Mexico City // 2008





Urban, sophisticated, and stylish, the Mexican federal district does not disappoint the aesthetically obsessed. This metropolis is full of flavor, with architecture and interior design at the top of their “to do” list. Unlike their North American neighbors, the professions of doctor and lawyer take a back seat to the most prestigious career of the architect. This becomes obvious very quickly.

I stayed at the W. I am always amazed by W hotels, and stay at them often. Each one is distinct and dramatic, done by different world-renowned interior designers. This one- Studio Gaia. The lobby bar ( THE place to see-and-be-seen ) hovers over a koi pond, and has sofas suspended from the ceiling- so cool. The rooms are striking and creative- colored in charcoal, white and red, and a hammock in the shower.

The surrounding Polanco is one of many fabulous neighborhoods, with a mix of gorgeous old mansions, contemporary condos, and trendy restaurants. The architecture of the older homes isn’t far removed from the Old World style that is so abundant in Phoenix & Scottsdale. There are a few differences that I found very fresh and inspirational- on the exteriors- light tans, with an abundance of dark cantera stone ornamentation. The cantera surrounds doors and windows, and is very ornate. The contrast is striking. The amazing wrought-iron gates and front doors give way to interiors that are more reserved with their ornamentation, but amazingly stylish and sophisticated. The interior space can be much more contemporary than the traditional exterior. I love a good surprise! You are inundated with a sense of space- soaring ceilings, arches, and grand staircases. Timeless travertine is underfoot. These are spaces that beg for something unexpected- a giant black crystal chandelier, a Le Corbusier chaise, an Egon Schiele painting…

Everything that is anything in this city is eye-candy- And speaking of food, you can’t get enough of it, and the interior design of the restaurants is out of control! Check out the décor of my favorite hotspots… and if you visit- check out the food!

Nemi http://www.michaelmina.net/nemi/

Ivoire

Pampano http://www.modernmexican.com/pampanodf/index.htm

Hip Kitchen (The owner is from Scottsdale and is SO cool.)

1 comment:

Amy Strock, D.C. said...

i stayed in Ecatapec (a suburb of Mexico City with 10 million residents of its own) for 3 months in 2005 and spent a considerable amount of time in el districto federal. Beautiful city! :)