The “New Asia” style of hospitality finds one of its most rarefied expressions in the New Majestic Hotel, located in the heart of Singapore’s Chinatown. An open-concept period-inspired lobby shows the imaginative possibilities of this marriage of old and new, or “heritage chic”, as the hotel calls its particular design savvy, which also takes into account its period furniture dating from the 1920s to the 1960s.

Individually designed rooms, 30 in all, continue the mix of vintage and designer furniture, customized baths, and can include private gardens and six-meter ceilings in attic-style suites. Five rooms have also been personalized by some of Singapore’s most influential talents from cinema, theatre and fashion. Every detail from bedding (the New Majestic calls it a “bedscape”) to bathroom (freestanding copper tubs) has been re-imagined. Some rooms feature floor to ceiling mirrors; others feature aquarium-themed transparent bathrooms. Back downstairs, The Majestic Restaurant is a sleek reinterpretation of one of Singapore’s favorite Chinese dining rooms and serves modern Cantonese cuisine.

Honda’s ad already sparked mass conversation thanks to last Thursday’s teaser. The commercial, directed by Todd Phillips (Old School, The Hangover, Due Date, etc.), features Matthew Broderick playing himself in a grown-up version of his celebrated role as Ferris Bueller alongside the all-new 2012 CR-V. Using themes from the original film to bring Honda’s “Leap List” campaign to life, the spot is meant to reinforce how the CR-V helps consumers conquer their aspirations before life’s next big phase.

Think you’re a true fan of Ferris Bueller’s Day Off? There are over two dozen hidden references to the movie throughout the commercial. Some are obvious, some are VERY subtle. See how many you can find. #dayoff

Photo by Randi Silberman Klett

Lego has launched a social media platform where fans aged 13 and above can upload their own creations and projects, share them, and comment on others they discover. ReBrick is designed to be a hub for all Lego-based works made by the Lego fan community. To get involved, users set up an account and find or post pictures of Lego creations to the site. Users can comment on the pictures, “like” them and tag them. They can also create their own mini-communities within the social network. ReBrick also integrates with existing networks like Facebook and Twitter.

To promote the BMW 1 Series in South Africa, digital agency iLogic projected an interactive racing game onto buildings and scaffolding’s in major cities over eight nights and let consumers take part in playing on the huge, 108 square meter screen. Promoters on the ground helped participants enter their Facebook details via a Galaxy Pad, used afterwards as a steering wheel to race with. Results were posted to the BMW1 Series fan page on Facebook, as well as the racer’s personal profile.

Tokyo-based artist photographer Hal has created the ‘Flesh Love’ series. His body of work explores the concept of worldly love through couples. In ‘Flesh love’, Hal pulls the lovers so near to one another that they transform into a single being — a vacuum-sealed pack of love. The artist wraps the models with a plastic sheet in which he removes the air from to bond the lover together. Hal is able to capture several photos in the few moments the couple is sealed within the plastic encasement. The series is now available in a book compilation and an iPad application.

‘I go to Kabukicho in Shinjuku, underground bars in Shibuya and many other places which are full of activity like luscious night time bee-hives. When I see a couple of interest I will begin to negotiate. I’m sure that many people initially think of my proposal as unusual or even look through me like I am completely invisible, but I always push forward with my challenge to them. the models appear from all walks of life and individually have included musicians, dancers, strippers, laborers, restaurant and bar managers, photographers, businessmen and women, unsettled and unemployed, et al.’ – Photographer Hal

After the collaborations that the Louis Vuitton creative director has thought up for the French brand – Murakami, Sprouse and Prince – Marc Jacobs is collaborating with the queen of polka-dots Yayoi Kusama.

The Japanese artist has created bags, clothes, shoes, jewelry and other accessories for Louis Vuitton which will be in stores from July. Aside from taking inspiration from Kusama’s polka-dots to create the fall/winter 2011-12, Marc Jacobs has sponsored the upcoming exhibition by the artist in London’s Tate Modern, which starts on February 9th.

This sky high house plan by Japanese architecture firm Kimihiko Okada certainly raises the standard of modern living! Designed as a series of platforms with a central interior courtyard, this raised house plan in Hiroshima boasts a distant view of the Inland Sea and Miyajima, and definitely has one up on its neighbors in terms of its height and, in our opinion, design. The home’s levels encircle the central garden below, lined with glass walls on both sides. As you make your way through the subtly spiraling floor plan of the stilt house, this modern home is an experience of light and views, ending with a walk-out to the rooftop deck.

The Lexus LF-LC 2+2 hybrid sport coupe concept vehicle is displaying the combination of avant-garde beauty and advanced technology today at the Detroit Auto Show. Conceived by the company’s Calty design studio in Newport Beach, Calif. as a design exercise, the LF-LC envisions offering Advanced Lexus Hybrid Drive that delivers both driving performance and fuel efficiency. The exterior is highlighted by dynamic shapes, intriguing details and expansive use of glass while the interior features high technology set off by organic shapes and materials.

Famed photographer Terry Richardson will hold his first exhibition in Los Angeles, titled TERRYWOOD. Known for his distinctive photography that often leads to stunning voyeuristic concept, the prolific photographer will present over 25 of his most recent photograph that are all inspired by the “multiple facets of Hollywood life.” This exhibition will take place at OHWOW gallery from February 24-March 31, 2012.

OHWOW
937 N. La Cienega Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90069
United States

Mercedes-Benz USA announces today the 2012 Fashion Collaboration starring the new SL Roadster with Lara Stone in Calvin Klein Collection, captured by Alex Prager. The 2012 Mercedes-Benz Icons of Style images by Alex Prager can be described as:

A beautiful woman stands alone in the desert, suitcases in hand. Yet in this 21st century update on classic Film Noir, the blonde is her own getaway driver, outpacing a tornado in a sleek SL Roadster by Mercedes-Benz.

The American photographer and filmmaker, Alex Prager, is known for creating surreal and enigmatic movie moments inspired by Frederico Fellini and David Lynch. Yet in her versions – heady with mystery, lust and desire – the woman is in control. Of her enigmatic images for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz Icons of Style, Alex Prager said she chose cinematic greats as her Icons of Style. “I constantly reference Fellini characters and Hitchcock as well,” said Prager.

Dutch supermodel, Lara Stone plays the update on the Hitchcock blonde, a strong protagonist who overcomes loneliness and fear. This inner strength is underscored by a timeless and elegant dress worn by Lara Stone and designed by Calvin Klein Collection’s Women’s Creative Director, Francisco Costa.

The SL Roadster featured in the latest Mercedes-Benz Icon of Style campaign, combines technical innovation with sleek sportiness and classic luxury and reinterprets the legendary Mercedes-Benz classic of the 1950s for today.

Lara Stone commented, “It’s an honor to work with Mercedes-Benz on a project like this. Both Mercedes-Benz and Calvin Klein Collection brands represent great luxury and timeless elegance and it was a really unique experience.”

The Mercedes-Benz Fashion Collaboration, Icons of Style, is making its US debut at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Fall 2012 from February 9-15, 2012.