Contents: Apr. 15, 2004

TIME STYLE & DESIGN

18 COVER: RETRO MODERNISM Fifties style is stalking the runways, and mid-century design is making its way into every room of the house. What’s behind the allure of America’s favorite era? By Kate Novack and Nadia Mustafa

10 RIGHT THIS MINUTE Rococo Revival: 18th century opulence takes hold of the design world

13 NOTEBOOK Runway producer Alexandre de Betak turns his attention to furniture. Plus, the A list, a superstylish vacuum cleaner and Kate Spade’s advice books

16 ICON Ikea

26 THEY’RE ALL ABSOLUTELY PREFABULOUS A new generation of architects is making prefab more fun By Richard Lacayo

28 NAVIGATOR: MILAN, ITALY Bottega Veneta designer Tomas Maier shops one of his favorite cities

ON THE COVER: Model Ujjwala Raut wears a Chloé dress, an Oscar de la Renta belt and Harry Winston jewelry. Verner Panton chairs for Vitra. Palm Leaves wallpaper by Cole & Son. Photographed for TIME by Gentl & Hyers. Interior editor: Michael Reynolds. Styled by Samira Nasr. Hair by Laurent Philippon for Bumble and Bumble. Makeup by Romy Soleimani for Jed Root. Manicure by Roseann Singleton for Art Department