Cool Hunting

Pet Hypothesis Jewelry
Handmade from repurposed billboard vinyl, the debut line of Pet Hypothesis jewelry follows in the tradition of Freitag and other creative re-users by reinventing industrial materials as accessories. Designer Chelsa Robinson (also formerly ReadyMade's product manager) layers sterling silver chains over bits of colored vinyl that she sews with contrasting thread. We chose to feature Geopanic for its confetti-like abstraction of CMYK colors with...

Youps Bag
To celebrate their centennial UPS collaborated with French designer Karine Arabian to create Youps, a bag symbolizing "Woman UPS." Designed to hold gadgets as well as other necessities, the bag features two large outside pockets, a dual-compartment laptop pocket, a pocket for an MP3 player, a phone, a passport and zippered pockets for cables. It's made from fine leather and can also be customized...

Bags of Goodwill
In time for the London Design Festival, and hot on the heels of Anya Hindmarch's successful/controversial I'm Not A Plastic Bag, 40 world-renowned designers have had a go at spicing up a standard shopper, and again, all for a good cause. From left to right are examples by Eero Aarnio, Barber Osgerby, Sebastian Wrong and Marcel Wanders. Along with the others, they can be...

Susan Bijl Bags
Rotterdam designer Susan Bijl's colorful tote bags make the trip to the supermarket or department store (or wherever) more eco-friendly and more fashionable. Weighing in at less than thirty bucks, the rain-resistant nylon bags are available in assorted colors (some more nu-rave than others) and two sizes. Either one conveniently packs down to stow away inside of other bags for on-the-go use. The 10.5x21.5"...

Schambra Bags
The dedicated craftsmanship of Schambra bags embodies the phrase "beauty is in the details." (See detailed images here.)We discovered these instant classics at the First Exposure show in London a few weeks ago. The care and attention paid to the form and function of these work and travel bags by the designer Kirsten Schambra Stevens was immediately obvious as she showed us each one...

Exotic Clutch
Sofia Wallin's Bossy Cat handbags collection takes a leisurely jet-set stroll from Africa to Asia, from snakeskin to vintage kimono fabrics, for island-hopping girlfriends around town. Luxurious fabrics, hand beadwork and feather details: irridescent crystal brooches, semi-precious stones, rugged raw Thai Silks and robust suedes. Recline in style, from private beach cocktail parties to dim sum morning dating....