Cool Hunting

Stephen Burks: Cappellini Love
Yesterday at the Fiera Milano, walking through the sprawling campus of the supergroup Poltrona Frau, I ran into the New York designer Stephen Burks, who took a moment to chat with me about his new line of eco-conscious ware for Italian manufacturer Cappellini. Called Cappellini Love, the collection is comprised of a series of vases and bowls made from glass fragments, and a small...

Eric Scollon Ceramic Sex Toys
Our exploration of SF's Look boutique continues, leading us to local artist Eric Scollon's cock rings and butt plugs made of ceramic in the style of Tang dynasty blue-and-white pieces. The objects flirt "with the distinctions between art and craft, utility and uselessness and the boundaries between the world of art and the “real world.” Each one is unique, painted by hand and available...

Galen Trezise Crocheted Cozies
From the newly-opened Look boutique in SF, these handmade cozies have all the warm appeal of a sweater grandma made with an offbeat Dr. Seuss shape. According to the site, they're intended for vases but we think they'd be well-suited for dressing up a different household object that holds water and plant matter. With unusual colorways, ruffles and perforated weaves, they also hold their...

Riedel Decanters
New from the generations-old family glassware-makers Riedel, this series of decanters takes its inspiration from birds for a collection that's as striking as it is functional. Designed by Maximillian Riedel (also responsible for leading the stemless revolution) and his father Georg and handmade by artisans in their Austrian factory, the leaded crystal vessels are all aerodynamic lines and dramatic dimensions. While the Swan (above...

Boobs and Dinks Early Detection Kits
While testicular and breast cancer is something we might not want to think about, Shanon Gerdard uses humor to eliminate some of the fear surrounding that dreaded monthly self-exam. Her Boobs and Dinks Early Detection Kits include crocheted breasts or penises that contain small lumps that can be found by following instructions provided in the accompanying booklets. On top of everything else, she donates...

Tom Dixon: Beat Collection
Named "Beat" for their hand-beaten production method, Tom Dixon's series of lamps and vessels is quickly becoming an iconic part of his oeuvre. After years of working in relative obscurity, Dixon is now something like England's national poster child of design. From his massive light giveaways during London's design week to limited edition copper-clad chairs and private member's club interiors, the designer seems to...