Cover photo credit: Tinko Czetwertynski

Loewe’s heritage and luxury appeal were the main inspiration for the acclaimed American architect. The store, conceived as a gift box hiding precious treasure inside, features an impressive 20 meter façade. Designed with a cast bronze knot, the façade has been created in a purely artisanal way; the same approach Loewe known for its exquisite range of leather accessories.

The history of Loewe and its commitment to excellence are both expressed by the use of noble materials; acid-etched Madagascar and Tanzania stones in the floors, and cast bronze on the façade and walls. Colors have been chosen to complement bronze and albero (dark yellow), two shades which are part of the Spanish aesthetic and Loewe history. Wood floors are “bronzed” as are the plaster wall finishes to give a warm, rich ambiance. Loewe’s commit-ment to Spanish culture is also present in the in-store experience: extracts of winning entries to the Premio Internacional de Poesía Fundación Loewe are handwritten into the walls.

The focus for the architect Peter Marino was to create a unique space that was both extremely luxurious and friendly. Loewe continues its tradition of working with renowned architects through the alliance with the award-winning Peter Marino, who comments “I am so excited to be working for the first time with a Spanish brand. I waited until the opportunity came to work with a real luxury brand in this market. I wanted to bring elements of Spanish history and culture to the store. The softness of the poetry with the toughness of the architecture”.

This competition is about your story, your images and the power they hold. From Salvador Dalí to Cindy Sherman the self has been the subject of most all the art world’s greats. The self-portrait transcends medium, style and period, existing in the vast space between the personal and prophetic. We all have a self-portrait. Here’s a chance to show yours to the world and gain fame and money!

The panel of judges including actor Steve Buscemi, director/producer Chris Weitz, Guggenheim Curator Helen Hsu and Flavorpill Founder Sascha Lewis will select one portfolio of self-portraits for The Grand Prize:

• six months of FREE living at The Edge in New York City or $7007 cash
• an art-star reception in New York City
• international publicity
• a feature in 3rd Ward Magazine

The public will also cast their vote and the highest rated portfolio will receive The People’s Choice Award:

• $1,000 in cash
• an art-star reception in New York City
• international publicity

This is your moment to be discovered, send in your best work: http://artistswanted.org/?rt

Closing date for the competition will be January 14, 2010 at 11:59 p EST. Submission fee, $10 per image.

40-50 artists working in video and video installation will be selected for a unique video ‘Salon’ exhibition taking place at the Matt Roberts Arts Project Space on Vyner Street, in East London.

The exhibition will open on Thursday 4th March, 2010 and is expected to receive over 1000 visitors, including established artists, art critics and curators.

There is a selectors’ prize of £800 for an exhibitor picked out for special attention by the selection panel.

The deadline for DVD submissions and associate membership payments is 5pm, Saturday 23rd January, 2010

To enter please visit www.salonartprize.com or email salon10@mattroberts.org.uk

As the light comes through the cylindrical diffusor, it highlights the natural features of the maple. The wood is oiled to enhance its unique characteristics of high resilience, stability, and exceptional texture. ARBA brings forth comfort and sustainability with good design.

The diffusor used for the vertical illumination is made of solid acrylic with highly polished edges to direct an even, glare-free light.

ARBA is available in four versions: as a standing, table, hanging or wall lamp. The shade for the standing and table lamps is held by five interwoven strips – also in maple – which are smoothed down and oiled. The soft edges provide the lamp with a visual delicateness in contrast to the vigor of the materials used. In a slow-drying process, the strips are dried naturally to maintain their form. A steel cable allows the suspension light to swing gently and the crimson textile fibre power cable adds even stronger emphasis to its appearance.

The ARBA family of lamps is now available at The Lollipop Shop Prices start from £465.

The designer is on an award-winning spree this year having won the Mixology North Designer of the year Award for the second time as well as the Best of Neocon 09 editors choice award.

Click here to check out more products by David Fox Design studio.

However Jaime Hayón has been one busy man having recently completed designing Octium, a high-end concept jewelry shop, located in 360º mall in Kuwait that presents the work of various exclusive jewellery designers from around the globe. The theatrical interiors are a reflection of Hayón’s signature style and most of the features were custom-designed for the project using contrasting finishes like glossy lacquered woods, natural oak, ceramic, and luxurious fabrics.

Octium Jewelry

Unit M1-17; 360 Mall; South Surra, Zahra; Sixth Ring Road; Kuwait

Tel: +965 2530 9888

Architect Rem D. Koolhaas and shoemaker Galahad JD Clark (of the Clarks shoes dynasty) have recently opened United Nude shoe store in Amsterdam. The company has an interesting history about its origin, you can read all about it here. The duo first got together in 2003 and created the now famous Möbius shoe that was an interesting convergence between fashion and architecture. While some of the shoes are fit for Lady Gaga only, others are pretty awesome. It’s a shame they aren’t yet widely available everywhere.

Mobius shoe

Clockwise from top left: Lo Res in blue; Eamz Pump in cherry patent leather ; Eamz ankle boot in yellow leather; Block Pump Hi in Fluo Red patent leather.

The last time spoke to the ‘Uncle’, he had baulked at the idea of architects designing anything other than buildings. Wonder what he has to say about his nephew’s ‘design transgressions’?

The book features around 150 scarves and “describes the life and history of the square of silk which has become legend.” Called Le Carré Hermès, the 320 page book is written by art and architecture writer Nadine Coleno and is published by Editions du Regard and is priced at €84. It is available in a limited collector’s edition (prestige version covered with a silk scarf) and a hardback version. The Scarf on both covers is Quadrige.

Hermès describes the project as: “Each Hermès scarf tells a story: this volume is their anthology. Created as an artist’s book, it transposes the scarves instead of merely picturing them. It magnifies their charm while preserving their ethereal grace. It narrates, through images and text, the existence of the now mythical silk twill “carré”.

Makes for a lovely Christmas present.