Alice in Wanders Land

Luxury is a bit of a taboo subject at the moment, and with good reason. Billions of dollars worth of "bailouts" are going straight to high fliers and their weekend getaway islands and private jet collections. Not cool, kids!

So I feel a little guilty sharing this next chunk o' eye candy with you. In fact, I feel guilty that I once even considered specialising in these kind of short-term fashion-driven interiors. But if escapism is the name of the game, then there's no denying that I'm a sucker for:

A. Black and white interiors
B. High impact pattern overload, and
C. Marcel Wanders

Not yet open to the public, this Villa Moda store in Bahrain is an inspired combination of local motifs and traditions, along with the chaotic feel of a traditional souk (public market place). It's bold, it's unashamedly over the top, and it's escapism at its consumer-driven "best".

Sigh. Mr. Wanders, why must you make it so difficult to frown upon the very notion of luxury retail when you make it look oh so pretty?

[Via Frame]