Euromaxx Highlights

In this edition:

Classy Cars

It’s a date all historic car afficianados will have marked in their calendar– the 2012 Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d’Este in Cernobbio. The prestigious competition on the shores of Lake Como in Italy is known as a beauty pageant for vintage cars. Going strong since it was founded in 1929, the event features a host of glamorous parties on the sidelines.

Plastic Jewelry

Jewellery that is eye-catching, expensive -- and made of plastic! Berlin designer Svenja John's creations are hand-crafted, made of polycarbonate, and cost thousands. But her fans say they are worth every penny. Her creations have been commissioned by museums, and fashion designers like Christian Lacroix.

　

Home Away from Home

Germany’s national soccer team has booked the five-star Dwòr Oliwski in Gdansk, Poland as its base for the duration of the Euro 2012 football championships. Teams from France, Spain and Sweden were also keen to check into the luxury hotel, but the German side beat them to it. Located 15 kilometers outside Gdansk, the historic hotel’s 70 rooms will be closed to the public for the duration of the tournament.

　

Extraordinary Design

Thomas Heatherwick set up his design practice in 1994 and it has since earned an international reputation as one of the most inventive British design studios. Now the Victoria and Albert Museum in London is showcasing the first major solo exhibition of Heatherwick Studio projects. Spanning the fields of architecture, sculpture, engineering, furniture and product design, the show is the highpoint of a V&A series celebrating the best in British design.

　

Pedal Power

Carmakers are getting serious about the electric bike. While many concept bikes have been designed with an eye for easy commuting or for folding up to transport in a luggage compartment, some of the latest models are pushing technological limits. Audi’s Wörthersee e-bike is a case in point. We check out some of the designs packing a punch.