Pack it in
Words: Sophy Grimshaw Nick Veasey, a photographer who specialises in the art of X-ray images, has turned his attention to travel. He has collaborated with fashion designer Anna Vince and technology brand Logitech to produce a series of suitcase images. Vince has created two capsule collections for Topshop and she certainly knows how to pack [...]
Words: Sophy Grimshaw
Nick Veasey, a photographer who specialises in the art of X-ray images, has turned his attention to travel. He has collaborated with fashion designer Anna Vince and technology brand Logitech to produce a series of suitcase images. Vince has created two capsule collections for Topshop and she certainly knows how to pack like a pro: “I always pack a few dresses when I travel as they’re so versatile. By adding some heels and one of my clutch bags or belts I have an outfit ready for a formal event. And if I pair the dress with low heels I’ve got a great casual-chic look for daytime
meetings.” www.annavince.com
DETOUR DE FORCE
If you’re holidaying in Lyon, take time to investigate the picturesque neighbouring villages. Les Plus Beaux Villages de France, a not-for-profit heritage
association, offers breaks to nearby small towns like Saint- Saturnin, where King Louis XIII’s château remains open for guests. The packages are aimed at
people travelling independently. Activities you can sign up for include wine cellar tours.
www.lesplusbeauxvillagesdefrance.org
Famous Footsteps
Katie Melua
“My favourite hotel in Europe is probably The Grand in Amsterdam. The building dates back to the 15th century and has its own courtyard in the
heart of the city near the flower market. If you’re lucky, you can see a canal from your hotel room.”
Singer Katie Melua, born in Georgia, on why she checks into The Grand when on tour [197 Oudezijds Voorburgwal, +31 (0)20 555 3111;
www.thegrand.nl]
UP YOUR GAME
Don’t just fiddle with your blackberry when travelling – kill time with class by showing off one of these sleek leather games sets. There’s even a lavish update of the traditionally plastic Rubik’s cube, with price to match: £175. But that’s a bargain when you consider that the personalised monopoly board will set you back £30,000. www.williamandson.com
ELEGANCE FOR ELEPHANTS
Some zoos don’t look like anywhere an animal would willingly want to live, but pictures of pachyderms frolicking at the new Elephant House at Copenhagen Zoo
suggest that they feel at home: perhaps because it’s been beautifully designed with them in mind by Foster & Partners. The first zoological building from the UK-based firm of Sir Norman Foster replaces a dated structure from 1914 and features a domed-roof dappled with leaf-like frosting, giving the effect of natural light filtering through a canopy. The house is divided into two sections to give bull elephants the option of taking time out from the rest of the herd – something we could all do with occasionally. Copenhagen Zoo, 79 Søndre Fasanvej, + 453 (0)72 200 200; www.zoo.dk
A BRIDGE TOO FAR?
Opinions are still divided as to whether the new bridge over the Venice Grand Canal is an asset or an eyesore. The boldly modern design from celebrity architect Santiago Calatrava, with its transparent panelling and clean white lines, has angered some Venetians. Now Arrigo Cipriani, the owner of local institution Harry’s Bar [Calle Vallaresso, San Marco, +39 (0)41 528 5777], is quoted by The Guardian as saying: “This architect has done a lot of damage.” Others have criticised the
project for being over budget and four years behind deadline – entirely the fault of local bureaucrats, argue the Spanish architect’s representatives. Amid the controversy, the planned opening ceremony earlier this year was abandoned. It seems the sinking city has some way to go before it makes its peace with modern architecture.
IN THE LOOP
Ever wondered why Chicago’s business district is called The Loop? The downtown neighbourhood gets its name from the loop-like shape of the route of the
El train, the city’s famous public transport system, as it connects the streets. To find out how to get from A to B during a trip to Chicago, visit
www.transitchicago.com
