Passport to sparkle

[passporttosparkle]

What a perfect day to end the year with, looking out over the midtown and park views of my hotel suite, I find myself remembering my paradise adventures as if I was in a crazy dream. It kept going back and forth from those hot nights in Rio and the bustling streets of Shanghai, to the bliss of the Himalayas and calmness I found in the Amazon. I treasure this past year for the unforgettable moments and beauty of all my destinations.

  Looks like come homecoming I will bring back more then just pictures and souvenirs … Sean is flying back to Paris with me! He has been practicing his French and memorizing the niceties.

Perhaps a trip around the world is all it took to bring me this close to him.

The driver is waiting, last dinner at Veritas before we set off. Seems he has another surprise for me tonight…. Oh, what in the world could it be ?

      Ooh la la, Emma.

[passporttosparkle]

Hello from the winter sunset of the most perfect day…I met Sean at the Chelsea market for some Holiday Shopping. We bought wreaths and candles and red velvet ribbons to decorate his apartment. Tonight we are hosting a holiday dinner[d1]  with all of our friends. With all of us being far away from our families, we are going to get together and have a feast!

Everyone looked fabulous in sparkling dresses. I had my black satin crystal-encrusted stilettos and the perfect little black dress on with Sean’s beautiful present around my neck.

The table looked beautiful in Sean’s charming apartment in the west village, turns out this is one of his many pied-a-terres. At the end of dinner I took a moment to look out the window of the bedroom, thought of my family and my friends in Paris as well as how lucky I was to be here, in New York City, with the man of my dreams.

  Lucky gal,

  Emma

[passporttosparkle]

The date was a dream. All this time by myself really made my heart skip when I saw him.   He looked so dashing in his tailored tuxedo and sleeked back hair. We headed back to the hotel so I could change. He had a surprise for me. He waited for me in the lobby and as I came down the stairs, it was love at first sight all over again. I was so startled by the mere sight of him, I practically forgot about that surprise.

He literally had something up his sleeve and when it fell into his hands I could barely catch my breath. A gorgeous necklace, with crystals as black as the night, cast the most mysterious glimmer. I could only imagine what would come next.

We headed to Radio City Music Hall in a yellow cab. This is the real New York romance!

  The Rockettes were superb!  We had our own private balcony, which made the evening all the more intimate. Sean reached for my hand as the orchestra started and lights dimmed down. The music was so jolly, all of my emotions coupled with such moving music, I was practically in tears! Only yesterday, I thought I may never see him again, and there he was, sitting right next to me. I wish this night could have lasted forever.

  xoxo,

Emma

[passporttosparkle]

The shoot was incredible, although a bit chilly. Thank goodness, it was  the first time I got to wear a warm winter coat on set! It was almost as incredible as what I’m about to tell you. So I was walking along the park heading back to my hotel, scrolling through the pictures from the shoot when suddenly I felt a tap on my shoulder. You wouldn’t believe who it was… SEAN! I turned around to see his gorgeous face with that brilliant smile gleaming back at me. He had heard from Keti about the shoot and surprised me with two flutes of bubbling champagne. A black limousine was waiting close by with the door open.

My heart skipped, I couldn't believe it: his face, the pictures, the bubbles, I was completely thrown off. I had so much to say, I didn't know whether to laugh or mumble or cry of joy!

“ Come on, he said, Let’s go for a ride…”

 Can you say romance? New York, I really DO love you. Xoxo Emma

[passporttosparkle]

Today I met my friend Keti at Washington Square Park, She’s a high fashion stylist and just came back from St Martin where she worked on a shoot for Spring 2015!

Apparently she reached out for more than just a friendly ”hello”.She’s in a bind. The photographer for her “Urban Winter Jungle” photo shoot in Central Park, just cancelled.

Can you do it? She asked.

Of course I accepted. Are you kidding me? She has such incredible taste, the garments are sure to be amazing, ecclectic and bold yet so elegant! And what better location for my first big fashion shoot.

   Dream come true, Emma!

[passporttosparkle]

I woke to hot cocoa room service, with the biggest marshmallow fluff I’ve ever seem brim over a mug. Perfect start to an authentic NYC holiday. I’m off to Rockefeller Center for the lighting of the tree and an ice skating session with Jean Jorges, a dear friend from Paris, who I haven’t seen in ages. He always notices my fashion sense. I’m sure he’ll comment on my new winter sparkle.  It’s sure to be a knockout like the 10,000 lights that illuminate the Rockefeller tree each year.

  Jean Jorges was such a good friend. He gave me the most beautiful crystal snowflake for my own tree back home. Which reminds me I need to send postcards home to family and friends.

Looking forward to a warm evening of writing by a fireplace…Bowery or Gramercy Park Hotel?

  One cab ride away from taking it easy,

  Emma

[passporttosparkle]

I had a hard time finding sleep last night and witnessed how this city never does. Just got back from my hotel rooftop, where you can lounge and have anything from a cocktail to a cup of tea, 24hours a day, while gazing out to a panoramic view of Manhattan. Yesterday, we walked for hours with Cecile, from Wall Street to the Upper East Side. I love to look up at the sky scrapers from the street, I feel so tiny!

Moving from one neighborhood to the next, taking it all in, from downtown chic to, uptown sleek, I am so excited to adopt some of this New York edge.

 Cecile and I both “rocked” a faux-fur vest and oversized sunglasses today, and looked so fab.

We had dinner at the Coffee Shop on Union Square where I bumped into Laure, a model I worked with on a shoot in Paris year. It was so good to see her and to introduce her to Cecile. We had such a good time checking out the scene. With Laure’s connections, champagne was on the house, and as the night went on, the music picked up and  I danced my heart out !

  A New York type of excited,

Emma

[passporttosparkle]

Woke up far from La Dolce Vita in Venice to the Big Apple’s Crazy energy!,  I swear I could hear the cabs honking from my 48th floor window this morning.

My Friend Cecile came straight to Central Park South and yanked me out of bed. “We’re going downtown! “ she said. She took me right to Mulberry Street for some Little Italy charm. It was not Venice, but it was old-time New York, the Christmas lights were dazzling and the snow was falling, giant nutcrackers guarded every entrance and tinsel garlands hung above the street.

We grabbed a slice of Pizza at Lombardi’s and before I was even finished, Cecile had already hailed a cab for SOHO,

“We’re going shopping!” She said.

I thought to myself, "I could get used to this tempo!"

We were invited to a snowflake soiree. Dress Code? ALL WHITE. Where to find my crystallized stilettos and white velour mini? Can’t wait to dance the night away with Cecile!

xoxo

Emma

[passporttosparkle]

I’m gathering my new Italian fashions and romantic memoirs, packing them tight for my next and final destination. To help me remember, I’ve been capturing photos for my Parisian exhibition. Like one big theater, this city is so intricately developed with patterns, shadows, colors and mosaics I could have walked around here taking pictures forever.

  Next stop? NEW YORK CITY! Hello, holiday! As a model I have been to the “Big Apple” numerous times, but never really got a chance to discover the real city. This time I will take the opportunity to experience it full on while hanging with Cecile who can’t wait to show me around the town!

Bright Lights, Big City….next!!

Ciao Venezia!

Emma

[passporttosparkle]

Havent heard from Sean in almost two weeks. What’s going on? I know we are on opposite sides of the planet, but I’ve been texting him to see if we could somehow get together, and since…nothing. Why the cold shoulder? Has he perhaps found someone else? Just thinking about it makes my heart tighten.

I decided to take control of my feelings and distract myself. The photographer from my Gondola Shoot, Eric, asked me out on a date and I accepted. I mean, why not??

We are going see Othello at  “el Teatro La Fenice” which is the most beautiful House in all of Venice.

Luckily Venice has so many fashionable options! I wore vintage fur and some killer heels,  long beaded gown and sparkling jewels.

The opera was stunning; the voice of the Donna brought me almost to tears. Eric was so handsome and intelligent, he knew just what to say, where to go and what to do, absolute perfection of a man….but he wasn't Sean…

  I thanked him and kissed him on the cheek. He was a little confused but I told him it wasn't him,  that I simply realized my heart already belonged to someone else.  I walked home through the streets of Venice pining over my long-lost love, wishing every step I took that he was by my side.

    Triste a Venezia

  Xoxo

Emma

[passporttosparkle]

I think wearing sweaters and eating Gelato is my new favorite thing to do.  Venice has been a long string of guilty pleasures, homemade pasta and pizzas,  mouth-watering cannoli! But my favorite pastime has been strolling the streets looking for the best gelato place carefully comparing flavors.  Stracciatella is my absolute favorite.

Venice is not Milan but that doesn't mean any less effort is put into looking fabulous! I have been wearing gorgeous knit sweaters of rich dark colors with made to measure jackets, corduroy skinny jeans and Italian leather boots.

  Meeting with my friend Sophie in a bit, she is visiting from Paris, cannot wait to show her around while we catch up on latest gossip and I tell her all about my soul-searching travels.

  Taking her out for some “aperitivo” time, when the cool Venice crowd lines up for drinks and cicheti (snacks!) at Naranzaria.  Rafael, the owner I’ve come to know quite well, promised me the best table, perfect for people watching, facing the Grand Canal.

  It’s time to accessorize! So, I threw on a wool knit hat and glam sunglasses, my go-to staples that have been turning heads all week long!! Strolling the streets and looking favoloso!

  Ready for a reunion in style,

Emma

[passporttosparkle]

Great photoshoot! The stylists came straight from Milan and brought the most classic looks to pair with the Venetian traditional carnival attire. With Ancient Venetian masks and headdresses, I wore Gucci, Schiaparelli, Pucci and Ferreti! It was a chaotic look, but chaotically fabulous. At one point I looked up at the sky and saw a cloud of confetti, gold, silver and multicolor bits of paper flickering all around me, camera lights flashing and people clapping, it was a bit surreal.

I felt like a beautiful courtesan on the boat as we floated down through the waterways of  Venice! The photographer was so handsome and the setting so romantic. It was a bit distracting!!  Oh, but I can’t forget about Sean.  I miss him so much, I’ll phone him later tonight.

Feeling flirty,

Emma

[passporttosparkle]

Just came back from a lovely “Passeggiatta”, which means an evening stroll in the city of water and love.  The shopping here is baffling. Couldn't help to walk into the artisan boutiques of Murano glass blowers and Venetian Mask makers. Tried a few on until I found a precious gold-lace piece with encrusted jewels, perfect for my next masquerade party! The shop-keeper, Antonella, was thrilled to see me wear it:

  “Que Bellissima!!”

  She carefully wrapped it and put it in the most beautiful carved leather box.

She wondered why I was alone in this seductive and romantic city. I looked at her smiling and thought of Sean…

What in the world is he up to, I thought. She then proceeded to list names of the most delicious restaurants in town.

“ You can not be in VENEZIA and not MANGIA!!, she said, I make the best Baccalà  Mantecato, but go to al Bottegon,  they make it almost just as good!”

  I went and sat for dinner, over looking the water which started to reflect the lights of the city, sparkling at my feet like a dream. I don't think I’ve had a better meal, and I have been to some fancy places! Simple, delicious cream of cod fish over the fluffiest polenta with a crisp glass of Prosecco Venetto! Aaaaah! Life’s little pleasures!

  Got to get some rest for yet another shoot tomorrow. Just read the call sheet with subject line: “ BE PREPARED FOR DRAMA!”

  So Satisfied,

Emma

[passporttosparkle]

Ciao A Tutti!

  Writing to you from Venice! Just arrived yesterday, took the magnificent boat ride from the Marco Polo airport to the city center and fell right asleep, the jet-lag is brutal! It was quite a sight to see the city approaching slowly on the horizon and to step from a wooden boat into a different world, like some sort of medieval time portal from the Himalayas!

Heading to the Piazza San Marco for a quick runway show, the concierge informed me I would have my very own water bus to go from place to place as it’s NO CARS ALLOWED here in the lagoon. Quick refresh and off to fashion week! Hopefully my excitement to be back in Europe will camouflage my exhaustion from traveling… SOO good to be back here, Not to mention Venice! Oh, Italian Vogue, here I am, I have not forgotten you !

  Mi Amore Venezie!

  Emma

[passporttosparkle]

Hello from Balthali! I am on top of a hill over looking miles and miles of the green rice terrace fields with Ochre painted houses and a beautiful view of the Himalayan peaks in the north. I woke up at sunrise this morning and looked out my floor-to- ceiling window onto the rhododendron[d1]  and magnolia forest. What a poetic wilderness! I really went off the beaten path!! This resort is like Nepal’s best kept secret… thanks Gita! So calm and accommodating in a little piece of untouched Nepal, a perfect place to unwind and rejuvenate in the cool and clear mountain air.  Looking forward to gather my thoughts before I head to my next destination, VENICE Italy!

   Well exercised and relaxed, I will stride to the city of romance, food and art!

  Namaste Nepal!

Xoxo Emma.

[passporttosparkle]

Just another day in Katmandu,

The view from my room is absolutely gorgeous. I see the pointy rooftops of the Nepalese architecture and on the horizon I see the mountains, the “top of the world!” as they say. I am leaving tomorrow to go to a rural village. It will be away from the crowds for some genuine rest.

 Until then, I am on my way to a traditional Nepalese dance procession in the Thamel district with a few of my trekking friends, Marc and Lea. It is in honor of the living goddess “Kumari” of Katmandu. I cannot wait to see and hopefully capture the splendid ornaments and costumes with my camera as they swerve and dance to the music.

  Excited,

Xoxo

  Emma

[passporttosparkle]

   Katmandu, what a city! I walked around for hours in the street markets and couldn't believe my eyes! There are so many stands of colorful fruits and vegetables. Hundreds of people walking around buying the essentials, stands were covered in food that I had never even seen before. It looked delicious and I wanted to taste it.

“What is that?” I said.“ Taste!” My mouth puckered from the sourness when I put the cherry looking fruit in my mouth.  I was convinced from then on to remain a simple observer. The merchant laughed and handed me a paper cup filled with what looked like oversized yellow raspberries at the center of 5 green tender petals.

“Aiselu!”, he said. “Much better! A gift for you”

I was hesitant, but I went for it, I smiled and thanked him. The big bulbs burst as I bit and tasted of light and juicy raspberry: The perfect refreshing snack for my walk about the market.

The sun started to set and all of a sudden the smell of incense, spices and tea took over the air. Necklaces of orange flowers hung from the awnings, creating huge blasts of color throughout the market.

Silver bracelets, strings of bright colored leathers, gold Buddha’s and Hindu gods smiling at me from pendants and amulets, glistened and sparkled, catching my eye.  I bought a stone-encrusted little box, a beaded chunky necklace and a few shawls.

 My wardrobe is definitely getting more interesting!

            Trying new things,

Emma