Word of the day

Ahh... SO RIGHT!! Don't you think so guys?

Enjoy your weekend and have fun tonight;)

This is the way I'd imagine heaven must look at night

Oh yes, I like it kitsch. I loovee it kitsch!!! What can I say, write it all over my face and I'll walk proud through the crowd. I think the concept of the word kitsch has strongly changed direction through years and though it was born as a name for ugly and tasteless things, today we have brought it to a whole new level. I don't know how's it for you guys, but if I think of something kitsch very extravagant, vivid and almost bizarre images flow right through my mind. As if kitsch was a modern version of baroque, the need to give vent to our inner tensions and fantasies.. And in my opinion this freedom of expression strongly beats any other kind of etically-correct style. In this case the famous philosophy of clean lines and shapes "Less is more"(by Mies van der Rohe himself, he's one of the most influent architects of the 20th century) does not work for me. Yes..most of the times I agree - less is really more and it's safe and easy and classy blablabla but let's face it: sometimes less is just.. less. There are moments and places where you need it more sassy, confusing and intriguing. I'm talking about nightlife. The reason I got so exited and writing this, is because of this fabulous, just heavenly beautiful place I came across on the web!!! :)

So let me introduce you this incredible glamorous night club they just opened in Las Vegas called "Vanity" (could not have a more perfect name). In the urge to experience a crazy night out full of flirts and exitement this place is where You Need To Go.

The Vanity Club is hosted in the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas (Morgans Hotel Group). I would say kitsch has accomplished it's maximum expression in the interiors of this club and words ugly or vulgar wouldn't even nearly come up to my mind.

The design is firmed by "Mr. Important", an interior design company specialized in creating indelible restaurant, nightclub, retail and nightlife experience. They sure are not newcomers in this business: Dolce Social Lounge or Blush Nightclub, just to name a few other.

The key of this place is the absolutely fabulously designed illumination: the crystal cloud which rises from the floor and travels in all directions above the dancefloor is a real masterpiece. This vortex of glass and light comprised of 20,000 pieces of crystal covers 1200 sq ft.

Entering the club you walk through a swirled corridor of honeycombed textural wall finish which you find also present behind-d the bar.

One of the most dramatic aspects of the club is the back lit pivot doors which open up to the atmospheric lounge exterior.



The outdoor space is inviting and theatrical with the circular fire place providing seating all around with great views.

There are many corners and seating spaces around the club which create this aspect of space within a space.



The element which contributes majorly in creating a classy atmosphere are the walls covered with sensual photographs representing women of a soft diva attitude.



The nostalgic aura of these photographs kinda evoke the memories of the faded Golden Ages of Hollywood..



Shots are taken by a professional (fashion) photographer Yelena Yemchuk.



Talking about fashion photography, Miles Aldridge's masterwork decorates the walls of the ultra glam bathroom. On one wall golden eye, on the opposite side golden lips.



The jewel bathroom is decorated with designs firmed by Jaime Hayon, the designer I've post you about here (click!), and the beautiful digit chandeliers are by Emmanuel Babled Studio.



This fancy boudoir features soft raspberry coloured chenille poufs for each sink area with a large individual lit make up mirror, I bet it's a great reason for a girl fight (I would!).

"Vanity is a sensualists playground of controlled chaos, precisely like the jewel box fantasies that fuel it."

- Mr.Important.

.. and suddenly everything feels right

no big talking today:
Today was/is one of those days when nothing seems to go right. I guess the sun isn't illuminating my sixth house rightly or Mars is positioned badly- I always blame it on the stars. It's kinda easier to have an excuse when things aren't going well, don't you think? But an excuse won't do alone. You need a thing, a trick which makes the blue cloud vanish away. For me it's music. Amazing how it works sometimes: listening to the right song is like taking a pill and pufff! the stress is gone. This one saved me today:

What's your "anti-stress pill" (and if it's music then which is your song) ?

PS! If you're looking for a good horoscope online check out elle.com, they've got daily, weekly and monthly predictions and trust me, very often they get it right!

Le Grand Hotel

"Le Grand Hotel infuses a sophisticated maritime palette of navy, cream and white with touches of gold and glamorous references to eveningwear, creating a dramatic interpretation of an elegant riviera suite." - Ralph Lauren Home S/S collection.

Yesterday I returned home after a week of stay at my grandparents' place (as it's more near to school) and it feeels so incredibly GOOD.. my room, my bed, my things.. I'm sure you all know what I'm talking about 'cause there really is no place like home, and especially no home like your parents home (where you grew up) ! So this weekend is really all about being in my pj's and watching movies and basically just doing nothing.. is it me or it really has become a luxury hard to afford these days! So talking about "home luxury".. I was enjoying my cup of tea while I came across this marvellous Ralph Lauren's new home collection called Le Grand Hotel. If I have to think of a traditionally classy home I think about Ralph Lauren right away.. RL is the maximum expression of the "home high fashion" in my eyes. Check out the last collection here!

This collection a great mix of different styles: neoclassical shapes in typical French Riviera colours (the deep blue of the sea and the creamy white with a touch of gold) plus I do "smell" a bit of colonial revival in the general image of the colletcion. Though I like it, as it's classy and clean, I must say it is also a bit too safe & predictable, very "Ralph Lauren", it would be nice to see them take a risk or something. Love the navy blue but I prefer the creamy bedroom version, which I find just adorable! If I should decorate a nice romantic hotel at the seaside I would definitely choose RL. And here my imagination starts to flow again.. a relaxing weekend at the Côte d’Azur, it would do no harm at all, don't you think? ahhhh IF ONLY!

:)

So talking about cozy and homie homes here are some RL's "how to" suggestions:

-How can I create a warm, intimate setting in my bedroom?

The trick to creating an inviting bedroom is to make it look tastefully lived in. Make the bed look ready to be slept in at any time by turning down the covers. Choose colors that are soft and warm, with one or two deep shades thrown in for contrast. Work with layers to build a rich look, from the richest, crispest flat and fitted sheets to the warmest, most inviting blankets. Infuse your personality into the classics by adding throw pillows and shams that suit your whims with each passing season; it’s an easy way to put a fresh face on your favorite retreat. Group small items, such as picture frames and vases, in an artful arrangement on the dresser or nightstand to finish. Once you purchase quality basics, your bed is made for a lifetime, so don’t be afraid to invest in items that will withstand the test of time.

-How can I use lighting to create a mood? The right lighting can add drama and elegance to any room. Whether turned up or dimmed low, ambient lighting sets the mood. Ambient lighting works well with task lighting (like a pharmacy lamp pulled up next to a reading chair or a bed.) The contrast between general light and task light lends mystery and drama to an interior. The most romantic light is accent lighting. The gleam of candles through glass hurricanes, or the glow of votives in crystal glasses scattered throughout a room, across a dining table or along a mantle are perfect ways to create accent lighting. Set a mood that’s right for you.

They have also another more casual styled collection called "La Plage", will try to post it;)

So what do you think about it? Do you like it?

Who's Your City?

Ohh my dears.. finally. How are you doing all? Thought I'd write a little about myself, just for a change. This period one of the main things which occupies my mind is the choice of University. The Right One. I guess one of the biggest issues we have is finding out what to do with our life and who to become in the first place. Once you've decided, the second Question Mark which annoyingly pops up is where to begin? And let me say this Question is a huugeee pain in youknowwhere + doesn't seem to want to disappear.

So, my decision is made: I'm procedeeing with architecture. Rome has been wonderful (oh, and will always be!) from this point of view: the cultural and historical knowledge I've got from here is something irreplaceable and something I wouldn't have ever got from somewhere else. Imagine to learn the ABC of architecture & art in a 3D version- that's what's Rome all about. That said, I feel I need to go. From the beginning of this year I've talked to many people about this, from my teachers to anyone imaginable. I've digged everywhere and the cities I was suggested to go are: Barcelona, Vienna, Berlin (as well as other German cities), Valencia, Amsterdam, Helsinki (most named amongst the Northern European cities), Milano and London. Now.. it's hard and yet very simple. The most realistic choice is between the programs which offer english languaged courses. And the most simple one is to look straight in London & UK.

Today I was invited to a meeting organized by the QS Top Grad School World Tour (chek out their site!). First there was a seminar and then later on everybody had the chance to talk personally with the representatives of the uni's. Actually I wasn't sure of going there or not as I knew it was going to be more focused on business schools and mainly on master courses & Phd's (the highest academic level you could get), but I'm happy I went. And I was the youngest person in there ! Anyway, I met only 2 uni's which have the faculty of architecture (Nottingham and Savannah, in the States) but I got a lot of information on how to apply and how to present myself on the interviews. A very stimulating conference. Plus I have to admit, the whole university choosing process is quite confusing and may be even intimidating so going on these kind of events helps to superate the fears and insecurity (if you have any). Here's an article about how to choose the right top graduate program, if interested.

It was held in the Radisson Blu Hotel (the picture above). My mother used to work there and after school I used to spend a lot of time there. I must be honest: officially it's a five star hotel but it isn't worth the cost. Maybe for a night though.. Because the interior design is really nice, the lobby is all white and characterized by smooth shapes and volumes. On the last floor, there's a big terrace and a nice big pool. I don't have the pictures in this computer but I'm promising you to post them as soon as possible.

So.. I thought I'd share this with you and if anybody has any suggestions or thoughts... Or even better, if you'd like to share your experience.. I'm anxious to hear about !

All photographs, except the one of the hotel, are taken by Jason Hawkes, who's specialized in aerial photography. You should definitely check out his site (click!).