Cool Hunting
| 06 December 2007view entries from: this week | this month | view previous day | view next day |
2007 Gift Guide: The Lush List
by Ami Kealoha
With shopping crowds, dysfunctional families and Seasonal Affective Disorder (not to mention joy, etc.), there are plenty of reasons to drink during the holiday season. Reward your favorite drunk with a gift related to the age-old pastime. From robots (for those too lazy to pour their own beer) to a surrealist bottle of champagne, there's something for every kind of alcoholic. Below are four of our favorites. (Like our gift guide as a whole, we'll be updating The Lush List daily, so be sure to check back.)
Asahi Beerbot
Westerners train dogs to do things for them, Easterners would rather make robots. If you're too lazy to get off the couch, the Asahi beerbot is a must. Not only does it refrigerate a six-pack, it also pours them for you at the touch of a button. You can even program a custom voice. Your new best friend.
Viktor & Rolf x Piper-Heidsieck Upside Down Champagne
We really want to try and pull out that huge cork in the Upside down Champagne by Victor & Rolf x Piper-Heidsieck. We're also wondering how well it balances on that narrow base. Oh, and we hope the champagne tastes good too, that is, if you open the bottle.
Daiginjyou Sake Glass
The beautifully designed Daiginjyou Sake Glass adds a modern twist to a Japanese classic, adding what looks like an inverted water droplet into the bottom of the glass. The simple touch lends modern elegance that makes this glass literally good to the last drop.
Twist Cocktail Shaker
Not only is the helix-inspired Twist easier to grip than your average shaker, it's also a lot more easy on the eyes. With thermal-retentive metal designed to chill your drinks and a built in strainer, the Twist Cocktail Shaker might just be the best looking thing at the bar.
Art Basel Miami Beach Studio Visits
by Ami Kealoha
New to the events happening during Art Basel this year, a series of studio visits allows visitors to see what happens before the art gets into the sterile white walls of the booths and galleries. Running through 8 December 2007, daily tours include artists like RISD fallout Jim Drain and friend of CH Lynne Golub Gelfman whose process (as evidenced by the image of her paintings at left) is extensive. Download the full schedule from the Art Basel site.
Also on Cool Hunting: Lynne Golob Gelfman: react
Sniffanys
by Fiona Killackey
So, you're in love with your dog? Prove it, with what can only be described as doggy designer couture. Created by Australian Southern Highlands artisan Trudy Heathwood, Sniffanys feature sterling silver clasps and are bespoke dog collars made from precious metals, semi-precious gemstones and Swarovski crystals.
Heathwood had the grand idea of creating such canine couture when she was struck down by illness and found herself gaining inspiration from her eight Great Danes. This festive season dig deep, deep, deep down in the pockets to provide your pooch with their very own Sniffanys collar. Collars are made to order and most start around $700.
Elev8 Me Protein and Fruit Bars
by Jonah Samson
If you're anything like me, you've searched long and hard for a protein and energy bar that wasn't filled with loads of chemicals and artificial ingredients. After reading about and trying a couple of flavors of Elev8 Me bars, I started buying them by the case!
Elev8 Me bars were created by a very physically active family in Vancouver who wanted to create the world's simplest protein snack while keeping the finished product as close to what nature created as possible—with no added colors, flavors or sweeteners. Each bar is a simple blend of premium whey protein and dried fruits and nuts (which are mostly organic). The result is a snack that is gluten-free, soy-free and sulphite-free, has 18g of protein, and that is entirely delicious.
Available in six flavors, my personal favorites are the Matcha Green Tea and the Cocoa Coconut Cluster.
Check out their website for local suppliers or to order online.
Matthew Woodson
by Lost At E Minor
Matthew Woodson's illustration style doesn't exactly break new ground, but it's his rotoscoping-like technique we like most. Overriding themes include half-nude woman, tattoos, skeletons, violence and mystery, all of which we like and seek out. Check out more of his work on his website, ghostco, blog, with hands and hair (and eyes and bones and knees). You can also see his work in some editions of Penthouse.
