The Serpentine Pavilion

I popped along to the Serpentine Gallery this week to look at the new Summer Pavilion.  Designed by Smiljan Radic, the Folly looks like a large chrysalis on top of some rocks.  I'm not too sure that was the look he was going for, but the texture of the fibreglass structure really comes into it's own when you are inside.  He was representing papier mache, and it definitely gave that effect.

Sharp LED lights with a "rubberised" diffuser snaked through the space, and distinctive cuts in the structure allowed views through to the surrounding park.  A stark contrast to the Serpentine Gallery itself, it had an air of "the space ship has landed". 

Probably not my favourite pavilion thus far on the outside, I loved the space on the inside.

The Serpentine Gallery

Paphos - Mosaics

I have been lucky enough to go to Paphos recently to do some research for a resort I am working on there.  

I've always been interested in archaeology, and the mosaics in Paphos  did not disappoint!  Gorgeous patterns which look so fresh and modern, they wouldn't seen out of place in a contemporary interior, yet were made thousands of years ago.  

And here are a few shots around the gorgeous resort I am working on, so excited to be working with such a beautiful location! 

Azia Resort

Les Puces!

Les Puces! I've been dying to check this out for ages, so I was beyond excited to head there whilst in Paris the other week.  I had a great time rummaging through New York's Chelsea market when I lived there, but I wasn't sure what to expect at this upmarket version!

What I found was stunning antique furniture from most, if not all eras.   Stunning in beauty.. And price! Maybe three times as pricey as London. And Habitat had a concept vintage store there... Where everything was vintage and more expensive than u would have originally paid... Seriously. Ridiculous.

You will be able to find everything and anything here, just make sure you bring your credit card!  For example, the antique keys in the photo below... were €8 Each.  

Elephant Paname

A new museum opened in Paris recently, the Elephant Paname. The building is a mansion built in the time of Napoleon III by Russia's ambassador to France.  It has been painstakingly refurbished and features beautiful exposed plaster work reminiscent of a past era and a faceted Corten Steel lift, making it's way up the building.  I'm still not sure if it was too clunky an intervention, but I like it anyway!

The exhibition we went to see there was all about Jean Marais, actor, sculptor, ceramicist... And lover of Jean Cocteau . A good place to practice my French as there was no English! Well worth the visit.

Elephant Paname

Cou cou! Paris!

Having not been to Paris in a couple of years, it now seems a bit sacrilegious, to not visit such an inspiring place all the time! Beautiful buildings everywhere, and great design. Getting shown around by a local designer does help too, but I think it's impossible to go to Paris and not be inspired.

We checked out the concept shops on Avenue Montagne. Gucci, Chloe, Celine ... and our top pick, Givenchy. The mix of the old plaster work exposed on the ceiling, contrasting with felt and brass, with beautiful lighting and marble shelves, it was a real treat. Not allowed to take pics, but google images has a good selection.  

Happy New Year! From Bermuda with Love

Finishing off my 2013 trips, I've come to Bermuda for a bit of winter sun.

The architecture here is typically colonial Georgian, but using local materials and techniques and adapted to the subtropical climate. The vernacular has changed very little over the years.  

A very tiny island, I made a trek up to the top of Gibb's Hill Lighthouse where  you can see the whole island at once.  It really puts into perspective all the magnificent cities I've seen this year.

Happy New Year! 

Rat Tar Art Bar, Shanghai

A bit more avant-guard than most of the chic interiors in Shanghai, the Rat Tar Art Bar designed by New York Artist Kris Ruhs was a great place to grab a cup of joe.  You can find it in Jing'an's Reel Mall.

Yu Gardens, Shanghai

I had a bit of a treat when I had a look around Yu Garden.  I think it is actually the oldest building in the city, and it was very beautiful.  I hadn't been to a traditional Chinese garden before, so it was quite an experience! 

Shanghai Design

Two of the design highlights during my brief visit in Shanghai were the IAPM mall and the Puli hotel.   Another great mall by Benoy (sister mall Elements in Kowloon, Hong Kong was also stunning) the shopping centre is beautifully finished.  The shops are pretty similar to those in Hong Kong, but I've never seen a mall which has Prada as an anchor tenant!

The Puli is a great example of traditional Chinese elements being integrated into modern hotel.  I wish I had met the designer, as there were so many questions I would have liked to have asked!  The finishes were layered and there were beautiful Chinese paintings on the walls, and sculptures throughout the lobby and restaurants.  I'll definitely be heading back for more inspiration.

The IAPM Mall's Anchor Tenant, Prada!

Puli Hotel, Shanghai