Matter Nightclub

Matter, opening this month at the 02 venue in London is a new nightclub that is specifically designed and operated by London’s Fabric nightclub and it promises to be the country’s best equipped live music venue. ‘i-am’ looks forward to checking out what looks set be one of the most captivating clubbing experiences in the capital. In terms of branding, Juan Cortés has evolved the original Fabric artwork to reflect the architectural features of the building interior to create a coherent brand experience. ‘i-am’ look forward to reporting more once Matter’s doors open later this month.

Rioma

Infiltrate the queue streaming around the block, and sneak into one of Mexico City’s most exclusive clubs. Rioma consists of a spectrum of glowing tables, bars and dancefloors, making the interior as eye-catching as the beautiful clientele. Bars, clubs and restaurants are the perfect sector for creating an all-encompassing theatrical customer experience, and Rioma doesn’t disappoint. Prop up the bar while vibrantly-lit Mexican ‘it’ girls gyrate to electronica in the main space, or sip a tequila in one of the more subtly illuminated chillout zones. Rioma’s premium vibe doesn’t detract from its Mexican spirit however, with a mixed fun crowd of hard-drinking club kids and VIPs. Visit Rioma’s MySpace page for club listings: www.myspace.com/clubrioma

Habita Hotel

Continuing our current love of all things Mexican is Habita. Located in the fashionable Polanco district of Mexico City, this is one of the city’s smartest and most contemporary boutique hotels. A minimal and modernist design approach has been taken to all rooms and communal areas including a partially-exposed deck area (pictured). ‘i-am’ love the rooftop pool overlooking the glittering lights of Mexico City and the haphazard ‘lightning mural’. The sleek bar area and the roof of Habita are fast becoming popular drinking destinations for the well-heeled and fashionable of Mexico City. www.designhotels.com

The Hoxton Pony

Within stumbling distance of the ‘i-am’ studio, new hotspot The Hoxton Pony has opened. Despite East London’s Hoxton needing another trendy hangout like a hole in the head, the points of difference here include a cocktail list using organic, seasonal British produce, and a bar menu featuring suitably east-end grub (pie ‘n’ mash and jellied eels). The ‘i-am’ team also applaud the owners’ commitment to protecting the environment; you’ll notice several innovations including waterless urinals and no bottled water, making this an innovative aswell as ethical bar experience. Design-wise, we’re talking smoked mirrors alongside stainless steel and high-gloss lacquer surfaces. Nice. Visit www.thehoxtonpony.com

Please Don’t Tell

As fans of unique and surprising consumer experiences, we can’t help but reveal this little secret. Concealed within the East Village diner ‘Crif Dogs’ is P.D.T. (‘Please Don’t Tell’) a super-sophisticated cocktail bar and hot dog joint for adults. On infiltrating this snug, sexy speakeasy – through a vintage phone booth – treat yourself to speciality hot dogs and foil-wrapped waffle fries while admiring a wonderfully kitsch taxidermy collection. This is the kind of magical, personal experience we love at ‘i-am’. We wish more premium bars would make their customers feel this privileged. Reservations: +1 212-614-0386

GoldBar

Here at ‘i-am’ we’re big fans of consumer experiences and environments with a real ‘WOW’ factor, and GoldBar in New York certainly delivers on this level. Even in a city packed with glitzy cocktail lounges, opulent new downtown hotspot Goldbar stands out from the crowd. As its name suggests it’s practically forged from gold, with gold skulls embedded in the walls, gold chains separating the rooms, gold ceilings… oh, and $18 cocktails. The gilt-framed oil paintings are portraits of GoldBar investors, contractors, and the photographer’s accountant. It’s this attention to detail and the constant surprising touches around every corner that really impress, and make a visit worth paying that little bit more for – something a great brand experience should always achieve. Visit: www.goldbarnewyork.com