by MINI

The British MINI has just launched the conceptual Rocketman at the International Geneve Motor Show. Wide-opening doors and an adjustable luggage compartment that can be adapted by pulling out a drawer at the back of the car characterize the guiding principle of this project. A response to the requirements of mobile lifestyles in the big cities of the future, the 3+1-seater with 3 doors features integrated fibre-optics that illuminates the interior and a glass roof, which is imprinted with the Union Jack. (mais…)

BNP Paribas by Zoevox

In order to establish a renewed and more humane connection between individuals and capital, the Paris-based architect, Fabrice Ausset, of Zoevox, has conceived this ground-breaking bank concept store for BNP Paribas; located in the historical building of 2, Place de l’Opéra.

In ten specific zones, all regular banking functions from daily banking to stock-market info, private meetings, staff training can take place with the emphasis on breaking the age-old banking set-up where the client and the teller/banker are on opposite sides. (mais…)

by Studio XAG

Used to running projects that range from bespoke installations, to design and production of entire window schemes, Studio XAG has created a windowpane in London – on Mount Street – for French fashion designer, Christian Louboutin. (mais…)

by Lorenzo Vitturi

The Venetian artist, Lorenzo Vitturi, lives and works between London, Milan and Venice. Graduated in photography and design at IED in Rome, he makes the most of this interdisciplinarity to set the scenes of thoughts and ideas through the manipulation of space.

This series of images is a site specific project that took place in a palace in Vitturi’s hometown. The main idea of this Neon Intervention was to transform the historic environment of the palace into a metaphysical space playing with the contrast between classic and contemporary. (mais…)

Ralph Lauren Sporting Watch

Also driven by the passion for 1920’s automobiles, the American style magnate, Ralph Lauren, searched for inspiration in his most prized vintage vehicle, the 1938 Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic, to conceive his new Sporting Watch, which is named after him.

The new Ralph Lauren Sporting Watch is a stylish fusion of fashion and motorsport: the elm burr wood frame is the same fine veneer found in that beautiful Bugatti’s instrument panel. Within, a set of hands rotate around a matte black galvanic dial, where Arabic numerals legibly display the time. (mais…)

by Studio Toogood

Visiting a second-hand store can be amazingly fruitful for those who do not suffer from the lack of imaginative fibre. The London-based, Studio Toogood, has presented us with the fine result of the interplay between creativity and ingeniousness.

Called Binbags, these stylish handbags are made from old binocular cases sourced from stores of antiques. Then, the former cases are individually adapted with golden linings plus useful additions like makeup mirrors and travelcard pockets.

Elegant and charming, these bags nicely represent the transforming power of design by turning the second-hand into the exclusive and desired. (mais…)

by Philippe Starck

Located just few minutes from the famous Arc de Triomphe and Champs-Elysees, the historic Le Royal Monceau has welcomed innumerable dignitaries, celebrities and artists since it opened in 1928.

Born from a dream, the refurbishment of the Royal Monceau was a huge project to transform the legendary institution into a new place of culture and Parisian elegance. Conceived under the creative eye of the French designer, Philippe Starck, the hotel was re-opened last month as a 21^st century French masterpiece that combines Le Royal Monceau’s unique style, which celebrates the French tradition of art de vivre, with a stylish residential charm. (mais…)