Wallpaper

Published on October 3, 2007

Wallpaper

The Office for Metropolitan Architecture, the Rotterdam-based firm behind the eye-catching Prada Epicentre store in New York, recently used a Spanish market as the backdrop for a party for 2,000 of Prada's A-list customers, placing Prada designs among detergents, shampoos and soaps to wonderful effect.

This month's issue also features the very latest in design products from around the world, among them the oak and walnut Box sofa by Autoban from Istanbul, Turkey; the Slow chair, Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec's new interpretation of the classic armchair, and the funky Foto table lamp by Bernstrand and Stahlbom from Sweden.

You can also spice up your dining table with Hybrid cutlery by Belgium's Maarten Van Severn and bring flair to your garden with Mario Ruiz's Flat chair.

On the home front, "Urban Stop" visits trendy Bangkok hotspot Cafe CPS in Siam Centre. Run by the Chaps brand and operated by Bed Supperclub, CPS' owner explains what makes it different from other downtown coffee shops.

For some real eye-candy, flick to the fashion spread, which this month was shot at the colourful Pompidou Centre in Paris.

Thailand Restaurant News

Over the last 10 to 15 years, sushi has gained in popularity to become one of Thais' favourite foods. The latest issue of the magazine examines the sushi trends in Bangkok and upcountry. There's also a feature on the different cuts of tuna, with recommendations as to the most nutritious, and explanations on how the fish is used throughout the food industry.

The magazine also talks to Oishi, the fast-food chain that has played a major role in popularising sushi, sashimi and maki.

Staying with healthy eating, the new issue looks at turkey as a diet alternative. With approximately 8 per cent more protein than chicken, this cholesterol-free poultry is the latest choice of health-conscious chefs and consumers. Recipes are also featured.

Then check out the latest trends in Singapore. The island country, which has half the population of Bangkok, offers an ever-increasing number of chic bars and restaurants.

Learn more about the food and beverage business in the magazine's regular columns. "Hotel Success Secrets" offers tips on incentives and rewards while the franchise feature points out that you don't have to lay out millions to get your business up and running. These days, it seems, franchises are available on kiosks and street vending carts.

Living etc

The magazine celebrates its third anniversary by inviting three experts to create innovative dining havens with a budget of Bt60,000. Discover how architect Tawitee Wacharapai Tepakam from Department of Architect Co; Chamnan Pakdisuk, designer for Fly Now and fashion editor of Harper's Bazaar; and executive Velvadi Sritrairat from Phuttaraksa Resort Hua Hin have turned the tables in this month's issue.

Then take a tour of Napasaporn Vejjajiva's new home and discover how, with a little help from veteran architect and designer friends Ou Baholyodhin and Sa-krang Punyatalang, she's turned it into a sanctuary that she'll never want to leave.

London-based designer Ben de Lisi, décor consultant to celebs like Kate Winslet and the British royals, is no slouch when it comes to interior design. The American-born de Lisi has been working on the designs for his own home and this month proudly showcases his concept kitchen, living room and bedroom.

Turin has been designated World Design Capital 2008 and writer Pimpida Kanchanawathang takes readers to check out both popular and hidden corners of this northern Italian city.

compiled by worm boy

The Nation