Dec 11, 2009

Turquoise 2010 colour of the year

Pantone are pretty good at picking colour trends or perhaps its just that people follow what they say and therefore create products in those colours.  Either way we’re likely to see lots of turquoise in 2010, both in products and retail outlets. “Turquoise evokes thoughts of soothing, tropical waters and a languorous, effective escape from the everyday troubles of the world, while at the same... read more

Nov 24, 2009

The Soho Tokyo Bay

“The SOHO” in Tokyo Bay is set to open January 2010, deseigned by Wonder-wall’s Masamichi Kitayama. Typically known more for retail design, his attention to detail has been turned to an office complex which is perhaps more reminiscent of a 5 star hotel in terms of its ammenities and design aesthetic. As you approach the monochromatic facade, bold multi-colored walls are revealed through... read more

Nov 7, 2009

Chocolate Research Facility

Located at Millenia Walk, Singapore, Chocolate Research Facility claim to be the world’s first with their boutique/cafe offering 100 different flavours of chocolate bars. I’m not sure if they’re correct in claiming world first status but certainly there an an awful lot of chocolates and they’re not bad tasting either.  The chocolates are designed in series with 10 different series... read more

Oct 30, 2009

New Swatch design NYC

I’ve always been both fascinated and fond of the whole swatch story.  They entered the market around 83-84 and caught on quickly because they were fun, fashionable and affordable.  The meaning of the name “Swatch” was a derivative of “second watch”. It was never intended to be a main watch and indeed was practically a disposable fashion accessory. Swatch recently redid their... read more

Sep 16, 2009

Patrix Cox Tokyo store

I do like all white fitouts but too frequently they lack texture & dimension so look very sterile.  Japan does some of the best all-white fitouts you can find and the Patrick Cox boutique in Tokyo’s Aoyama district is one of the best.  It was done by local architect Chikara Ohno who used only three elements in the concept – white, circles & lighting.  Its a starkly simple design by... read more