Fendi Casa made a stunning ultra-chic showhouse (the first of its kind) at NYC’s ubber cool Setai Hotel. The world-famous iconic Italian designer unveiled a contemporary home collection in the posh quarters of the private residences at 400 Fifth Avenue. I was quite impressed with their Italian fashion and accessories brand, which were sleek, modern and advanced.

For this highly anticipated project, FENDI CASA has transformed the expansive three-bedroom, 3.5-bathroom penthouse 2N into a vision of contemporary elegance.

With a clear focus on rich materials and clean lines, the 3,292-square-foot residence features their own leather sofas and chairs, lacquer furniture, signature rugs and chandeliers in tones of champagne, ivory, black and chocolate, meticulously paired with the property’s lush hardwood and stone finishes.

As a final touch, modern art from the renowned Hirschl & Adler Galleries were on loan to create a stunning, visually compelling image only rivaled by the breathtaking, floor-to-ceiling views enjoyed from every room.

In choosing 400 Fifth Avenue as the locale for its first New York City show home, FENDI has selected a building acclaimed for its inspired, contemporary design and exclusive amenities and services. Opened in 2010, the 60-story building encompasses a collection of 169 upper-floor private condominium residences, along with the award-winning hotel Setai Fifth Avenue, named the 2012 Best Hotel in New York City by U.S. News & World Report Travel. “It was extremely important for us to partner with a building that evokes a similar design sensibility,” said Raffaella Vignatelli, President of Luxury Living – FENDI CASA.

“With the exceptional penthouse at 400 Fifth Avenue, we have found an ideal environment to showcase FENDI’s trademark style.”

Designed by Gwathmey Siegel & Associates and expertly appointed by interior design firm DAS Concepts, 400 Fifth Avenue boasts imported Italian cabinetry, hand-laid black-oak flooring, stone countertops, the latest appliances and panoramic, floor-to-ceiling views. Among its many exceptional offerings, the building houses Ai Fiori, the three-star Italian restaurant from celebrated chef Michael White, along with Bar on Fifth, Auriga Spa and Julien Farel Salon. Residents also have access to premier hotel services, including in-home catering, valet parking, linen and turn down service, and housekeeping, as well as unique on-call services such as pharmacist, physician, dentist, airport transportation and childcare.

“We are so impressed by the depth of talent among Mexico’s emerging designers, not only are we seeing innovative products crafted from unique materials, we are also inspired by these designers’ passion for creating new, contemporary visions of classic Mexican themes.”

—Kathy Thornton-Bias, President of MoMA’s retail division.

Right: Jam Collapsible Side Table/Stool Rodolfo Samperio

Completely collapsible and flat packed. Jam is a versatile piece of furniture formed by three planes that rotate on cotton-rope hinges. The rope is used to fasten the pieces together. Jam works equally well as a side table or a stool. Made in Mexico of birch plywood with biodegradable finish and cotton rope.

Canasta Glass Bowl Emiliano Godoy, 2008
A futuristic interpretation of the traditional basket, this bowl is made from blown glass and can be used as a decorative centerpiece perfect for displaying fruit and flowers.
Made in Mexico

If you’ve visited the MOMA Design Store last month, you probably noticed their limited-availability product collection from Mexico. That’s right, MOMA have launched about 150 lifestyle products by emerging Mexican designers, including home accessories, furniture, paper goods, and jewelry. These products are rarely seen here in the United States. Most of them have this incredible bold colors, pop culture iconography and ceramic innovation, all elements which are sometimes associated with Mexico’s design heritage.

However, some of these wonderfully designed pieces are a bit demure, yet vibrant in their appearance. Products such as a pre-Columbian-style pitcher rendered in polyester resin, a chair woven with ancient Mayan techniques that uses zinc-galvanized PVC string, and an everyday market bag reimagined as a ceramic fruit bowl are a few examples of how designers are transforming traditional ideas using modern materials, production methods, and aesthetics.

Right: Maria Bonita Table Francisco Torres, Irene Rojas, Estefania Robles, Cecilia Ezquerro, Alejandra Pimentel, Mariana Aguila, and Alejandra Rodriguez, 2010
Great for any space, this sturdy side table handcrafted from walnut wood
with handbraided and hand- knit rattan embellishment.
Made in Mexico.

The quality and beauty of every object showcased at the exhibition Deco Japan: Shaping Art and Culture from the 1920s through 1945 is stunning. The show is heart-stopping beautiful, and highlights an era of glamor and luxury. Judging from the number of paintings, jewelry and metalwork displayed throughout the entire second floor of the Japan Society’s gallery space, it’s fair to say that most of the works belonged to the impressive collection of the Levenson Family. I must admit, I was not familiar with the influence of Art Deco in Japan until I attended the Deco Japan Symposium* on Saturday, March 24th (one day before the end of Asia Week New York, which fetch about $170 Million).

The modern girl had a close association with art deco, feminism and women sufferance, since it was a period of cultural transformation, fashion, and memorable architecture.

It’s hard to imagine that art deco would have such a huge impact on a closed society as Japan was back then. But obviously, Deco being what it was, managed to break through that barrier. Imperial Japan was ripped for more progressive thinking, and fine arts managed to have a vital role during the war in Japan. Japanese craft represented the totality of the Japanese society, and the upper class were vastly concerned with art and design. Interior designers understood that all too well, as they hurried to create interiors that were harmonious, and functional.

They were quite keen to sell that lifestyle to their clients. The objects on view are of social identity, paired with functional, subdued, yet spirited interiors. All three speakers who were part of the symposium were brilliant, and a leading voice in their field of ability. I especially enjoyed Vera Mackie’s talk: The Modern Girl and Art Deco. The modern girl had a close association with art deco, feminism and women sufferance, since it was a period of cultural transformation, fashion, and memorable architecture. The last room from this exhibition is where you’ll be able to view, and explore this exciting topic. The modern girl in Japan was known to decorate with exotic fabrics, many of them from India. She had a very active social agenda, got involved with shopping, playing tennis, drinking, and smoking cigarettes. The art deco style became clear in the kimono designs from her wardrobe, her bobbed hairstyle was all about modernity. In short, Ms. Mackie explained that the modern girl in Japan was an Icon of Modernity. But at the end, she was consumed, as people consumed the image of the Modern Girl.

• Kendall Brown (the exhibit’s curator and author of Deco Japan), Gennifer Weisenfeld, Vera Mackie, with a welcome and introduction by Joe Earle, director of the Japan Society Gallery

Deco Japan is from March 16 until June 10, 2012 at the Japan Society

Long live African fashion. Apparently so thought a couple of bold and groundbreaking fashion designers who decided to launch the very first Arica Fashion week in the summer of 2011. A total of 50 designers showcased their work at London’s Gibson Hall in Bishopsgate.

Ghana and Nigeria made their mark by bringing their fashion sense to center stage.
It was also an opportunity for models, new on the scene, to make a name for themselves.

The fashion industry has long drawn their inspirations from Africa’s rich culture.

The Africa Fashion Show has previously been held in Johannesburg and New York.

This marked the first Africa Fashion Week in London.

Lead photo via Africa Fashion Guide