Ted Talks: Jeff Han

by Ami Kealoha

Since June, Ted Talks, the series of video and audio podcasts produced by the annual invite-only conference called Ted, has been wowing audiences with heady doses of architecture, politics, and philosophy that are neatly packaged into short, digestible segments. In the episode released last Monday, 31 July 2006, Jeff Han demonstrates the Multi-touch User Interface that we covered a few months ago. He narrates the applications he shows off with an optimistic vision of the future where the "completely intuitive...interface just kind of disappears." Check out his talk and more brain food on TedTalks or iTunes.

Toy2R Bunny Qee Fiesta 2

by Ami Kealoha

For Qee fans who didn't get enough from the first edition of the Bunny Qee postcard book that features the artist-designed toys, Toy2r's Bunny Qee Fiesta 2 just hit shelves with a new crop of photo postcards featuring 56 customized Bunny Qees. Each card includes the name and country of the artist, emphasizing the democratic approach to design and the full-bleed photos capture the bunny figures in their "natural" habitats. The bizarre effect is what the vinyl toy movement is all about—and makes for a good piece of mail sent to an unsuspecting recipient. $10 from Rotofugi.

Refinery29: Palermo Soho, Buenos Aires

by Ami Kealoha

On the surface, the Buenos Aires neighborhood of Palermo Soho bears a striking resemblance to its New York and London counterparts. But beneath the ever-expanding roster of boutiques, the sidewalk cafes, and the trendy eateries, beats a distinctively South American heart, one that has turned this area into the destination for both cutting-edge designers and traditional artisans.

La Martina
This 100-year-old supplier for Argentina's polo teams has created a casual line for those who prefer wearing horses to riding them. Polos and classic T-shirts with limited-edition crests hang from the ceilings and line the worn wooden shelves, while casual khakis and jeans are draped throughout.
Costa Rica 4677
tel. +54 1 4311 5963

Anahi M
Born and raised in the leather-making industry, Anahi M has direct contacts to the main tanneries in Argentina and it shows in the quality of the leathers she uses for her bags and other accessories. The suede fanny pack (yes, a fanny pack!) is surprisingly chic, as is the wristlet adorned with a chunky buckle in shades from rich brown to hot orange.
Costa Rica 4604
tel. +54 1 4834 6005

Felix
On the hunt for some golf-inspired preppy clothes tinged with a bit of South American flair? Try Felix, possibly the one-stop shop for indulging the inner Upper East Sider in every guy, with gingham shorts, wonderful patterned shirts, and boat shoes.
Godoy Cruz 1645
tel. +54 1 4833 5262

Casa Cruz
You'll know it by the huge bronze doors outside (not by the sign, because there isn't one). This cavernous restaurant is also one of the cities chicest, the place for beautiful people and equally beautiful food. The changing menu is as eclectic as the crowd and has its hits and misses, but you're here for more than just the food.
Uriarte 1658
tel. +54 4833 1112

Olsen
A good option for lunch, dinner, drinks, or a Sunday brunch, Olsen brings a bit of Scandinavia to Argentina. The décor makes use of pale wood and minimalist features, while the menu focuses on fish, including Nordic classics like smoked salmon and herring. As for drinks, vodka is the only way to go.
Gorriti 5870
tel. +54 1 4776-7677

K'naan: The Dusty Foot Philosopher at Womad 2006

by Leonora Oppenheim

After a weekend at the Womad festival, I am full of the joyful beats of World Music. With World Music artists on the up and up—take for example the late great Ali Farke Toure’s last album which is in the UK top 40—Womad is no longer the exclusive domain of jos stick-waving hippies. This is a true multicultural event, a living Benetton ad, with an audience as diverse as the artist line-up. Among the many incredible performances this weekend K’naan, a singer, rap artist and poet, is the epitome of a world musician. Born in Somalia into the Hip-Hop generation, he was rapping Nas and Rakim verses by age nine. At 13 he left Somalia on the last commercial flight out of the war-torn country. Since then he’s been a resident of Toronto, honing his lyrical talent and using it to speak out against war, corruption and human rights abuses. Within the fusion of African percussive rhythms, American hip hop and witty lyrics this man has really got something to say. “I’m gonna spit these verses ‘cause I feel annoyed and I am not gonna quit till I fill the void. If I’d rhyme about home and got descriptive I’d make 50 cent look like Limp Bizkit.” Check out The Dusty Foot Philosopher for more of where that came from or buy the album from Direct Current Media or Amazon.

Call of the Wild

by SummerSeventySix

Every day this week we're writing about the things that really caught our eye at the top British casualwear show To Be Confirmed last weekend.

London-based Kai and Sunny are the designers responsible for Call Of The Wild, a label that's quickly done well through both word-of-mouth and blogosphere recommendations. I caught up with Kai at TBC, and he talked me through their thinking behind the range for Spring/Summer next year. Once again, they're taking inspiration from nature for their clothes. Check the close-up photos of the acid fruit pattern and a kind of cherry camouflage they're using on t-shirts and sweats, both of which I loved. The pair say they wanted to remind people of a bright day on Miami Beach, and like many of the designers at TBC who seemed bored with the typical male palette of blue, brown and grey, bright colors are also being cleverly used instead.

As well as designing for their own label, Kai also revealed Call Of The Wild is in the process of collaborating with both Reebok on a walking boot and, more interestingly, with Nike on its ACG range.

Tomorrow from TBC on Cool Hunting: More bright ideas - and colors - from One True Saxon.