Cool Hunting
| 12 January 2006view entries from: this week | this month | view previous day | view next day |
The Hooker
by Ami Kealoha
Famed NYC restaurant Per Se provides footstools for guest's handbags, while the queen of England reportedly has hooks installed wherever she dines. For those lacking the right title or reservations, The Purse Hook, a simple, weighted metal arm that attaches to table edges, is an ingenious solution. Currently making a comeback, the clever device dates back to the 40s and relies on little more than gravity to keep precious purses off dirty floors. Widely available in a variety of styles, we found the pared-down look of the one pictured suits their utilitarian appeal.
Available in "Platinum" or "Gold" for $20 from The Purse Hook.
Transmaterial Book
by Josh Rubin
Transmaterial, Blain Brownell's wonderful newsletter of all sorts of building material innovations, is finally being published as a book. Tile Toy and Flexicomb are just a couple of the fascinating things we found out about through TM and we're looking forward to the book both as brain candy and as a resource for more. There will be over 200 items not previously shared and everything listed will have manufacturer contact info, usage specs and environmental data.
Order from Amazon
TETRAN
by Carol T Chung
While wandering through Macworld (and after viewing a zillion iPod accessories later), I stumbled upon these little fellas, known as TETRAN, in the back corner of the exhibit hall. There's something vaguely satisfying about seeing that cute spikey thing all wrapped up in those white iPod headphone wires with the earbuds shoved in its mouth. Although the website claims that they're for storing your earbud headphones and as a by product of design, serve as a tool for stress relief, they're really just iPod consumerist criticism all wrapped up in yummy cute goodness. Perfect! They're about $13 each and come in Pink, Green, Yellow, and Orange. However, I did see a prototype for a glow in the dark one at the booth, so check their website for those in the future.
Kettle Chips Happy Hour Flavor Contest
by Evan Orensten
Kettle Chips has just launched their second annual customer's choice contest. We, along with thousands of other Kettle Chips fans, submitted several flavors we wanted to see made. The results are in, and after months of work in the test kitchen, so are the chips. This year's finalists include: Buffalo Bleu Cheese, Dirty Martini, Tuscan Three Cheese, Spicy Mary, and Creamy Caesar. In addition to being able to vote for your favorite flavor—only one will be made—you can order a sample of each of the 5 finalists, something new this year. Check out the finalists and order samples here.
Also on Cool Hunting: Spicy Thai flavor Kettle Chips
Dark Dining
by Ami Kealoha
Now fixtures in several major European cities, restaurants where guests eat in complete darkness are a growing trend — Los Angeles' Opaque introduced their weekly blackout meals just last July. Now, for the second year running, Dark Dining Projects brings a more artsy, seasonal version to New York. Founded by Dana Salisbury, a multidisciplinary artist, Dark Dining Projects not only forgoes lighting, but approaches the concept as an artistic project, collaborating with chefs, artists, and performers to turn a meal into a "sensory feast." Starting 16 January, the event will take place at Camaje Bistro in the West Village on Mondays and Tuesdays through 28 March, including a special Valentine's Day edition, a singles mixer, and a hand-fed experience. Call 212-673-8184 for reservations.
via Toxic Pop.
ITP Winter Show 3
by Josh Rubin
Two projects at the ITP Winter Show explore the unique possiblities of video technology.
