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Jodi Sam

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illustrator ∙ writer ∙ fashion stylist ∙ daydreamer

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Jodi Sam

  • ABOUT
  • ART
  • BOOKS
  • PROJECTS & SHOWS
  • RETAILERS
  • STYLE
  • BLOG
  • CONTACT
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  • SEARCH

Goto Tailor

August 4, 2015 Jodi Sam
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As a stylist, I have always loved menswear more than ladies.  There is a certain classiness to it from the impeccable tailoring that ladies wear tends to lack.  Actually, I wore a full on suit with a customized shirt and Armani silk bow tie to a friend's wedding years ago--that's how much I love menswear!

So, when I heard a friend was getting a suit fitted, I decided to tag along.  Turns out the craftsman of the suit was no other than the famous Goto Tailor in Nihonbashi.  Recognized internationally and by the Japanese government for their craftsmanship, Goto Tailor has been hand making customized suits for clients for decades, from the royal family to politicians, celebrities, and anyone looking to own a special suit to own for a long time.  More than about trends, classic elements, fine details, and the wearer's needs are the focus of a Goto Tailor made suit.

I was very fortunate to have met and spend over an hour and an half with the 3rd generation master tailor and current owner of Goto Tailor, Mr. Kazuhiro Tsuchiya.  Mr. Tsuchiya is as nice as he is skilled in suit making.  He told us many stories about the 1st master tailor, the Mr. Goto, his successor, and himself while fitting my friend's suit to the "T".  Every dart, every detail, down to a millimeter was considered, and not overlooked.  Mr. Tsuchiya was very generous and even gave me a scented sensu, a Japanese folding fan.  Was told that receiving a sensu will bring good luck and many more meaningful meetings!

If you are ever thinking about having a tailor made suit and are not in a rush (since there is a long waiting list and a real suit takes time to perfect), please do visit Goto Tailor at Nihonbashi!

www.goto-tailor.com

In notes & thoughts Tags fashion, tokyo

Instagram & Lunches

July 28, 2015 Jodi Sam
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I started using Instagram about only two months or so ago. Have been posting pictures of things that are not always here on my blog, since I wanted to have different content for each of my social media accounts. One of the biggest subject or hashtag is lunch.  I often eat out during lunch at various cafes in Tokyo and daydreaming while I'm at it.  Actually, I wrote My Little Book of Happiness at one years ago.

Am going to post a few pictures from my Instagram feed.  Please follow me at: @js_daydreamer for more of this and other interesting tidbits!  Cheers!!

In notes & thoughts Tags foodie in tokyo

Sothys from Paris to Japan

July 12, 2015 Jodi Sam
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Sothys Paris is a professional beauty brand that is available exclusively at beauty institutes & spas worldwide. Known for its unique combination of natural active ingredients and advance skincare technology, it truly is a gentle yet effective brand. A dear of mine sent me a gift certificate as a treat, which I was more than grateful of, so I had the chance to experience a relaxing facial at the Sothys Institute Aoyama in Tokyo, one of their 3 directly operated salons here in Japan.

The esthetician was very helpful in choosing the right facial treatment for me, and she did an amazing job.  The facial & upper body massage were carried out with great skill. From the service, to the actual treatment, and even till the very end when I was leaving, she was friendly, professional, and considerate.

I have really sensitive skin and the extreme weather here (crazy dry winters, and super humid summers) along with the no-so-skin-friendly air conditioning, stresses out my skin a lot. Even with my skin condition, was extremely happy with the results. I was relaxed, refreshed, and my skin was much softer and hydrated than before--no unwanted redness or irritation. I really can't thank my friend enough for the special treat!! Their prices are not what I call everyday ones, but it is definitely worth it if you are looking to splurge on yourself or someone special. So, do visit their website for some for information.

Actually, I heard that their salon, Iridium Featuring Sothys, at the St. Regis Hotel in Osaka won the World Luxury Spa Award for 2015 in the Best Luxury Emerging Spa Section/Category. Saw some pictures of it, and the interior itself is a reason to visit there, let alone their excellent treatments!  Now, am looking for the right opportunity......Yes, am a daydreamer!  Hahaha......

Sothys Japan
www.sothys.co.jp/salon/index.html

The photos above are from the Sothys website, and the illustration is mine of course--Lala too loves spas and relaxation.

In notes & thoughts Tags beauty, tokyo

tokyo trend - The Bulletin Magazine Jul 2014

July 9, 2015 Jodi Sam
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I started doing a monthly illustrated report on what is trending in Tokyo for a wonderful Canadian Japanese publication, The Bulletin, back in June.  Was a little caught up with other work, and unable to give it a proper mention here until now.  Apologies!

This is my second report for them, and the trend to note is "ballet a la mode" or "ballet fashion".  It has always been a trend for little girls, but these days, you can find its influences even for ladies in their late 30's to mid 40's!

Am very happy to be a part of The Bulletin family as a contributing illustrator.  Please do visit their website to check out the many interesting articles available!

jccabulletin-geppo.ca/tokyo-trend-2

In notes & thoughts Tags tokyo trend, blotted line drawings, fashion

Tanabata - Star Festival

July 6, 2015 Jodi Sam
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Tanabata (Star Festival)

July 7th is the annual celebration about the legend of the fated lovers, who are separated by the earth and moon, can only meet on this day every year. There is a tradition of writing your wishes on tanzaku, a strip of paper, and hanging it on sasa no ha, bamboo branches. Came across this spellbinding sasa no ha arrangement with a friend when we were visiting the Main Building of the established Hotel Okura, which will be torn down for reconstruction later this year.

Of course, we wrote our wishes, hung them on the branches, and are looking forward to the wishes coming true!!

In notes & thoughts Tags blotted line drawings, holidays

Glitter & Gold - Am All Ears

June 20, 2015 Jodi Sam
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I don't usually like to use metallic or glittery paints, but thought that it would be nice for this illustration in particular.  Am using for the first time metallic gold paint and glitter with my blotted line illustrations.  Though it's hard to tell from the digitized images, the original painting does have another more eye-catching feel to it.

For my July "tokyo trend" report "am all ears" about earrings--large glittering gemstone ear clips that cover much of the ear, and earrings with very large and visible pearl backs are what many are sporting these days, especially as a contrasting element to causal, sportive outfits.

Now, I have to add the text and submit it to the editors!

In notes & thoughts Tags blotted line drawings, tokyo trend, fashion

Bean-to-Bar

May 29, 2015 Jodi Sam
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Love coffee and chocolate, and cannot be happy enough when the bean-to-bar trend hit Tokyo! This a preview of my "tokyo trend" report for June.

The bean-to-bar concept, no matter if it's the third wave coffee boom or the artisan chocolate craze, is transforming the foodie scene here.  Local roasters of coffee beans and coca beans are gaining momentum and lots of Japanese and foreign fans!

In notes & thoughts Tags blotted line drawings, tokyo trend, foodie in tokyo

Nene: Sparkling Sake from Yamaguchi

May 23, 2015 Jodi Sam

Don't usually have sake, but received this lovely bottle of sparkling sake and had it with a friend last night. Makes a great refreshing dessert drink, especially in this warm weather! Love the name "nene" and the design of the label too!!

Please check out this wonderful sake producer from Yamaguchi Prefecture, Gokyo Sake!!

shop.gokyo-sake.co.jp/
shop.gokyo-sake.co.jp/junmai/junmai10.html

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In notes & thoughts Tags foodie in tokyo

Tokyo Trend – The Bulletin Magazine Mar & Apr 2015

May 21, 2015 Jodi Sam
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March's report is about "spring makeup--pastels & whites". What better way to welcome spring then with some fresh, shiny, sheer, and milky pastel colours? the limited edition collection comes in white packaging, making them even more eye catching!

While April is all about "80's blues". High waisted denim look paired with off shoulder lace top. It's the 80's again, but chicer!

jccabulletin-geppo.ca/tokyo-trend-10/ (Mar 2015)
jccabulletin-geppo.ca/tokyo-trend-11/ (Apr 2015)

In notes & thoughts Tags blotted line drawings, tokyo trend, beauty, fashion

Cheeses!!

May 1, 2015 Jodi Sam
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In keeping with the foodie mood: for all the cheese lovers in the world--Ricotta, Pecorino Calabrese, and Burrata cheese!!  The real cheeses that I painted from were all Italian, but made here with loving care by hand in Hokkaido, Japan! 

In notes & thoughts Tags blotted line drawings, foodie in tokyo

Salad in a Jar

April 21, 2015 Jodi Sam
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Here's the advance look into my report for May's "tokyo trend" in The Bulletin Magazine.  The final report is usually bilingual or just in Japanese, but I wanted to share with everyone the original English version here on my blog.  Have always found mason jar salads too pretty to pour out and eat!!

In notes & thoughts Tags blotted line drawings, tokyo trend, foodie in tokyo

Anshindo x JS 2015 Zexy Shizuoka Ad

April 20, 2015 Jodi Sam
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There are some pictures of May's issue of Zexy bridal magazine (Shizuoka version) that has a small ad featuring my campaign for renowned jeweller, Anshindo!! The campaign runs now Thu Apr 30!!

anshindo-bridal.com/form/reservation/

In notes & thoughts Tags blotted line drawings, collaborations, campaigns, anshido

Louvre Museum: Genre Painting – Scenes from Daily Life

April 9, 2015 Jodi Sam
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One of my favourite things about Tokyo is that there are always some great exhibitions featuring masterpieces from around the world, and the ones I must see are the paintings by Johannes Vermeer.  Of course, I didn't miss the chance to see his The Astronomer that is touring Japan now at The National Center of Art, Tokyo.

The paintings from the show, Louvre Museum: Genre Painting – Scenes from Daily Life, depicts exactly that--paintings of the everyday life.  Besides The Astronomer, several other works stood out and stole my heart per se, Jean-Baptiste Greuze's The Broken Pitcher, Jean-Baptiste Camille Corot's The Studio of Corot, and Martin Drolling's Interior of a Kitchen.

However, there was one that made me laugh and thought of myself, and that was The Monkey Painter, aka Interior of a Studio by Alexandre-Gabriel Decamps.  Yes, I can just as well be that monkey, though am thinking he probably paints better than me!!

Louvre Museum: Genre Painting – Scenes from Daily Life is on now until Mon Jun 1.  Please visit it, and say hi to Decamps' monkey for me!

www.ntv.co.jp/louvre2015/
www.nact.jp/

In notes & thoughts Tags art lover in tokyo

Seiko Tsuchimoto x JS

March 30, 2015 Jodi Sam
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Was very fortunate to have worked with Ms. Seiko Tsuchimoto on creating a couple of small message cards for customers ordering her wonderfully handmade baby diaper cakes--decorative display cakes made from real diapers that are usually given to expecting mothers or new mothers as gifts.

Ms. Tsuchimoto was the first to bring baby diaper cakes to Japan, and even heads the Baby Diaper Cake Association of Japan.  Often featured in magazines and on TV, she is well recognized for her work and is as gentle and sweet as her creations.  Working with her on the project was an absolute pleasure for me!

I look forward to our future projects together.  Please see below for some examples of her work, and do visit her company's website--they ship internationally too!!

baby-shower.jp

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In notes & thoughts Tags blotted line drawings, collaborations

Izumo-Taisha & Usagi-Chan

March 29, 2015 Jodi Sam
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Recently I visited 出雲大社 Izumo-taisha or Oyashiro (Izumo Grand Shrine) in Shimane Prefecture.  It is one of the most important shrines in Japan, and is known for establishing good relationships that would bring happiness to people lives.

A symbol of the Izumo-taisha is its massive shimenawa ("enclosing rope" that are made of lengths of laid rice straw rope used for the purification rituals in Shintoism). The shimenawa at Izumo's Kaguraden (Kagura Hall) is the largest in Japan with a length of 13.5 meters and a weight of 5 tonnes, pictured here in the first image.

*All facts above were made according to Wikipedia*

A new symbol Izumo-taisha is usagi (rabbits), or as I like to called them usagi-chan.  Especially after the marriage of Princess Noriko back in October 2014, new stone sculptures of little usagi-chan can be found around the shrine--this is in addition to the other bronze ones  already a part of the Izumo landscape.  They reminded me of the ones I painted for a client last year, and I though it would be nice to share my usagi-chan too.

A quick note of the second picture, there was only one sakura tree in bloom when I visited there, though am sure they should all be in bloom by now.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Izumo-taisha
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shimenawa

In notes & thoughts Tags travels, blotted line drawings

Photos of Works - Anshindo x JS Campaign

March 27, 2015 Jodi Sam
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I always show the digital files of my work, so decided to take photo of some of my work today.  First, is the special message card I created for Anshindo. And then, this how the framed prints look like in real life--well, at a park and under the sun!!

it really has been a pleasure working with such a notable jeweller.  The Spring Marriage Campaign runs from now to Apr 30.  Please check it out if you haven't already done so!!

anshindo-bridal.com/form/reservation

In notes & thoughts Tags blotted line drawings, collaborations, campaigns, anshido
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