Flashback: Steven Meisel for Vogue Italia 2004

all photos by Steven Meisel for Vogue Italia [via Culture_Shock]

Oh, hey! The world didn't end! Sorry, doomsayers, but I guess you'll have to hang on a little longer. In the meantime, I'm looking forward to never, ever hearing about the Mayan calendar again.

It sure is a great excuse for a little post-apocalyptic fashion, though. Let's travel back to September 2004: Vogue Italia, Steven Meisel, Jessica Stam and the end of the world. 'Nuff said!

More photos after the jump.

The Metrick System Headquarters by Crayon Design

[all photos via The Metrick System]

My fiance works for Google, so I'm no stranger to cool offices space. But by god! Google's futuristic "napping pods" have got nothing on these vintage Airstream trailers.

The 1950s retrofitted Airstreams are parked inside the Toronto headquarters of The Metrick System, a strategic marketing agency that Inc. has just rightfully named among the world's coolest offices. In addition to the three trailers, which serve as cozy meeting rooms, Crayon Design outfitted the 5,800 square foot warehouse with open cubicles, glass dividers, and both recording and film studios.

Furniture by Asher Israelow

Asher Israelow / Paper Credenza detail / Terra Chair
[headshot by Matthew Williams / all photos via AsherIsraelow.com]

Yesterday, Forbes released it's the ultimate kick in the head to middle-aged entrepreneurs everywhere: the annual "30 Under 30" list. This batch of young overachievers can leave even the most industrious souls cowering under their desks, bemoaning their lack of accomplishment; but the list is also a goldmine of fresh, raw talent.

It was furniture designer Asher Israelow, listed in the Art & Style section of "30 Under 30," who caught my eye. Mainly because anyone wearing such ridiculous glasses is either a creative genius or a megalomaniac. One look at Israelow's website proves he's the real deal.

The furniture looks deceptively simple - a single-slab walnut bench, a table made of reclaimed wood and raw steel - but closer inspection reveals craftsmanship and intricacy rarely found in contemporary furniture. Think exposed joints, silver maple inlay and even star maps in brass.

Marion Cotillard in December's W Magazine

photos by Tim Walker for W Magazine

I'm sure some of you have already seen Tim Walker's spread for the December issue of W, but when you combine my girl crush, Marion Cotillard, with an uber-creepy nutcracker and some over-the-top haute couture, there's no way I'm not posting it. Enjoy!

GMG House by Pedro Gadanho

all photos by Fernando Guerra, FG+SG Architectural Photography [via Yatzer]

Those who are close to me know that I'm particular. I know what I like, and I can usually be found squarely in the love-it or hate-it camp, but the GMG House by Pedro Gadanho has thrown me for a loop.

Located in Torres Vedras, Portugal, this 19th century townhouse has been dramatically updated with geometric, lacquered swathes of bold color. Yet, what look to be original details remain - in moldings, banisters and ornamental plaster ceiling work. Creative? Most definitely. But I can't decide if the contrast is enough to save me from the feeling of stepping into a Lichtenstein painting or Pee Wee's playhouse.

Midweek Covet: Modern English Bone China

Drip Tease and Lip Tease Teaware by Reiko Kaneko

Dear Brits,

Until your products are easily procurable stateside, please stop making such cool stuff. There's nothing comparable to these whimsical sets of bone china in the U.S., and it's just not fair.

Enviously yours,

Marissa

More covetable sets after the jump...

WTF?! Moment: Designer Christmas Sweaters

Because sometimes design is so absurd, so out there, that there's nothing to say but WTF?!

center: Meadham Kirchhoff Maria Sweater ($1,395) / clockwise from top: Markus Lupfer Santa Claus Sweater ($400) / Moschino Appliqued Sweater ($695) / 3.1 Phillip Lim Snowflake-Embellished Sweater ($450) / Chinti and Parker Reindeer Intarsia Sweater ($560) / Stella McCartney Reindeer Intarsia Sweater ($735) / Markus Lupfer Wreath Sweater ($190) / Moschino Penguin Intarsia Sweater ($500)

That monstrosity in the center costs $1,395. Yes, you read that correctly: Meadham Kirchhoff and a bevy of other high-end designers are trying to convince fashionistas that a fugly Christmas sweater is roughly worth its weight in platinum. 

I get it. I really do. Irony is in, and ugly sweater parties have become as ubiquitous as horn-rimmed glasses and handlebar mustaches. Designers are merely playing to the market. You know, the market of hipsters who don't already own Christmas sweaters knit by misguided aunts. And live nowhere near a Goodwill store. And lack the opposable thumbs necessary for ordering from QVC. Umm...