V-Moda Vibe Duo

by Mike Frank

Not everyone has welcoming outer ears to the standard iPhone earbuds. While we haven't found the perfect replacement, the V-Moda VIBE Duos deliver the best combination of functionality, sound and in-the-ear fit.

The VIBE Duos feature the inline mic and button to switch between music and incoming phone calls similar to the Apple iPhone stereo headset. This is a must for smoothly handling unexpected calls while listening to your tunes. It also features noise-isolating (BLISS) technology to reduce ambient noise and enable deep bass, which is great—but the highs maybe slightly lacking for the true audiophiles. Six pairs (S,M,L) of included silicone ear fittings in clear and black make for a customized secure fit.

Available in three colors, the V-Moda VIBE Duos have the all-important iPhone compatible plug and are available from V-Moda's online store for $101. But forget spending cash, we've got two pairs in the rare "gunmetal rouge" colorway (pictured) to give away.

To get your hands on a pair, follow the contact link at the bottom of the page, select "V-Moda Vibe Duo Giveaway" from the pull-down menu and send us your name and address. We'll pick two lucky winners at random. Contest ends this Friday, 11 January 2008, 11:59pm EST.

Also on Cool Hunting: V-Moda Earphones

On Location: Chinatown and Lower East Side, NYC

by Ami Kealoha

by Naomi Nevitt

While the Lower East Side has savored its fair share of hype over the past few years—from the rebellious beginnings as a skate-punk mecca to its recent emergence as a blue chip design destination—the area south of Delancey has always been somewhat on the cusp of the real action. But with the recent opening of the New Museum, i.e.: the area's new beacon of the arts, the Lower East Side (and its bustling neighbor Chinatown) is undergoing yet another renaissance. The quarter is now being steered by the emerging art scene and is frequently being touted the next Chelsea. Yet, never one to welcome homogeneity—especially the white cube variety—the neighborhood succeeds in preserving its rough-and tumble, under-the-radar persona that makes it a downtown stalwart.

James Fuentes LLC
At just a year old, wunderkind gallery James Fuentes has pushed the limits of the Lower East Side art scene with his off-the-radar Lower Manhattan storefront and super-hip (and critically acclaimed) exhibitions by Chinatown-based talent. The neighborhood-focused roster of artists includes art rockers Gang Gang Dance's Lizzi Bougatos and Brian DeGraw, Agathe Snow and William Stone. 35 St. James Place, 212-577-1201

Never Work
Former Marianne Boesky employee Siobhan Lowe founded Never Work in October to exhibit up-and-coming local talent. With only three shows under her belt, the gallerist fills the shoebox-size Henry Street space with high-impact pieces from psychedelic oversized paintings by Ariel Dill to elaborate 2-D rope works by Christian Sampson. 191 Henry Street, 212-228-9206

V&A
Founded in June 2006 by Victoria Donner and Anne Maffei, V&A shows an inspired roster of emerging artists who, as Donner notes, "moved to New York to create something peculiarly New York." The exhibitions that, to date, focus on painting and works on paper, have featured local up-and-coming artists, including Ryan Hixenbaugh, Megan Pflug, Scott Taylor, and Selma Hafizovic. 98 Mott Street #206, 212-966-5754

E-Flux's Pawn Shop Part art-project, part functioning not-for-profit-retail store, the Pawn Shop was founded in October by artists Julieta Aranda, Liz Linden and Anton Vidokle who took over e-flux's storefront on Ludlow Street to host a different kind of art exhibition—a literal pawnshop where artworks are submitted by artists for cash, and if not reclaimed after 30 days, placed for sale exclusively by the shop. Starting with a who's-who list of over 60 contributing artists, from Paul Chan and Rirkrit Tiravanija to Lawrence Weiner and Andrea Zittel, the shop opened its mission to the public in November, allowing anyone who wanted to sell their art to stop by and receive fast cash. 53 Ludlow Street, 212-619-3356

Read more...

Punk House: Interiors in Anarchy

by Ami Kealoha

Visiting some 42 houses in 25 states, 29-year-old Vermont photographer Abby Banks partnered with Sonic Youth frontman Thurston Moore on a hardcover collection that gives an inside glimpse into the collectivist lifestyle of the punk counterculture.

Too often dismissed as dirty and anarchic, Banks' photographs demonstrate how the denizens of these collectives incorporate spontaneous creativity in every possible space. From Portland, Oregan to Brattleboro, Vermont the 300 images contrast the gritty face of a young runaway to the sardonic and crude humor of a cooking range with the words “burn burn burn” painted across the oven door.

The book has gathered much attention, with reviews in the New York Times' home and garden section as well as the lifestyle pages of the Boston Globe. So it's not surprising that its publisher Harry N. Abrams report that it's currently backordered for 2-3 weeks. Amazon has it in stock.

Amapo

by Phuong-Cac Nguyen

While it might take a lot of je ne sais quoi to wear São Paulo clothing brand Amapo's fabulously bright, colorful inventions, the risk is worth the undivided attention.

Partners Carolina Gold and Pitty Taliani came together in 2004 to design a collection based on exclusive prints with a twinge of beach-side sensibility, which has since become the brand's defining agenda and the stuff that M.I.A. would love—in fact, the ladies behind Amapo met the funk princess when she was in town and betrothed to her a few goodies.

But Amapo, still a rising star, remains a free-time project for the duo saved for when they get home from their day jobs at a major Brazilian textile company and assignments from Surface to Air Paris. With fingers crossed, this might all change after their upcoming entry at São Paulo Fashion Week, slated for 21 January 2008.

Unfortunately Amapo doesn't have a website, so you'll have to hoof it to Surface to Air São Paulo to see the line.

Michael DeLucia

by Ami Kealoha

Following sculptor Michael DeLucia from his Brooklyn studio (shortly after completing studies in London) to his first gallery show, this video tells the story of a talented emerging artist's path.

When we first visited Mike early last year, he showed us his current works incorporating industrial materials (brooms, mops, chain link fences) and walked us through some of his influences and ideas. Last December, we caught up with him at the Manhattan gallery, Rivington Arms to talk about the experience of getting a show and what's next.