Set at a crossroads in the northern section of the Taikoo-Li Sanlitun district in Beijing, where luxury brands play a leading role, the new Tiffany & Co flagship store obliged Dutch architecture studio MVRDV to be creative. In order to catch the attention of potential shoppers and to elevate the surrounding cityscape, the building needed to be different yet luxurious.

Play of light 

In order to reach that effect, the designers opted for a 20-meter-high curving facade made from translucent, frosted glass fins, carefully selected for their ‘Tiffany blue’-hue. While the glass doesn’t move, it does interact with the changing light throughout the day and with the perspective of those passing by, thus creating the illusion of movement. The overall shape was inspired by the Bone Cuff design for Tiffany & Co by Elsa Peretti.

“When viewed from an angle, the layering effect of the dense glass fins amplifies the effects of the light, highlighting the facade’s shape. The light filtering through and reflecting off of the translucent glass creates a delicate interplay that is constantly changing as you move. And, as you pass close to the building, you see glimpses in between the fins to the jewelry inside”, explains MVRDV founding partner Jacob van Rijs.

Not only throughout the day but even at night, the play of light has been carefully thought through. Integrated light fittings illuminate the glass from within, accentuating its blue tones even further. Meanwhile, well-lit Tiffany & Co logos provide brand-recognizability from all sides of the building.

As far as sustainability is concerned, MVRDV stipulates that the fins are made from responsibly recycled and locally manufactured glass. Moreover, the façade is designed to be demountable, allowing the glass fins and mounting brackets to be removed without damage and enabling the possibility for these components to be reused or recycled at the end of their lifespan.

The new Taikoo-Li Sanlitun flagship store in Beijing marks the fifth Tiffany & Co store to be designed by MVRDV. Previously, the architecture studio already designed the façades of the Tiffany & Co stores in Cancun, Shanghai Taikoo-Li, Stuttgart, and Singapore Changi Airport.

L’article Tiffany & Co flagship store in Beijing clad in glass veil by architecture studio MVRDV est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Out go the minimalist, all-white walls paired with monochrome furniture. In come rich, earthy colours, alongside wallpapers, patterned prints, and even tapestries. In urban interiors, colour and vegetation play a key role.

Once dismissed as relics of draughty manors, tapestry fabrics are being repurposed to upholster sofas and chairs. When mixed with modern influences, such as African or Moroccan patterns, they feel refreshed.

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Unsurprisingly, in an age increasingly shaped by sustainability, texture is important and can be found everywhere. Tactile elements add a sense of cosy chic, whether through flooring, soft furnishings, or plush carpets. Carved wood is making a comeback, too, much to the regret of anyone who once gave away a Breton table passed down through the generations.

Printed cushions and sofa covers in geometric and autumnal designs are elevated further by animal prints, with leopard print being the clear favourite. A single cushion placed correctly can instantly conjure up images of lush, warm jungles and provide a sense of escapism.

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Natural textures, such as velvet, linen, and aged leather, anchor interiors, while colour washing in deep greens, browns, plums, and moody blues adds depth and warmth. The cocooning trend continues, with painted ceilings becoming a popular choice, while curved furniture adds softness and echoes the organic lines of plants and floral motifs.

Living spaces in 2026 are not about perfection. They are spaces that feel “lived-in,” places where one can relax without feeling stifled. In a world marked by uncertainty, there is comfort in interiors that feel embracing rather than cold or impersonal. While AI and the many machines that dominate our lives may reshape large parts of our existence, they will never replace the scent of a room or the sensation of wrapping up in a woollen or faux-fur throw on a floral, tapestry-covered sofa.

Small objects with history are firmly back in fashion. Antiques and brocante finds can now take centre stage. Even fringes are returning. Once dismissed as dust and moth magnets in our grandparents’ living rooms, they are back in force.

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“The key difference is fluidity,” says interior stylist Claire Montfort. “These elements are no longer fixed or nostalgic; they are mixed freely across eras, patterns, and materials.”

While the look itself is not new, Soho Home has been championing it for years; it has now become more accessible, with high-street brands increasingly offering more affordable versions.

“Eclectica” seems to be the buzzword for 2026. These mismatched, brocante-inspired interiors embrace chairs and tables from different eras, each with its own character, yet carefully balanced. This shift reflects a more social approach to living, mirrored by the popularity of larger, deeper sofas.

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Walls are becoming galleries filled with paintings of varying styles, colours, and moods, all tied together by a shared palette. Painted ceilings are joined by painted floors. Patchwork sits atop linen, which is layered over padded tartan. Old fabrics upholster modern shapes. Tapestries and North African textures bring equal measures of richness and roughness.

In short, living rooms in 2026 are about layering lives rather than staging spaces, but where aesthetics and elegance still reign supreme.

L’article Refreshing your living room in 2026? These design trends are leading the way est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The premium luggage manufacturer partnered with Sent Into Space, a company specialising in space-themed marketing campaigns and publicity stunts, to send its lightest-ever suitcase, Proxis, to an altitude of over 130,000 feet (40 kilometres). Even though the edge of space is approximated at 100 km above sea level, the Proxis was still high enough at 40 km to see the curvature of the Earth against the pitch-black background of outer space.

The launch took place from Mojave Desert, just outside Las Vegas, and the suitcase, which features Samsonite’s Roxkin outer shell that provides a combination of lightness and strength, returned to Earth fully intact. This feat, the company says, demonstrates its commitment to both durability and forward-thinking design.

Proxis was selected for this space-bound mission, showcasing the brand’s relentless drive to push the boundaries of what’s possible, not just on Earth but beyond.

Samsonite

“At Samsonite, innovation is in our DNA,” said Nicole Adriance, Senior Director of Brand Marketing. “Sending Proxis into space is a bold testament to our century-long commitment to durability and design. This experiment with ‘Sent Into Space’ demonstrates how our case delivers performance under the most challenging conditions, withstanding not only the rigors of Earthbound travel but also the ultimate test—space—exemplifying the remarkable balance we’ve achieved between lightweight design and rugged durability, setting a new standard in the luggage industry.”

The drop test was accomplished using stratospheric balloon technology, leveraging the natural buoyancy of renewable hydrogen gas to lift the suitcase high into the region of Near Space. The one-of-a-kind spacecraft, designed by Sent Into Space engineers, was equipped with a flight computer with satellite and radio communications systems that allowed the team on the ground to track the craft’s position in real-time and recover it swiftly on its return to Earth. A self-deploying parachute system brought the craft down at a safe and controlled speed, while a fleet of 360° and 4K camera systems documented the incredible journey.

“The Proxis was a perfect passenger for our flight,” said Sent Into Space’s Head of Projects, Dr Chris Rose, “Incredibly robust, even in the freezing vacuum of space where the temperature drops below -85°F, but light enough to meet our stringent weight requirements—I’d love to take one on every spaceflight!”

Upon its return to Earth, the suitcase landed completely intact and without a single scratch. The advanced design and durability of its outer shell were put to the ultimate test, enduring the extreme conditions of space travel and the controlled descent through the atmosphere.

L’article Samsonite suitcase survives ultimate drop from the space est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

What would you call a classic Frakta bag-turned-travel-pillow? The Resten, of course. The already iconic product is the result of a collaboration between IKEA and creative agency The Secret Little Agency. The choice for a company in Singapore isn’t a random one, given the fact that it is considered one of the world’s most sleep-deprived countries according to YouGov Surveys.

With that in mind, the designers took the original Frakta and made some alterations by adding soft textiles and stuffing, so it could become a fashionable portable pillow. One that still allows you to transport your belongings inside but also gives you the chance to take a little nap while commuting, all while being comfortable. While the handle of the bag reads “leave the rest to IKEA”, your belongings on the inside aren’t just protected by a big bunch of squishy material but also by a zip which keeps everything from falling out.

“We selected fabrics that felt like bedsheets when touched – smooth, soft and comfortable,” Nicholas Ye, The Secret Little Agency’s chief creative officer, told Dezeen. “The bag is something you can comfortably rest on, even in the least comfortable or unexpected spaces. We wanted to give the ever-hardworking, iconic blue Frakta a rest in Singapore.”

Sadly for all those who are already getting excited about purchasing the limited-edition bag, the Resten can’t simply be bought at your local IKEA store. The only ways to get your hands on a pillow bag are by participating in one of the social media competitions or going to IKEA Singapore’s upcoming Restfest, an event organised by the Swedish furniture dealer from 6 to 8 September. 

The collab with The Secret Little Agency isn’t Frakta’s first makeover. The classic blue shopping tote is often the subject of IKEA’s collaborations, whether it be with Balenciaga (resulting in a bag worth thousands) or with guest designers such as Virgil Abloh or Swedish House Mafia.

L’article IKEA’s classic blue shopping bag gets redesigned into travel pillow est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

ECB conducted a survey both offline, with 23,377 European participants, and online, with over 365,000 Europeans expressing their views, in July and August 2023. “European culture” secured the top spot, resonating with 21% of the respondents, followed by “Rivers: the waters of life in Europe”, at 18%, and “Birds: free, resilient, inspiring” at 17%. To reflect the public’s preferences as broadly as possible, the Governing Council gave its approval to combine “Rivers: the waters of life in Europe” and “Birds: free, resilient, inspiring” into a single nature-related theme.

Both of the chosen themes share a common thread of connecting Europe and Europeans, and this is very much in keeping with our goal of making banknotes more relatable to people of all ages and backgrounds.

Christine Lagarde, European Central Bank President

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The Governing Council decided to establish an advisory group to propose motifs for the selected themes by the end of 2024. The other proposed themes were: “European values mirrored in nature”, “The future is yours”, “Hands: together we build Europe” and “Our Europe, ourselves”.

“Banknotes are a symbol of our European unity, now and in the future. We are committed to ensuring that everyone can choose how they pay, be it using cash or digital payments,” said ECB Executive Board member Piero Cipollone.

Now, a competition to design the new banknotes will be held and European citizens will again have the chance to express their preferences on the design options. The ECB is expected to decide on the final designs, and when to produce and issue the new banknotes, in 2026. Once a decision to produce new banknotes has been taken, it will still be several years before the first banknotes are issued.

L’article “European culture” and “rivers and birds” selected as possible themes for next euro banknotes est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Collaborating with Axiom Space, the mastermind behind the world’s pioneering commercial space station, Prada will contribute its technical prowess in material development, manufacturing techniques and innovative design concepts.

“Prada’s technical expertise with raw materials, manufacturing techniques, and innovative design concepts will bring advanced technologies instrumental in ensuring not only the comfort of astronauts on the lunar surface but also the much-needed human factors considerations absent from spacesuits”, said Michael Suffredini, CEO of Axiom Space.

With a commitment to pioneering innovative technologies and designs, the collaboration between Prada and Axiom Space promises to open new frontiers for lunar exploration, facilitating a more comprehensive and efficient exploration of the lunar surface.

“Our decades of experimentation, cutting-edge technology and design know-how – which started back in the ‘90s with Luna Rossa challenging for the America’s Cup [sailing competition] – will now be applied to the design of a spacesuit for the Artemis era. It is a true celebration of the power of human creativity and innovation to advance civilization”, said Lorenzo Bertelli, Prada Group Marketing Director.

The new Axiom Extravehicular Mobility Unit (AxEMU) spacesuits, a progression from NASA’s Exploration Extravehicular Mobility Unit (xEMU) spacesuit design, aims to equip astronauts with enhanced capabilities for lunar exploration. These suits will offer increased flexibility, reinforced protection against the hostile lunar environment and specialized tools tailored for scientific investigation and exploration purposes.

“Prada has considerable experience with various types of composite fabrics and may actually be able to make some real technical contributions to the outer layers of the new space suit”, Professor Jeffrey Hoffman, a seasoned NASA astronaut who participated in five space missions and conducted four spacewalks, expressed. According to the professor, “a spacesuit is really like a miniature spacecraft. It has to provide pressure, oxygen, keep you at a reasonable temperature”.

Earlier this year, Axiom Space revealed a 55kg spacesuit intended for use during the forthcoming Artemis III mission. Notably, the suit was designed to provide a better tailored fit for female astronauts.

Artemis III will succeed Artemis II, a mission involving the circumnavigation of the Moon slated for late next year or early 2025. Notably, Artemis II will mark a significant milestone as it will include the first woman and the first black astronaut ever assigned to a lunar mission, with Christina Kock and Victor Glover respectively taking on this groundbreaking endeavor.

L’article Prada partners with Axiom Space to design NASA’s next lunar spacesuits est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

To ensure opinions from across the euro area are equally represented, the ECB has contracted an independent research company to ask a representative sample of people in the euro area the same questions as those in its own survey.

Developing new series of banknotes is a standard practice for all central banks. In a world where reproduction technologies are rapidly evolving and where counterfeiters can easily access information and materials, it is necessary to issue new banknotes on a regular basis.

We want Europeans to identify with the design of euro banknotes.

Christine Lagarde, ECB President

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Beyond security considerations, the ECB is committed to reducing the environmental impact of euro banknotes throughout their life cycle, while also making them more relatable and inclusive for Europeans of all ages and backgrounds, including vulnerable groups such as people with visual impairment. “There is a strong link between our single currency and our shared European identity, and our new series of banknotes should emphasize this,” said ECB President Christine Lagarde. “We want Europeans to identify with the design of euro banknotes, which is why they will play an active role in selecting the new theme.”

The outcome of the surveys will be used by the ECB to select the theme for the next generation of banknotes by 2024. After that a design competition will take place. European citizens will again have the chance to express their preferences on the design options resulting from that competition. The ECB is expected to take the decision on the future design, and on when to produce and issue the new banknotes in 2026. The ECB’s Governing Council has shortlisted seven themes, listed here below.

1. European culture

Europe’s rich cultural heritage and dynamic cultural and creative sectors strengthen the European identity, forging a shared sense of belonging. Culture promotes common values, inclusion and dialogue in Europe and across the globe. It brings people together.

2. European values mirrored in nature

Europe is a living place, but also an idea. The European Union is an organization, but also a set of values. The theme highlights the role of European values (human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and human rights) as the building blocks of Europe and links these values to our respect for nature and the preservation of the environment.

3. Birds: free, resilient, inspiring

Birds know nothing of national borders and symbolize freedom of movement. Their nests remind us of our own desire to build places and societies that nurture and protect the future. They remind us that we share our continent with all the lifeforms that sustain our common existence.

4. The future is yours

The ideas and innovations that will shape the future of Europe lie deep within every European. The images created for this theme represent the bearers of the collective imagination through which people will create this shared future. This theme signifies the boundless potential of Europeans.

5. Hands: together we build Europe

Hands are familiar to all of us but no two pairs are the same. Hands built Europe, its physical infrastructure, its artistic heritage and its achievements. Hands build, weave, heal, teach, connect and guide us. Hands tell stories of labor, age and relationships, of heritage, history, and culture. This theme celebrates the hands that have built Europe and continue to do so every day.

6. Our Europe, ourselves

We grow up as individuals but also as part of a community, through our relationships with one another. We have our own stories and identities, but we also share a common identity as Europeans. This theme evokes the freedom, values and openness of people in Europe.

7. Rivers: the waters of life in Europe

Europe’s rivers cross borders. They connect us to each other and to nature. They represent the ebb and flow of a dynamic, ever-changing continent. They nurture us and remind us of the deep sources of our common life, and we must nurture them in turn.

L’article Europeans to cast votes on new themes for euro banknotes est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

“The Sukhoi Su-34 tags are helping us support vital demands in equipment such as cars and tactical gear, for what is set to be a very eventful year! We need all the support we can get”, said Marko Gudz from Fuselage Creations. “We use the money to purchase vehicles (pick-up trucks, Nissan Navara, Mitsubishi L200, or equivalent) and ship them to Ukraine. Additionally, we try to help and cover requests for clothes and military kit, which can be purchased at surplus stores in the UK. We also work with other Ukrainian aid groups – for example, Support Ukraine London – to try to help them too. We only take 10% of the value of the tag to cover production costs.”

1. Sukhoi SU-34

Fuselage Creations made 1034 luggage tags from the fuselage of the Russian Sukhoi SU-34 downed by the Ukrainian Air Force, found in the graveyard of the destroyed Russian military equipment in the Ukrainian city of Liman, Donetsk Region, in October 2022.

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The Sukhoi SU-34 is a Soviet era designed and Russian produced, supersonic fighter-bomber/strike aircraft. Having become the pride of the Russian military aviation, it is capable of conducting missions in all-weather conditions and is considered to be a ‘4++’ generation medium range strike aircraft.

This particular SU-34 belonged to the ’09 Red’ registered as RF-81852. Based on the information given to the Fuselage Creation team, The ’09 Red’ was largely involved in the Syrian offensive and took part in at least 24 missions there, which resulted in the amount of the acquired stars, located on the outer skin of the engine intake. It is unclear when and where the aircraft was downed by the Ukrainian Air Force.

2. Sukhoi SU-25SM

The Sukhoi SU-25SM was shot down on 9 March 2022 and Fuselage Creations were able to recover some metal parts to make a limited series of aviation tags.

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The Sukhoi SU-25 is a subsonic, single-seat, twin-engine jet aircraft developed in the Soviet Union. It was designed to provide close air support for Soviet Ground Forces. The first prototype made its maiden flight on 22 February 1975. After testing, the aircraft went into series production in 1978 in Tbilisi in the Georgian Soviet Socialist Republic. Early variants included the SU-25UB two-seat trainer, the SU-25BM for target-towing and the SU-25K for export customers. Some aircraft were upgraded to the SU-25SM standard in 2012.

L’article Limited edition aviation tags made from downed Russian planes to support Ukraine war effort est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The eye-catching design includes an array of colours and an archway symbolising Heathrow’s role as the gateway to the UK. It has been designed to be a celebratory keepsake to hold on to for years to come and 12,000 of the tags will be given out to passengers from 1 to 10 May, the same number of flights as will be arriving and departing in that time.

Crowning a new monarch is a once in a lifetime experience, and these commemorative keepsakes will give our passengers the chance to remember the celebrations and that ‘I was there’ feeling.

Nigel Milton, Chief of Staff at Heathrow

“Every luggage tag hints at adventure: a journey made in pursuit of sunshine, business, romance or a grand royal event. In this digital age, a proper tag on your baggage provides a constant reminder that travel is the ultimate analogue joy, as well as distinctive proof that your luggage belongs to you. And in Coronation Week, a distinctive luggage tag makes the ideal royal souvenir”, Simon Calder, travel journalist and broadcaster, explains why a luggage tag was chosen by Heathrow to commemorate the occasion.

The commemorative tag is the latest work from artist Morag Myerscough, renowned for her creative emphasis on space and place. Myerscough is known for work including the transformation of a Roman gateway at Hadrian’s Wall and recently created a colourful public art shrine in Weston-super-Mare.

Instinctively I knew a bold colour filled, joyful, positive approach to the luggage tag to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III and the start of a new era was going to be my approach.

Morag Myerscough, artist

“I marked the day with ‘CR III 2023’ and on the reverse depicting an abstract gateway to echo how Heathrow is the gateway to the UK and the world, welcoming people to start their adventures there and now to celebrate a new monarch. Much of my work is about celebrating communities, places and cultural events, drawing on shared history and heritage, using colourful visual mediums to resonate with audiences across geographical and cultural boundaries. I’m proud to have designed the commemorative tag as a unique memento to mark this momentous occasion”, Myerscough says.

The tags have been printed on high quality, recycled card by the Royals favourite stationer’ Barnard & Westwood. The fine printing and bookbinding company held a Royal Warrant under both Queen Elizabeth II and King Charles III when he was Prince of Wales, printing the orders of service for royal events such as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s wedding.

In the lead up to the Coronation, Heathrow will be marking the occasion by hosting a range of activities including colleagues helping to prepare villages and local communities by decorating streets with bunting and flowers; and interactive retail opportunities for passengers departing around the Coronation. Passengers will be treated to giveaways over the weekend itself and will be able to watch the Coronation on screens across the airport.

L’article Heathrow to give out commemorative luggage tags for King’s Coronation est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The innovative suitcase’s numerous “features that challenge the status quo of travelling” will be presented on the sidelines of this year’s Milan Fashion Week by Erik Sijmons, long-time chief designer of Samsonite and creator of the iconic Cosmolite series, who has given shape to his vision of the future of travel in this new type of suitcase. The exclusive presentation will take place at Samsonite’s Store in Milan on 19 April.

Good design should move the customers, improve their lives, and change the world. Good design is always innovative.

Erik Sijmons, long-time chief designer of Samsonite

IBON’s most distinctive innovations are the suitcase’s central one-point closure system that enables easy access and swift closing, as well as its transversal split, resulting in space-saving when the suitcase is open. Both features allow for easy access on the move. It is thoughtfully conceived to contain an entire wardrobe without refolding, making unpacking optional, Samsonite says. The interior compression system ensures secure luggage retention, while the central interior handle offers mobility during packing. The suitcase also provides dual handles on the corners and sides, allowing ergonomic handling, while the telescopic handle is integrated into the hinge and is not in the way when packing.

“IBON is designed from the inside out and pays tribute to the growing trend that values the journey as much as the destination. The unconventional design guarantees increased accessibility and makes IBON a perfect companion for travelling by car or train. It makes living out of a suitcase while frequently staying overnight easier and more engaging and invites new habits of travelling”, the company explains. “Winning a Red Dot: Best of the Best is well deserved as Samsonite designed a new type of suitcase, focusing on the needs of tomorrow’s consumers”, Professor Dr. Peter Zec, Founder & CEO of Red Dot congratulated IBON’s design.

IBON’s features at a glance:

• The transversal split is a space saver when opening the suitcase that doesn’t compromise on interior capacity. The telescopic handle is integrated in the hinge and is not in the way when packing.
• The central one-point closure system allows for fast and easy access. The built-in TSA lock features a latching mechanism to close the suitcase swiftly.
• The patented interior compression system ensures secure luggage retention on both sides of the suitcase. It also creates additional packing capacity compared to traditional methods.
• The central interior carry handle offers mobility during packing, allowing the open suitcase to be carried around, even through narrow doorways.
• Dual handles on the corners and sides allow for ergonomic movement of the suitcase: walking up or down the stairs, lifting into a car boot, opening and closing.
• The design of IBON is registered around the world and multiple patent rights are pending on various technical aspects for the key features.

L’article Samsonite presents innovative suitcase that “challenges the status quo of travelling” est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.