Cool Hunting
| 28 March 2007view entries from: this week | this month | view previous day | view next day |
Falls Knitwear
by Ami Kealoha
Injecting a healthy dose of sexy into the normally staid sweater category, designers Leong Ong and Phillip Leeming's line of oversized cardis, skinny camis, and mini-dresses called Falls gives a fresh and daring look to every girl's wardrobe staples. The Falls debut spring collection of '20s boudoir-inspired pieces—all made of superfine cashmeres and cottons—tests the limits of the sweater and experiments with volume, shapes, and layering. The result? Pieces that Leeming says are "wearable ten months out of the year," adding, "it's not always about keeping warm, it's about expressing a feeling of warmth."
Head Porter Plus: The Newest Basic Style
by Tim Yu
"The newest basic style"—the latest from Tokyo-based designers Head Porter Plus—is the name they've given their recently-released spring clothing line. Originally known for their bags, Head Porter added the "plus" and have been designing clothes for some time now. They offer clean and sharp design, accenting outstanding quality with originality that takes urban apparel to a more sophisticated level.
Branching out from their usual set of classic long-sleeves, tees and sweatshirts, this new line introduces men's dress shirts, jackets and polos. The women's spring collection is arguably more captivating with breezy tank-tops, skirts and summery belted dresses.
Visit Honeyee to view "the newest basic style." Hard to find outside of Tokyo (and not so easily found within Tokyo either), Head Porter Plus is available for purchase online and in person at Firmament in Berlin and at Head Porter Annex in Tokyo.
BPMW Zune
by Ami Kealoha
In a clever marketing marriage, the NYC-based PR firm BPMW (Brand Pimps and Media Whores) loaded Zunes with content from their clients' Fall/Winter '07 lines. Narrated by Weekly Drop, the witty podcast covering streetwear and sneaker culture, the commentary is a fun departure for editors bored with staid press releases. Playlists made by each designer make the virtual fashion show complete and lend real lifestyle branding from the actual source of the product—rather than the artificial feel that comes from focus groups and consultants. Overall, it's a step in harnassing some of the unique functions that Zune brings to the portable device.
Also on Cool Hunting: Weekly Drop
Spread ArtCulture
by Tim Yu
Spread ArtCulture is a quarterly art and lifestyle magazine catalyzed by Bernstein & Andruilli who then recruited former editor-in-chief of Juxtapoz, Jaime O'Shea. Focusing on fashion, fine art, architecture, interior design, film, literature, and the performing arts, Spread is an open minded publication that compliments photo and art essays with in-depth interviews and articles.
Thier second issue is due out April 24th and will feature Kanye West, David Lynch, Jean Paul Goude, Cassie, and Ian Schrager, among others.
The launch issue features photographer and filmaker Erwin Olaf (cover photo), actress Anna Paquin and director Martin Scorsese. You can take a peak and subscribe here.
Baxter of California
by Tim Yu
The old school ASCii art (above right) on the revised Baxter men's grooming products is what caught my attention, but the quality of some of their affordable products keeps me going back.
One of the oldest mens grooming lines in the US—created in 1965 as Super Shape and popular with men during the '70s—Baxter has recently repositioned itself with a modern look and improved formulations that combine science and natural ingredients. Their facial scrub (above left), for example, features food grade walnuts as a main ingredient, which help clear away dead skin and stimulate new cell growth.
Baxter of California is available at the Baxter site and from Details for men.
MINI The Book
by Evan Orensten
MINI The Book is a look at history through the eyes of the Mini Cooper since its iconic birth in 1959.
Since its creation the Mini has inspired generations with its practicality, sensibility and personality. The passion generated by its owners and admirers is rare for any brand or object, let alone an automobile. This book is a comprehensive look at the car, the brand and the people who created it and who admire it.
Mini commissioned photographers (including Jay FC, Olaf Heine and the Sanchez Brothers) to create works celebrating the Mini. Paul Smith and Mary Quant, both long time Mini owners and fans, explain how the Mini was a reflection of popular culture, how it impacted their work, and why they created their own special editions of the car.
We also get a behind-the-scenes look at the people who designed the car, and its iconic marketing efforts are also chronicled.
MINI The Book is available at Amazon.
