LACROIX LIVING IN DUBAI

Having cut his teeth designing interiors for Parisian boutique hotels, high-speed trains and even cinemas, Christian Lacroix is taking things up a notch with his next makeover project: a residential tower in a Dubai's Jumeirah suburb. The designer is partnering with Middle Eastern property developer Abyaar for the venture, which will see him create the façade, lobby and luxury interiors of the 38-unit beachside property.

"We approached Lacroix because he is known for his exceptional design skills and theatrical style, both on and off the catwalk," says Abyaar's vice-chairman and managing director, Marzooq Al Rashdan. "This is the start of a long-term partnership that places Abyaar on the luxury development map internationally." Lacroix, meanwhile, is all about the details. "We are working on something special that will tell a Middle Eastern story," he revealed to WGSN. "The interiors will be based on paradox - contemporary and baroque, blending East and West, old and new, inspired by history and folklore."

Source: vogue.co.uk

LACROIX'S BOTTLE

Inspired by his red wedding dress design (as worn by Madonna), Christian Lacroix has created a special Evian Ice Queen bottle as part of the Design Icons series on show at Harrods this month. "It seems that Evian natural spring water has been there all my life, I remember the curly label of my childhood (were they arabesques, elaborate columns?) in the hotels by the lake where our family used to spend holidays," explains the designer." It is therefore as an amused and rather proud old friend that I designed these 2007-2008 bottles.

Draping one with the flowers of success, those that adorn the 'paseo' parade capes, like snowy crystal garlands or frost-frozen alpine flowers. Giving the other the silhouette of a princess, a goddess or a mythical creature, a sort of snow fairy in couture garb, crowned with flowers, bejewelled with crystals, "wearing" the familiar range of jagged peaks and ridges, like the flounces of a crinoline." One of only 99 bottles in the world, customers will be able to place bids in a silent auction in aid of Royal Marsden. There is a minimum reserve of £1000. Design Icons at Harrods runs from today until May 24.

Source: vogue.co.uk