Born and raised on Spain’s Balearic Islands, BEX MANNERS started her fashion career as a stylist’s assistant in New York. During that time, she taught herself to make jewelry because she couldn’t find certain pieces in the market. After her move back to London, she started her line BEX ROX in 2009. Located in the heart of Notting Hill, she is renowned for her luxurious custom jewelry and her innovative designs. Bex draws inspiration from across the globe, and epitomises the essence of cultures, travel and nature. As a world traveller, she gave us her tips for one of the most fascinating cities on earth.
Your favourite city?
ISTANBUL – it touches on every sense.
Your favourite hotel?
GEORGES HOTEL GALATA – A boutique hotel in Galata, chic and cosy with a perfect rooftop for a sunset aperitif.
Müeyyedzade Mh., Serdar-ı Ekrem Cd. No:24
Phone: +90 212 244 2423
Your favourite restaurant?
DUBLE MEZE restaurant on the top of the Pera hotel, vibrant, mouthwatering food and the best views in the city.
Asmalı Mescit Mah. Meşrutiyet Cad. Palazzo Donizetti Hotel Üstü Kat:7 No:85, 34420 İstanbul Phone: +90 212 244 0188
Your favourite bar or nightclub?
MINI BAR 17, a tiny little bar with great DJ’s when you feel like a little dance.
Nişantaşı › Harbiye Mahallesi, Abdi İpekçi Caddesi, No 17, Şişli, İstanbul
Your favourite sightseeing spot?
You can’t leave istanbul without going to see the HAGIA SOPHIA MUSEUM, it used to be a church then later a mosque, stunning and soulful.
Sultanahmet, Ayasofya Meydanı, İstanbul
Phone: +90 212 522 1750
Your favourite park?
The TOPKAPI PALACE GARDENS are breathtaking, full of every kind of flower you can possibly image, if only it was my back garden!
Sultanahmet, Fatih, İstanbul
Phone: +90 212 512 04 80
Your favourite shop?
For a real local flavour the BAZAAR is a must but go with lots of energy and patience, there are some hidden gems to buy some stunning old jewellery and fabrics.
Beyazit, İstanbul
Phone: +90 212 519 1248
Your must-have accessory?
A touch of the turkish with my HORN LARGE FRINGE CUFFS, perfect for a little turkish dancing with the flick of your wrists and super chic.
The best soundtrack for this destination?
A remix by ACID PAULI – Jamie Wards “Almost there” and Selda mixing a little bit of the Ottoman to get you going.
The best book to read while being on vacation there?
THE BASTARD OF ISTANBUL by Elif Shafak. She is one of Turkeys most popular writers, this book is magical, informative and heart-breaking as it brings together the turbulent past and the complex present!
Thank you, Bex, for sharing your insider scoop on Istanbul with us!
LoL, Sandra
Photos: Courtesy of Bex Rox and the different locations
