The iPhone Case Face-Off: Sena vs. Incase

by Josh Teixeira

Now that you've got your iPhone, you've probably also made the resolution to stop losing your phone in cabs, dropping it into toilets or letting it smash to the ground on late night walks home. Well, at least I have. To that end come the new lines of iPhone cases from Sena and Incase. Available in a variety of shapes, sizes, colors and textures, both makers promise that these cases will protect your iPhone while simultaneously enhancing its functionality. My unique propensity for mobile phone destruction made me the perfect test case.

I opted for two sleek, slim cases to see how they'd fare when pitted head-to-head. I picked the UltraSlim model from Sena. Made from a layer of utra-thin soft black leather, this hand-sewn case form-fits the iPhone snugly in a protective pouch. The all-over skin certainly protected my iPhone from scratches from keys, coins, and bric-a-brac, but the fact that it covers the iPhone's touchscreen made using it on-the-go less than ideal. The tight fit and smooth leather finish made it easy to slip in and out of pockets, but that same tight fit made it difficult to get the iPhone in and out of the case when I needed to.

In the opposite corner, I chose the Protective Cover from Incase. A similar looking slim, black case, this one is made from flexible molded rubber that fits snugly around the edges of the iPhone. Unlike the UltraSlim case, the Protective Cover leaves the iPhone's touchscreen available for use. While the material made getting the iPhone out of my pocket difficult, this same grip would be useful, say, on a long car ride to keep the phone from sliding around on a dashboard or console.

There’s no clear winner here—both will adequately protect your iPhone. For long trips, you might opt for the LeatherSkin cover to keep the iPhone safe inside your bag. For day-to-day around-the-town use, the Protective Cover might be a better bet. At $30, it's available from Incase in black, blue and red. Sena's UltraSlim comes in a total of four colors and is $29.

Yöghund Organic Frozen Yogurt For Dogs

by Evan Orensten

With summer at its hottest and the frozen yogurt wars taking over New York City, it was bound to happen: Yöghund organic frozen yogurt for dogs. CH mascots Otis and Logan have found relief with their new discovery. Yöghund is a simple treat, made only with organic yogurt, banana, peanuts and spring water. It must be tasty, because instead of eating it they lick it enthusiastically.

Available online from Yöghund, and at selected retailers listed on the site. Prices start at $6 for a pack of four, plus shipping.

Hellovon at Espeis

by Fiona Killackey

Hellovon, the man that made artists around the world re-think their title via the depth of his talent, is showing off the latest of his stunning creations at Espeis Gallery in Brooklyn this coming Fall 2007. Simply titled "Hellovon at Espeis," the exhibition will showcase work from the young east-London resident who caused waves in the international art world when he first launched Hellvon at the beginning of 2006. Giving New Yorkers a chance to see his art up close, Von has created brand new large- and medium-scale originals specifically for the exhibition as well as a small run of prints. (Click image for full-size.) Those lucky enough to attend the opening will also witness a "very limited" release of Von's work available for one night only.

Hellovon at Espeis
Opening Reception: 20 October 2007, 7-11pm
20 October-November 2007
Espeis Gallery
90 Wythe Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11211 map
tel. +1 718 388 4049

Also on Cool Hunting: SVSV: Sartor's Habit, Vonhideki

10 Fall Bags

by Ami Kealoha

This season, fall's fresh class of bags presents new versions of old favorites: duffels, totes and messengers. Whether fashioned in supple distressed leather or heavy-duty nylon, the best carryalls offer loads of wearable, functional options like adaptable straps, extra pockets, and nifty zippers in unexpected places. Light years beyond the briefcase, all these back-to-school bags score straight As for style.

Above left: Common Projects Leather Utility Bag, $580. For availability go to www.commonprojects.com.

Above right: Marsupium coated-canvas backpack, $380, by Salvor Projects, available at Odin, 199 Lafayette Street, New York City; 212-966-0026.

Above left: Billy Kirk canvas and leather Tool Bag, from $325, available at Hollander & Lexer, 358 Atlantic Avenue, Brooklyn; 718-797-9190.

Above center: JAS MB Medium Old School distressed leather messenger bag, about $450, available at Douglas Fir, 8311 West 3rd Street, Los Angeles; 323-651-5445 and at Blackbird, 2208 NW Market Street, Seattle; 206-706-4555.

Above right: Onla Executive Overnighter leather laptop bag, $550, available at All Purpose, 144 South Flores Street, Los Angeles; 323-866-1828.

To see all 10, go here.

by Christene Barberich and Piera Gelardi

Gordon Cheung

by Lost At E Minor

"I overdosed on art, psycho-analytic theory and philosophy, and that clogged up my creativity," says London-based Gordon Cheung of his artistic state in 2001 after graduating from the Royal College of Art. A six-week residency in Pakistan in 2003 changed all that. "The combination of being away, seeing some amazingly kitsch decorated trucks, and meeting some very interesting artists, had a huge impact on me," he says. Cheung's art hints at an apocalyptic future, informed by science-fiction writers like JG Ballard, Philip K. Dick, David Lynch and Stanley Kubrick. Using spray paint, oil, acrylic, pastels, stock listings and ink, Cheung's futuristic landscapes are dramatic collisions of the virtual world and reality. Cheung has the third eye, the ability to see what lies ahead. Though, unfortunately, not just now. "My soothsayer hat is at the dry cleaners," he says, "so I am bereft of the abilities to foretell the future!"