If there’s one designer whose work is always a fantastical spectacle, it’s Jaime Hayón. And today, marks the opening of the Barceló Torre de Madrid – a new five-star hotel in the Spanish capital in which Hayón has created a true sight to be seen. Hayón was born in Madrid in 1974 and has returned to his hometown charged with giving life to the architectural icon Torre de Madrid. Built in 1957 it was the tallest building in Western Europe until 1967, and located on Plaza de España it has expansive views of the Gran Via and Royal Palace. And now those exquisite views are matched by interior views that are just as stunning. In true Hayón style, the hotel is sophisticated and modern with a good dose of imagination and humour. The lobby and bar have soaring six-metre high ceilings and have been decorated in homage to Spanish culture, art and traditions. There are lofty Roman-inspired arches, cartoon-like faces adorning the windows, portrait photographs by the Dutch duo Klunderbie, and guests won’t be able to miss the four-metre-tall sculpture of a zebra-striped bear tipping his golden top hat. Hayón’s attention to craftsmanship is evident throughout with beautiful details and materials such as brass, copper, marble and oak. And of course colour reigns supreme for this king of design with a crisp and saturated colour palette. Pieces from Hayón’s furniture collections for Fritz Hansen, Gardenias and BD Barcelona are throughout the lobby and suites, as is his lighting for Parachilna. The ABALLS lighting range, which combines the tradition of hand-blown glass with the craftsmanship of Italian ceramics, is a luxurious and playful addition. Chandelier globes have been decorated with black line drawings, while series of globes have been arranged to create arresting lighting installations. ABALLS wall and ceiling lights are also in the lobby, bar and rooms. Also on display is Hayon’s Chinoz table lamp. In the shape of a classical urn, it has a rich black ceramic body and blown-glass shade, and rides the line between decorative object and lighting feature. If Madrid is on your travel itinerary anytime soon, make sure you pay Barceló Torre de Madrid a visit. Otherwise pop into our Alexandria showroom to see Hayón’s Parachilna lighting collections and some of his other fantastical, functional work. CLICK HERE TO SEE ALL AVAILABLE PRODUCTS BY JAMIE HAYON CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE FULL PARACHILNA COLLECTION [caption id="attachment_12710" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Jamie Hayon's CHINOZ table light (left) and ABALLS wall lamp (right) for Parachilna[/caption]