Inspirational Moments of 2011, Part 2

MORE OF THIS YEAR'S MOST INSPIRATIONAL MOMENTS

{Top: The Return of Glamour – refer to December entry below}

SEPTEMBER – ADELE AND WOODY MAKE US FALL IN LOVE WITH PARIS ALL OVER AGAIN

It was the simplest of music videos; a singer wandering the deserted streets of Paris on a winter's afternoon. But Adele's Someone Like You was so poignant, and showed Paris in such a beautiful light, that the world couldn't help but fall in love with the song, the city and Adele herself. Part of the melancholy charm of the video was its black-and-white tones, which seemed to perfectly suit the soulful lyrics and also Adele's mood, as she wandered slowly across the Pont Alexandre III and looked wistfully down the Seine. Not surprisingly, the video was a huge worldwide hit, and Paris authorities reported that visits to the city increased dramatically in October and November.

Someone else who contributed to Paris's tourism was Woody Allen, whose film Midnight in Paris showed the city in Woody's special way – with whimsy, humour, wit, nostalgia, and enthralling glamour. One of the best moments in the film was the gorgeous bicycle carousel, which is part of the Musée des Arts Forains (The Museum of Fairground Art). This magical place is located near Les Pavillons de Bercy at 53 Avenue des Terroirs de France (12th arrondissement), and is one of the  glorious secrets in Paris. It reminded us that just when we think we've seen everything there is to see in Paris, there is always more to explore.

OCTOBER – THE REVIVAL OF LIBRARIES
Certain members of the media had predicted that books and libraries would go the way of videos in the digital reading age, but thankfully they seem to be wrong. In fact, the popularity of libraries is only increasing as book lovers remember the thrill of being lost among the shelves. The New York Times forecast that libraries will become the social lubricant of the future, meaning that we'll see them as not only places of inspiration and contemplation but also conversation. Even celebrity hotelier Ian Schrager decided to install a library in his new hotel, Public Chicago. Who said books were dead? {Images via greigedesign.blogspot.com, pinterest and the Viceroy Santa Monica}

NOVEMBER – THE RETURN OF COLOUR
Vogue Australia gave us a glimpse of the future when it dedicated its February 2011 issue to colour and featured a spectacular fashion shoot from Mexico. Then colour blocking became one of the major style  trends of the year, with Crayola shades showing up on everything from catwalks to red carpet events and even interiors. Now everything bright is in the spotlight, including countries such as Mexico and Curaçao – reportedly the hot new Caribbean destination. How could we not be inspired by colours that reminded us of fun? {Images via Vogue Australia and Curaçao tourism}

DECEMBER – THE RETURN OF GLAMOUR

Let's face it. Glamour's been a bit short on the ground these past few years. We've had clothes inspired by all sorts of things, from Lady Gaga to gardening, and while they've all had their charms, the va-va-voom element has been lacking a little. Well, now Glamour with a capital G is back, and what a dramatic return it's making. Hollywood-style hair, La Dolce Vita-style dresses and heels that are so shockingly sexy they need their own rating system... Oh glamour, we missed you. Let's hope you stay around a while this time. {Images via Australian Vogue January 2012)