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.

Illuminate me

When it comes to interior design (or better) interior architecture, I think no-one can disagree when I say that lighting is the most important thing. Let's leave a side the styling, the volumes, the colours, the arredo and furniture.. because every single thing loses it's importance when the light is absent. The right illumination, it's everything.
It's amazing how much you can play with your room with good (read: right) lighting: from underlining the key-elements of the decor or just hiding the defects to creating different atmospheres and shaping the space as you want.

The illumination sources not always are visibilly seen and not necessarily are main decor-elements of a room, as it used to be before the use of electricity. From the 15th century till 19th the chandelier, besides being the main source of light, was also the decorative focal element of the room and because of the high cost of night time illumination it has always been a sort of a symbol of status and luxury.
A side this, I find it's rather cozy in a room where you can see the lighting source. Don't you think?

But let me get to the main point of this post- Swarovski has totally understood the conception of "light" and chandelier, especially the part of "..the bigger is your chandelier, the more noble is your status..", and for many years for now the Austrian Crystal company has worked with many famous designers to produce elegant and rather breath-taking illumination installations under the label of Swarovski Crystal Palace. (check!)

"Miss Haze" and "Lolita" both by Ron Arad for Swarovski Crystal Palace.

"Swarovski Crystal Palace is a revolutionary project that has aimed to create a signature interpretations of light and design using the emotive medium of crystal. Whilst celebrating and reinterpreting the rich traditions of the chandelier, Swarovski Crystal Palacahas broken barriers, played with the rules and opened a new chapter in the history of lightening, art and design. Now in it's eight year, Swarovski Crystal Palace has worked with some of the world's foremost and collectable designers including Zaha Hadid, Yves Behar, Studio Job, Ross Lovegrove, Tom Dixon, Ron Arad, Tokujin Yoshioka and Fernando and Humberto Campana."
- Nadja Swarovski, Vice President International Comunications, Swarovski.

There are different collection-lines: Commercial, Limited Edition, One of a Kind and Custom made. Now enough of talking, just take a look of these wonderful- wonderful pieces of art, all unique and heavenly beautiful!

"Light Sculpture" by Zaha Hadid, Custom Made.


"Light Sculpture"


"Light Sculpture"

"Light Sculpture"

"Glitterbox", Georg Baldele, Commercial Collection.

"Glitterbox"

"Cascade" by Vincent van Duysen, Commercial Collection.

"Cascade"

Yves Behar, I didn't find the title. It should be part of the Commercial Collection.


"Hover" by Michael Gabellini with B&B Italia. (this is not Swarovski)


"Liquid Space" by Ross Lovegrove, Custom Made.


"Liquid Space"


"Liquid Space"


"Liquid Space"


no fantasy needed here- the title is "Ball", by Tom Dixon, Commercial Collection, mini version.


"Ball"


"Ball"


"Ice Furniture Stool" by Tord Boontje, Commercial Collection.


"Lolita" by Ron Arad, The Limited Edition.


"Lolita"


"Pandora" by Fredrikson Stallard.


"Pandora"


"Globe" by Studio Job, The Limited Edition.


"Globe", at the Viktor&Rolf S/S '10 fashion show, the one I posted about here (check!).


"Mini Voyage" by Yves Behar, Commercial Collection.


"Mini Voyage"


"Voyage" by Yves Behar.


"Voyage"


"Dream Saver", by Arno Quinze, One of a Kind.
This is my personal favourite.
Really beautiful.


"Mediterraneo" by Gaetano Pesce, One of a Kind.
This should move as it's programmed to change shape thanks to the music beat.. for more information you should check from the web, it's something I read a long time a go;)


"Mediterraneo".

Which was your favourite one?
Mine was Voyage by Yves Behar;)