Hoakon/Helga

Miranda Meilleur

This is the incredible work of Miranda Meilleur, a talented silversmith and designer. I recall seeing her outstanding pieces in Paris and loving the textures and the way the light works with her collection. They are truly gorgeous and one of a kind. I also love how imperfections and decorative details play such a strong role in her creations - Hope you enjoy them.

Sandbox Studio

"It is our passion. For more than 15-years, Sandbox has been providing compelling visual voices for leading retail and consumer product brands. Our images sell your message—creating perfect unions between commerce and art." Check them out here.

Malena European Lingerie

Malena European Lingerie has recently opened its doors on Robson Street, downtown Vancouver. They specialize in quality lingerie, exquisitely designed and produced in Europe. Their beautifully crafted collections are imported from Italy, France, Spain and other reputable European suppliers. You will find unique pieces that feature fine lace, exclusive embroideries and soft microfibers. They also have a wonderful selection of jewelry, comforting and luxurious loungewear and special gifts. The owner, a close friend of mine, is European and offers excellent service in an elegant yet comfortable and warm environment. Be sure to stop in when shopping downtown - you will not be disappointed. Please visit malena.ca for additional information.

The Union

"The Union is a series of 16 units that generate a large portion of their own electricity by using roof-mounted photovoltaics. The original textile manufacturer’s union hall was repurposed into two live/work units and the architect’s office, while three new buildings have been adapted to form the rest of the development. The units offer abundant light and plenty of ventilation, as well private outdoor patios for each unit.

Needless to say, the idea of taking something old and turning it into a brand new space is a valuable but underused tool in the search for sustainable design. In this case, the architect was so interested in ensuring that the project fulfilled its promise of adaptive reuse that they incorporated spaces used by a convenience store and gas station within the plans." I'm loving these places, I could move right in! (notcot)

10 yrs/10 colors

"Hermès are covering both ends of the automotive spectrum. Their recent interior overhaul of the Bugatti Veyron placed their swish saddlery-style craftsmanship and unique palette into the world's most spectacular supercar.

The latest cross-brand collaboration is somewhat more down to earth. The Smart édition Toile H turns Daimler-Benz's brilliant urban run-around into a truly tactile device, a feast of glove-soft leather and easy-on-the-eye colour schemes.

The idea was the brainchild of French Smart importers Como, currently celebrating the first decade of Paris's largest Smart dealership. Thanks to the hook up with Hermès, the limited edition Smart comes in ten unique colours, ranging from gold and graphite to orange, with matching interior trim and a handy compliment of supplemtary storage pockets. Our favourite feature? The custom umbrella storage, an essential piece of city kit that puts the Smart on a par with cars costing ten times the price." (Wallpaper*)

Per Ranung, Photographer

"By the time he was fourteen, the young, artistically talented Per Ranung had already decided what he wanted to be when he grew up. Now he’s worked as a photographer for twenty years, but it took him a good ten years to gain enough experience to be able to identify his own, individual niche.

His hallmark today is simplicity – which, paradoxically enough, is difficult to pull off. Because Per Ranung’s brand of simplicity is to describe an entire home in Elle Interiör through just a handful of pictures, or tickle the taste buds of the cookbook reader by the images of the dishes he’s photographed. Lifestyle images are his latest preoccupation. The common denominator for all his styles, however, is his use of light as a constant source of inspiration." - I love the exterior shot of the house...what a great house!

Robin Cameron for Aritzia

Robin Cameron, an artist who resides in New York, has recently collaborated with Aritzia and has launched Rocamm, her own fashion label. I love how her pieces defy deep and stereotypical winter colors. What a refreshing way to approach the world on a dark, dreary day. Love it!

Anthropologie

Those who know me well know my love for this store. It was on my second trip to New York that I discovered their flagship retail location in Rockefeller Center. It was mid August and fall was fast approaching. What caught my eye was their pretty window display, filled with luxurious and uniquely designed jackets and sweaters, in particular a somewhat iconic warm gray, felt-like sweater with a-symmetrical buttons and an over sized collar. I had to have that sweater. And so began my love for this store. A store that I simultaneously adored and felt inspired by. I appreciate how their design team has a wonderful way of creating displays that are less of a novelty but more about personal discovery. They have a strong eye for craftsmanship, the smallest details, and creating something special. Above is snippets from their winter/holiday collection.

The Drawing Room

For those of you who are Audrey Kawasaki fans, (I love her work!) here's some new info. for you. A few nights ago, people were flowing onto the steets, eating, drinking and holding their limited edition prints, in hopes of taking a picture with Audrey on the opening night. She had re-created her working studio in a window display space, in thinkspace to be specific. Naturally, her works sold out instantly. It was, according to Notcot, "like a dreamy lifesize diorama or creative goodness". Setting up and re-creating her workspace only took her a few nights, but the result was huge to those who are eternal fans. (photos care of Notcot and artists own site)