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AUTUMN & WINTER 2012
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THE CONFIGURATION ISSUE / No. 1
LUCY & BART Artistic Realism
International Expo - Shanghai, China. Metro in MOSCOW - New art scene. GARDENS. Think OUTSIDE of the1 box. TERRITORIAL / Interior spaces take competitive edge. TRAVEL to BARCELONA - Top Hotels of the Year.
Icons of Style. The new SL and Laura Stone in the Calvin Klein collection. Mercedes-benz.com/fashion
Mercedes-Benz The best or nothing.
l f t e
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Alate, an angular term referring to having winged like exten-
heart and soul of what it experiences. Each spa may have sim-
sions. Like the alate extensions maple leaves have, our mag-
ilar offerings but different moods embodying the overall mood.
azine is segmented into four distinct sections [Art, Culture,
THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX emphasizes unique living environ-
Interior, and Travel] all relating to the architectural tendencies
ments like living in a modern shipping container home for a
of the human mind. As creatures of habit, we tend to stay on
minimalistic chic style of living. Interior spaces reflect the way
individual swaths in terms of the clothes we purchase, homes
we react to our surroundings. TERRITORIAL emphasizes the
we decorate, places we go, to the things we eat. INTERNA-
importance and correlation between interior designs and how
TIONAL EXPOSITION focuses on the global similarities each
they are reflected in the marketplace. Runway, Retail, Collabo-
country showcased at the World Expo in Shanghai, China and
rations and Artists are all focusing on the overall experience of
how designers are influenced by such an extensive exposition.
display to differentiate them selves in the marketplace. Lastly,
Like cover artist Lucy McRae. Her idea of perfecting technol-
the experience one gains when traveling is truly exceptional
ogy affects fashion, dance or even walking down the street.
and shapes the way people are inspired from day to day ba-
Buildings and exterior spaces inspire her Architectural Silhou-
sis. BARCELONA relates dated architectural forms to current
ettes. This idea trickles to each individual lifestyle within cul-
building and design trends. This is the time where it seems
tures. THE ART OF SPA creates a concept that spas are the
exciting to explore a cast landscape of creative possibility.
PERRI ROTHENBERG + MANGUE BANZIMA + MARIEEN MALDONADO + KAREN KRIEGEL 4
Shop at our new digital Flagship at www.gucci.com Available at Bergdorf Goodman men’s Atelier
By appointment only 212. 529. 4354
USA .1800.457.98689
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
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40 CULTURE TRAVEL
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MODERN
HOW TO TOUCH THE NIGHT / IRON / 1984
CONTEMPORARY
01.15-04.29
[ TOMOHIRO INABA ]
ART FRONT GALLERY
H i l l s i d e Te r r a c e A , 2 9 - 1 8 S a r u g a k u - c h o , S h i b u y a - k u , To k y o 1 5 0 - 0 0 3 3 p h o n e : 8 1 - ( 0 ) 3 - 3 4 7 6 - 4 8 6 9 f a x : 8 1 - ( 0 ) 3 - 3 4 7 6 - 1 7 6 5 m a i l : c o n t a c t @ a r t f r o n t g a l l e r y. c o m
I N T E N A T I N A L
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EXPOSITION / PERRI ROTHENBERG
AT THE WORLD EXPO IN SHANGHAI, COUNTRIES FROM AROUND THE GLOBE SHOWCASE WHAT THEY HAVE TO OFFER FOR THE FUTURE OF ART, FASHION, AND TECHNOLOGY. 9
ART UNITED KINGDOM THEME OF BUILDING ON THE PAST AND SHAPING THE FUTURE. DESIGNED BY HEATHERWICK STUDIO. CONCEPTUALIZED TO SIMULATE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN NATURE AND CITIES. Themed “Building the past, Shaping our future,” this 6,000 square foot pavilion is also known as the “Seed Cathedral” and the area it is designed like wrapping paper, creating a jewel of life sparkling to life. The United Kingdom highlights three important aspects of their culture for the world to recognize. Green cities which emphasize how British cities ‘erase’ all the buildings and street spaces. Seed Cathedral, where visitors will be able to watch, touch and recognize seeds of different plants which demonstrate the concept of sustainability. Living City showcases plants relating living areas relating to construction and global concerns. 10
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES THEME OF POWER OF DREAMS CONCEPTUALIZED TO SIMULATE SAND DUNES COVERED IN GOLD STAINLESS STEEL. DESIGNED BY FOSTER + PARTNERS.
The UAE pavilion is a 3,000 square meter golden sand dune reminiscent of the country’s desert. The outer of the pavilion is gold-colored stainless steel. The roof looks like it has been shaped by the wind, making the pavilion shine while changing colors. This reminds visitors how important the natural environment plays in the culture and lifestyle of the UAE people. They wanted to portray the economic prosperity assisted by innovations in science and technology that has transformed this once rural society to a thriving urbanized community where nearly 200 cultures live and work together in harmony.
ITALY POLAND THEMED CITY OF MAN, DESIGNED BY GIAM- INSPIRED BY PAPER CUTTING THE POLAND PAOLO IMBRIGHI REFLECTING CITY OF MAN PAVILION IS COMPOSED OF THREE CONTHEME THAT HIGHLIGHTS 20 FUNCTIONAL CEPTS; HUMAN, CREATIVITY AND THE CITY. MODULES
Themed ‘City of Man’ this beautiful pavilion is composed of twenty functional modules that can be assembled freely. Giampaolo Imbrighi, the designer was inspired by a traditional Shanghai game where children drop a bath of twenty to thirty sticks on a table and try to move one stick at a time with out moving the others. This design also represents the 20 regions of Italy (One module for each region.) Italy also tried to reflect the harmony between different cultures and regions. They reserved a 6,000 square meter plot of land for the pavilion. Italy is also an interesting country to look at for the future considering the Wold Expo will be held in Milan in the year 2015
Poland decided to focus on building a geometrical structure covered with a unique paper-cutting pattern. The design of the 3,000 square meter pavilion analyzes the functional qualities of color, concept and aesthetics. During the day the exhibit will be filled with light filtering through the paper cutting patters, where at night it will shine with different colors. Their theme mainly focuses on their famous composer Frederic Chopin. “Chopin is more than a composer, he represents the nature of the Polish nation, but we have a very modern interpretation on his masterpieces.” Stated Kaminska. Ever since this display in 2010, designers like Roberto Cavalli have been experimenting extensively with such innovative design concepts. 11
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traddling the worlds of fashion, technology and the body, Lucy McRae is a body architect that invents and builds structures around the body that reshape the human silhouette. Born in Australia, Lucy McRae is a designer and impulsive inquisitor. She has created a job title of ‘Body Architect’ after fusing her training as a classical ballerina with an inherent fascination with the body. It is apparent through her work that Lucy has a passion for the way in which the body creates forms and movements. Lucy McRae is now based in Amsterdam and the human body is her canvas. Each proj12
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LUCY MCRAE STRADDLES THE WORLD OF FASHION, TECHNOLOGY & THE BODY. THIS BODY ARCHITECT INVENTS AND BUILDS STRUCTURES AROUND THE BODY THAT RE-SHAPE THE HUMAN SILHOUETTE.
/ PERRI ROTHENBERG
ect she takes on inhabits an artistic realm that touches base with the worlds of sculpture, architecture, science and fashion design. Her overall aesthetic is to manipulate the body’s natural structure to invent novel anatomical forms. One can certainly say that her work is truly mesmerizing. Visualizing living subjects coated, injected and bathed with other embellishments to create new bodies of exquisite imperfection. They are imbued with a haunting visceral realism that has become her creative insignia. Her work is something that has not been seen before. Never have I witnessed such a savage beauty. Af-
ter interviewing such a talented artist it grow fur, sprout gills, signaling a new are you?”. Wafting my hands in the air, is safe to say I have never met an artist cycle of evolution.” is something Lucy scrambling for a description that packwith such an interesting background. McRae has said certainly more than aged my background in ballet, architecTrained as a professional ballerina once. We asked Lucy some frequently ture and fashion I plainly said, “I’m not through her childhood and adolescence, asked questions her followers are usu- just one thing, I’m a hybrid”. He gestured she graduated from interior design at ally dying to know more about. We first towards a white board with a matrix of RMIT Melbourne. She job descriptions and was then brought to explained he needed work at Phillips Design my job title in order to in the far future design “I LIKE THINKING ABOUT HOW PERFECTING hire me, I left without project program. She is TECHNOLOGY COULD AFFECT FASHION OR the job. I called the my a TED fellow and has DANCE. IMAGINE HAVING PEOPLE WALKING soon-to-be boss and worked with such indisaid “Didn’t get the viduals and companies D O W N T H E S T R E E T P E R F O R M I N G job, as I don’t know like Nick Night, Aesop, OBSCURED ALIEN MOVEMENTS WHILE what I am.” He said Johan Renck, Robyn , “Go back and tell them Bess Hart (As seen on W E A R I N G T H I S V I B R AT I O N A L S U I T, ” you are a body archithe cover of this issue) tect”. I returned to HR American Vogue and the following week, AnOther Magazine. Her work has been asked her The second question we asked knocked on the door and said “I am a featured at exhibitions at Centre Pompi- Lucy was Where does the term “body body architect”… “Okay”, he said “Sign dou, Palais de Tokyo and has run master architect come from?” She answered here, you start next week”. Lucy is our classes at RMIT. “Challenging the animal with “I made it up to get hired for a job. cover artist because she embodies and kingdom, to create a complex display rit- I remember standing in the HR office epitomizes the future of art, architecture ual. The human form begins to distend, being faced with the question “What and fashion. [lucymcrae.net] 13
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MOSCOW ARTISTS OF THE WORLD UNITE WITH NEW EXHIBITION SPACES AND EDGY HANGOUTS THAT HAVE CREATED A FRESH MODERN ART SCENE IN MOSCOW. / PERRI ROTHENBERG With new exhibition spaces and edgy hangouts Moscow has created a fresh new modern art scene which is a perfect canvas for the city’s upcoming Biennial of international work. Russia and Great Britain have always been known for their symbolic art work for centuries with collectors from Catherine the Great. The Russian capitol is developing themselves as a major international force with a new generation of proactive Russian Artists. Focusing on four different districts of Moscow with unique galleries creates a unique itinerary for those looking to spend the day appreciating the culture of this beautiful city. Winzavod used to be a wine factory with cavernous cellars is shaping up to be a new mecca for contemporary art. Four major art galleries opened up here two years ago (CL, Aidan, Regina, and M&J Guelman.) The scent of wine still lingers as gallery owners push boundaries provoking respect and rage. They show artists that have insulted prime minister
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Vladimir Putin. The next art gallery to see is the Baibakov Art Projects. They are currently expanding its focus on education with a new initiative launching that will bring together an international community of thinkers, writers and artists to reinvigorate the act of reading in the digital era. There is more to the Russian art scene other than galleries. At Dom one should expect the unexpected at this ten year old venue which has an avant guarde theatre and cinema with live music and art exhibitions. The last must see creative studio one should visit is FAQ Cafe & Creative studio. This warren of tiny rooms in a basement is owned by Chinese-Armenian owner David Yan. He organizes sessions of jazz, body art, street performances and film showings in each themed room (guests can choose according to their mood.) Some of the rooms include the library, nursery or bedroom. This cafe has a dedicated crowd who are friendly, so do not be intimidated.
METRO: KURSKAYA
ARTISTS: NIKOLAI BAKHAREV, TRENT PARKE & ROGER BALLEN
The Grinberg Gallery is the name for the project at Gallery.Photographer.rh. The gallery was opened in 2007 in Moscow and specializes in photography conceptualized as a part of modern art.
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METRO: KROPOTKINSKAYA
ARTIST: MARIA BAIBAKOVA, LUC TYMANS, TATE MODERN
Following the trend for industrial spaces, Baibakov art project is a 2,800 square meter gallery opened at the former Red October Chocolate Factory near the Kremlin. A group of leading young British artists was the first to exhibit.
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METRO: NOVOKUZNETSKAYA
ARTISTS: LIVE MUSICIANS WHO VARY FROM WEEK TO WEEK
Dom is a decade year old unexpected venue with a unique avant garde theater and cinema that houses live music and occasional art exhibitions.
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METRO: OKHOTNY RYAD
ARTISTS: STREET PERFORMERS, BODY ARTISTS, DAVID YAN
This idiosynratic cafe is a honeypot for writers, journalists and artists. FAQ’s rooms are themed so guests can choose according to their mood. 17
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planning begins with questions such as, “What would attract guests to this spa?”, “Would guests feel at home with their expectations?”, and “What or who is this spa?”. The spa’s concept is the heart and soul or very essence of the spa and the experiences it offers. Just as we dress as who we are and our personalities shine through in our actions and decisions, so does the spa’s concept. In order for the spa’s message and market to be clear, the concept needs to be concise and easily translated into space programming, interior design features, the treatments program and marketing approaches. Although a spa resorts visual appeal may not be top of mind when one is thinking of its offerings, the way it looks has a huge impact on how it makes you feel. the spa’s design must be functional and flexible and at the same time enhance the spa’s treatment program and above all, the guest experience. The 21st-century spa is a temple of the sublime, carefully crafted to indulge all the senses. Along the guest journey, authentic adaptations and experiences of local culture or the spa’s theme are incorporated to define the sense of place and complement the guest experience. Minimalist spaces, specific and meticulously illume and decorated with elements as reflected pools and Japanese gardens, might inspire whoever walks in to engage to a self and strict meditation. A sense of tranquility must be intended where the exterior must signal the altered state of 18
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mind within. As spas keep growing, expectaAR tions and designs are ex/M pected for which they continue to rise around the world. Oversize mirrors, brightly colored crystal chandeliers, and haute-French furniture and double-height, library-like “water lounge” (shown above) with plunge pools of various temperatures and floor-to-ceiling views, is an example of a design that complements with the tranquility and positive energy needed to relax. Fundamental to the approach of these designs, it is believed that health is not simply the absence of illness. True health is what it is experienced when life is in balance, when you feel comfortable in your body, have a measure of control over your fate, and experience life as inspiring, energizing, and whole. To relax, spa guests need to be comfortable. Guests cannot realize relaxing moments without comfortable experiences. To achieve an atmosphere of wellbeing and relaxation, guests need to be able to move through the spa’s touchpoints smoothly without long walks, searches, or waiting. Each touch-point from the entrance, check-in, changing, pre treatment relaxation, to therapist greeting to treatment, post treatment relaxation, changing and finally checking out, should naturally flow from one space to the next, where whoever is going through these points feels as if they all form a complete space. Along the guest journey, authentic adaptations and experiences of local culture or the spa’s theme are incorporated to define the sense of place and complement the guest experience. Because spa programs are dynamic and evolving continuously, designs also ensure flexibility for the future. For example, in the treatment area, it is always suggested a variety of rooms that can be used for multi-purpose; dry rooms to rooms with showers that can handle any dry treatment along with body treatments, to rooms that open into a tub area for a more in depth treatment or can comfortably handle a dry treatment with the tub out of sight. Most important today than ever before, guests want high value and their grading system just got harder. The essence of the spa experience is the enjoyment and comfort of being cared for by spa staff who can deliver superior and timely service. Long after the glow of the massage or the facial has faded, guests will remember how they were treated. EcoN
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nomically, spas are working smarter with tighter reins on staffing levels. So too, must the facility work smarter. The back of house (BOH) often receives less attention in a planning process. Work on BOH design and placement should be a primary focus.It can be made so it can make. the spa’s hospitality better by strategically planning BOH spaces so staff can comfortably and effectively perform their jobs. Spa attendants, spa reception staff and the spa’s in service providers all influence the guest experience touch each points. Staff should be able to quickly access what they t r e a t need to service the guest so guests at each touch point don’t ment room. wait or are cut short of service. Employees are the main The Spa at The amenity of the spa. When planning the employees’ spac- Essex in Vermont not es well and treat their work spaces with dignity, there will only features the woods be a happier staff and that means better service to guests. and metals of Vermont but Signature features such as The Spa at the Sanctuary at Ki- also special spaces to highlight awah’s garden lights and plantings in the relaxation room Vermonter’s natural style of hospitalibring the southern garden inside along with recessed focal ty with gathering rooms where guests can points filled with sea grasses in each treatment room. The spend time with family and friends. The social Spa at The Essex in Vermont not only features the woods spa-ing trend continues as people find that the spa and metals of Vermont but also special spaces to highlight visit is a wonderful experience to share. Focusing on a clear concept, Vermonter’s flexibility for dynatural style of hospitality THE SPA’S CONCEPT IS THE HEART namic treatment programs, ease with gathof guest flow ering rooms where guests AND SOUL OR VERY ESSENCE OF THE and strategically designed back can spend of house spactime with family and SPA AND THE EXPERIENCES IT OFFERS es will deliver successful spa friends. The p e r for m an c e . social spa-ing Signature featrend continues as people find that the spa visit is a wondertures such as The Spa at the Sanctuaryht Vermonter’s ful experience to share. Focusing on a clear concept, flexnatural style of hospitality with gathering rooms where ibility for dynamic treatment programs, ease of guest flow guests can spend time with family and friends. The soand strategically designed back of house spaces will deliver cial spa-ing trend continues as people find that the spa successful spa performance. Signature features such as The Spa at the Sanctuary at Kiawah’s garden lights and plant- visit is a wonderful experience to share. Focusing on ings in the relaxation room bring the southern garden in- a clear concept, flexibility for dynamic treatment proside along with recessed focal points filled with sea grasses grams, ease of guest flow and strategically designed back of house spaces will deliver successful spa performance.
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NATURE DESIG
Garden design is defined as the art and process of designing and creating plans for layout and planting of gardens and landscapes. It is focused to customize each project and bring landscape and garden design ideas that are unique and personally suit how a person or a family live and use their outdoor areas. It is set out to enhance the aesthetic design of anyone’s property while allowing them to still get practical use out of your outdoor spaces. It is a journey undertaken by the client and the designer in which a broad range of visual concepts and relationships are explored. Gardening treads a precarious balance between controlled decision making, extenuating circumstance, and hapless accident. A successful landscape design solves visual and practical problems, enhances space and evokes mood. The design you select and help to create should reflect your lifestyle, budget and the unique architectural characteristics of your house. The trick is to maximize the potential of circumstance and accidents is by learning how, when, and where to take control. In search of a particular mood or atmosphere, the quality of light, texture and space are meant to be absorbed to design gardens as if 20
they were paintings or living sculptural environments. A successful landscape design requires a passion, an aesthetic eye, a sensitive response to the surrounding landscape and the intellectual ability to interpret the challenge into a functional and harmonious space. It may involve adding abstract elements to the scenery, changing the flora and fauna or by manipulating the surrounding landforms that in a functional and pleasing manner. Similar to other arts, landscaping is a practical form of yard art that requires a lot of time and energy as well as prior preparation and maintenance in accordance to the theme being incorporated. The art of gardening is an ancient practice. In the 17th century philosophers believed that visual beauty was the main objective of landscaping, however as time progressed the western philosophers rejected the concept pointed towards visual standard for any art form. However the recent times have yet again witnessed a rise in this artistic tradition. The art of designing gardens has evolved differently in various regions of the world from these fictitious beginnings. This simply reflects the reality that each part of our planet has its own native plants and hard materials, and its own unique set
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of circumstances of climate or environment that people desire to modify. It is the development and creation using the same craftsmanship and strict attention to detail. Some of this has been functional, such as the value of vegetable gardens nearby, the need for windbreaks on northern properties, or shade in hot southern climates. Some is related to culture, such as family gathering places, others to a common standard of beauty, such as the distinctive English Victorian formal garden. Basically it is human nature to control or modify their living space for utmost benefit; consequently the yards & gardens are personalized to generate harmony & ornamentation in life. Many themes are incorporated in landscaping these days such as Modern Contemporary that utilizes the basic landscaping design principals with the house set as the centerpiece of the design. A background accentuated with tall trees and small floral gardens especially at the entrance. Naturalistic is the subtle decoration that simply enhances the natural landscape. Shade trees and natural bushes are a vital part of this theme. Native plants and wild flowers are also encouraged. This theme requires least maintenance and may tend to look
a bit messy. Wordy known the Japanese, Chinese and Bonsai, the old Asian art can be incorporated both indoor and out Balance among extremes is considered their basic concept, having strong horizontal influences along with the calculated detailed trimmings. This is the theme mostly used near shorelines. Palm trees works best near the shore as they provide the required green affect and are compatible to seashore weather. There are many fields of study that a gardener should participate in: horticulture, geology, traveling, geography, design, and a healthy love of the natural world. As part of nature, humans will always want to feel comfortable where they are, where it can give a sense of tranquility and an atmosphere where you can feel as part of it. Feeling as part of nature will also give the person a sense of motivation and stability feeling happy with the vibes that nature transmit to you. It feels right and good when neighbors compliment on the beauty, sitting and enjoying the view and marvel at the changes that take place when different trees bloom, berries emerge, colors come and go. It is a living, breathing, ever changing work of art. 21
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DESIGN YOUR GARDEN TIPS FOR WHEN IT’S YOUR TURN TO CREATE YOUR GARDEN
Successful garden design requires learning certain skills, but in the end, a garden’s beauty is in the eye of the beholder. There are no fixed rules to garden design, but there are a few elements of composition that will serve the garden designer well, when combining plants. Yes, you can design a garden. Everyone has some creativity. So just say it: ‘I’m going to design my own garden!’
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Use ribbons of lawn to create an exciting look and lend your landscape a sense of whimsy. This offers the feeling of discovery you never; know what you’ll find as you go down different paths.
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2. Texture is as important to color in garden design. Create a sense of comfortable consistency. But too much of the same texture gets boring, so don’t be afraid to mix it up.
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3. Create surprises and add interest to your plants with little touches of art.
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4. Put together a stunning garden simply by creating fun plant combos. Look for great color or texture contrasts.
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5. Take advantage of the beauty of edible plants and incorporate them in the landscape. For example, incorporate bright green and red lettuces form an intriguing border planting and eliminate the need for a separate vegetable garden.
iPad mini We’ve got a little bit more to show you.
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he whole idea of a home is a place where you can be most comfortable, something which reflects a bit of your personality, a little of your taste and a lot of your character. Many people are unaware of the fact that their homes tell just as much about them as their dressing style. But just imagine the kind of impression you’d be making if you just invited someone to your ultra chic shipping container home. What? Usually shipping containers are known to be designed to carry heavy loads and to be stacked in high columns. They are also designed to resist harsh environments, such as on ocean, going vessels or sprayed with road salt while transported on roads. Due to their high strength, containers are useful for secure storage or in this case a home. Ship container architecture has picked up pace as people are reinventing a housing style and enjoying it too and this kind of home design is sure to make heads turn, for obvious reasons but there is more to it. Contrary to what it looks like, it is extremely easy to execute a shipping container home design.
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The biggest incentive and advantage for all those thinking about ship container houses is that they are quite cheap. Getting a used shipping container and converting it into a home is far less expensive than getting a home in the cheapest place of the city. And you might not even find what you are looking for. But with ship container houses, all you need to do is to look for one and you shall have one.
Contrary to what it looks like, it is extremely easy to execute a shipping container home design. All you need is a shipping container, a company that you can buy or rent it from, delivery guys ready to maneuver it into your back yard and lots of ideas and you can end up with a great home. Any container ship design can be easily incorporated into any container. You want to add doors or windows or need a stair case, simple enough.
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But if a completely different and personal ship container architecture is not an incentive enough for you, maybe the fact that you are actually doing some good for the environment will cheer you up. But despite all the above mentioned facts, the biggest benefit of a container ship home design is that you can absolutely make sure the exact thing you need. Ship container architecture is so designed that if you choose, you can make it reflect exactly who you are. And also, stand out from the lot from everyone else.
On an average, a shipping container takes a total of couple of months to be up and standing and ready to be moved into, right from the time of booking with the company. In some cases, you can even inform the company about what you need it to look like and those changes can be made even before the delivery is made. So you can actually see your fully fledged house being rolled down the street. But for those who want to get down to it right to the core, there is no stopping their imagination. With container ship homes, you can get exactly the kind of home you have in mind. Another amazing thing about ship container houses is that you can get them exactly where you need them. An Internet search can show you the nearest company offering this service and a delivery truck is all you need to get it.
“THE CHALLENGE IS, BESIDES TO BUILD A LEGITIMATELY SELLABLE CONTAINER HOUSE, BUT MAKING IT FEEL LIKE A TYPICAL HOME.� - CHRISTOPHER ROBERTSON, ARCHITECT 26
GARETH PUGH
FUTURISTIC WARRIOR FALL 2013. LIMITED PIECES PRICE AVAILABLE ON REQUEST ONLY
SCI-FI HIGH FASHION
TERRITORIAL No more window shopping. Is this true? The answer to this question is simple. You want to focus on the window, the ideals, the environment the aesthetic, and the presentation in order to bring them in. So yes interior matters. lead the customer to the area that makes them hand you their credit card. Think of it as a nightclub you want to lead the client to the bar. In a restaurant your target areas is usually the tables. In a retail store you want to lead the customer to your product. You need to evaluate which areas your going to focus on in order to attract and generates the most revenue and that is where you lead the eyes to focus on. No more window shopping. Is this true? The answer to this question is simple. You want to focus on the window, the ideals, the environment the aesthetic, and the presentation in order to bring them in. So yes interior matters. lead the customer to the area that makes them hand you their credit card. Think of it as a nightclub you want to lead the client to the bar. In a restaurant your target areas is usually the tables. In a retail store you want to lead the customer to your product. You need to evaluate which areas your going to focus on in order to attract and generates the most revenue and that is where you lead the eyes to focus on.
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Laurent were among the first designers to pay attention to the interior of their retail store, and they maintained the same aesthetic as the line itself. In the 21st century every luxury brand is positioning themselves to compete with one and another, not only to set the best venue but to attract the new customer, fashion journalist etc.
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used a giant soapsuds as back drop looked very realistic from a distance. There was a gradual gathering of of the fluffy white mountain. The soapsuds complimented the collection for the season, blends in to the soft fabric.
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The show was held at The Grand Palais set in a dramatic ways to energize the show , the audience, the models and to set the tone of the line. As we know Chanel was No 1 for a lot. This time Chanel used the energy solar panels and the giant wind tribunes to keep the constant flow of summer breeze throughout the space.
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Raf Simon brings his full talent to the table. After designing the collection he worked with the Bureau Betak to design the set and the venue for his first show at Chriatian Dior, he plays with contrasting colors, tones and texture in the space. The yellow canary curtain fall along the passageway and the window.
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Introducin m y / b o l a t t i t u d t o / t h e / l u u r y / s o c e t y / o / N e w Y o r k C i t 32
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Born again with a new platform and ideas Lady Gaga evoked the emotion as many artist in the 21st century. This initiative is a good thing for a down girl. Growing downtown in the lower east side, Gaga said it was hard to get uptown because no one understood my style. Now if she is a popular star, everyone wants to belike lady Gaga. this is impossible. Most of us cant not pull off her style. CAN you wear a meat dress? can you wear these bold colors ? The asnwer to these questions can be simple and easy one probably need to simply visit her workshop in the Barneys New York. In the recent article by Samantha Critchel from the Hunffinghton post NEW YORK -- For the grand opening of Gaga’s Workshop, it seemed as if Lady Gaga chartered a sleigh, picked up Santa Claus and Willy Wonka along the way and land-
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ed Monday night at Barneys New York flagship on Madison Avenue. The Workshop is the retailer’s instore holiday shop, conceived, designed and christened by Lady Gaga – 5,500 square feet of bright colors, crazy shapes and a gigantic cartoon statue of the superstar herself in a pinup pose surrounded by jagged mirrors and sitting atop thousands of black plastic discs. From the street, passers-by get a hint of what’s taken over the fifth floor of the store since Gaga and stylist Nicola Formichetti also created the seasonal window displays, always an attraction during the holidays, but the crowds typically don’t start building hours before the unveiling as they did on Monday. To keep them entertained, a troupe of clowns-turned-carolers sang some of Gaga’s signature songs, including
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“The Edge of Glory” and “Born This Way.” “It’s a `Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ moment,” Gaga said. “We wanted it all to be whimsical and fun, with a sense of art and fashion.” She doesn’t have time to do much holiday shopping anymore, she explained, but Christmas was a special time in her “traditional Italian house,” where the smell of food cooking all day is one of her fondest childhood memories. As for gifts, her favorite as a teenager was a ticket to see a Tori Amos concert. She pointed out at Barneys the hair bows attached to headbands, iPhone and iPad covers and stiletto-heel holiday stockings as potential hits for her fans. We hope to see more of this collaboarative projects with another retailer with a different touch in the near future. 33
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A R T I S T S YAYOI KASUMA: MY LIFE IS DOT LOST AMONG THOUSANDS YAYOI KASUMA Is a Japanese artist born in 1929 in Matsumoto Nagano. Throughout her career she worked in different areas such as painting, collage, performing art an many more. But she focuses on psychedelic colors by repeating pattern within her work. She is a minimalist and a true contemporist. As we
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noticed a burst of collaborative trend among artists. Luxury brand Louis Vuitton has collaborated with Kasuma to create a collection of new product category using her signature polka dots. Unlike the Elephant displayed in front of the Gallery Lafayatte in Paris. Louis Vuitton decide to have
The Louis Vuitton collaboration with Yayoi Kusama is the most successful so in the history of LV collaboartions maybe aso be the most successfull in the history of fashion. LVMH celebrated the repeated sellouts, Selfridges will keep the relationship with Yayoi for future collaboration in order to incorporate her work in the visual merchandising of the store front. In fact her work is schedule to be display into place above its front doors on Oxford Street, just in case people missed the Kusama/Vuitton products in its 25
windows. As Investor can no longer rely on the late Robert Hughes to explain its success. Kasuma said‘‘ I’ve toiled with two theories. Either the eternal repetitiveness of YK’s trademark polka dots are a metaphor for the insatiable yearnings of the modern consumer, or it’s all about Kusama’s hair. According to Lisa Armstrong from the Fashionblog ‘‘It’s not just the pumpkin colour (very 2012), but the precision bobbing. No one, from Anna Wintour to Victoria Beckham, has failed to assail the citadels of fashion with that cut.’’ 35
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Black and white is the new classic colors it also dominates spring 2013 fashion across the board . We saw alot of it on the runways from Marc Jacobs , Micahels Kors you name it to many more. Can the avant-garde also catch the glance of it ? Here is the answer with Comme De Garcons they are keeping it fresh and current right off the runway onto their walls in an art from. They used it in the simpler way so that it is not disturbing to the eyes . They pretty much gave it a value by applying on the facade of their Flagship store in Japan. Rey Kawakubo has a say everywhere especially when it comes to her direction and her non communicative way of expressing herself by saying very little. Well this building speaks for
itself. Kawakubo maintains a holistic hands-on approach to running her company and is personally involved in the graphic design, advertising and shop interiors of her brands. Her imprint is especially visible at the Comme des Garรงons flagship store in Aoyama, Tokyo, which features beautiful sloping glass decorated with little blue dots. Kawakubo maintains a holistic hands-on approach to running her company and is personally involved in the graphic design, advertising and shop interiors of her brands. Her imprint is especially visible at the Comme des Garรงons flagship store in Aoyama, Tokyo, which features beautiful sloping glass decorated with little blue dots. These retail spaces are thoughfully planned and built. 37
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Y O R K LONDON M I L A N ALEXANDER MCQUEEN defied the art in clothes and maintains his aesthetic also the memories from growing up in London. Savile Row evoque alot o emotinal memories for both Mc Queen and Sara Burton. Just recently the team decided to open his first menswear store on Savile Row. Designed by architects at David Collins, who also designed the concept Alexander McQueen women’s store in Dover Street in London, the store offers a full 38
collection of his ready-to-wear, and accessories and he offers custom tailoring service to its customers. The lower level of the store is design for special projects. This concept takes us back to the roots of Mr McQ said Sarah Burton, creative director. They are thrill t relaunch Savile Row once again. With modern retailer there is a focus on the interior display specifically the fixture in the store itself. The flag ship at Savile Row has giant art pieces through-
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out the store painted by famous artists. There is a sense of joy, happiness, peace, richness which will then encourage a customer to break the bank. Overall the aesthetic pretty much define Alexander Mc Queen aesthetic. Sara Burton has done a remarkable job keeping the aesthetics of Alexander McQueen strong and alive. I enjoyed the collection for RTW 2013 fascinating with the bee hive perfect example of how to balance a style things are working together from the texture on the jacket to the details on the hat. The McQueen world will always remain in our world and will
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Barcelona, Spain is the second largest city in Spain with a population of 1,621,537. It is the largest metropolis on the Mediterranean Sea. It is located on the Mediterranean coast between the mouths of the rivers Llobregat and Bésos. Barcelona is one of he world’s leading tourist, economic, trade fair/exhibitions and cultural-sports centers, and its influence in commerce, education, entertainment, media, fashion, science, and the arts all contribute to its status as one of the world’s major global cities. In 2009, Barcelona was ranked Europe’s third and Europe’s fourth best city for business and fastest improving European city, with improving
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growth of 17% per year. Two of the best architectural destinations are Park Güel and Casa Batlló.Park Güel is a garden complex with architectural elements on the hill of El Carmel in the Grácia district Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. The park was designed by the Spanish architect, Antoni Gaudi and built between 1900 and 1914. It is 0.1718 km², making it one of the largest architectural works in south Europe. Originally, the park was part of a commercial housing site, idea of Count Eusebi Güel, which the park was named after. The housing site plan turned out to be unsuccessful so it was made into a park later. The site was originally a rocky hill with little vegetation and hardly any trees; it used to be known as Muntanya Pelada (Bare Mountain). The park includes a large country house that was originally meant for sale but there were no buyers. In the end, Güel suggested that Gaudí could live there with his family and he accepted. Antoni Gaudi, with all his savings bought the house. The house’s name was Larrard House or Muntaner de Dalt House.The intention of the park was to exploit the fresh air, away from the factories, and the beautiful views from the site, with sixty lots being provided for luxury houses. It was then converted into a municipal garden and can be reached by subway, city buses, or commercial tourist busses. Park Güel was designed to bring the peace and calm that one would expect from a park. The focal point of the park is the main terrace, surrounded by a long bench in the form of a sea serpent. The curves of the serpent bench form a number of enclaves, creating a more social at-
mosphere. The park has elements of nationalism, elements from religious mysticism, and ancient poetry.Casa Batlló is another great work of Antoni Gaudí on Passeig de Grácia. It was first built in 1877 and remodeled by Gaudí between 1904 and 1906. The local name of the building is Casa dels ossos (House of Bones) because the outside façade of Casa Batlló looks like it has been made from skulls and bones because of it’s visceral, skeletal organic quality. The skulls are the balconies and the bones are the pillars. He used colors and shapes found in marine life as inspiration for his creativity in this building. The colors chosen for the façade are colors found in natural coral. The building was designed for Josep Batlló, a wealthy aristocrat. He lived in the lower levels with his family and the upper floors were rented out as apartments. The inside of the house shows Gaudi’s attention to detail and the varying window sizes and positions ensures uniform lighting throughout the house.It looks like Gaudí’s goal was so avoid straight lines completely, everything is curved. Most of the façade is decorated with mosaic made of broken ceramic tiles that goes from shades of golden orange to greenish blues.The façade has three distinct sections which are harmoniously integrated. The top displays a trim with ceramic pieces that has attracted multiple interpretations. The central part, which reaches the last floor, is a multicolored section with protruding balconies.
The lower ground floor with the main floor and two first-floor galleries are contained in a structure of Montjuïc sandstone with undulating lines.The top of the building is a crown, like a huge gable, which is at the sme level as the roof and helps to conceal the room where there used to be water tanks. This room is currently empty. The roof ’s arched profile recalls the spine of a dragon with ceramic tiles for scales, and a small triangular window towards the right of the structure simulates the eye. Legend has it that it was once possible to see the Sagrada Familia through this window, which was being built simultaneously. The view of the Sagrada Familia is now blocked from this vantage point by newer buildings. The tiles were given a metallic sheen to simulate the varying scales of the monster, with the color grading from green on the right side, where the head begins, to deep blue and violet in the center, to red and pink on the left side of the building.Alexander McQueen’s new collection Spring 2013 Ready-To-Wear relates to Gaudí’s work because of the fine details, color, and shapes. The pierced corsets looks like the
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TRAVEL balconies at Casa Batlló and the honey comb shapes like mosaics. This is what Style.com has to say about this collection: Everything about bees was an endlessly rewarding inspiration for Sarah Burton’s new Alexander McQueen collection. Forget the obvious—she has, after all, proved herself the McQueen Bee with a spectacular string of buzzy fashion coups. Instead, think about a honey-based color palette, plus the patterning possibilities of comb, plus the frisson of the bee sting, plus the salient fact that Burton is an expectant mother. All of which equals a collection as conceptual and precise as anything from Lee McQueen’s heyday, but with an added— and odd—intimacy. To be honest, it felt slightly mad. The models’ heads were covered in archly modernist beekeepers’ veils. The clothes they wore refracted a honeycomb motif through a dozen wasp-waisted guises, bound, haltered, and harnessed in a tortoiseshell that could quite equally have been a rich, sweet toffee. The hyper-exaggerated female silhouette was derived from the pinups of Alberto Vargas. “Celebratory,” said Burton. “Back to
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womanhood after last season’s overblown proportions.” Eroticism was a touchstone: a cheeky bra strap here, a body in resin tortoiseshell there. The sinuous drape of a red dress over a honeycomb bustier would have been enough to raise Vargas himself from the dead. But what would he have made of dresses as structured as a Tudor gown? Or a full-skirted yellow extravaganza that looked as though it had been designed to galvanize bees from here to eternity? It was even more spectacular in red. In fact, so saccharine that the show could only close with the Archies’ “Sugar, Sugar.” And that was the sting—sweetness that would choke a diabetic.Like her mentor, Burton used a fashion show as an opportunity to register a statement of intent. There was a real coherence to her new collection—thank you, Buzzy— but it will be interesting to see how she translates it into something more accessible. Hers is a great story. Everyone should hear it.Vogue had this to say about it: There was a buzz at Alexander McQueen—a buzz gener-
ated, quite literally, by bees. “I don’t know what started it,” laughed Sarah Burton backstage before the show. “Maybe female worker bees, like all of us in the studio.” She picked up a cylindrical mesh headpiece and put it on. “These were inspired by
beekeepers’ hats.” All around her, pale, attenuated girls were being strapped into wasp-waist corseted double-peplumed jackets made of gold-on-black honeycomb-patterned jacquard jackets, cagelike pannier dresses, and hard, tortoiseshell-resin harnesses and bras. On a table lay the deep gilded-metal chokers, crawling with jeweled bees, which were about to be clamped on as the finishing touch. The result was certainly faithful to the late Alexander McQueen’s templates—the hourglass silhouette, the romantic crinolines, the uncompromising shoes (which this time were sculpted as hollow Lucite wedges, with golden crystals rattling in the heels).
Burton, however, tends to look more to the positive creative forces of nature for her source material, and she’s got a bit of another kind of life-force creativity going on in a personal way, too: She’s pregnant, due in February. Although, in the macabre McQueen tradition, there was something authentically creepy-repulsive about John Maybury’s film of swarming bees that played at
the end of the runway, Burton emphasized that she’s more interested in “sensuality and the female form, and doing something light but not naked.” The pretty, exaggerated prom dresses, studded with flowers (after all, bees need pollen) at the end expressed that lightness best. McQueen has a large list of personal clients who queue for dresses made to measure. They’ll
be swarming all over these. Sarah Burton was chanelling Barcelona, and more specifically, Gaudi’s works this season with her curvy silhouetes, embelishments, and structure. The detail in Gaudí’s and Burton’s work is impeccable.
THE PIERCED CORSETS LOOKS LIKE THE BALCONIES HONEY
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ARMANI HOTEL / A
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Having a successfull company is not enough for Giorgio Armani, he made a hotel using his sleek, high fashion sense. Giorgio Armani was acclaimed the most successful designer to come out of Italy. The Armani Hotel only has great reviews, like this one: “We stayed at hotel Armani last month. We booked the hotel room through Dubaionsale.com and we got good discounts on rates + whole tour at a great price. Still it ws costly .But after reaching the resort and staying there we feel that its worth for every penny they charged. Hotel Armani is home away from home offering unparalleled levels of service.The hotel is modern and luxurious with outstanding hospitality. The hotel is in the tallest building in the world just at walk from Dubai mall and the Marina. We reached the hotel 1 day earlier from our bookings so for that day they gave us deluxe room and the next day we were shifted to classic room. But all in this process one thing we realize that the hotel staff is very cooperative, they always at your service. The rooms are amazing whether we you stay in deluxroom or in classic room. The deluxe room is provided with king sized bed including LCD, DVD player and all other required amenities. The room has attached bathroom with individual shower and bath-
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tub. The classic room features an entrance hall with compact closet, an elegantly designed living room, bedroom and bathroom. The interior of the room is modern and fully furnished. We talk about the dining in the hotel than you have large number of choices. There are seven different restaurants- lounge, Mediterranean, ristorante, amal, peck, hashi and prive. All of them were perfect location wise and food wise. We tried Italian food in ristorante and Indian food in Amal. The quality and the taste of food was mouth watering. The hotel has well maintained spa treatment centre. The spa offers beautiful unique spaces and outstanding service for individual treatment. You view the sow of water works(Dubai fountain) standing on the tallest building of the world. You can imagine all the shops, swimming with sharks and ice skating rings in the Dubai Mall.The hotel is the right place for stay in middle of the city. Only drawback is no view from the room.”Armani Hotel Dubai promises a ‘home-away-from-home’ experience in line with the Stay with Armani philosophy. The Armani approach goes beyond visual aesthetics, offering unparalleled levels of service based around our signature lifestyle concept.This unique hospitality concept encourages Armani guests to spend quality time
with families and friends, engage business associates and experience the finest service.Armani Hotel Dubai’s Lifestyle Managers are representative hosts, anticipating your needs and ensuring that each guest gets the most out of their stay and visit to Dubai. From fast track check-in from the comfort of your suite to personalizing your stay with customised SPA treatments and those special added touches, your Lifestyle Manager is on call around the clock.The different restaurants are Armani/ Lounge, Armani/Mediterraneo, Armani/Ristorante, and Armani/Amal. The Armani/Lounge is located in the heart of the hotel and overlooking the spectacular Dubai fountain, Armani/Lounge is the perfect spot to meet and relax for a light meal any time of day. The perfect place to meet friends, discuss business or just watch the world go by while enjoying innovative interpretations of international cuisine. An extensive selection of coffees, teas and wines complement a world-class array of beverages. Armani/Lounge is the definitive destination in which to enjoy an ItalRETREAT INTO A ian-style aperitivo at sunset. In WORLD OD UNDERSTATED the Armani/Mediterraneo, you ELEGANCE IN EACH OF can enjoy the diverse flavours of the mediterranean at any THE 160 GUESTROOMS time of day. Contemporary caAND SUITES. sual style defines Armani/Mediterraneo, from breakfast through to late-night dining. Kick-start your morning with a creative buffet take on the classic continental breakfast, or opt for la carte favourites prepared by skilled chefs. Take a culinary journey accross the region for lunch or dinner and savour a truly aunthentic selection of regional specialities.In the Armani/ Ristorante, you can savour the best regional italian cuisine, served with style. Armani/ Ris torante draws on the richgastronomic tradiditions of Tuscany and other Italian regions to deliver a menu that blends traditional recipes with modern interpretations. The restaurants refined interior features the expansive Enoteca, a special library featuring over 800 labels of hand-selected wine. In Armani/Amal you can gather with friends to savour the true taste of India in an unforgettable setting. Fresh and innovative regional Indian cuisine is on the menuat Armani/Amal, along with an exitingbeverage list and selected teas. Exotic curries and other specialties are prepared tableside, showcasing time-honored traditional cooking methods and ingredients. Enjoy a memorable dining experience with stunning views over the Downtown Dubai neighborhood and The Dubai Fountain.The Armani/SPA has
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a life spa environment the reflects the Armani lifestyle and design philosophies; offering beautiful unique spaces and outstanding service for individual treatments, personal fitness, sequential thermal bathing, creative spa cuisine and private and social. Armani/SPA offers a fully tailored sensory experience to suit the needs of every individual. Simply reserve your desired SPA time and design your personal SPA collection, combining unique therapies and services. Spa therapies have been designed to fulfill different goals. MU quenches desire for relaxation and stillness; LIBERTĂ encourages freedom of movement and the release oh physical pain; and FLUIDITĂ enhances vitality, restoring internal balance. All treatments and SPA times may be booked in advance with your Lifestyle Manager, or directly at the SPA.Located in the heart of the hotel, there are three key retail outlets that offer guests the chance to indulge in sweet, beautiful, and timeless pieces from Armani.
S T A Y W I T H A R M A N I . D E S I G N E D B Y G I O R G I O A R M A N I .
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H O T E L F A S A N O B O A V I S T A
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T O P R E A D E R ’ S C H O I C E H O T E L S
PERIVOLAS, SANTORINI
ROSEWOOD MAYAKOBÁ
READERS’ CHOICE RATING:
READERS’ CHOICE RATING:
Rooms: 98.3 Service: 100 Food: 95.8 Location: 100 Design: 98.3 Activities: 95.7
Rooms: 97.8 Service: 95.6 Food: 91.2 Location: 94.5 Design: 94.5 Activities: 94.4
THE PENINSULA TOKYO
PARK HYATT SEOUL
READERS’ CHOICE RATING:
READERS’ CHOICE RATING:
Rooms: 94.1 Service: 100 Food: 87.1 Location: 100 Design: 97.1
Rooms: 100 Service: 96.1 Food: 93.2 Location: 89.5 Design: 96.1
98.1
95.8
94.7
95.0
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Shouldn’t Flying Be art?
C U L T U R E /
+ + KAREN KRIEGEL
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MANGUE BANZIMA
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MARIEEN MALDONADO
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P R O D U C T I O N
PERRI ROTHENBERG
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D I G I T A L
T R A V E L
AUTUMN & WINTER 2012