10 life-changing, inspirational trips
Regularly globetrotting for research, ten WGSN editors select their most inspirational, life-changing trips - from Taipei's night markets to Mexico's creative scene
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Photofile: Botanical Gardens, RioWho?: Ruth Marshall-Johnson, Senior Editor Think Tank
Where?: Botanical Gardens, Rio de Janeiro
Why?: The Botanical Gardens are an oasis away from Rio Fashion Week. I visited in January and it was so hot that the air was thick and everything was so tropical to my senses that I felt transported. I found a quiet spot and listened to creaking bamboo surrounded by incredible orchids, watched over by Christ the Redeemer in the distance.
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Reykjavik guideWho?: Chris Coleman, Graphics Senior Editor
Where?: Reykjavik, Iceland
Why?: This hugely atmospheric island, with its moon-like landscape, is a hotbed of creativity. It seems almost everyone here is associated with the arts. During the daytime the city is quiet and serene but as the light fades it comes alive with bright young things and parties that go on long into the small hours. A trendspotters dream!
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Interiors inspiration: Delhi, IndiaWho?: Angelia Teo, Head of Content Asia Pacific
Where?: New Delhi, India
Why?: A cacophonous mix of colour and sound, all so foreign, jarring and beautiful at the same time. There are sights here you'll never see elsewhere and sounds and smells that will linger on in your memory for years after. India seeps into your skin.
I left New Delhi with my senses dialled to the max, tired and throbbing with ideas. But I still want more... -
MACO art fairWho?: Anna Laub, Europe Editor
Where?: Mexico City, Mexico
Why?: I love Mexico City for its beautiful Bauhaus architecture, especially in the Condesa area where the best boutiques are hidden in and amongst the tropical flora.
I visited in May for the MACO art fair, when most of the city's creatives come out in force. Despite feeling that everything around me was new, the closing party was run in conjunction with Boombox, a night that used to be held in East London. It just goes to show, no matter how far away you are from home, the fashion world still feels small. -
Copenhagen guideWho?: Alice Leeburn, Style, Media & Beauty Editor
Where?: Copenhagen, Denmark
Why?: Last year I visited Copenhagen, a city on my must-see list. However disaster struck when I somehow managed to step on a rusty nail on the way to a tradeshow.
Luckily for me, the concierge at my hotel sent me to his family doctor in a chi-chi suburb, who turned out to be the best doctor ever. He'd even been at some of the fashion shows I'd seen that week. Thanks to Copenhagen, I am now invincible against tetanus and diphtheria, so the city will always occupy a fond place in my heart. -
Sydney guideWho?: Jo Marshall, Travel & Arts Senior Editor
Where?: Sydney, Australia
Why?: I was bowled over by the buzz and creativity of Sydney, where the sense of opportunity was palpable. My favourite area was the slightly dishevelled and bohemian Surry Hills: wandering past boutiques, galleries, cafes and pastel-painted Victorian terraces, I found myself scouring estate agents' windows and earmarking my dream pad.
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Istanbul GuideWho?: Amanda Carr, Visual Merchandising and Store Design Editor
Where?: Tokyo, Japan/Istanbul, Turkey
Why?: My most inspirational trip is always going to be the next one I take, which will be Tokyo this autumn, but last year I went to Istanbul in Turkey and was reminded of how old the art of retail is by visiting the smooth-talking salesmen in the Grand Bazaar. The eclectic mix of ancient Asiatic markets and Istanbul's fast-growing modern retail spaces made for an intoxicating atmosphere.
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Medellin City Guide photofileWho?: Sally Lohan, Head of Content, West Coast
Where?: Medellin, Colombia
Why?: Two years ago I went to Medellin in Colombia and was inspired by the level of political awareness and social responsibility. The people in Medellin have an overwhelmingly positive attitude, despite the fact that so many of them have lived through violent and troubled times. Their passion for art, life and for making the country a better place seems to touch everything they do. It is truly motivating and uplifting.
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New York speakeasiesWho?: Sue Evans, Catwalks Editor
Where?: New York, US
Why?: The history of the city invokes a sense of urban romance; just look at the jazz, poetry, music and art, which the city has inspired since the 20s. I just love the buzz, the raw energy of the place - it's a complete adrenalin rush.
I only have to see the skyline to think of West Side Story or Jack Kerouac and the Beat poets. It's a city where you feel anything is possible. -
Taipei guideWho? Angela Rumsey, Senior Editor Business Resource
Where?: Taipei
Why?: It's not a city of spectacle or obvious beauty but for me underrated Taipei was a huge surprise.
As a first-time visitor I was loaded with images of "Made in Taiwan" and a very vague idea of what that could mean. What I found was a city just as proud of its manufacturing past as what it has today - a thriving retail scene alongside wildly popular night markets… and the best Chinese food I've ever tasted, as well as some of the strangest food best avoided.
