Vuong has finally opened his first store in Markveien 28 in Oslo and it’s amazing! I’m telling you, he’s so talented and his esthetics are so on, it’s crazy! I felt so proud I shed a couple of tears! Hopefully it will be a great success, I know I’ll do my bit to advertise for his products!

If you haven’t been in Oslo yet, book your tickets! Grunnerløkka, the neighbourhood where it all happens has got a new vibe to it, it’s even cooler than just a couple of years ago! New shops, new wine bars, cocktail places, new restaurants, the whole shebang! In fact I’ll tell you what- if you do end up here, feel free to let me know and I’ll meet you for sightseeing and throw in a couple of beers, too. As long as I can to show you what I want- no museums and marina stroll for this gal!

Back to Vuong now- he’s been making essential leather goods for the quality seeking guy or girl for the past 5 years. His clean nordic look has a timelessness about it and the products age beautifully. This is his philosophy, too: Don’t just buy and throw away stuff- purchase things that last.

I’ve seen his company develop from a dream to a shop and it’s been quite a journey. In the middle of this creation process, we went each our different way, but I never ceased to support his project in the ways that I could- by buying his articles, using them and spreading the word.

It was touching for me to be able to toast for the future with the one and only Vuong, with whom I’ve spent 12 years of my young life and my newfound love, who respects his work as much as I do (and the fact that I’ll always care for V).

I have my eyes set on that purse! What do you think? His site- essential articles.no- seems to be under maintenance now, but I’m sure it’ll be up and running soon. Do pay him a visit, whether in person or online.

xxx, Alina