Ikepod Black Hole

by Watchismo

With the new Ikepod Black Hole, a limited edition of 66, Marc Newson's iconic watches are back—this time with more expensive materials, extensive (re)designs and overall exclusivity. Only advertised as silhouette, no images are shown until the potential owners buy it. I met with new owner and prominent art collector Adam Lindemann in his New York office to discuss the rebirth of the brand famously represented by flightless birds. For my full article, get QP magazine's 2007 issue #24.

The cases have been redesigned to allow for Newson's originally intended perfect ellipse, now only made of precious metals and fit with better movements. While Ikepod was in hibernation, Newson's reputation grew considerably with a record breaking sales like his famous 1980s Lockheed Lounge which recently sold at Sotheby's for nearly a million dollars—the most ever for a living designer. Newson has also been exhibited more as an artist than a designer with his recent show at the influential Gagosian Gallery in New York City.

Also on Cool Hunting: Marc Newson in NYC, Ikepod

On Location: Marrakech

by Ami Kealoha

Meandering through the souks of Marrakech's infamous buzzing Medina can make you feel as though you've traveled back in time. Linger down the narrow stone streets to find mismatched tins piled high with fresh gem-colored spices and racks teeming with colorful babouches (Moroccan slippers). Or hop a taxi to Le Guéliz, where you'll see young Marrakechis dining al fresco at Parisian-style cafés and toting loads of bags from the latest boutiques. Whichever path you choose to explore and shop, make sure to bring a French dictionary, your best bargaining tools and perhaps an extra suitcase for packing up all your Marrakech discoveries for the return home home.

Shopping the souks requires patience, perseverance, and above all, some friendly pushing. Chaotic doesn't begin to describe it, but to escape the mayhem of the Medina, check into a few nearby stores where you can browse without distraction.

Kulchi
Owner Florence Taranne's international inventory spans from East African textiles to screen-printed t-shirts by Moroccan pop artist Hassan Hajjaj. Vintage Moroccan fabrics are re-envisioned as beach-perfect caftans, while Taranne's in-house label strikes just the right boho balance with tie-dyed blouses and whimsical dresses.
1 Rue Ksour, off Rue Sidi El Yamani
+21 2 4442 9177

Aya's
Famous for its well-tailored tunics, this tiny shop is also known for two very famous visitors: Julia Roberts and Tom Hanks. Browse through an impressive selection of male friendly caftans or an assortment of Indian pashminas. For more Moroccan fare, her selection of jewelry stands out from the standard looking pieces that are abundant on every corner.
11 Bis, Derb Jdid Bab Mellah
+21 2 4438 3428

Café des Epices
Located in the heart of the Medina, the Café has become a must for those looking to refresh and kick back for a spell. Be sure to take in a tea on the terrace. (Pictured above left.)
75 Rahba Lakdima
+21 2 2439 1770

Zohour
Stop by this French-inspired bakery for a different kind of afternoon delight: a gazelle horn, the traditional crescent-shaped Moroccan pastry filled with decadent almond paste.
34 Rue de Liberte
+21 2 2443 1328

by Meredith Fisher

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Earth: Hibernaculum

by Wendy Dembo

The pioneering Drone band Earth has existed in some form or another with Dylan Carlson at the helm since 1989. With several early releases on Sub Pop during the Seattle label's golden age, Earth's experimental music is characterized by slow and repetitive sounds and long-enduring chords. Carlson, perhaps better known as one of Kurt Cobain’s best friends (controversial for being the one who gave him the gun), has been in and out of rehab over the last several years. But he's making a re-entrance into the music scene with the recent release of Hibernaculum, his first record in two years.

The four-song CD contains some reworked classics and new songs, as well as a DVD documenting Earth’s most recent European tour. The sweet low-fi short Within the Drone was directed by Seldon Hunt and gives intimate insights into the world Carlson and the drone community. Hunt says, "Dylan Carlson is a true underground American icon, whose grim survival through the dark years of the '90s is nothing short of remarkable. It is truly beautiful to see his re-birth, and the newfound appreciation for his original and sumptuously sparse take on traditional American music."

Pick it up from Southern Lord, iTunes or Amazon.

Three Places To Enjoy Wine Without The Fuss

by SummerSeventySix

We like wine at Cool Hunting but we don't like the whiff of snobbery that often accompanies it, which is why these three places are more than welcome to top up our glass. In their own way, they're helping to demystify what's behind the label, encouraging drinkers to experiment without fear.

The Sampler (above left) recently opened in Islington, North London to much fanfare. Deservedly so, because the idea behind it is so simple, it's brilliant. You buy a card loaded with however much cash you want to put on it, and then you can wander round with a glass, using the special sampling slot-machines to buy a 25ml shot of dozens of wines on offer. Prices start at 28p and go up to several pounds for a taste, but it means you can try wines that would otherwise cost hundreds of pounds a bottle, educating yourself in the process. When I went in, £15 got me a go with several wines, including an astronomically-priced Petrus that I'd be unlikely to try elsewhere. That it's owned by the affable Dawn and Jamie also helps.

A couple of restaurants are doing their bit too. Arbutus (above center) in London's Soho has been commended for encouraging people to try several wines during a meal, and not in the kind of overpriced way many places do by offering several glasses alongside a tasting menu. Here, all wines are available to buy in carafes the size of a third of a bottle (250ml). Varied imbibing ensues.

When a place takes its name from the certification the French give to certain wines and other products, you know it's serious about the stuff. AOC (which stands for Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée) (above right) is a celebrated Los Angeles restaurant that has built up a solid reputation due to its extensive list and laid-back Californian atmosphere. Several are affordable and, in my experience, the staff were helpful without casting aspersions on your knowledge, or lack of. Chin chin.

Tristan Still

by Lost At E Minor

Sydney-based photographer Tristan Still shoot raw and confronting images. "I started when I was sixteen; around the same time I started skateboarding. I loved how the camera could catch and freeze any moment in time. I'm almost always trying to engage the audience in some way, to draw them in and wonder about the who, why and where of the photo." There's a full interview with him running on Lost At E Minor this week.

Light Wave Surfboard

by Evan Orensten

Surfers who like to be on the waves before dawn or after dusk now have a solution to improve safety and visibility. The Light Wave surfboard by Santa Cruz Light Wells has battery operated lights—a white light on the right or left side of the board (depending on which way you ride) provides visibility to other surfers. A headlight is activated when the nose of the board goes up to help you see the waves, and a light in the tail helps illuminate your wake so other surfers can see you (and your talent). Multicolor lights in the fins help you, well, pimp your ride.

The Light Wave Surfboard is available for $2,950 from Santa Cruz Light Wells

Also on CH: Light Pick