Sunday, May 1, 2022

Travelling Light

 In the past few weeks we were lucky to have had picture-perfect weather with deep blue skies that provided a spectacular backdrop for all spring blossoms. The pocket square scarf I picked up when in London in March was a timely purchase,  its fresh blue and white CW turned it into a fabulous spring companion. 


The scarf’s motif is an adaptation of the "Travelling Light" fabric by British interior designer Kit Kemp for Christopher Farr Cloth. I first noticed the fabric in her Number Sixteen Hotel, which I discovered by chance on a trip to England in 2014 here. Ever since,  Kit Kemp's hotels have become my home-away-from-home in London, and I'd love to discover her NYC hotels one day, too. 


The thing I love most about her interiors is how abundantly she uses colour, fabrics and art, and how brilliantly all these elements are tied together. The resulting spaces are warm, happy and inviting, and yet calm, comfortable and soothing. So much attention is paid to detail, and you feel a real sense of harmony flowing through the rooms, which makes them such lovely spaces to come back to after a busy day out and about. Her many fabrics designs are featured throughout her London and New York hotels, and I think that it is just wonderful that some of them have been turned into scarves. 


Hope you like the new addition and the way it ties, and have a beautiful and happy remaining spring! 


xxx




1st row: Ascot, Bib and Cravat
2nd row: Gavroche Flower knot, Sautoir and Scarf necklace
3rd row: Asymmetrical Wrap, Slip knot and Afrique (a tutorial for the Afrique is on the list)


I posted the above collage on Instagram a couple of weeks ago, and was thrilled that Kit Kemp had shared it on her Instagram stories, too:


In a Bib knot:



Slip knot:


This one I need to look into ... it happened while experimenting, and I have no idea how I did it. Will try and retrace the steps!



Ascot knot:


Bib knot encore



New knot ... Afrique (a tutorial is on my to-do list):


Slip knot:



Ascot knot modelled by Roley:



Cravat:


Travelling Light pocket square: available here

More Kit Kemp links
Blog: here
Instagram: here
Online shop: here
London hotels: here
New York hotels: here





91 comments:

  1. I absolutely love you blog and continuously read it and reread it, again and again, never tired of it… Please continue blogging/journaling as it is a joy to follow you. I myself just recently emerged myself into the world of scarves and find it endlessly entertaining, especially when you you have a simple wardrobe that you can spice up with accessories (I live in Houston, TX). You are such an inspiration! I think that many people just read blogs and never comment, but I am pretty sure you have an army of admirers who would miss you presence in this format.

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    1. I love your blog. Love the colors, it brightens the day. Thank you

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    2. Love your photos!

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  2. I ADORE your blogs. They are eye candy. They are inspirational. Please continue to share your adventures and your sense of style.

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  3. Speaking for myself, my heart always does a little leap if I see a Mai Tai blog - better than all the rest!! I have only chatted one or twice but it would be a shame if you stopped. And thank you for all the work you've done in the past. You have been one of my style mentors, setting me on a different path

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  4. I love your blog and hope you continue!

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  5. I love your blog! If you stop blogging, please keep the archives available online. I find it so peaceful to scroll through your beautiful photos on a larger screen. I also follow you on Instagram but it's not the same experience. Thank you!!

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  6. I enjoy receiving your emails which I believe are your blog posts. Your aesthetic is eye catching.

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  7. Oh! Please, please do continue your blog! Please do keep your archives available. You are an absolute inspiration and calming presence. I am interested primarily in scarves and shawls, much less in food and beautiful doggies. If additional comments will help your creative process, just ask!

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  8. I very much enjoy your blog.... so much more than instagram. Calm, peaceful, and very pretty. Please continue.... Thank you for all the beauty. xo

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  9. Please do continue blogging. Instagram doesn't cover it for me. I rarely look at IG on my phone. I love to see your photos in all of their beauty on my large PC screen.

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  10. I thoroughly enjoy your blog! It encourages me to try new things. Thank you from Texas, USA!

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  11. I've missed you and am always thrilled to see one of your posts in my email inbox. Please, please continue.

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  12. I adore your blog and appreciate your color sensibility. Please continue blogging and supplement with your scarf tutorials! You are a muse to many of us, Mai Tai.

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  13. Instagram is definitely not the same thing - I still would love to receive your blog posts in the future. Please, please, please keep on going!

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  14. I have always looked forward to your blog. It shows up in my email and I don't have to go searching through other social media which I rarely use. Your eye for color and design is superb. Your photos are a delight for the eyes and your commentary further enriches. I would love it if you would continue.

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  15. I love your blog! Do you have any reccomendations for shopping and dining in Lyon, France?

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  16. I love your blog posts and read every word, absorbing the work created by your amazing eye for beautiful details! I do not use Social Media as it can really eat up one’s time in the day. But, the world moves on and if Social Media makes more sense, I do understand if you discontinue the blog posts.
    (I also love fountains pens and follow Goulet Pen Company’s pencasts. That company also does a great deal of Social Media (Instagam) which I miss out on, but one has to draw the line somewhere! ;)

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  17. Please continue your blog posts. It's a present to all of us quiet readers.

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  18. Oh, please still blog. Your blog is one of only a few I follow. You are so stylish and I get inspired when I see your photos and writings.

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  19. I like the blog. It is eye candy for me. I try to stay off Instagram as much as I can. Call me old fashioned but I really enjoy the blog. Only you can decide what you want to do and just remember there are plenty of us still out here watching and reading.

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  20. I enjoy reading your blog. Don't stop.

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  21. I love your blog posts and and the wonderful content that displays your amazing eye for beautiful details! I do not use social media, by choice, as it eats mightily into one’s time during the day. But, the world moves on and if social media makes more sense, you run a business that needs to keep up with the change in customer preferences. So, I would understand if you choose to not do both formats.
    (I also love fountain pens and follow the Goulet Pen Company’s pencasts — podcasts and you-Tube videos. Their company also does a lot with Instagram which I miss out on. I’m grateful they cater to different media formats, but it is a lot of extra work for them, I’m sure.)

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  22. I enjoy the blogs. Don't stop.

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  23. I'm here!! Always enjoy the email.. Wallpapers are stunning with your fabrics! Want to know the "guys" are being treated well too! Best,Marty

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  24. I love your blog posts! You have the most amazing eye for beautiful details! I do not use Social Media — it eats up too much time — rather addictive. But, tastes change, and I think you have to do what makes sense for you and your business. Your blog takes an enormous amount of energy to produce, I’m sure and as the world moves on, you may want to move with it. I understand, but, yes I will miss your inspiring and delicious content.

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  25. I really enjoy the blog. I haven't ever commented before but I love your photos.

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  26. I love your blog posts! The content is always amazing and so creative. You have the most wonderful eye for beautiful detail. As a non-user of social media, I would miss the blog posts. That said, I understand that social media is how so very many people like to receive new content … seems to be what people prefer and I understand if you choose to use only one format. Blog posts take a lot of effort and may be on their way out ….

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  27. Your emails deliver a much needed dose of grown up style. Many thanks!

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  28. I think Vlogs are the popular option these days… I followed your Blog for years but I’m guilty of drifting into the world of YouTube and it’s Vloggers…..

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  29. I thoroughly enjoy and appreciate your eye for color, design and talent for photography! What began with an interest in scarf-tying has expanded into other areas of design! I apologize for not engaging in comments and simply enjoying silently! I agree, that Instagram isn't quite the same as your lovely blog!

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  30. Your blogs are special and a source of inspiration.

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  31. Please do continue if you can. Thoroughly enjoy every one of your post. Such style and elegance. Learn a lot from you. Truly appreciate all you have done. Thank you.

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  32. Always looking forward to seeing your blogs and your beautiful and artistic work. Learned so much from you. Please don't stop. We love every one of your post. Thank you so much.

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  33. Please keep your blog, not everyone is on IG or social media.

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  34. By the way, your pictures are just amazing :)

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  35. i also love your blog! I love the chair!!!

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  36. I absolutely love your posts and your blog - such beauty! Beautiful photography, stunning content.....please don't disappear!

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  37. I love your blogs!! Please keep on!

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  38. I've missed your blogs. I look forward to them. You have helped me decorate my house and given me guidance on my wardrobe.

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  39. Have missed new posts so much that have gone back and reread the older ones.

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  40. Greatly miss seeing updates. Hope you are inspired to stay with the blogs. They are well loved.

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  41. Please don't go away...I love all of your beautiful content!!

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  42. Penny
    I realize the work that must go into writing your blog. Please continue! I always learn about new things in your blog and so enjoy your wonderful photos. Your scarf Art has become a part of my wardrobe and way of dressing. Thank you for this wonderful post. ( Instagram is not my thing at all)

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  43. You are such an inspiration -- your personal and decorating style; your appreciation of nature's beauty and your wonderful dachshunds! Please, please don't stop -- nothing can replace your beautiful posts!

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  44. I look forward to reading your blog! Please don't stop.

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  45. I enjoy your blog very much and hope you keep it. I am not on Instagram.

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  46. Every time I read your blog I feel as if I have had a short trip to Europe , the photos , the places , the food , all so exciting and fresh. Please keep going, I have missed you.

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  47. PLEASE CONTINUE SO SO ENJOYABLE.

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  48. Absolutely love you posts and blog. Especially the scarves. Please don't stop, not everyone is on Instagram.

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  49. Absolutely love your blog. Don't stop, I always get an excited feeling when I see your email. Remember not everyone is on Instagram.

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  50. Somehow, I miss your Instagram posts. I NEVER miss the blogs and I love them. This one was fabulous.

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  51. So many beautiful photos! Happy to see you back online - and still coming up with new scarf ideas. I, too, hope you continue your blogs, as I’ve missed them. No pressure - just now and then would be lovely. :) Your posts are a reminder I need to get back to southern France. Thank you! (And thank you for the recipes.)

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  52. I hope you continue. Love your photos and comments!

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  53. I've always enjoyed your beautiful photography and exquisite talent for drawing the natural world into your palette of scarves. I'm not an instagram or social media person so this is the only way I see your store too.

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  54. Yes please continue your blog. It was such a nice surprise to see what you have been up to. I love seeing everything you do. It is always done with such elegance and refinement. Twice a year I fall for new Hermès scarves and your app always gives me great inspiration.

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  55. I love you blog and continuously revisit it. So stylish and inspirational! Please do not stop!!
    I am sorry that I have not made myself present to make you understand how much I like your post. Will make the point of not leaving you with the aftertaste of speaking in an empty room...
    I am hooked to your scarf tutorials. Now that winter is coming to our part of the world, I can't wait to bring out my foulards box and start trying in front of the mirror with your app at hand.
    Your recipes are fantastic (the best Magdalaines ever!) and your hotels recommendation are in my list of "places to visit". I personally do not like Instagram at all. Please, do not leave this format of sharing with us all the beauty and style you exude. Thank you!

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  56. Please do continue blogging. Everything you do is executed with such taste and refinement. I am still hopelessly drawn to new Hermés scarves and your app. never ceases to inspire.

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  57. I love you blog and continuously revisit. Please continue! It is so inspirational, elegant and stylish! The places you visit... make me dream and add them to the "places to go". I am hooked on your scarf app and now that winter is coming to my side of the world, I will bring out my Hermes foulards to try in front of the mirror with your app at hand. I am sorry you felt like speaking in an empty room. Will make the point of sharing views and comments to make you feel our presence and support. Personally, I am not a fan of Instagram at all. So, please, do not leave this format. Thank you in advance!

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  58. Per favore, Mai Tai, continua con il tuo blog! Mi manca tanto e mi ha dato qualche momento di serenità in un periodo molto difficile per la mia famiglia. Instagram è bello ma non è la stessa cosa.

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  59. Please don't give up ... I love your blog and you are so good at it!

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  60. I enjoy your blog and emails, and especially their beautiful photos, so I hope you continue them. Merci!

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  61. I love your blogs, and have been missing them!!

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  62. I LOVE your blogs!

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  63. I love your blogs and miss reading them! They were always filled with fashion inspiration and such beautiful photos – they were like a little vacation from the doom and gloom that seems to fill my inbox, each one a moment to be savored. Please continue!

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  64. I enjoy anything Mai Tai!! Please continue to send email messages and photos in addition your Instagram posts are also great. Your jewelry, scarf rings, decorating ideas and clothing ideas are always welcome!! Thank you!

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  65. Your wonderful pictures help me enjoy life. Please continue with emails and blog!

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  66. I have been missing your blogs too. I like reading your blog. It brins us a piece of another, more beautiful world.

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  67. I can appreciate the increasing effort required to support your burgeoning business, as well as your personal life! That said, I would hate to see the blog come to an end. Instagram is brilliant, but does not provide the sense of an unfolding story as does the blog. Too, there is not the same sense of intimacy; I have "known" you and many of your followers, and seen their names, for over 10 years! You have been posting seasonally for awhile and I would be happy to see that frequency continue, with three or four blog posts a year. Starr Ramsey Helms

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  68. Absolutely would love for your to continue, I'm not an Instagram person and I so appreciated content. Beautiful photos, wonderfully composed, and such adorable little sausages!

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  69. I enjoy your blog. I love all the photos

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  70. I always enjoy reading your blog. Things become more beautiful when they are put in your hands. Your words & pictures do improve my every day. Please keep on

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  71. Your blogs are perfection. Don't stop

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  72. I have enjoyed your blog for several years and hope you will continue. Your photos and writing are a joy in my inbox.

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  73. YES, Yes, YES, totally enjoy the Blogs that you give us! You are gorgeous; the scenes are lovely; the food is delicious, the scarves, bags, fabrics, ideas etc. are wonderful! Please, continue sharing! Thank you!

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  74. I'm so glad that you are going to reappear in my inbox -I missed your observations and beautiful hints. I do not go onto "social media" sites as I think they are too monetised and have too much influence on human beings and we have seen the results - society has become more ugly and greedy.

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  75. Please do keep posting - I love your articles and your photos are so charming !

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  76. I like your blog very much, and would not follow you to instagram. You are above the crass and desperate attention-seeking aura that permeates the feeds of even the most “elite” insta creators.

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  77. I really enjoy your posts. The scarves, the looks you put together, and your decorated rooms are gorgeous. Thanks for all you do!

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  78. Please keep the blog. I love it!

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  79. I like your blog, please keep on

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  80. MaiTai, I've missed you so much! From the wonderful products to your recommendation of the charming L'Hotel in the 6th, you have been a guiding light for me and so many. So yes, please continue your blogs--so uplifting and fun! Thank you so very much.

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  81. I love that you share your unique contribution to making the world more beautiful. Please don't stop.

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  82. You and your blog are UNIQUE! Please continue!

    I love your blog. Ever since I came across you by chance on the internet while looking for an Hermès scarf a few years ago, I've been looking forward to your new posts every single month. I have been enchanted by your photos, your writing style and the quality of your products. I've bought almost 20 Hermès inserts from you and I still love them, as well as the protective covers for the scarves. It's a pity they are no longer available. I still need 2 or 3 more of them ...

    It sounds strange, but it really hurt me to read that you get so little feedback. I'm not on social media for safety reasons and disinterest in all the self-absorbed, completely uninteresting and often just "wannabe" influencers and their unboxings. Except for purseforum, and only thanks to you!
    You - your blog - that was and is for me like an exchange with a wonderful friend. With your eloquent writing style and the always perfect photos - colours, shapes, transitions, everything fits so perfectly - I always felt taken along on all your journeys and discoveries. For me, better than all the fashion and interior design magazines put together. More like a book that you don't want to put down.

    Should you decide to close your blog, I could understand that - only guessing how much time, energy and effort it requires - but I would be infinitely sad.
    If - then I would be infinitely happy if I could somehow acquire all your posts and photos. I love to look at them and read them so often - especially your travel reports and Hermès...

    I send you my warmest greetings and wish you and all your loved ones, including your dogs, only the best. Thank you for everything!

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  83. Dear Maitai, Your blog is beautiful, inspirational and brings me a great deal of joy whenever I have the opportunity to read it. I hope you choose to continue. Do let me know if you are ever in LA and would like to get together for high tea or lunch somewhere. With very kind regards, Bianca

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  84. Dear Maitai,
    ever since I came across your blog, you have been an inspiration to me. Not only, as far as appearance matters are concerned (since you showed many ways for someone to add a stylish touch in an everyday look, with the use of scarves) but also with your perception of beauty, showing in your blog ecstatic outdoor sceneries and indoor decorations, revealing the secrets of tasteful recipes and proposing a tasteful way of life, that can certainly upgrade our everyday routine. I hope you continue to show us ways to add beauty in our everyday life!
    with kind regards
    Mairi P.

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  85. I ADORE your blog. PLEASE continue. I'm sure many others feel the same way. Best to you for a warm and cozy autumn. From New York, <3 Hallie

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