IDEAT – Village People – Lina Kanafani

For those of you who are familiar with French lifestyle magazine IDEAT – Contemporary Life, you might be interested to know that our very own Lina Kanafani was interviewed for the Village People section in the Sept – Oct issue.  Interview below and for those of you who don’t read French there is a translated version below.

Which is your favorite area in London ?

Primrose Hill

The most peaceful place ?

My garden is very peaceful.  I am lucky to have such a tranquil space in a busy city like London.

Where you feel the best energy ?

I am full of energy in the afternoons- that’s when I go to Mint and get most of my work done.  

The most avant-gardist ?

For interiors and design I would say Mint. In other spheres I’d have to say Comme de Garcon’s founder Rei Kawakubo.  She’s always way ahead of trends and encourages progress in fashion which influences other areas of design.

Shoreditch or Mayfair ?

I like to spend time in both Shoreditch & Mayfair.  They’re worlds apart but are just as valuable for culture and the arts.

The last address you have discovered and you want to share ?

A recent pop-up shop from The New Craftsmen in Mayfair that showcases craftsmanship from the British Isles.

Which is you canteen ?

Lima in Fitzrovia is my favourite restaurant. The food is sublime.

If London was a colour ?

London has to be a rainbow.  There are so many different cultures in London you cannot ascribe it only one colour.

A song ?

Song to the moon from Rusalka by Antonin Dvorak

Where to find the best fish and chips ?

The Golden Hind on Marylebone Lane

An alternative city to London ?

Paris is perfect for a long weekend and close-by.  The architecture is beautiful and elegant. Some of my favourite shops & galleries are located in the city.

A typical object from London ?

It has to be the classic British double decker routemaster bus. It’s iconic.

Your favorite view ?

Sunset from the top of Primrose Hill, London.

Your favorite museum ?

My favourite museum is the Victoria & Albert museum. It’s very close to Mint which means I get to visit often. Once a month they also host a themed late night Friday which is always fun and interesting.

Gallery ?

In London my favourite gallery besides Mint is Libby Sellers. She has a good eye for edgy design which is different from other similar galleries. I always enjoy her shows, they inspire me.

Who incarnates the best London ?

Vivienne Westwood is the embodiment of London’s character and individualism.

What do you find in London you can’t find anywhere else and everyone comes to find here ?

The world is so global now that there isn’t much you cannot find, however I think the Royal Family are a big draw. Tourists to London are always flocking to Buckingham Palace and eager to keep up on the royal news.