Archive for the ‘design’ Category
next up: the fashion wave hits moscow
Have we got news for you fashion followers…Continuing on from the successful New York and London leg of its Fashion Next programme, W Hotels announces a unique collaboration with Moscow based Garage Magazine and Editor-in-Chief Dasha Zhukova. Garage nominated Russian designer Vika Gazinskaya to work with W Hotels’ newly appointed Global Fashion Director, Jenne Lombardo to celebrate a snapshot of Moscow creativity, featuring up and coming designers, Anna Miminoshvili and Alexander Terekhov. Check out this little documentary, that explores the trends and talent from a Moscow perspective including information on their upcoming collections.
(1 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)
Loading ...mixing it up W style
Eclipse bar
drink it up…
As we welcome September in and bid farewell to the summer that, well, never was, we’re looking to the sleek and innovative folk over at W hotels as they shake things up for the autumn months. From September 1st step behind the Eclipse bar and enter a world that’ll delight the senses, as you embark on a mixology master class alongside the Eclipse Barcelona’s cocktail gurus.
Discover the secrets behind the world famous Watermelon Martini, W’s very own Venezuelan Mojito and the seductive Passion fruit Martini, trust us your Friday night cocktail parties will never be the same again.
Find out more about the W Hotels here
(3 votes, average: 4.00 out of 5) Loading ...crimes of art? we think not…
life on the streets of mexico city, photos by Alexandra Peeters…
It seems the hot topic du jour over the summer months has been graffiti. Following the release of a few captivating documentaries we’ve been able to immerse ourselves in the clandestine world that’s sprayed out right before our very eyes. Yet that’s the thing with graffiti, its covert origins and hush-hush locations are crossed with electrifying designs and a whirlwind of colour that makes us stand back and take note.
loco?
Here at Black Tomato HQ in Shoreditch, London we’re blessed with some pretty hypnotising graffiti and street art that pops up when we least expect it, look further afield and you’ll find each country has their own intriguing way of bringing the streets to life.
First stop on our grand tour de graffiti; the vibrant streets of Mexico. Click on the image for some inspirational shots…
hairs looking at you
green goblin
walls a plenty
graffiti
life like
lady of the night
(6 votes, average: 4.67 out of 5) Loading ...shout out to stonebarn
stonebarn hotel
Looking out over the epicurean heartland of Pemberton, WA, there aren’t many rooftops to shout from, so here, we’re going to have to climb one of the many trees in this verdant expanse of nature to tell the world about the amazing boutique hotel, Stonebarn.
Reflecting all of the surrounding nature’s serene brilliance, Stonebarn is the place to go to escape from the rushing reek of traffic and the stress of life in the urban fast lane. Witness as your world here transforms from stressed-out humbug to nature loving zen guru. Don’t think that discarding the city’s hum means you have to skimp on luxury. No, no. Having been designed by Paris’s famous architect, Aviva F Shpilman, at Stonebarn there is nothing that isn’t supremely chic and stylish; there are only six rooms, each handcrafted out of local stone and timber with luxury four-poster beds, handpicked furnishings, and stylish bathrooms, complete with an agelessly elegant claw-foot bath.
The kicker for Stonebarn though, ahead of even its setting and its style, is the amazing food and wine served up. In a region that is fast earning deep respect and racking up the accolades for its delicious fresh produce and wineries, Stonebarn is leading the WA way with their philosophy of sourcing locally and using it to create innovative and exciting dishes. Work your way through the menu of dishes prepared using ingredients from Stonebarn’s own herb garden, hen house, truffiere and orchard. Move onto the fresh artisan breads, cured meats, pates, cheeses and salsas, and wash it all down with one of Stonebarn’s brilliant selection of local wines. You’ll quickly discover that Stonebarn really is the ultimate treat for the senses and the soul.
Like the sound of Stonebarn, love the sound of WA click here to find out more….
(2 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5) Loading ...safari chic
Elephant Outside Suite
your safari wake up call…
Out on the sun-crisped savannahs of South Africa, amongst grazing herds of elephants and rhinos, and hidden like its pride of lions in the long grass of the river banks, Makanyane Safari Lodge holds a secret that will surprise, thrill and change you: You can have a luxurious, and fun, family holiday.
Think safari-chic contemporary suites, with enormous beds, textured walls of natural rock and dried tree trunks, and glass walls to give you spectacular views onto bush scenery below. Pamper yourself in the open air bathrooms, equipped with opulent roll-top tubs for that special get-back-in-touch-with-nature soak, you might have an elephant for company mind…
Tired out from the exhilaration of seeing the wildlife and a day spent in the sun, then curl up on the sofa and retire with some world-class South African wine, gazing at the star-flecked sky sparkling through your bedroom windows. Simply dreamy.
(5 votes, average: 4.20 out of 5) Loading ...steve mccurry: exclusive
boy in bombay
click on the image above for more inspiring photos…
Clear those coffee tables, have we got a gem for you…
One of the most admired and talked about photo journalists of our generation; Steve McCurry the intrepid photographer has released his eagerly awaited limited edition collection showcasing his most poignant shots that have captured and intrigued the world over.
One only need mention that shot ‘the green eyed Afghan girl’, a haunting yet outstandingly beautiful example of how photography has the ability to conjure up emotions and surpasses our imaginations. We all love to travel and this collection of shots is the closest thing to transporting you right there. Desk-side wanderlust, bring it.
With only 3,000 copies available this master piece published by Phaidon will be snapped faster than you can say cheese.
And you all you special friends of Black Tomato quote this code: BT20CP for 20% of the original price. Click here for more information.
Boy in mid Flight India
Procession of Nuns Burma
Kuchi Nomads Afghanista
Flower seller India
Pilgrim Tibet
Boy at festival India
(1 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5) Loading ...marc sethi: off the rails in india
Click on the image above for more inspiring pics
When we think of India there are certain images that flourish in our imaginations, those of exotic journeys traversing the extensive Indian Rail Network on board a traditional locomotive. Come to think of it a jaunt to this fascinating country isn’t complete without a trip on the rails. The hustle and bustle, the heady scent of the spices that linger on the platform, and the call of the tea sellers as they shuffle down the aisles all makes for a truly authentic experience.
Our friend and intrepid photographer Marc Sethi has given us a sneak peek at some awe-inspiring snaps of his Indian rail journeys that captures the spirit of the rails and its journeymen.
Fancy a trip to incredible India… get in touch.
colourful carriges
sleeper carriges
chugging along the tracks
dog on the platform
mass of trains
hustle and bustle
train trinkets
side car
on the road again
on the road again
busy ways
rail side towns
family waiting for train
(5 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5) Loading ...world’s finest cinemas
certainly no cine-plex…
As much as we advocate going out to explore the world, we understand that sometimes you need a night off. Which got us pondering our favourite cinemas around the world where we’ve slipped unoticed under the skin of local life to catch a classic film in more unusual surrounds than then nearest multiplex…
- First up has the quintessential American movie night experience at the Alamo Drafthouse in Austin, Texas. It’s all about great food and cold beers at this cinema-come-eatery that creates bespoke gourmet menus based on any particular film. It opened in the mid 90s and whilst it may have expanded out a bit, we still think the original playhouse is well worth a visit.
- Next on our list is Govinda’s in Sydney, an Indian holistic centre that combines a scrumptious restaurant with a super comfy screening room replete with fully reclining loungers. Try one of the delicious thalis or pakoras from the buffet before heading upstairs to the screening room.
- Staying down under we’d hop over to Brisbane to the roof top of the Limes Hotel. The sophisticated chic space had us cooing at the prospect of mojitos and movies whilst admiring the stunning city views. It’s a smart casual affair and is the perfect place to begin a night out.
- We were pleasantly surprised when we found our next choice at the Evason hotel in the Ma’in Springs in Jordan. The ‘Cinema Paradiso’ outdoor screen is set in front of four hot waterfalls that cascade dramatically from the edge of the desert valley. The eighty foot falls may temporarily distract but the warm popcorn and homemade snacks are sure to induce that big screen feeling.
- Our final choice, for its futuristic, star wars appeal is the Multikino Zlote Tarasy in Warsaw, Poland. Brainchild of designer Robert Majkut, the main screen has a majestic 6 foot LED powered chandelier overlooking a titanic 777 seats. The Velvet bar in the foyer with its dark padded walls and wing chairs is the perfect hideout for villains and heroes to converge after the showing.
Fin.
(5 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5) Loading ...the hamptons land in W9 .
summer loving
the summerhouse dining room
After a scorcher of a weekend we (along with most of the country) are hooked on dining al-fresco. Queue a countless number of pop-up eateries bursting onto the London restaurant scene granting us endless balmy days quaffing jugs of Pimms and gourmet delights in the sunshine.
summer days
Bouncing back by popular demand is the Summerhouse perched a la canal in Little Venice. The fresh and airy vibe is reminiscent of a Long Island Beach House with a nautical palette of off creams and crisp blues, swapping the well-heeled New Yorkers for well-heeled Londoners. Feast on seafood treats such as popcorn shrimp and nostalgic desserts like knickerbocker glory, washed down with a signature strawberry and basil mojito.
Just close your eyes and imagine you’re at the seaside, mmmm…..
(5 votes, average: 4.20 out of 5) Loading ...not a bad egg
sunny side up
Ah Sunday brunch how we love thou. This Easter weekend we say ditch the endless hoards of chocolate eggs which will remain un-eaten in the depths of our kitchen cupboards till next year, and enjoy the real deal. So for all you budding brunch-istas out there take a look at our favourite eateries for enjoying the best eggs no matter where in the world you may be.
bluedoor at the delano
The Delano, Miami
The spot to brunch with the in-crowd in the heart of candy coloured Miami Beach. Take a pew and order yourself a mid-morning champagne cocktail, don your saucer-sized sunnies and watch the beautiful people saunter by.
Coquelicot boulangerie, Paris
For country charm and the sweetest treats in Paris snag yourself an outdoors table for a dose of comfort food en France. Go for the Frenchies version of eggs benedict, a homely treat of rustic bread, a hint of succulent Béchamel sauce and a covering of earthy gruyere cheese. Oh la la.
for those that brunch
Cafe Cluny, NYC
The birth place of the decadent brunch, New Yorkers certainly don’t beat around the bush when it comes to mid-morning munches. Settle down in the corner of the West Village for the best French Toast this side of the Atlantic.
(4 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5) Loading ...
