Why do you travel? A look at some favourite destinations
From adventure to learning, and from creativity to self-empowerment, four high achievers in the glamorous world's of photography, fashion, lifestyle and luxury recruitment pass on the reasons why they travel, and their favourite destinations to Divia Harilela, contrasting the exotic thrill of their journeys with the comfort of coming home
JOANNE OOI IS not one to rest on her laurels. The ambitious Singaporean boasts an illustrious career that has included revamping lifestyle brand Shanghai Tang, running an art gallery, campaigning for the environment and most recently, becoming CEO of fine jewellery site Plukka.com
Despite her many commitments, travel is always a priority.
"Travel is about learning and being exposed to visual tropes I've never seen before. I choose where I go based on my ability to learn from it, not literally but subconsciously. Exotic aestheticism is also a strong reason. When I say exotic I refer to something which is intriguing, alien, different and aesthetic. That's why Norway is as exotic to me as Ethiopia," she says.
Her quest for learning has taken her to many places including Berlin, Venice, Cambodia, Madrid and her favourite city, Istanbul, which she describes as "exotic but civilised, alien but totally welcoming." One of her most educational experiences was a work trip she made as creative director with Shanghai Tang.
"I visited the Shaolin temple several years ago when the brand was asked to design and trademark their official logo. We had a private audience with the Grand Master and got an inside glimpse of the monastery including solo performances of different styles of kung fu. Amazing," she says.
Most recently she has been seeking inspiration from cultural cities like Vienna.
"The spend on culture is astronomical with huge attention and resources lavished on museums, cultural performances and restoration. That makes for a cultural smorgasbord extraordinaire. I'm constantly influenced by exposure to new forms of material culture and always sending them to our designer at Plukka. A recent example was antique aspic molds from the Hapsburg Palace in Vienna. They were perfect material for a collection of two-finger rings, believe it or not!" she says.
Because of the nature of her job, a large part of her travels usually involves collecting textiles and handmade objects that may serve as ideas for later projects.
Her favourite shopping haunts include the Porte de Clignancourt flea market in Paris and the glittering souks of Marrakesh.
And while vibrant cities seem to have dominated her itinerary of late, there are times that she craves peace and quiet.