These may look like photos, but they’ve actually drawn using blue ballpoint pen (Bic biro). Created by young Cuban artist Juan Francisco Casas, his works are causing a buzz beyond Spain.

More images on http://www.juanfranciscocasas.com/

Fashionistas have a new home in Milan, the Maison Moschino presented by Hotelphilosophy. Developed from an 1840’s neo-classical railway station on Milan’s Viale Monte Grappa 12, the Maison Moschino is a place where guests are invited to eat, sleep and dream the latest fashions!

The Maison Moschino offers an alternative life, fabricated into a world of imagination and surrealism. In the hotel’s entrance hall, guests are greeted by a lamp in the shape of one of Moschino’s famous lampshade dresses. “The common thread connecting the rooms is a fairy tale theme because to sleep is perchance to dream, and dreams are fairy tales that we are allowed to experience first hand, the fables of a fantasy world that we have created…” In one room, rose petals fall lightly from the chandelier while others cover the bed; in another, guests will feel as though they really are sleeping in the enormous ballgown that flowingly transitions from the bedboard down; and, the theme is sewn into its scenic background in the forest room, echoing the enchanted forests of our dreams.

Book from DesignHotels

Do you have particular goal you want to achieve?
I hope to be an international photographer known by pushing ideas and creativity to an alternative edge. Searching the impossible and intangible as a goal because only by reaching that destination, the notion of aesthetic is being challenged as opposed to being a follower.

Are you fulfilling your childhood dream as a fashion photographer?
I always thought of being in creative field like a singer and visual artist but not photography. Life works in special ways - I love what i do now being a photographer.

What is the different between a photography and a fashion photography?
In all different aspect of photography there lies a secret melody. You not only understand it but digest it with a soul that is unique in your own sense.

You use a lot of Polaroid for your work, why?
This is my character and personality not of my work but more of myself. It portrays a sense of surreal and incompleteness in everything. In every great story told and great landscape form there always appear that there is a flux of change and incompleteness. In every truth that is told there is always this gray area where the masses is either on which side when they were question.

Which Polaroid cameras do you use? Do you prefer some over others?
Sx-70 and polariod 600 mount on medium format.

What is your normal daily routine?
I shoot wherever i go. I tell my life in my visual diary rather than using words. Everyone learns to communicate in words but i prefer to do it in form and colours.

Any words for the new starter?
Must live like a new born everyday, live like no tomorrow so you feel curious and start to open up your eyes and soul to look for own language in this beautiful world.

More work at http://www.ChengJoo.com

The uncannily beautiful sketches of master couturier, Christian Lacroix, go from Couture to RTW (Ready To Write) in this line of paper products adorned with his handiwork.

Lacroix is the king of the pattern mix in Paris, and his paper line should be no different: unique die-cut construction and whimsical color combinations are like stationery couture, the perfect framework for his singular designs.

Featured Lacroix postcards, notebook, journal and notecards available from Kate’s Paperie.

Here’s a video of the designer’s moleskin at the detour exhibition in Paris

spotted on dailyicon.net

This spring, H&M has a line catered to those that are especially environmentally conscious

H&M’s romantic garden collection is made with organic and recycled materials. All the garments have been produced using sustainable materials or using recycled PET bottles or textile waste. Sustainable materials used include:
- Organic cotton i.e. cotton that has been grown without the use of hazardous chemicals
- Organic linen i.e. linen that has been grown without the use of hazardous chemicals
- Recycled polyester i.e. polyester made from PET-bottles or textile waste; and
- Tencel silky, renewable material produced with minimal environmental impact.

The floral looks are inspired by chlorophyll-green gardens, sundrenched landscapes and even 70s hippie chic flower-power. The collection highlights include a feminine chiffon dress made from recycled polyester with a colourful garden print, a pinafore dress in organic cotton with romantic roses and a smock dress in organic cotton with an ethnic floral pattern. An organic cotton top in a small floral design or a frilly chiffon top made from recycled polyester can be combined with cropped trousers or shorts in organic cotton and/or linen. A beige anorak can be worn over a floral jumpsuit, both of which come in tencel.

Collection set to launch at H&M stores at the end of March 2010. Let the queues begin!

Spotted on nitrolicious

The Design Hotels™ Book showcases a curated portfolio of hotels in 108 destinations across the globe, as well as some of the most passionate, creative ‘Originals’ behind them.

Focusing on design, along with the emotions and experiences it can create, the Design Hotels™ Book combines arresting images and in-depth reviews to provide a glimpse of each member hotel’s very individual promise.

Get the guide here

Win a lovely Snupped Mini for Valentine’s Day. This mini will keep you phone safe & happy

Perfect for small gadgets like your iPhone & iPod, this newly launched Mini line from the same guys who created the Snupped laptop cases are each handmade with a touch of love. The black satin interior adds a sensual touch and priced at only about USD14 (SGD20) is it thin enough to look good in your pocket.

Krftd has one Snupped Mini give away this month. For your chance to win, tell us the design you would like to win in comments , and a winner will be selected at random after Valentine’s Day.

Can't wait? Buy yours online at Snupped.

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Fashion label Shanghai Tang interweaves modern Chinese chic with dining

Hong Kong label Shanghai Tang has follow in the footsteps of DKNY and D&G by expanding to wine and dine with a restaurant-bar in Shanghai within Xintiandi, a leading F&B destination by the brand’s flagship store. The colourful and nostalgic art deco concept is an extension of the label’s Chinese chic.

Shanghai Tang Cafe
Level 2 & 3, 333 Huang Pi Nan Road
Xintiandi (near Tai Cang Road)
Shanghai, +021 6377 3333

Images courtesy of truth.travel

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