Chanel's Russian Connection

Chanel's Russian Connection by Karl Lagerfeld

Paris-Moscou

Russian Connection is Karl Lagerfeld's exploration of all things Russian. The book presents photos by Lagerfeld centered around Paris-Moscou, his 2008/2009 Metiers d'Arts collection for Chanel, showcasing the fastidious workmanship of the Parisian ateliers that provide couture houses with decorative specialities such as artificial flowers, embroidery, feathers, costume jewelry, shoes and hats.

Lagerfeld's vision is panoptic, from Catherine the Great to Faberge, from Russian Folklore to Coco Chanel's own passion for Russia including the Ballets Russes, Byzantine jewelry and her affair with the Grand Duke Dimitri Pavlovitch.

Images courtesy of Steidl

Shamballa Jewels

Shamballa collection include pieces influenced by the ancient traditions of yoga and meditation: braided bracelets with 18k gold balls and pave set diamonds or sapphires of many colors. Shamballa philosophy is rooted in spirituality, Buddhist and Tibetan symbols and beliefs. The collection is exquisite.

The Art and Craft of Terrariums

A new breed of modern, elegant and highly detailed terrariums is making a come back, and gaining favor with young design enthusiasts. Here are some of these lovely succulent pieces: small verdant worlds that feature scenes like muggings with tiny scoundrels. Others are simple, more elegant arrangements of stones and mosses.

by Twig Terrariums

by Sprout Home

by Katie Goldman Macdonald

Thanks to NYTimes for the tip

Doors, pretty doors, opening doors...

There are all kinds of doors: Colorful doors, antique doors, glass and iron doors, trompe-l'oeil doors, doors that are used in metaphorical or allegorical situations and the list goes on.....

"I cannot sleep for dreaming; I cannot dream but I wake and walk about the house as though I'd find you coming through some door."
-Arthur Miller

Oaxaca, Mexico

French Quarter, New Orleans

somewhere in LA

Photos, courtesy of Peter Politanoff, view more on his site

"All great deeds and all great thoughts have a ridiculous beginning. Great works are often born on a street corner or in a restaurant's revolving door." Albert Camus

 Paris

Quai de Bourbon," Camille Claudel"

rue Quincampoix,"Porte des Lingeres"

rue Berton, Maison de Balzac

"Every wall is a door." Ralph Waldo Emerson

Random, trompe l'oeil 

Maison Martin Margiela

iron door