From hidden-gems to places to people-watch, from bookshops to beauty spots – here is some inspiration, celebrating the independents in our local neighbourhoods around the world.
This week’s selection has been curated by Andreas Anastasis, the multidisciplinary artist and hair salon owner based in New York City. Born in South London to immigrant Cypriot parents, Andreas always had a passion to create and work with his hands, however, his creative career only really started when he made the transatlantic move in his early twenties.
Andreas’s list of accolades starts with his salon in the West Village, where he manages a small team and serves as Anna Wintour’s first hairstylist, which means he’s an integral part of the fashion queen’s entourage. However, working with hair just wasn’t enough, and so Andreas began to experiment with other mediums and creative endeavours, which would lead to award-winning stints behind the camera and a move into sculpture.
FOR FOOD
“Being vegan definitely limits where I go for food, but I'd say my new obsession is The Butcher's Daughter, located here in the West Village of NYC.”
FOR PEOPLE-WATCHING
“For sure, Tokyo’s Harajuku neighbourhood is the best for people-watching. I mean, just the fashion and style casually walking down the street is incredible.”
FOR MUSIC
“I'd have to say Brooklyn Mirage for music; it's an outdoor venue in Brooklyn. All the best DJs from around the world play there, and you feel as though you are in Ibiza. It's incredible, and the fact that it's outside is awesome.”
FOR WELLNESS
“Has to be the California desert, close to Joshua Tree - it’s where I tend to go for a wellness fix. The earthy energy and natural springs do the trick.”
FOR SHOPPING
“I'd have to go back to Japan for shopping... Honestly there's nothing like it, and I'm from London and live in NYC, so I know shopping. Japan just has its own take on fashion, so you will find things you can't find anywhere else: it's unique and so ahead of our times.”