Sophisticated Spectra

Cesar Manrique's Masterpiece: An Artist's House Intertwined with Nature

June 18, 2023 in Design & Décor by Charlotte Sinclair

The house-cum-studio of artist and architect Cesar Manrique is one of the best examples of a structure's harmonious coexistence with its natural surroundings. Built directly on a lava flow on the island of Lanzarote, the dwelling represents a masterful intertwining of design and environment.

Dolce&Gabbana's Vivid Splash: Stylizing Casa Amor Beach Club, near Saint-Tropez

June 30, 2023 in Design & Décor by Charlotte Sinclair

Italian luxury fashion house Dolce&Gabbana has once again brought its signature vivid and energetic aesthetic to a new venue, this time transforming the beach club Casa Amor on Pampelonne Beach near Saint-Tropez. With a keen attention to detail and a vibrant palette of colors, the brand has effectively created a small Sicilian commune on the French Riviera.

Studio E.O's 'Melted' Vases: A Captivating Interplay of Stone and Glass

July 6, 2023 in Design & Décor by Julian Everett

Stockholm-based design studio, Studio E.O, has taken an innovative approach to traditional vase design with their collection of 'melted' glass vases. These captivating pieces challenge conventional forms and ideas, appearing as if they've been melted under the hot sun.

Norwegian Brand Holtzweiler Opens Boutique in Chengdu, Designed by Snøhetta

July 7, 2023 in Travel & Destinations by Julian Everett

The Norwegian brand Holtzweiler has just opened a boutique in Chengdu, the capital of China's Sichuan province. The fashion label tapped Snøhetta, a renowned Norwegian architectural firm, to create the store's distinct aesthetic.

Symphony Lighting Collection by Milan Iluminación: A Melody in Light and Form

July 9, 2023 in Design & Décor by Charlotte Sinclair

The Symphony collection by Milan Iluminación is a harmonious fusion of design and functionality. This Barcelona-based company has been crafting beautiful lighting fixtures for six decades, sourcing locally for its materials and parts.

The Ongoing Restoration of Versace Designer Ashley Fletcher's 16th Century Italian Villa

July 16, 2023 in Design & Décor by Julian Everett

Versace designer, Ashley Fletcher, has been immersed in an ongoing labor of love for the past eight years, intricately restoring his 16th-century villa located in Piedmont, Italy.

HIBRIDE: A Colorful Ode to Agritourism Between Cucuron and Aix-en-Provence

July 29, 2023 in Travel & Destinations by Charlotte Sinclair

Nestled in an idyllic setting between Cucuron and Aix-en-Provence, HIBRIDE emerges as a vivacious alternative to the often neutral tones dominating interior design trends. A project conceived by seasoned hoteliers Philippe Chapelet and Patrick Elouarghi, HIBRIDE blends agritourism with their company HI's established track record in the hotel industry.

Notre-Dame de Paris Gets a Makeover by French Designer Guillaume Bardet

July 30, 2023 in Travel & Destinations by Charlotte Sinclair

The Notre-Dame de Paris, one of the world's most iconic cathedrals, is slated for a major restoration, set to be completed by the end of 2024. The restoration will incorporate a new design by French designer Guillaume Bardet, who has created a cohesive ensemble of interior elements that includes an altar, cathedra, seats, baptistery, and tabernacle.

Sanderson Unveils Disney Wallpaper Collection to Mark the Entertainment Giant's Centenary

Aug. 7, 2023 in Design & Décor by Charlotte Sinclair

In a grand celebration of Disney's forthcoming 100th anniversary this October, British wallpaper manufacturer Sanderson has unveiled a special collection that promises to bring some of the magic kingdom's charm into homes worldwide. Revealed in the September issue of The World of Interiors, the collection features a range of designs based on archival Disney illustrations.

Marie Lecluze Designs a Farmhouse with Iconic Belgian Style

Aug. 10, 2023 in Design & Décor by Charlotte Sinclair

Renowned designer Marie Lecluze has recently taken on a project that epitomizes Belgian design, transforming an 1800s farmhouse into a contemporary marvel. By using decorative plaster to add texture and depth to the walls and maximizing natural light with expansive windows, she has created a space that is both elegant and inviting.

Giger Bar: The Biomechanical Wonderland Created by H. R. Giger

Aug. 14, 2023 in Travel & Destinations by Julian Everett

The famous Swiss artist H. R. Giger, best known for his biomechanical artwork and contributions to the film "Alien," has brought his distinct style to life in a set of themed bars. Known as Giger Bar, these establishments immerse patrons in a unique environment that reflects the artist's signature aesthetic.

Van Cleef & Arpels Unveils Its Grand Flagship Store in Seoul: A Five-Story Jewel Box

Aug. 14, 2023 in Design & Décor by Charlotte Sinclair

Van Cleef & Arpels, the distinguished French jewelry house, has introduced its monumental flagship store in the heart of Seoul. Comprising five floors, the new space has been likened to a vast jewelry box, reflecting the luxury and elegance that the brand is renowned for.

Flagship Isabel Marant Boutique in Tokyo Features a Volcanic Facade by Artist Yutaka Sone

Aug. 28, 2023 in Design & Décor by Julian Everett

Isabel Marant's new flagship boutique in Tokyo is a work of art, quite literally. The brand has collaborated with renowned Japanese artist Yutaka Sone, who designed the store's eye-catching facade made from volcanic rock. Painted in vibrant yellow, the rugged, organic forms of the facade seem to burst forth from the urban landscape like a sudden cave or a melting slab of butter.

Plan Ahead for Holiday Gifting with Diptyque’s New Le Mondes de Diptyque Candle Collection

Sept. 2, 2023 in Design & Décor by Charlotte Sinclair

Thinking about holiday gifting already? The renowned fragrance and lifestyle brand Diptyque has just the solution for you. Their recently released collection, Le Mondes de Diptyque, brings to your home a selection of scents inspired by some of the world's most enchanting but lesser-known locations.

Rudy Gener Brings 1930s Cruise Liner Elegance to PNY Burger in Nantes

Sept. 5, 2023 in Design & Décor by Julian Everett

Nostalgia meets modernity in a newly designed bistro in Nantes, France. Rudy Gener, a French architect, has skillfully transformed the interior of PNY Burger, taking his design cues from the cruise liners of the 1930s—a period when grandiosity and elegant craftsmanship were at their zenith.

The Wait is (Sorta) Over: Ann Demeulemeester Drops "A" Unisex Perfume and It's as Elusive as You'd Expect

Sept. 7, 2023 in Fashion & Style by Julian Everett

Ann Demeulemeester has long been a name that resonates in the hallowed halls of fashion. Renowned for her unique blend of romanticism and modernism, the Belgian designer has now channeled her creative spirit into the olfactory world. Her new fragrance, simply titled "A," serves as an aromatic lexicon of her visual and emotional language.

Diving into Luxury: Jennifer Lopez Ignites the Grand Opening of Dubai's Architectural Marvel, One&Only One Za'abeel

Feb. 16, 2024 in Travel & Destinations by Julian Everett

It's been a year since the lavish curtains were drawn at the One&Only One Za'abeel in Dubai, an event that was nothing short of a spectacle, graced by the sensational Jennifer Lopez. The grandeur of the opening set the stage for what has become not just a hotel, but a landmark of luxury and architectural innovation in the heart of one of the world's most dynamic cities.

French Designer Pierre Yovanovitch Teams Up with Christian Louboutin to Launch "Red Bottom" Chair Collection

May 8, 2024 in Design & Décor by Charlotte Sinclair

French interior designer Pierre Yovanovitch, in collaboration with famed shoemaker Christian Louboutin, has unveiled a striking new furniture line named "Red Bottom." This limited edition collection comprises nine unique chair models, each drawing inspiration from various domains including 20th-century muses, mythology, pop culture, and cinema.

Loewe Opens New Boutique in Former Qing Dynasty Estate in China

July 5, 2024 in Fashion & Style by Charlotte Sinclair

Spanish luxury fashion house Loewe has unveiled its latest boutique in China, setting a new standard for luxury retail experiences. The store, located in the Taikoo Li Chengdu complex, occupies a space within a former Qing Dynasty estate, seamlessly blending historical significance with contemporary luxury.