Aga John Patchwork Rug

by Ami Kealoha

Thanks to our recent sponsor Bravo, we were able to get the scoop on the patchwork rug from Erik Kolacz' winning design in last night's episode of the new show Top Design. Handmade in Izmir, Turkey, the 5'9" x 7'9" rug features geometric pieces of brown and white cow hides in an asymmetrical pattern finished with a leather chain-stitch and retails for $2400. Other than the perfect floor covering for Kolacz' "Pirate Hideout," the unconventional piece adds modern shapes and a masculine edge to a space. See a product shot here here and contact Aga John's Pacific Coast Design Center location for more info.

The Virgins on VBS.TV

by Ami Kealoha

Much like CHV, Practice Space, a series on Vice's newly-launched VBS.TV gives viewers a little more than MTV-style gloss, so we were excited to see the extremely likable NYC band The Virgins as one of the first to be featured. The episode follows Vice host Woodrow Morton to a Manhattan studio for an informal interview that's as interesting for the group's mannerisms and demeanor as it is for what's actually said. Camerawork of the rehearsal is like what an artsy high school student would shoot—in a good way—with close-ups of lead Donald Cumming's guitar work and shots of knick-knacks perched on equipment. The only disappointment is that the piece ends before the band finishes the sweetly garage-tinged pop song. Don't they know that one of the best ways to judge music is by song endings?

NightCove Circadian Clock

by Ami Kealoha

Designed by French company Zyken to promote healthful sleeping with ambient lighting, the NightCove is scientifically proven to increase energy levels and lucidity in the morning and to overall result in better sleep. Two years in the making, the clock uses LEDs to control the wavelengths, intensity and variations of light, which affect the brain's production of melatonin, a hormone that helps regulate sleep-wake cycles. With programmable modes for falling asleep, napping and waking, the NightCove uses colors to mimic dawn and dusk guiding users in and out of wakefulness. Other features include connectivity options for integrating the light-clock with other components like mp3 players and computers and lighting and the ability to synchronize with another NightCove. Eventually Zyken plans to expand their line with more products that benefit health with technology.

Not for the faint of pocketbook (and no word yet on where to buy it), the Zyken NightCove costs €1,785.

Best One for S***r

by SummerSeventySix

I appreciate simpler shoes these days, although still with a twist, like these new ones that have been designed for S***r (aka Swear London) by graffiti artist Best One. Coming over like a cross between traditional Vans and a straightforward plimsoll, the dashes of color take them to the next level. The above picture, which is the only one we have, probably doesn't do them justice.

UPDATE: We've added a better picture of the pink colorway (right). The shoes also come in grey or white, which you can see in the initial picture here.

They're expected to arrive this month in stores like Colette in Paris, Opening Ceremony in NYC and, of course, Swear in London. They're likely to cost the equivalent of around £50.

Furni x Rekognize x Skate for Cancer: Artist Clock Auction

by Tim Yu

Rekognize and Furni are putting up 30 artist decorated clocks for a live online auction beginning Monday 12 February 2007 @ 8pm east coast time. Artists include Supermundane (above left), Clint Eagleson (above right) Eric Brunetti (FUCT), Rick Klotz (Freshjive) and Craig Metzger to name a few. All proceeds go to the Skate for Cancer Charity. The leading cause of death by disease in North America, we've all been affected by cancer one way or another, so dig deep. I can't figure out which one I want—you're gonna have to outbid me! Check out all the clocks up for auction at Useless Art Show.

To participate in the live bidding make sure to pre-register at inetbid.com. Joining requires verification so allow yourself a couple days for the processing.