places from Bilbao I have in my heart.

If you want local food that tastes just like sitting at a Basque family kitchen, this is the place. Piparras, albóndigas and croquetas, served by the most enchanting , nice and welcoming women that make you feel home.


If you’re looking for an independent and local bookstore, these are two of the nicest ones I’ve found here [see spot below]. Lots of feminist, LGBT+ books, and self-published journals or books that are pretty unique. They also host events and are a big muscle of the city.


Bilbao has a beautiful river that crosses the city, there are some points to sit down and enjoying the view, in from of Bar Nervion, just after ANTI Liburdenda, you have a spot to sit, have a drink and a chat with the best view. 

A cute spot to grab a drink with the river in front of you. If you are lucky, you’ll catch part of the sunset over there. 

Where to Eat the Best Tortilla in Bilbao with CHICA Gang

I've been captivated by Nate's unique vibe for quite some time now. He effortlessly blends streetwear, elegance, and music, creating a distinctive style that is truly on of a kind. Not only is he a talented fashion label owner, but he is also a club and restaurant owner in LA and MTRL. Make sure you don't miss out on his pop-up events and crazy parties with Kevin Rosa and his team during SS24, where you'll encounter some of the best faces in the fashion world.

Wild and the Moon is not just your average vegan restaurant - it's a haven of coolness and taste nestled in one of the trendiest areas of Paris. I can't get enough of their delightful kid smoothies and the iconic Hollyweed drinks - they're like my personal Madeleine de Proust!

Their journey of collaboration began with a groundbreaking partnership alongside Virgil back in 2017, and ever since, this story has been a non-stop adventure. This vegan temple of hype has continued to captivate the fashion world by collaborating with renowned names like Sacai, Ami, and Saint Laurent during every fashion week.

And guess what? We're in for a treat at iRL! Get ready to witness an exclusive collaboration between Wild and the Moon and the creative minds of Alexi Pavlov and Romain Regnier. 

Discover the coolest and most delightful restaurant in Paris right now. This hidden gem offers a unique twist on traditional Sri Lankan cuisine. With their innovative approach, they have even collaborated with top brands like Adidas and DSM to create the coolest merch. Don't miss the chance to grab a stylish tee and indulge in their mouthwatering Kottu Roti dish. Experience the perfect blend of flavors and culture at this extraordinary dining spot. 

Imagine this: 7 years ago, right in front of my offices, Elmer opened its doors and quickly became the go-to spot for Parisian gastronomy. This place is all about sharing incredible food and creating a great atmosphere. I love to savor delectable cuts of meat and fish, perfectly cooked on the rotisserie and over a crackling wood fire. And let's not forget about the wine! Elmer boasts an impressive selection of outstanding bottles that will impress wine connoisseurs from all walks of life.

Get ready to experience a fashion experience like no other at iRL Paris. With a curation of 33 brands and creatives, iRL is poised to redefine the industry with its cutting-edge AR and digital activations. The vision is to offer a dynamic showcase of fashion's future with hourly drops and immersive cultural experiences. What sets iRL apart is its inclusive nature, bringing together brands, buyers, press, influencers, and the general public, making it the ultimate destination during Paris Fashion Week. My aim is to celebrate the convergence of fashion and technology, gathering brands, buyers, press, influencers and the general public.

Best bookstore and magazine stores where you can find rarities in magazines an books and prints.

 As the co-founder of the Next Door in 2018 (exited in 2021), I can confidently say there is no better place in Paris to shoot the best labels, from streetwear to high-end designers. I may be biased, but The Next Door selection is simply unparalleled.

On the 23rd of June, don't miss the opportunity to visit DSM at 35-37 Rue des Francs Bourgeois for an extraordinary experience. I am thrilled to announce a collaboration with a talented and renowned artist from NYC, who will be unveiling a special installation to the public. Get ready to be captivated by their unique creativity and artistic vision. Make sure to mark your calendar and join us at DSM on the 23rd of June for this exceptional display.

Where to Go in Paris Fashion Week with Olivier Migda

TAKSU

Bali

Miller’s Records, located in the famous spot of umalas, a small shop taking on a vegas style look from the outside has a very wide variety of vinyl records. Being relatively new, this shop has already been a strong community because it does not only offer to buy but also possible to sell personal vinyl collection. Inside you'll see racks in different styles organized by its genres and year, making it easy to find and eye pleasing as some cool looking vinyl stacked up on frames. For most of its vinyl that isn't originally produced, they have a tag showing it’s been purchased there, price range starting even from 60k for some vinyl up to 2,7mill for collector items.

Ganesha Ubud is a very small distinguished library selling old vintage story books, comics, to postcard in Ubud making. Here you'll find the craziest old books you could have not thought of about Indonesia or anything relevant to Indonesia and its history, as they only sell old, rare, out-of-print books.

There will always be 2 very kind shopkeepers who you can ask for help, and they can tell you stories behind the books which are always fascinating. They also allow you to read some of the books (ones which are not sealed) daily as if it's a library. Their prices are relatively cheap for an amazing book you are yet to discover. Some as cheap as 10.000 rupiah for a small book with all the old 80’s indonesia postcard stamps.

Lab Rana is another small, cool shop located in Tamora gallery in the heart of Berawa. Labrana is the go to place to buy your films needs and develop them. It offers a lot of types of film and film cameras, without worrying which one is the best fit for your cause of photography, you could simply share and talk with them about what you want and need and they'll guide you through your best option for purchase.

Going there you'll meet the senior shopkeeper who has a tight film camera community trying to keep the trend alive.

Tinta Photo Solutions really lives up to its name. A small shop not far from Miller Records and the Bumbak area, Umalas. They give a lot of options with high standard quality prints and frames for your art or photo pieces. They have personally done me well with their offer of leasing their frames for an exhibition I'm doing, giving me ease on up-front payments. Very good hospitality. They have a complete catalogue of solutions when shopping for prints and frames, making it much easier to pick the right frame and print that fits your home's interior design. With with affordable prices, Tinta has helped the community so much building the art scene in out in Bali.

Bali Beach Glamping located in Tabanan close to the famous Pigstone Beach which is well known for surfing, a new getaway for camping with a pinch of luxury just opened. If you go there you’ll meet the Asela the manager who will show you around all the tents which have amazing beach views.

A local entrepreneur who is the boss lady of 2 thrift stores located in Tabanan. She started selling thrift tees in the traditional thrift market of Tabanan, and she gained her knowledge through technology/internet/social media and used them well. She is now known across Bali, even throughout Indonesia. Both of her stores are located in the village of Kerambitan, Tabanan. In the traditional market, you could see her store in the first traditional building(more like a big shack) around 150m in the back. With her joyful voice you could spot and know that it’s Bu Dolir. Price range starting from Rp.30.000 up to some collectable items for 2mill rupiah. There are more thrift stores available to explore in the rest of ‘Pasar kodok’ thrift market in Tabanan.

Segelas Kopi Ubud located in the heart of the village of Mas, Ubud. A small coffee shop across Ari Canti hospital offers not only great coffee but also a comfortable silent space to work with a touch of art and balinese culture. I've personally spent my time gathering inspirations and ideas in this spot. Owned and run by a young teen (GUSTRA I.B) the age of 19 has successfully built a solid coffee shop concept supporting not only local workers that has been WFH, but also educating about the value of art to its customers. My favorite menu is the Nasi Goreng Babi Kecap with the piccolo beverage, with the price for both totalling only $4.

The best item on the menu is the Chasumen with an added ajitama (half boiled egg, japanese style). With free flowing mineral water, expenses on beverage are not needed.

Thrifting & Shopping Local with TAKSU

PRIM

Our personal favourite obviously, boasting work not just from your favourites but across art, sports and most importantly culture. In creating our pop-up libraries and this bookshop, it's a snapshot into what a permanent PRIM bookshop could look and feel like. We want it to be an immersive space, giving room for queer and Black artists to discover, explore and showcase whilst also fusing literature with cultural activities from across artistic disciplines and inviting everyone to explore and discover with us.

New Beacon is literally the beacon, one of the most renowned bookstores in London to really help us dig into fiction and non-fiction by Black authors. They are the blueprint for PRIM, and have been serving the community for decades.


We love Round Table Books because it provides the fun environment we all needed as children and young adults. A place where we can look around at all the books and see ourselves. A great place to take your young ones.


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