Hotel Puerta América, Madrid

Eight kilometers from the Madrid-Barajas Airport lies one of the most creative and ambitious design projects in recent memory. Spanish hospitality group Hoteles Silken brought together 19 architecture and design studios from 13 countries to work on a single project. Not that there was much collaboration: there isn't a common visual theme throughout the hotel. Each designer was granted complete creative freedom with regard to the assigned space.

With the façade by Jean Nouvel, a Christian Liaigre-designed restaurant and other spaces by Zaha Hadid, Victorio y Lucchino and Marc Newson, the Hotel Puerta América's 342 rooms and common areas represent different expressions of the use of material, color and shape. In a statement by the company, the 34,000 square meter, 75 million Euro project is described as "unique, merging different ways of seeing architecture, design and art." www.hotelpuertamerica.com

Trend Report: Fall/Winter 2006-07

In general, menswear collections for the fall season shared common themes: fitted on top- sweaters, jackets or slim coats- and relaxed pants. In addition, certain colors recur throughout the season: black, brown, navy, grey and tan. White and more vibrant color makes an occasional appearance.

Still, there are certain easily identifiable trends for Fall 2006. I'll point out what I've noticed and comment a little on some of the interesting elements.

Fall Trend 1: Boots

One of the most noticeable trends I've seen for Fall 2006, boots are a popular- and practical- choice for the season. Many designers paired them with everything from suits to casual wear, and frequently showed them with pant legs tucked inside. Boots are almost exclusively brown or black leather, and often embellished with studs, rivets, contrasting eyelets or embroidery.


Miu Miu


Prada


Raf Simons

Louis Vuitton

Prada

Gucci

Louis Vuitton

Gucci

Fall Trend 2: Velvet

Velvet- most common in jackets, but also seen in vests and pants- is frequently seen in the fall collections. Colors ranged from the more conservative black or brown to deep jewel tones.


Gucci


Dolce & Gabbana


Giorgio Armani

Givenchy

Roberto Cavalli

Emporio Armani

Fall Trend 3: Military

Elements inspired by- if not taken directly from- military uniforms are popular for the fall season. And not just modern uniforms: contrast Dolce & Gabbana's coats inspired by 19th-century European livery with Louis Vuitton's jacket, which would look right at home on a 21st-century fighter pilot. Boots, as mentioned above, are certainly important in designers' collections; but so are belted jackets, double-breasted coats, brass buttons, epaulets and braiding. Olive, brown and black are common colors, and reinforce the military connection.


Dolce & Gabbana


Versace


Junya Watanabe

YSL

D&G

Louis Vuitton

Fall Trend 4: Animal

A common thread through designers' fall shows is an animal motif: shearling trim on a bomber jacket, a car-length fur, embossed crocodile or leopard print. These elements can be found anywhere: from Valentino's leopard-print suitcase to Prada's tiger-striped motorcycle helmet. The range includes shirts, jackets or accessories, in both natural and abstract colors.


Valentino


Roberto Cavalli


Valentino

Prada

Dior Homme

Valentino

Fall Trend 5: Bags

Many European designers included bags in their fall collections. From satchels to weekenders, the pieces are generally larger in size and softly constructed. Materials are leather, cloth or a combination of both. Embroidery, metal trim or other decoration is also common.


Giorgio Armani


Burberry Prorsum


Bottega Veneta

Givenchy

Burberry Prorsum

The New iPod Shuffle

The iPod may be the MP3 player of choice for years to come; but no matter how small the Nano might be, it's still not ideally suited for workout or action-sports enthusiasts.

Enter the redesigned iPod Shuffle. Priced at just $79 and able to play tracks in pre-determined or random order, the 1GB Shuffle is capable of holding up to 240 songs. According to Greg Joswiak, Apple's vice president of Worldwide iPod Product Marketing, the lightweight aluminum design and integrated clip make it "the most wearable iPod ever." www.apple.com

The Aston Martin V12 Vanquish

Quite possibly the sexiest British export since Sienna Miller, the Vanquish has unfortunately been discontinued in favor of her far more practical- but nearly as attractive- little sister, the V8 Vantage. www.astonmartin.com

Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth

When the trustees of Fort Worth's Modern Art Museum began planning for a new home for the collection, it was clear that no ordinary structure would do. The city's cultural district was already home to two art museums designed by world-renowned architects: Louis I. Kahn's Kimbell Art Museum and the Amon Carter by Philip Johnson.

They turned to Japanese architect Tadao Ando, who in effect created a sleek, contemporary sculpture to house the artwork itself- an environment entirely appropriate to display one of the country's largest collections of postwar art.

At night, the effect is of glowing lanterns floating on the surrounding reflecting pool. The museum is also home to Café Modern, named by Gourmet as "one of America's best restaurants." www.themodern.org

Giorgio Armani, Spring/Summer 2007

For summer 2007, Giorgio Armani has presented another relaxed, eminently wearable collection.

While many designers are displaying vivid splashes of color for the spring season, Armani remains faithful to a more reserved, masculine range of colors: blues, greys, tan, black and white.

The upper body remains slim and fitted while pants, both with and without pleats, are generally relaxed. Tailored clothing is timeless, classic and quintessentially Armani. www.armani.com