36561Magazine B : % arabica
In 2013, Kenneth Shoji started coffee brand % Arabica as a small café in HongKong. Then, in 2014, the brand opened a global flagship store in Kyoto, Japan, under its “See the world through coffee” motto. One decade later, there are now more than 130 % Arabica stores all across Asia, the Middle East, and in major cities like New York City and London. The striking % logo and store design capture the spirit of Japanese minimalism, which advocates for the purging of unnecessary things. Indeed, the brand’s strategic location selection in iconic places coupled with its coffee quality control system are seen as qualities that helped % Arabica quickly become a rising global franchise.
36562Magazine B : A.P.C.
A.P.C. is a Parisian fashion brand founded by Jean Touitou in 1987 during an experiment with a men’s clothing collection called Hiver 87. A.P.C., which stands for Atelier de Production et de Création, is known for the unique and unassuming yet highly refined aesthetics applied to top-quality fabrics in their products. With iconic items like Japanese selvage denim pants, the Half Moon bag, and the Judith Sandals, A.P.C. extends its appeal beyond Paris to global metropolises like Tokyo, London, and LA, generating a cult-like following worldwide.
36563Magazine B : ACE hotel
Ace Hotel got its start in 1999 when Alex Calderwood and HIS FRIENDs renovated an old halfway house in Seattle, transforming it into a small hotel. By absorbing the cultural heritage of surrounding communities and collaborating with various artists and brands, Ace Hotel creates its own collection of hotels, each possessing their own look and feel. Ace HOTEL has not only helped to revive neighborhoods, but it has also breathed new life into the entire hotel industry.
36564Magazine B : Acne studios
Acne Studios is a Stockholm based fashion house with a multi-disciplinary heritage. Through founder and Creative Director Jonny Johansson's interest in art, architecture and street culture, an alternative path has been found, turning Acne Studios into a well-respected creator of ready-to-wear for men and women.
36565Magazine B : Aesop
In 1987, Dennis Paphitis founded Aesop in Melbourne, Australia, to introduce groundbreaking skincare products that balance plant-based ingredients with scientifically backed and functional skin-friendly ingredients. The brand exudes a keen affection for literature and art, and it has stepped away from conventional marketing strategies in the cosmetics industry — elements of a bold attitude that can be felt in unique ways in each store around the world. Merging with São Paulobased group Natura & Co in 2012, Aesop moved to improve its core brand aesthetic and formulas to create high-quality products and a sustainable corporate vision that it continues to spread globally
36566Magazine B : Audi
Presenting to Intro. Line up. Inner space. VS. German cá. My audi. Features. New premium. B's cut. Brand story. Outro.
36567Magazine B : Bali
Bali is the only island in the Indonesian archipelago that is predominately Hindu, in contrast to the rest of the islands, which comprise the world’s largest Muslim population. For the Balinese, Hinduism is not just a religion—it’s a fundamental social and spiritual value that forms the bedrock of Balinese culture, from dance and painting to architecture. In the 1970s, Ngurah Rai International Airport was expanded, and Australian surfers flocked to the small island. This first generation of foreigners were followed by others from all around the world, drawn to the pristine nature, nearly millennia-old traditional culture, and Balinese sages who bequeath secrets to a balanced life. Then came creatives with high hopes of learning about self-care and sustainable futures through yoga and meditation. More than just a tourist destination, Bali is now the ultimate mecca for alternative living.
36568Magazine B : Balmuda
Founded by Gen Terao as a one-man-company, Balmuda changed its name to “Balmuda Co., Ltd.” in April 2011 after the success of its premium electric fan “GreenFan” and has since introduced home appliances with unique features and restrained aesthetics. Balmuda products go beyond merely serving as simple tools.
36569Magazine B : Bangkok
Located in central Thailand, Bangkok has been the nation’s political, economic, and cultural epicenter since it was designated capital by King Rama I in 1782. Bangkok is a transformative city that has retained its Buddhist-centered royal culture while also embracing the Chinese, Vietnamese, and Malaysian immigrant cultures with extraordinary openness. Long known as the number one tour destination, Bangkok boasts expertise in the hospitality industry cultivated by leading global hotel brands that settled in the city, diverse food culture, and easy access to resort cities such as Hua Hin and Phuket. Recently, with its design industry gaining state support as the nation’s growth engine, communities and commercial spaces run by young creators with overseas experiences are accumulating around the city, hinting at Bangkok’s potential growth into the next-generation creative hub.
36570Magazine B : BIC
The first disposable ballpoint pen in the market, BIC Cristal was introduced in 1950 by a French consumer product brand, BIC. Based on a coherent set of ethos to offer high-quality products paired with affordability, BIC has been securing its position in the market by focusing on disposable consumer products.