TRAVEL INSPIRATION.

All eyes are on Dubai. The ups, the downs, the issues, the luxury – it’s all covered. Countless images echo through the media displaying typical angles about business and buildings. But very few capture the ethereal beauty of the city like the ones featured here by Christopher Wilson. His thoughtful photography brings out another side of Dubai while still highlighting its most obvious features. Check out one of our favorite sites, FLYLYF for more photos.

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DESIGN: Every year we look forward to Wallpaper* Magazine’s Design Awards. This year they’ve partnered with HTC to bring together an allstar cast of judges to comment on the best in innovative design. Celebrating quiet brilliance, this year’s panel will evaluate everything from Dyson’s Air Muliplier to Up Street Furniture by Ewo and Norway Says. We’re excited to see the outcome.

2010’s judges include Paris-based fashion designer John Galliano, Belgian-born installation artist Carsten Holler, American interior designer Kelly Wearstler, British media executive James Murdoch, American architect Steven Holl and Spanish film director Pedro Almodovar. But they’re not the only ones evaluating the nominees, you can also vote in the reader’s choice award. Vote here. Also, click Read More for additional information.

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FILMS: Chris Rock once famously said that “a man is only as faithful as his options”. I don’t know how true that is but it makes you think. Why does it seem like infidelity is more likely, the more successful a man is?

Lukas Moodysson’s latest film, Mammoth, is a brilliant examination of modern love and marriage. It’s about the rippling effects of life’s smallest decisions. Leo and his wife Ellen lead a charmed life in New York with their daughter, Jackie. Ellen is a hardworking emergency surgeon and Leo is an entrepreneur. His website is doing extremely well and is generating a great deal of interest. When he travels to Thailand on business, he unknowingly sets off a chain of events that will have a dire impact on his family. Mammoth is currently available on DVD and Video On Demand. Click here to view the trailer.

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PLACES: Rome’s Maxxi Museum for Contemporary Art opened this month. Designed by Zaha Hadid, the modern structure pushes the creative envelope of its more traditional surroundings. Using open space, great lighting and bold curves, the building suggests speed and movement.

The New York Times has a fantastic piece highlighting the context & relevance of Maxxi. For instance they write, “What would Pope Urban VIII have made of Maxxi, the new museum of contemporary art designed by Zaha Hadid on the outskirts of this city’s historic quarter? My guess is that he would have been ecstatic…” Be sure to check out the full article here. Also, click Read More for additional information and photos.

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PLACES: In the late 80s frozen yogurt was on a run. Stores like TCBY spawned a crazed flight away from typical ice cream chains. Then it died down a bit, but not for long. Over the last few years it’s made a strong resurgence with stores like Pink Berry and Red Mango. And across the pond we came across another great shop – London’s SNOG.

With clean presentation and good hearted humor, SNOG offers frozen yogurt to the masses. Not only does it taste good, you can tell they’ve put a lot of effort in the branding and concept. Earlier this year they opened their impressive shop in SOHO London designed by Dominic Harris from Cinimod Studios. As the firm describes, “Cinimod’s design builds upon the brand identity created by ico Design and evolves the strong architectural vision created in the first store SNOG South Kensington, while introducing a different ‘quirk’ in the design: the bubbling ceiling. This lighting feature is comprised of 700 glass globes containing LED lights and presents a new level of visual excitement and public engagement.” Click Read More for additional photos and information.

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PLACES: The classic interior designs of Joseph Dirand meet Landa Architects for the creation of Habita Hotel. Located in Monterrey, Mexico the duo make use of awe-inspiring views with over-sized windows, curved rooms and top floor terraces. The work of Joseph Dirand is undeniable. As we’ve mentioned before, his commitment to simplicity, balance and clean lines define his work. In today’s world of loud design, his use of black and white minimalism creates a quiet retreat which is perfect for any hotel accommodation. Thankfully, Contemporist unearthed a closer look at Habita Hotel. Click Read More for additional information and photos.

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We have to take a moment to spotlight Lab[au]. Their interactive installations are among our favorites. From their work with Dexia Towers in Brussels to their recent f5×5 framework exhibit – they continue to inspire and redefine what art can look and feel like. Check out their website. It lists all their work over the years. Also, click Read More for additional photos of their framework exhibit.

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