Cool Hunting
| 16 March 2008 - 22 March 2008 week before | next week | view all from this month |
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Six Bike Baskets
If you've ever walked through Manhattan's Union Square green market early in the morning, you might have noticed the jury-rigged bicycles chefs use to transport their produce purchases. Cycling city streets with a cargo platform, though, is not a task to be taken lightly. With spring just around the corner and nature's bounty soon spilling into markets nationwide, we thought a timely round-up of...
If you've ever walked through Manhattan's Union Square green market early in the morning, you might have noticed the jury-rigged bicycles chefs use to transport their produce purchases. Cycling city streets with a cargo platform, though, is not a task to be taken lightly. With spring just around the corner and nature's bounty soon spilling into markets nationwide, we thought a timely round-up of...
Tom Schmelzer: More Meat on the Bone
The work of Tom Schmelzer is unequivocally conceptual, but the actual concept is often left up for debate. His previous work has dealt explicitly with American culture, including their Commander in Chief, but his upcoming solo exhibition, "More Meat on the Bone," subsists on veiled references. Take the installation "Caught in the Line" (pictured), which incorporates three Australian parrots, three bird cages, tank targets...
The work of Tom Schmelzer is unequivocally conceptual, but the actual concept is often left up for debate. His previous work has dealt explicitly with American culture, including their Commander in Chief, but his upcoming solo exhibition, "More Meat on the Bone," subsists on veiled references. Take the installation "Caught in the Line" (pictured), which incorporates three Australian parrots, three bird cages, tank targets...
Clay Ketter: Gulf Coast Slabs
A show of new work by the American artist Clay Ketter opened in London this week at Bartha Contemporary. Ketter, who has lived in Sweden for over 20 years, is renowned for creating art works through the investigation of construction techniques. His work on the surface has a beautifully minimalist aesthetic, but the real interest lies beneath the layers in a "truth to materials"...
A show of new work by the American artist Clay Ketter opened in London this week at Bartha Contemporary. Ketter, who has lived in Sweden for over 20 years, is renowned for creating art works through the investigation of construction techniques. His work on the surface has a beautifully minimalist aesthetic, but the real interest lies beneath the layers in a "truth to materials"...
PHTHRD II
The crazy folks at LVHRD are at it again, drawing some big names for this year's PHTHRD event. Jonathan Harris, Joseph O. Holmes and Elizabeth Weinberg will be live and in person next Tuesday, 25 March 2008, taking 150 Polaroids (R.I.P.) at the event in order to craft a mosaic narrative on the spot. All skilled photographers that use their media to tell stories,...
The crazy folks at LVHRD are at it again, drawing some big names for this year's PHTHRD event. Jonathan Harris, Joseph O. Holmes and Elizabeth Weinberg will be live and in person next Tuesday, 25 March 2008, taking 150 Polaroids (R.I.P.) at the event in order to craft a mosaic narrative on the spot. All skilled photographers that use their media to tell stories,...
Public School T-shirt and Jacket
Leading the way in grown-up street wear, Public School recently released Fall/Winter 2008, their second collection. We've been into their clean cut but somewhat edgy designs since the label launched last year; the quality materials and subtle details set them apart from the rest of the rack at Barneys or Fred Segal. Their new NY Hearts Me t-shirt (not available until next Fall 2008),...
Leading the way in grown-up street wear, Public School recently released Fall/Winter 2008, their second collection. We've been into their clean cut but somewhat edgy designs since the label launched last year; the quality materials and subtle details set them apart from the rest of the rack at Barneys or Fred Segal. Their new NY Hearts Me t-shirt (not available until next Fall 2008),...
Labelscar
A blog documenting the mundanely beautiful side of retail history since its launch in 2006, Labelscar takes its name from the mark left when a business closes and removes their sign exposing the virgin facade below, the equivalent of an architectural watch tan. Organized by state and with images and info, the site includes hundreds of entries to date and encourages submissions from readers....
A blog documenting the mundanely beautiful side of retail history since its launch in 2006, Labelscar takes its name from the mark left when a business closes and removes their sign exposing the virgin facade below, the equivalent of an architectural watch tan. Organized by state and with images and info, the site includes hundreds of entries to date and encourages submissions from readers....
Limited Edition Alessi Wire Baskets from MoMA
Alessi's classic wire basket has graced the counters and tables of the terminally chic since its debut in 1951. At MoMA's request Alessi has developed a slight variation of these baskets, coating the stainless steel in brightly colored epoxy-polyester paint for the two limited edition styles. The Alessi square red wire basket ($110) and round yellow wire basket ($85) are available exclusively from the...
Alessi's classic wire basket has graced the counters and tables of the terminally chic since its debut in 1951. At MoMA's request Alessi has developed a slight variation of these baskets, coating the stainless steel in brightly colored epoxy-polyester paint for the two limited edition styles. The Alessi square red wire basket ($110) and round yellow wire basket ($85) are available exclusively from the...
TheSwimmingPools
If anybody needs proof of how useless the recording industry has become, look no further than TheSwimmingPools. In the past few years, the NYC-based duo has recorded three albums and produced a slew of videos using only a computer in their East Village apartment. Comprised of Christophe Doloire and Daniel Smith, the group plays a brooding electronica that feels as if it would've been...
If anybody needs proof of how useless the recording industry has become, look no further than TheSwimmingPools. In the past few years, the NYC-based duo has recorded three albums and produced a slew of videos using only a computer in their East Village apartment. Comprised of Christophe Doloire and Daniel Smith, the group plays a brooding electronica that feels as if it would've been...
Lazy Oaf Pimp My Pumps
The result of an exhibit called "Pimp My Pump", Lazy Oaf's off-the-wall designer shoes are inventive one-offs all using the classic plimsol as a canvas. Definitely in the same vein as French artist Manu Angot and our own Seth Brau, the collection includes works by such up-and-coming talents as Kate Moross, Brennan & Burch (pictured right) and Peskimo (pictured center). We like them all,...
The result of an exhibit called "Pimp My Pump", Lazy Oaf's off-the-wall designer shoes are inventive one-offs all using the classic plimsol as a canvas. Definitely in the same vein as French artist Manu Angot and our own Seth Brau, the collection includes works by such up-and-coming talents as Kate Moross, Brennan & Burch (pictured right) and Peskimo (pictured center). We like them all,...
Five Bike Helmets
Unless you’re one of those obsessives who likes to get geared up in full racing attire for a few laps around town, you aren’t keen on wearing a helmet that looks like the nose of a fighter jet. Some city cyclists forego wearing helmets simply because they aren't well designed and look dorky. We’ve scoured the web and sourced a few that will save...
Unless you’re one of those obsessives who likes to get geared up in full racing attire for a few laps around town, you aren’t keen on wearing a helmet that looks like the nose of a fighter jet. Some city cyclists forego wearing helmets simply because they aren't well designed and look dorky. We’ve scoured the web and sourced a few that will save...
Sarah Lüdemann
Sarah Lüdemann is a German artist living and working in Cambridge, England. Of her work she says: "the connection point between all my pieces of work is the concept of identity. Initially I started exploring my own 'self' through traditional self portraits. But soon I started investigating the notion of the self-portrait in wider terms to find out where it starts and where it ends...
Sarah Lüdemann is a German artist living and working in Cambridge, England. Of her work she says: "the connection point between all my pieces of work is the concept of identity. Initially I started exploring my own 'self' through traditional self portraits. But soon I started investigating the notion of the self-portrait in wider terms to find out where it starts and where it ends...
Alexandra Cassaniti Bags
Alexandra Cassaniti's collection of silk-screened bags are just the thing to ease the transition into spring and raise your spirits during the rainy season. Even if there's no trip to the beach in the near future, carrying the constantly increasing load of everyday essentials for urban living around in this Brushstroke Four Pocket Bagpack has an appeal. A versatile bag, it has adjustable leather...
Alexandra Cassaniti's collection of silk-screened bags are just the thing to ease the transition into spring and raise your spirits during the rainy season. Even if there's no trip to the beach in the near future, carrying the constantly increasing load of everyday essentials for urban living around in this Brushstroke Four Pocket Bagpack has an appeal. A versatile bag, it has adjustable leather...
Brown Sound Tees
New from Brown Sound, we're totally digging the psychedelic imagery of the "Nose Wheelie" (above left) combining a Yeti on a skateboard with Hibiscus flowers, radiating stripes and Edwardian script. Others that we're considering adding to the collection are "Unkle Kyle," (above center) a line illustration of an overwhelming beard printed over prepster stripes in a green, purple and white colorway. "Sarajevo" (above right)...
New from Brown Sound, we're totally digging the psychedelic imagery of the "Nose Wheelie" (above left) combining a Yeti on a skateboard with Hibiscus flowers, radiating stripes and Edwardian script. Others that we're considering adding to the collection are "Unkle Kyle," (above center) a line illustration of an overwhelming beard printed over prepster stripes in a green, purple and white colorway. "Sarajevo" (above right)...
Five Better Bike Racks
The bike rack is one of those urban features woefully in need of a redesign. Thanks to NYC DOT and Cooper-Hewitt, who joined forces in creating the City Racks Design Competition, New York just might continue to lead the way in making cities more bike-friendly. As many people have noticed, the city has been making great advances on behalf of the cyclist, adding miles...
The bike rack is one of those urban features woefully in need of a redesign. Thanks to NYC DOT and Cooper-Hewitt, who joined forces in creating the City Racks Design Competition, New York just might continue to lead the way in making cities more bike-friendly. As many people have noticed, the city has been making great advances on behalf of the cyclist, adding miles...
Still Life 2008
This past winter star Japanese designer Hiroshi Fujiwara was always blogging about his epic snowboarding trips all over the world. The snow-covered old growth terrain was always so inviting but I also took note of the brightly colored minimalist jackets that he and his crew would wear and wondered what brand they were sporting. Through a Neil Harmon photo essay on Honeyee called Still...
This past winter star Japanese designer Hiroshi Fujiwara was always blogging about his epic snowboarding trips all over the world. The snow-covered old growth terrain was always so inviting but I also took note of the brightly colored minimalist jackets that he and his crew would wear and wondered what brand they were sporting. Through a Neil Harmon photo essay on Honeyee called Still...
Lisa Kereszi: Fantasies
When tougher new laws began to crack down on strip clubs in Times Square in the 1990s, performers began to focus less on the "strip" and more on the "tease"creating a new type of burlesque movement— and the wonderful Lisa Kereszi (an assistant to Nan Goldin at the time) was there to capture the transformation. In her new book called "Fantasies," her richly-colored photographs...
When tougher new laws began to crack down on strip clubs in Times Square in the 1990s, performers began to focus less on the "strip" and more on the "tease"creating a new type of burlesque movement— and the wonderful Lisa Kereszi (an assistant to Nan Goldin at the time) was there to capture the transformation. In her new book called "Fantasies," her richly-colored photographs...
MoCP 2008 Fine Print Editons
by Laurice Parkin Chicago's Museum of Contemporary Photography recently announced the editions for their 2008 Fine Print Program. The program offers the opportunity to collect contemporary photographs by internationally recognized artists while supporting the Museum. Definitely a win-win for all involved. This year's diverse selections feature the work of KayLynn Deveney, Greta Pratt, Simon Roberts, New Catalogue and Jan Theun van Rees. From Deveney’s...
by Laurice Parkin Chicago's Museum of Contemporary Photography recently announced the editions for their 2008 Fine Print Program. The program offers the opportunity to collect contemporary photographs by internationally recognized artists while supporting the Museum. Definitely a win-win for all involved. This year's diverse selections feature the work of KayLynn Deveney, Greta Pratt, Simon Roberts, New Catalogue and Jan Theun van Rees. From Deveney’s...
Lichtinfusion Lamp
Even if you don't have a strange affinity for hospitals, you might like the Lichtinfusion Lamp by Christain Maas. With lights that hang like old-school glass bottles of saline, I love that the IV rubber tubing doubles as the power cord. If I was designing it, I'd add more realistism by adding wheels like real IV systems allowing patients to go for walks. A...
Even if you don't have a strange affinity for hospitals, you might like the Lichtinfusion Lamp by Christain Maas. With lights that hang like old-school glass bottles of saline, I love that the IV rubber tubing doubles as the power cord. If I was designing it, I'd add more realistism by adding wheels like real IV systems allowing patients to go for walks. A...
Poetry Nightstand
A surefire way to impress that guy or girl you take home Friday night is to stack scholarly books on your bedside table, as if you casually dropped them there after breezing through some weighty tome on relational aesthetics or quantum theory. For those without the time or brain capacity, you may consider the Poetry Nightstand, designed by Marian Lassak. Although it's not a...
A surefire way to impress that guy or girl you take home Friday night is to stack scholarly books on your bedside table, as if you casually dropped them there after breezing through some weighty tome on relational aesthetics or quantum theory. For those without the time or brain capacity, you may consider the Poetry Nightstand, designed by Marian Lassak. Although it's not a...
Riedel Decanters
New from the generations-old family glassware-makers Riedel, this series of decanters takes its inspiration from birds for a collection that's as striking as it is functional. Designed by Maximillian Riedel (also responsible for leading the stemless revolution) and his father Georg and handmade by artisans in their Austrian factory, the leaded crystal vessels are all aerodynamic lines and dramatic dimensions. While the Swan (above...
New from the generations-old family glassware-makers Riedel, this series of decanters takes its inspiration from birds for a collection that's as striking as it is functional. Designed by Maximillian Riedel (also responsible for leading the stemless revolution) and his father Georg and handmade by artisans in their Austrian factory, the leaded crystal vessels are all aerodynamic lines and dramatic dimensions. While the Swan (above...
Bose Computer MusicMonitor
by Laurice ParkinGreat sound is meant to be heard rather than seen, but with Bose's newest entry into the desktop soundscape—the Computer MusicMonitor, both your eyes and ears will be equally pleased. We have always been impressed with Bose's ability to bring out rich and balanced sound from small speakers . Now, with the MusicMonitors, Bose has set a new standard for miniaturization completely...
by Laurice ParkinGreat sound is meant to be heard rather than seen, but with Bose's newest entry into the desktop soundscape—the Computer MusicMonitor, both your eyes and ears will be equally pleased. We have always been impressed with Bose's ability to bring out rich and balanced sound from small speakers . Now, with the MusicMonitors, Bose has set a new standard for miniaturization completely...
Sideways: A Smart Art Project
Known for their eco-chic automobiles, tomorrow Smart Car will introduce "Sideways: A Smart Art Project," a book that's in line with their counter-cultural identity and serving as the brand's creative anthology. Showcasing a myriad of colorful works of art, it's an inventive (and attractive) way to look at both the environment and contemporary motoring. Curated by top international magazines such as Dazed & Confused,...
Known for their eco-chic automobiles, tomorrow Smart Car will introduce "Sideways: A Smart Art Project," a book that's in line with their counter-cultural identity and serving as the brand's creative anthology. Showcasing a myriad of colorful works of art, it's an inventive (and attractive) way to look at both the environment and contemporary motoring. Curated by top international magazines such as Dazed & Confused,...
Powerstick
Providing a rechargeable, on-the-go power source for most any portable device, Powerstick is a convenient little accessory well-suited for travelers, busy people or anyone who stays out all night and has an iPhone. After a couple of close calls (I admit I may be a little overdependent on my phone/forget to plug it in sometimes), I'm a fan.The lithium battery charges via USB and...
Providing a rechargeable, on-the-go power source for most any portable device, Powerstick is a convenient little accessory well-suited for travelers, busy people or anyone who stays out all night and has an iPhone. After a couple of close calls (I admit I may be a little overdependent on my phone/forget to plug it in sometimes), I'm a fan.The lithium battery charges via USB and...
Kellner Plug-in Figures
Invented in Germany in the 1920s these toy Plug-In Figures building kits hinge (literally) on the flexible "jummi" rubber connectors patented by Georg Kellner. A former airplane builder, who started a successful model plane company, Kellner created simple kits with interchangeable parts that could be combined to make posable figures. Five of these kits Tim, Hoppy Hare, Squeek the mouse, Edward + Erna and...
Invented in Germany in the 1920s these toy Plug-In Figures building kits hinge (literally) on the flexible "jummi" rubber connectors patented by Georg Kellner. A former airplane builder, who started a successful model plane company, Kellner created simple kits with interchangeable parts that could be combined to make posable figures. Five of these kits Tim, Hoppy Hare, Squeek the mouse, Edward + Erna and...
Mock-Ups in Close-Up
Working in design retail, one of my favorite job perks was visiting architecture firms and sometimes catching a glimpse of building models. Beyond architect biopics, I have little recollection of seeing building models used in film, though apparently there's a wealth of footage available. Architect Gabu Heindl and film theorist Drehli Robnik recently compiled such footage (a curated selection of 80 clips) into an...
Working in design retail, one of my favorite job perks was visiting architecture firms and sometimes catching a glimpse of building models. Beyond architect biopics, I have little recollection of seeing building models used in film, though apparently there's a wealth of footage available. Architect Gabu Heindl and film theorist Drehli Robnik recently compiled such footage (a curated selection of 80 clips) into an...
Luminescent Gravel
Mixing glow-in-the-dark particles with flooring materials, the Dutch company S. Lövenstein BV created one of those no-fuss design fixes that improves safety and convenience. The substance has limitless applications for things like signage or guide strips with the ability to be evenly and seamlessly distributed throughout a surface and masked into shapes and patterns. Integrated with contrasting colors, it serves a purpose in both...
Mixing glow-in-the-dark particles with flooring materials, the Dutch company S. Lövenstein BV created one of those no-fuss design fixes that improves safety and convenience. The substance has limitless applications for things like signage or guide strips with the ability to be evenly and seamlessly distributed throughout a surface and masked into shapes and patterns. Integrated with contrasting colors, it serves a purpose in both...
Brooklyn Modern
There hasn't been a period of such a fervent excitement about Brooklyn homes since the advent of the brownstone more than 150 years ago. In Brooklyn Modern", Diana Lind examines this architecture and interior design boom through 18 particularly innovative living spaces and the homeowners who designed them. In addition to Lind, the book includes essays by the blogerati, Grace Bonney of Design*Sponge and...
There hasn't been a period of such a fervent excitement about Brooklyn homes since the advent of the brownstone more than 150 years ago. In Brooklyn Modern", Diana Lind examines this architecture and interior design boom through 18 particularly innovative living spaces and the homeowners who designed them. In addition to Lind, the book includes essays by the blogerati, Grace Bonney of Design*Sponge and...
| March 16, 2008 - March 22, 2008 week before | next week | view all from this month |
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