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

Chilango

‘i-am’ are pleased to announce a delicious project currently in development – Chilango is a fast and fresh Mexican chain concept, where customers can build their own gourmet burritos, tacos, salads and other meals from the freshest ingredients. Each meal is individually prepared to your taste, right before your eyes. ‘i-am’ were called upon to generate a new name (‘Chilango’) and to develop the brand’s ‘DNA’ to ensure its personality reflected both the best of modern Mexican cuisine and urban culture with Latino fire and a lust for life. ‘i-am’ also created a new interior concept that captured the true essence of cool urban living, offering customers a choice of either dynamic dining or fast paced takeaway. Watch this space for news on the launch of Chilango… sign up HERE for updates straight to your inbox. For further information on ‘i-am’s work with Chilango, e-mail info@i-amonline.com

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

Lucha Libre

Since starting work with Chilango (see article above) the ‘i-am’ team have developed a love of all things Mexican… so a trip to see Lucha Libre London at The Roundhouse in Camden was definitely in order. Translating from Spanish as “Free Fight”, Lucha Libre is Mexico’s vibrant, technicolour version of free wrestling. Wearing lurid masks, tights and superhero capes, the best of Mexico’s wrestlers – or Luchadores – have jetted over to this cavernous north London venue for a breathless, action-packed assault on the senses. www.roundhouse.org.uk

La Purificadora Hotel

At ‘i-am’ we’re always on the lookout for surprising, eye-popping environments and interiors, and the latest destination from Mexico’s HABITA Group, La Purificadora definitely deserves a mention. Having emerged from a converted water purification factory in Mexico’s fourth-largest city, Puebla, the hotel’s design, from Mexican architects Legorreta & Legorreta, features an open-air lobby area with a dramatic sweeping staircase.

Meanwhile, the interiors of the 26 rooms, identified by letters of the alphabet, blend glass, dark stone and wood, with splashes of kitsch purple for a playful feel. The rooftop terrace bar has become the latest hotspot in Puebla and buzzes til the early hours. Visit: www.lapurificadora.com