Cool Hunting
| 03 March 2006view entries from: this week | this month | view previous day | view next day |
Refinery29: On Location in Los Angeles
by Ami Kealoha
Quite a few things come to mind when you think of Los Angeles (traffic, celeb-spotting, the year-round tan), but innovative fashion tends to fall far down on the list, if it makes the list at all. But times, they are a-changing, and by the will of some visionary shopowners, L.A. has developed a thriving boutique scene with a distinct voice and style, with stores such as Des Kohan and Kendo, a Los Angeles sneaker mecca on par with Alife or DQM that caters exclusively to women, shows that New York could probably take a few tips on details they've gotten just right over on the West Coast. Refinery29 leads you through all the essential spots to hit in two buzzing neighborhoods—West Hollywood and Miracle Mile—in the first of three "Postcard From L.A." installments, covering the best places to shop now, designers to check out, dining, and nightlife, too. Get a couple more glimpses of out West after the jump.
Also on Cool Hunting: Where the Ladies At?
by Refinery29
Cool Hunting Video - Floria Sigismondi
by Josh Rubin
Tropolism: Your Hidden City Grows
by Ami Kealoha
The biggest recent news on Tropolism: Your Hidden City, the first open-source architectural contest, has produced about 560 entries! Over 160 entrants have submitted, rumors of a gallery show are circulating, and you still have until 5pm on 10 March 2006 to jump in by going to Tropolism's Flickr pool. For full details, check Tropolism.
Rock N' Clothing Tees
by Ami Kealoha
The collectable desirability of vintage Rock and Roll t-shirts nears that of sneakers. In the case of the Rock shirts however, the thinner and closer the garment is to the end of its life the better. A Mötley Crüe tee, owned by a slightly chubby and sadly misunderstood teenager, only to be used later by her mother to clean toilets, simply adds to the shirt’s mystique.
This aesthetic has created a wholly welcome design mandate to modern t-shirt making, borrowing not only the aged look, but more importantly the thin fabric and soft buttery feel of the old standbys. Not lost to this is Rock’n Clothing, an online emporium and design company out of Illinois. Their shirts employ a nice faded print, thin neck ribbing, good aged colors, and of course that oh-so-soft luxurious vintage feel.
by Patrick Speckman
Floria Sigismondi
by Josh Rubin
A conversation with photographer and music video director Floria Sigismondi about her creative process and new photography book Immune.
Lego Brokeback Mountain by Daniel Brown
by Evan Orensten
TV blogger and Lego artist, Daniel Brown's newest work pays tribute to the film Brokeback Mountain.
(RED) Products
by Evan Orensten
Cause-related consumption is on the rise, exemplified by Bono and fellow activist Bobby Shriver's (RED) campaign. They have helped convince companies like American Express, Gap and Converse (with their Giles Deacon-designed All-Stars) to design and sell products that raise awareness and money for The Global Fund for AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. Companies commit to contributing a percentage of sales, and the funds are used for AIDS-related programs for women and children in Africa.
Written in collaboration with our London-based contributor SummerSeventySix
Veuve Clicquot Tw'ice Bucket
by Evan Orensten
Veuve Clicquot's new Tw'ice bucket twists 180º to either sit on top of a table or attach to the table top's side. This clever design is made from polycarbonate, aluminum and rubber and was designed in-house.
Though created for its restaurant customers, you can buy one online for $100 at Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin or in the U.K. for £39 at Malmaison.
Sovereign Beck Ties
by Jacob Resneck
The creation of longtime collaborators Ryan Sovereign and William Beck, since 2005 this fledging Brooklyn-based creator of silk ties has injected some fashion and style in the oft-staid accessory that is the neck-tie.
Graduates of RISD and Industrial Design & Sculpture, these two young designers have crafted a neck tie that the wearer feels like he's getting away with something when he dons. Two parts style, one part rebellion, one part fashion - what's that add up to? Ah, who's counting...
You won't find 'em in stores, although they do show up at Pool Trade Shows from time to time. (The next one's in Vegas). So unless you're planning on eloping soon, best check 'em out online.
$90 from Sovereign Beck.
