Lok Jansen an illustrator and architect living and working in Tokyo in collaboration with illustrator and graphic designer Jeroen Koolhaas did the artwork of the PRADA FW 2008 Lookbook, produced by OMA*AMO - Rem Koolhaas with Ippolito Pestellini Laparelli.
Via Yatzer.

Renate Buser is a swiss art photographer based in basel. Many of his projects involve mounting large realistic images in urban settings which have some kind of optical illusion. Looking at these pieces, the viewer is tricked into seeing a something that is not there. These large 2-D images are mounted on the buildings to give the illusion of three dimensions.
Via designboom.

Some argue that fashion is mere folly for the intellectually challenged – others realise that fashion can be a wearable art that could often be hung in galleries! Favourite pieces can tell a story, remind the wearer of a moment in time, and provide a character to emerge from simply wearing it. This shoot by Stiletto Magazine is testament to this theory. Raphael Dallaporta has produced a shoot that needs no model, no glamorous location, no make-up artist and no post production.

Via Fashionation.

New images of a hotel, conference and exhibition complex by Norwegian architects Snøhetta, in the emirate of Ras Al-Khaimah, United Arab Emirates.
Snøhetta has been commissioned by the Ras Al Khaimah investment Authority and RAKEEN to undertake the architectural design for the Gateway project in the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah. Situated in the desert 150 km to the east of Dubai this landmark project will mark the gateway to the emirate and form the entrance to the new planned capital city of Ras Al Khaimah.
Via Dezeen.

Beijing held its formal opening ceremony today for the 2008 Summer Olympics. The ceremony, held in the National Stadium known as the Bird’s Nest, was attended by thousands, and watched by millions more on television. Below are some highlights of the nearly 4-hour performance.
Rights Getty Images.
Via The Boston Globe.

The Barn House beams with clean, updated lines that emphasize the structure’s surrounding natural setting. The indigenous building principles of the barn - to both protect from and connect to weather and nature - are brought into a new light with daylight filled living spaces that boast inspiring views. Openings at either end of The Barn House frame the bucolic landscape, while operable sections of the shuttered facade swing open to let daylight and natural breezes into the home.
By Architect Rita Huys of Buro2.

Via Inhabitat and Wallpaper.

To celebrate its 260th anniversary, porcelain manufacturer Nymphenburg has launched a limited edition of the world-famous COMMEDIA DELL’ARTE figures produced by the rococo sculptor, FRANZ ANTON BUSTELLI , in 1759/60. Sixteen internationally acclaimed fashion designers were invited to create “new clothes” as a new décor for their favourite figure in the COMMEDIA DELL’ARTE group.
Viktor & Rolf, Vivienne Westwood, Gustavo Lins, Christian Lacroix, Gareth Pugh, …

See more here.