Cool Hunting

Brilliant: Bombay Sapphire Designer Glass
Currently in 4th Place for the “People’s Prize” in the Bombay Sapphire Designer Glass Awards, we like Frida Jeppsson’s submission titled “Brilliant." It is one of 21 entries from young designers from all over the world. Representing Sweden, the 24-year-old Stockholmian's entry is a marriage of form and function creating a perfectly balanced piece that remains true to the brief of the prize. Jeppsson...

Beaker Juice Glass
The new Beaker Juice Glass from cb2 is another great example of reworking the classic design of disposable everyday items by using high-quality materials. Made from heat-tempered chem lab beaker glass, the "Pixie cups" are hand-blown, transforming the humble paper cup into an attractive conversation piece. A less expensive alternative to the Ceramic Party cups we featured in our 2006 Gift Guide, at $2...

Menu Wine Decanter
Further to Leti's post, whether it's from box or bottle (as I prefer) red wine invariably tastes better if it's decanted, thanks to the oxygenation that occurs. One of the most attractive decanters I've come across is this one in glass and steel, designed for Danish company Menu by Louise Christ Frederiksen. Besides looking good, the broad base significantly improves aeration. Menu also has...

Bible Illuminated: The Book New Testament
No matter your religious beliefs, one thing we can probably all agree on is how laborious it is to read the Bible. A Swedish outfit called Illuminated World hopes to change that notion by creating Bible Illuminated, a relevant version of the historical book. Set in magazine format, the New Testament publication includes the same time-honored stories paired with photos that conceptualize how they...

Seven Deadly Glasses
The Talent Zone at Tent during the London Design Festival was a rich source of creativity. After being wowed by Debbie Smyth's Pins and Thread installation, the nearby dramatically-titled Deadly Glasses caught our attention. The elaborate opulence of designer Kacper Hamilton's work directly contrasts the minimalism of Smyth's. His seven hand-blown red wine glasses were exhibited in and around a beautiful wooden box with...

Tomas Kral: Upgrade Series
Applying traditional glass cutting techniques and gold labels to industrial bottles and jars for his recent project called "Upgrade," the young Slovakian designer Tomas Kral, a recent graduate from Ecal (Lausanne's University of Art and Design), is becoming a talent to be reckoned with. Similar to Tord Boontje's transGlass series for Artecnica — everyday wine and beer bottles given new life through cutting and etching...