Cool Hunting
| 30 July 2007view entries from: this week | this month | view previous day | view next day |
Mini Cooper Clubman
by Josh Rubin
Similar in looks and configuration to the Mini Traveller concept car, an all-new addition to the Mini range, the Clubman hits international streets this November. New proportions and a style reminiscent of the past distinguish this "stretched" Mini model.
Not available in the States until next year, the 5-door Mini Cooper Clubman is longer, offering more leg room, and incorporates what some call a "suicide door." A rear-hinged door on the right-hand side of the car swings open in the opposing direction relative to the main passenger door increasing access to the rear seating area while providing a new attractive look. A unique rear-end design of split-rear doors also increases access to the back.
Idling in a beefier and longer stance, the Mini holds true to it's spirited motoring tradition as three turbo-charged engine variants are offered and a sport-tuned suspension keeps it nimble. Energy saving components like the new Auto Start Stop improves efficiency and reduces fuel consumption by switching off the engine in idling situations automatically.
Pricing has yet to be announced. Nonetheless, expect to see this newest Mini version on the road soon. More images after the jump
Nike Vintage Tees
by Wendy Dembo

Last week Nike dropped six t-shirts with vintage graphics from the '70s exclusively at Urban Outfitters. Going hand in hand with the recent release of Nike's "Classic Kicks" (aka the Cortez, Daybreak, Waffle Racer, Oregon Waffle and the LD-1000), the shirts have retro sayings from the era, like " Hot Waffles to Go," " Have a Nike Day" (with a smiley face) and the ever popular, " Just Do It." Available for a limited time in limited numbers, they're $32 a piece. Now it's possible to relive your '70s experience or—if you were born after the age of Aquarius—try it for the first time.
Smith & Hawken Polycarbonate Glassware
by Evan Orensten
Crystal and glass aren't always ideal for entertaining, and that's where Smith & Hawken's polycarbonate highball and double old fashioned glasses come in.
Made of heat resistant plastic that can easily handle the journey to the beach or the pool, they have a surprising heft and substantial feel to them that marries practicality with style. The line also includes plates, wine and margarita glasses.
Sky Lanterns
by Jacob Resneck

Like mini paper hot air balloons, Sky Lanterns take to the sky when filled with air heated by an open flame. When the Cool Hunting testing team, standing at the edge of a Brooklyn pier, lit a sky lantern passersby began to shout in alarm. What were we doing? Put that out! It'll bring the cops, we were told.
Then, as the flame-resistant bag inflated and started to take flight, we let go and all were silent on that sultry summer evening while the lantern slowly drifted upwards. Caught in the maritime breeze, it hovered over the East River briefly before vanishing with the wind as it was carried over the city. The crowd's suspicions vanished, asking us what were those floating lanterns? Where did we get them? It was like nothing they'd ever seen.
It's not clear who introduced sky lanterns to the West or how long they've been available. They are reportedly popular in Thailand (known as "khom loy") where notes and inscriptions are written on them and set aloft to rise, sending their message skyward. Now available online in North America here and in Britain from Wishes in the Sky, sky lanterns are fast gaining a foothold in the west and are a perfect display of pyrotechnics without the noise and smell of conventional fireworks.
