Buying additional sheets and pockets for your Filofax, much? Running around like a lunatic with your BB in one hand and a big, fat coffee in the other? Yeah well, these times sure are hectic… welcome to the 21^st century of chasing paper and shallow dreams.

Spoon-fed with all consumerist crap and brainwashed with disturbing capitalist ideas, we’re all just a bunch of suckers for beautiful, expensive things. When and where did we lose ourselves along the way?

Now, remember college, physics, relativity and all that? Newsflash, time contraction is just as real as me and you; the shock!! In this case, you’d better start making the most of every single minute. How to get down to business? Well, for starters, you could buy yourself a decent watch… You know, to help you keep track of stuff; oh, and you could match it with those fine shoes you recently acquired!

How about the watch in the pictures above? Drooling already? That, my friends, is a super fancy watch, extremely limited edition (only 5 to be produced per year, perhaps 3 more for some very special sons of a gun). It takes about 1000 hours of hard work to put one together; fascinating, right?

The 2LMX is one of Switzerland’s latest show-stoppers! With a truly exquisite build, it simply hypnotizes viewers. I mean, have you ever seen something remotely similar? Look at those wheels smoothly twisting and turning right under your eyes; can you even grasp such precise, fluid movement? And the sweet, gentle sound it makes, it complements it perfectly! I can’t help but feel mesmerized at its quirkiness and elegance. This watch is awesome; for sure, it’s more than a watch, it’s a work of art, yes Sir!

Wondering who’s the brain behind this beauty? Does Arnaud Tellier ring any bell? If not, I shall fill you in on the missing info: he used to be the director and curator of the Patek Philippe Museum in Geneva for eleven years (2000-2011). The guy is a mammoth in the industry and he’s completely crazy about watches! With 2LMX, he made a commitment to luxury and the highest quality. It was his wildest dream, now turned into reality. Our compliments for such fervent passion!

Anyway, leaving all bitter sarcasm aside, just enjoy the watch and appreciate its fabulous built and inspirational design! We sure do…

And last but not least, try to remember to live, not merely exist. Make each tic of your Swatch or Rolex or whatever, count!

In the past few years Serbia has been eating up more and more of the international fashion scene spotlight. Numerous fresh designers keep popping up at Belgrade Fashion Week each season, and lots of them actually succeed in grasping the attention of the industry, way beyond Serbian borders.

Iva Sokovic is one of our latest discoveries. With a hint of Thierry Mugler and a Gareth Pugh twist, this designer pulls off a pretty rad look. Even though her designs are more down-to-earth and considerably less shocking than those of the aforementioned mammoths, she still manages to send the imagination of the viewers on a fabulous journey. Her latest collection presented during BFW is centered on the allure of an elusive creature of the night; unearthly cuts shape a mischievous rogue, a feisty outcast. The pieces are tailored to complement the silhouette of this luscious individual, whilst projecting a sheer badass attitude! Ultra skinny trousers and miniskirts make up for the sexy, glamorous side, while Goth leather jackets bring in a seductive dark edge

Intricate details complete the looks, while all sorts of body constriction methods are employed in order to reveal the curves of an evanescent figure. Aside from these, embellishments such as oversized necklines, corsets, ruffles, lace patterns are used for maximizing the dramatic effect. An eclectic combination of luxurious textures such as leather, satin, sequins has a bewildering result. The colors employed are those of a clear night sky, with deep shades of blue, bleumarine and hypnotic silver. Just the right amount of glitter is sprinkled so as to enhance this dreamy feel.

As for the designer behind the collection, we can only say that she’s as mysterious as her creations. All we know is that she’s a young, passionate artist and nothing more. In her biography section of her website, there’s only a picture of her hand; perhaps, she prefers her work do all the talking. Kudos in any case; excellent work so far.

Chaos, breathtaking colors, shocking cuts and show- stopping combos are starting to fade from the catwalks for next season, making room for everything pastel and sweet! D.EFECT, by Egle Ziemyte, brought in the desert to the Riga Fashion Week SS2012.

 The beautiful collection came as a breath of fresh air with its extra light textures, oversized tailored pieces and slight preppy feel. Vaguely redeeming the mood of 70’s tennis outfits and fashion conscious college girls, this sporty chic look is sweet and sassy. If you throw in a French turtleneck and customized trench coat, you are in for the win!

 The striking fact about this collection is how perfectly put-together and consistent it is, despite combining several clashing concepts. The contrast between the uber sharp, clean cuts of some blazers, and the playful folds and drapes of the trench coats, turned out to be quite catchy! Volumes take center stage through a funky mix of maxi pants, structural bubble coats and puff skirts. As for the color palette, D.EFECT keeps it nice and simple: beige, cream, white, sand, ice, mustard, mint and coral. In a sea of neutrals, few carefully selected items pop out; no patterns, just a limited number of items in pastel nuances enhance the lighthearted and carefree set aura.

 Last but not least, the details they envisioned do make a difference. Elegant manly shoes were chosen to complete the looks; coming in white, light salmon, baby blue or faded ochre, with subtle silver adornments, they also made great pieces of eye candy! Enforcing the college trendy image, a truly nice touch was the fake, silver, shirt collar/necklace, and the silver headband paired up with an unruly, messy ponytail.

Who wouldn’t want to study in such a place? Yes, this fabulously intricate piece of architecture is a higher education institution! Why diamond- shaped? Well, the University’s motto is: ‘Creative University’; based on the cherished belief that the human mind is like a precious stone, which, undergoing a careful lapidary process, will transform into a unique diamond, the concept behind this project is clearly a statement of the University’s commitment to excellence.

The aim of the institution was not only to provide the students with a great learning space, but to also inspire them perpetually! The diamond shape was a perfect decision considering how beautifully it embodies all the values promoted by the Bangkok University.

As for the architectural project, it was surely a challenge for the creative team from 49 Group to put together such complex concept in such a consistent manner. A grand team of structural, interior and landscape architects, along with lighting consultants and engineers, worked astutely for developing this idea and delivering an end product of the highest quality.

The University is composed of 4 different bodies, connected by passages, gardens and terraces. The sharpness of the cuts of the edifice is wonderfully enhanced by the smooth lines of the gardens. The buildings host a maze of classrooms, seminar rooms, offices and other student facilities, whilst the interior gardens are kept minimalist in style and vegetation; this system aids providing students and visitors with an elegant, clean, Zen area for studying and relaxation. As for technology, the newest equipment was incorporated, in order to maximize both efficiency and comfort; lighting matters were weighted heavily so as to assure an aesthetically pleasing day-long illumination of the venue. Last but not least, a pond, which creates a magical reflection of the campus at dusk, is located in front of the main entrance.

The pictures speak for themselves. Could you imagine attending this University?

It seems like Portugal is the new promise land in fashion! Aside from the few well-established national designers, numberless great talents keep springing up like mushrooms after a rain shower, enchanting the public with authentic, personal pieces; what got us hooked is simply how different the creations are from what one can regularly spot on the Milan or Paris runways. It’s something particular about fashion in Portugal and I can’t quite put my finger on it; maybe it’s the natural chic, the subtle beachy notes, the revealing cuts or the particular fabrics, I honestly don’t know!  

Luis Buchinho, illustrious Portuguese designer, was the one to bring a sexy, exotic feel to the Paris Fashion Week. With a collection centered on drapes and fine, feminine silhouettes, he revived the myth of Greek and Roman Goddesses. Knee-length flowing dresses, exposed shoulders, delicate embroidery, empire waists, represent the artist’s unique take on the theme. Leaving aside the faint ruffles, ethereal figures and body-hugging translucent fabrics, the designer also featured a few statement pieces like super low-cut blazers and low-waist draped trousers. One catchy detail were the zippers scattered throughout the collection in the most unexpected places, leaving skirts or dresses lusciously hanging half-open around a girl’s waist, for instance. Another quirky touch was pairing up silk with sequins… The roughness of sequins is not toned down by the precious fabric, but enhanced; the applications become mysterious and alluring. Last but not least, the color palette is a beautiful combination of ivory, coral, and nude, sherbet yellow, black and white.

The gentle transition from one color to the other is achieved through the use of a very special fabric featuring a pattern of color splashes and degrades of beige, salmon pink, peach, yellow, grey. The selection of fabrics makes these pieces truly luxurious; nothing is more flattering than silk, the softest jersey, sequins, and comfortable light cotton.

In Valencia, a city thriving with art, artists and visionaries, design is at its home. During Valencia’s Design Week 2011 numberless fantastic items ranging from the quirkiest gadgets, to the most ingenious pieces of interior design, were exhibited. With every year passing by, the limits and boundaries in visual arts transform significantly such that there’s always something new and ultra cool to grasp everybody’s attention.

Highlights of the design week include items especially designed for… babies. Contrary to modern popular belief, people still do want to get married and have kids! And, according to statistics, the crawling little sugar pies are nothing short of becoming one of the most sought after target publics. So, we have babies on one hand, and design on the other. Hence, when two design junkies decide to accept each other in sickness and in health, and go on about having a child, one of the following is bound to happen: a. will give the baby the name of a famous artist/ designer/ crazy genius; b. will acquire the all latest trendy items for decorating and baby-proofing the house; c. will be so sucked into their happiness and bliss that will forget about everything else and will be faced with a crisis situation on Day 0: on what is the baby soon going to sit whilst eating? Ah, luckily enough for these guys, at the Design Week, the design team from the ‘Culdesac’ studio showcased the ‘Ovo High Chair’ which they created for the Spanish baby furniture brand ‘Micuna’.

The high chair is, of course, an absolute must for all parents. The one developed by Alberto Martinez and Pepe Garcia, however, is a must just for design aficionados. Who else could appreciate the lusciousness of polypropylene combined with the finest wooden legs and smooth, shiny finishes?

The attachment system of the tray is not only original and convenient, but also aesthetically appealing. The chair is equipped with baby reins and footrest in order to ensure the best support and an increased level of comfort. All materials employed were carefully chosen, bearing in mind the needs of both the baby and parents (fabrics are washable etc.) As for the looks, the Ovo Chair slightly resembles an egg and it somehow manages to look cute instead of rigid and stiff like most high chairs; the rounded edges and soft cushion enhance its appeal as comfortable.

So as to conclude, the egg-looking chair was a success and the babies who tested it seemed pretty contempt and comfy! We look forward to seeing what else Culdesac has in the bag for us!

Is it a spaceship, is it a fabulous gigantic jellyfish or is it some twisted, ultra modern piece of architecture?

This fabulous piece of futuristic design is a pledge to the environment, respecting nature and cherishing the world surrounding us. The first building in the world to surpass the 9 major indexes of green architectural compliances, the Taichung Ecopolis- Bionic Arch has already become a symbol of a sustainable development. As its creators from Vincent Callebaut Architectures like to put it, the Arch is an “urban oasis for lifestyle, innovation, culture and biodiversity”.

Located in the heart of Taiwan, the tower overlooks the whole central area of the country, becoming thus the most important visual focus. The structure rises an impressive 380 meters above ground level, exhibiting tens of floors of suspended gardens along with an intricate system of rooms and laboratories. All facilities (exhibition rooms, shops, restaurants, observatories, research labs etc.) were projected as to superpose vertically, creating an illusion of gardens suspended in the sky.  The arch also hosts the Taichung City Development Museum and features some of the most luscious parks projected by landscape designers, offering visitors a sweet refuge from the big city hustle.

The first aim of the building is to cater for the recreational needs of the visitors, creating a relaxing ambiance; secondly, it aids in providing them with a clear picture of Taipei’s identity as a city, its history and its future perspectives, while also serving as a sightseeing point. Aside from this, it will be used as a telecommunication base.

However, the real goal of this magnificent construction is to make all dreams regarding eco-friendly self-sustainability possible. The Ecopolis is definitely one of the most interesting projects on the market, being 100% self-sustainable through exclusively alternative means. Through an ingenious scheme of using solar power, wind power, bio-reactors for purification, recycling and eliminating waste, the arch can be regarded as completely ecological; if you also consider the proposals for recreating natural ecosystems, the tower becomes a truly living and breathing factory.

The Bionic Arch’s purpose it to harmoniously interact with the environment on all levels: climatically, chemically, kinetically, and socially, in order to reduce the urban ecological footprint. Making use of all available, renewable resources, the tower will be a model for self-sufficient energy construction, while also help raise awareness upon critical issues of today’s society.

Todd Lynn is yet again the one to bring rock`n`roll to the London Fashion Week runway. This fine Canadian lad built a name for himself through his edgy outfits and laid back attitude, but with his latest collection he seems to be turning the page to a new chapter.

After years of assiduous wardrobe work behind the scenes of some of the greatest rock concerts, he stepped into the spotlight in 2006 when he showcased his first personal collection. Working with artists such as Bono, Mick Jagger and Keith Richards allowed him to broaden his knowledge in the field and acquire paramount experience. As Lynn stated in an interview, nothing could compare to the thrill when one of the artists stepped on stage in front of 50 000 people dressed in something he created: ‘I was always afraid an arm would fall off!’. It took Todd some good 5 years of transition to smooth things out from leather trousers and studded jackets to flowing asymmetric dresses and see-through one-shoulder blouses. His designs, becoming more refined and sophisticated with each season, are addressing an ever growing crowd.

This week in London the designer exhibited a sublime, more feminine and alluring collection than his usual work. His famous cutting-edge tailoring took a tamer contour as elongated silhouettes and body-hugging chunks of fabric replaced the deep, sharp cuts. Drapes and layers took his architectural style to a whole new level by enhancing the sublime figures and providing new dimensions to the human body. Todd hit the catwalk with a suite of elegant, classy designs, adorned with just the right amount of glitz and sparkle. The designer’s rock signature took a more subtle turn. Elements such as the flared trouser, shiny or washed out fabrics, layering shorts over maxi pants, using pins to embellish lines and shapes, all contribute in gluing together the collection.

The items can be considered as outliers from the color palette point of view, considering the overall seasonal trend for bold colors. The artist made a gentle transition from white, to nude, to wash-out navy blue, majestically ending with several pieces in gothic black. As for the fabrics, silk is the predominant texture, while the silver cotton bouclé can be regarded as the pièce de résistance.

The pieces are part of a cohesive, unified ensemble, beautifully and effectively transposing the designer’s concept: a fearless, classy woman, with a passion for rock`n`roll.