Cool Hunting
| 01 February 2006view entries from: this week | this month | view previous day | view next day |
Design Hotels Yearbook 2006
by Ami Kealoha
For trip-planning or idle fantasizing, Design Hotels Yearbook, the paper counterpart to its online booking service, makes a great traveler's companion. Filled with lush, full-page photos that provide rare glimpses into the interiors of 136 stylish hotels around the globe, each edition includes basic info and features editorial detailing architectural and design elements. With new hotels added every year, it's a great way to keep abreast of some of the latest architectural feats that make for the most dazzling places to stay worldwide.
€40 (includes shipping) from Design Hotels.
Garmin Nüvi
by Josh Rubin
I have a pretty good sense of direction, but every time I visit LA I become navigationally challenged—especially when it comes to trying to avoid the traffic. This trip (I've been here for 3 days, now) has been a breeze thanks to the Garmin Nüvi I've been demoing.
The Nüvi ia a touch-screen GPS device that's small, light and pretty easy to use. All of the maps for the US are built in, so there's no need to download regions before your trip. There's even storage space for MP3s and Audio Books. The on-screen graphics have the right balance of simplicity and information, and the optional spoken directions are critical. The text-to-speech engine does a pretty good job at pronouncing different street names, though is does have the occasional blunder—instead of instructing to exit at Bundy Drive North it said "Bundy Doctor North." Wrong, but forgivable. I haven't demo'd many portable GPS devices, so it's hard to make comparisons—regardless, I like the Nüvi and I'm glad to have it around this week.
FabricLive: The Herbaliser
by Mike Reger
You know the feeling you get when you throw a DJ mix on your portable device for the first time and on your way out the door—even before you've adjusted the headset and locked the door behind you—you know you've got the perfect soundtrack to rock out and paint the town infrared?
I've had FabricLive: The Herbaliser on infinite loop on my iPod for almost a month now. One of my all-time favorite (and underrated) Ninjatune acts, The Herbaliser was an unexpected twist to the FabricLive DJ mix series for me. The UK duo of Jake Wherry and Ollie Teeba, knowing the score with one of London's most celebrated massives, pitched up their downtempo turntable gymnastics and proceeded to rule the dancefloor with a totally addictive blend of rare and classic, below the belt, booty shaking, taking no shorts, breakbeat party music. By the time you get to track 11 (the original Coldcut remix "Paid In Full" by Eric B. and Rakim), tell me you disagree with me that this is one hell of a fun "journey into sound."
You may have to wait until February 13, 2006 when the CD is released or you could jump the cue and join the FabricFirst club and get this CD (and other exclusives) weeks before the shops at Fabric London.
Zelle
by Evan Orensten
Liz McLean Knight's work literally represents the integration of art, technology and design. A Chicago-based computer science major who developed an interest in art, went to art school, became a jewelry designer, musician, publisher and record label exec along the way.
Her jewelry features intricate geometric designs made with capacitors, transitors, cables, plugs and diodes. It's both graceful and geek chic.
Zelle jewelry, bags and accessories are modestly priced and available at Fractal Spin and other stores/sites.
Tagür AKA Blank
by Jacob Resneck
Like the better mousetrap, we're constantly trying to design the more stylish sneaker. Burlington-based Tagür is upping the ante with their AKA Blank shoes. These white shoes are an artist's canvas (made from a specially treated paint-friendly surface) on which to express yourself. If you don't feel inclined, just set up one of your "artsy" friends with a Sharpie indelible marker and let 'em at it.
They've taken the idea a step further, jumping on the collabo bandwagon with well-known artists doing custom designs which are sold at auction. Check out "The Show" link for the whole story.
But in the meantime, if you're looking for a trainer that's stylish and understated — not gaudy like so many of the mainstream athletic brands — then Tagürs are a smart choice.
by Jacob Resneck
