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PARIS + SHOP

aleem — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 12:43:29 +0000

image from www.louisvuitton.com

So in celebration of my return from Paris, or in sadness, I have decided to mention a SHOP + SEE + EAT suggestion. Ofcourse, I decided to begin with the most important…’SHOP.’ Therefore, we must begin with our old friend “LOUIS VUITTON.” How could any foreigner resist themself from taking a step into THE LV Flagship store in Paris on Champs-Elysees, ofcourse for its architectural and interior beauty. *Cough* Though truly, it does continue to amaze me how a brand such as LV could create a store so strongly and successfully based upon its core values and image. The Flagship store in Paris is a Mecca for any tourist, and shop definitely be first on your shopping list when in Paris!

image from AL

PARIS + SEE

aleem — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 12:21:51 +0000

image from AL

While in Paris, it would be wrong to not make a pit-stop at the LOUVRE! Equally beautiful as the art and sculptures within it, the Louvre is a museum which continues to draw visitors from all around the world, and for good reason! I could not help but to continue going back again and again to witness this beautiful structure transform from day to night while sipping on an espresso from Cafe Marly. Ofcourse, I spent much time within the Louvre too, strolling around in awe of the paintings, sculptures, interior decorations and architectural features which still amaze me at this moment!

image from AL

For a little history moment, it’s essential to understand a little of why such a beautiful structure came to be. “The Louvre, in its successive architectural metamorphoses, has dominated central Paris since the late 12th century. Built on the city’s western edge, the original structure was gradually engulfed as the city grew. The dark fortress of the early days was transformed into the modernized dwelling of François I and, later, the sumptuous palace of the Sun King, Louis XIV.”

image from AL

PARIS + EAT

aleem — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 11:57:19 +0000

image from www.centrepompidou.fr

OFcourse we cannot forget THE place to eat while in Paris! So for this suggestion i’ve provided you with a chance to wine and dine while overlooking just a few of Paris’s most famous sites; Norte Dame, Eiffel, Invalides, Louvre, Pantheon, and much more… This ultra-modern restaurant interior at GEORGES, on the Centre Georges Pompidou’s top floor, will make you feel as if you were eating inside a Modern Museum, which indeed you are eating above!

Designed by Dominique Jacob and Brendan McFarlane, GEORGES is minimalist, yet exudes a very whimsical ambiance and feel. The stark white tables and chairs, along with single long-stem roses in vases on each table illuminated from below, provide that elegant appeal to this restaurant. As well a large expansive use of aluminum sheeting resembling the valves of a heart makes the space in such feel more intimate and warm.

A favorite spot among celebrities and jetsetters with obvious reason, the amazingly delicious ’trendy fusion-cuisine menu’ will give you a taste of France with some unique Asian twists. While my wallet could not afford to eat there every night, my one night at GEORGES was indeed over and beyond spectacular! (Let us not forget Louis did some damage)

image from AL

When in Paris…

aleem — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 14:00:31 +0000

image from www.didiergomez.com

image from www.didiergomez.com

“Today’s Theme“ is all about Paris- and for one good reason -because i’m here! So in preperation for this trip, and to indulge myself into the French culture, I thought i’d feature a world-renowned local designer: Didier Gomez! Significant for his work in interior design, architecture, product design and merchandising, he seems to have done it all! His extensive client list includes Jean Paul Gaultier, Armani, Louis Vuitton, and Ligne Roset just to name a few of the BIG names hes done work for in the fashion and design world. He has provided his savvy design sense and expertise to consult and design on a variety of projects ranging from merchandise display, to restaurant design, designing for private residences, curating campaigns and much more! A few examples of which i’ve decided to show are his design concepts for De Beers jewelry store, Arthur Bonnet, Jean Paul Gaultier, and Ligne Roset.

image from www.didiergomez.com

Pyramids in Paris.

aleem — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 13:00:46 +0000

image from www.likecool.com

The pyramids, a magnificant piece of humankind’s history, for 1,000′s of years have been the image in which people have associated Egypt with, thus making the pyramids one of the 7 wonders of the world! We are now in the 2,000′s and it seems that the pyramids are pointing in the direction of Paris… as yet another one is to be erected!

“The Paris council has unveiled plans for a 50-storey glass pyramid after voting to drop a ban on high-rise buildings. Proposals for the Projet Triangle, designed by Swiss architecture practice Herzog & de Meuron who designed the Olympic stadium in Beijing. The tower will have offices, a conference center, 400-bedroom hotel and restaurants and cafes. It will be surrounded by parks, gardens and shops. The building is planned to be around 590 feet high which will make the third highest building in Paris. The tower will run on solar and wind power and is set for completion in 2012.”

image from www.likecool.com

5 Cool Places to Cool Off

phyllis — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 15:00:20 +0000

The weather in Vancouver hasn’t been too nice lately. It has been getting cold and even rainy. Pretty sad that it seems like the end of summer is coming soon. Since I am in denial and am missing summer already, I thought to look around the world for some neat places to swim and to cool off in.

Here are some that I found:

This is the underground pool they have at the Homestead Resort in Utah. hmm….it does remind me of swimming in the caves of Cancun!

This amazing one is actually the Four Seasons in Bali. The pool sits at the top of the building…50 feet above everything else.

Next is in Paris on top of a glass house. If you look carefully in the horizon, you can see the Eiffel Tower. Now thats a cool view!

This next one is in Belgium. Called the Nemo 33, it is over 100 feet deep, making it the deepest pool in the world!

The last one called the “Badeschiff” or Bathing Ship in English is in Berlin. An old barge or cargo container was converted into a public swimming pool. It gives people a safe and sanitary swimming environment on the river since the Spree itself is too polluted for actual swimming.

[via: http://www.oobject.com]

Kong….the restaurant

phyllis — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 05:23:51 +0000

Since I told you a bit about Katsuya the cool restaurant in LA by Philippe Starck last week, thought I would share with you another restaurant that I’ve been to which was designed by him as well. The restaurant is Kong and it is in Paris. Ahhhh Paris….if you visit Paris then I highly recommend that you go check out Kong. The food was pretty good and the decor was one of a kind. I definitely put it up there with my top 10 coolest restaurants visited. You may also recognize it from the Season Finale of Sex and the City when Carrie goes to Paris. Now you have to go!

What do you think? Cool? or waaaay too weird?

Image from http://www.kong.fr