Turkish delight
V2K is a savvy multi-brand store stocking fashion labels from New York. To highlight the urban New York cool, the label effuses, Turkish firm Autoban was recruited to design the label's new space in Akmerkez, the most prestigious shopping centre in Istanbul. Autoban's approach is to mix the traditional with the contemporary. V2K applied the same principle, juxtaposing concrete surfaces with brass and wooden display units. The store's exterior resembles the front bumpers of classic American cars. Autoban was created in 2003 by architect Seyhan Ozdemir and interior designer Sefer Caglar.
Taste for Vanilla
London is the world's most costly city for dining out, according to the Zagat food guide. But the expense is worth every penny as diners are guaranteed top quality ingredients, the best chefs and exciting menus. The newest kid on the culinary block is Vanilla Restaurant and Bar. Featuring an all-white interior, the mood is set by colour-changing LED lighting softened by the warm glow of crystal chandeliers. Vanilla's cocktail list is created by Xenios Voniatis, who has won awards for his work at the original Milk and Honey in New York. Modern European cuisine is served at this futuristic outfit that also manages to be cosy.
Shanghai style
A museum featuring iconic furniture designs, a Japanese art gallery and an outdoor cafe all housed under the one roof. This modern creation - christened the Shanghai Design Centre - is the work of dynamic architectural duo Lip Chiong and Annie Chung (Tan-Cheng Architecture). The centre's main space is a 3,000sqm showroom of contemporary furniture from brands such as Cassina, Flos, Cecotti and Danese. The furniture museum features designs by the likes of Le Corbusier, Frank Lloyd Wright and Philippe Stark.