Latin Vibe...

Is it because of the new "Pirates of the Caribbean" movie that came out recently? Or is it because of the new hit series "Off the map", depicting life in a South American village? Or maybe just because -in times of crisis- we all long for the laid back Caribbean lifestyle?

Vivacious colours, beautiful landscapes with palm trees, colourful flowers, exotic beauties, sipping cocktails in old colonial cities, dancing salsa on the beach? Isn't that what we all dream about? Fact is that every magazine worth its money, is covering Central and South America these days.

Vogue USA not only had "Pirates of the Caribbean" star Penélope Cruz on the cover in June 2011, but also included an amazing shoot with model Joan Smalls and Grammy award winner, singer Bruno Mars in Puerto Rico. The shoot called “La Isla Bonita” by photographer Peter Lindbergh (styling by Edward Enninful) is reflecting the Caribbean lifestyle at its best! Really gorgeous photos!!! Which immediately makes you want to buy those sexy summer dresses, a pair of golden hoops as well as a Panama hat....

The May 2011 issue of Condé Nast Traveller on the other hand showed the Colombian city of Cartagena in the spread "Caribbean Queen". A breathtaking shoot by photographer Cathrine Wessel (styling by Mark Connely). The old town of Cartagena de Indias is truly an undiscovered gem and according to Gabriel García Márquez even "The most beautiful in the world" (in Love in the time of Cholera). Oh... and then those clothes. They're actually meant for a tropical fling: "We have some suggestions for a tropical romance - how to dress up, where to step out".

Last but not least, the May-June 2011 issue of Vogue Living Australia shows us yet another Colombian city, Medillìn ("Colombian Revival" by photographers Iwan Baan & David Nicolas). Including a statue by one of Colombia's most famous artists, Botero. If you look really well, you'll also see one in "Caribbean Queen".

All three magazines show us the best the Caribbean & Central America have to offer. And whatever the reason behind it... the Latin Vibe is catching me and the rest of the world!

For more information please visit:
Vogue USA http://www.style.com/
Condé Nast Traveller http://www.cntraveller.com/
Vogue Living Australia
http://www.vogue.com.au/vogue+magazine/vogue+living/

Book on Botero by Taschen: http://www.taschen.com/

Panama hat bought in Italy; golden hoops in The Netherlands.