The Lever House Art Collection

by Ami Kealoha

For nearly a decade the Lever House in New York City has been home to some of the most daring public exhibits of contemporary art. In this video curator Richard Marshall gives some background on the architectural landmark and explains the ins-and-outs of putting together the biannual commissions that have included the likes of Barnaby Furnace, Sarah Morris and Damien Hirst. In addition to past shows, we also get a close look at Richard Dupont's installation of larger-than-life distorted figures, the making of which we documented in our video profiling the artist.

Dunderdon New York

by Tim Yu

Swedish workwear-inspired clothing label Dunderon last week relocated their one and only retail outlet in the U.S. to a more permanent home in New York City's Soho district. Conceptualized by menswear design director Carlos Salazar, the handpainted pine plank flooring and traditional wainscoting recreates a sundrenched Swedish cottage.

With a full range of men's and women's clothing, along with a few exclusives from their men's workwear collection, the store offers a lot while maintaining a spacious feel. Overcrowded or dishelved racks don't exist with everything, including cabinetry, shelves and table, strategically placed to offer a pleasant and calm shopping experience—a welcome change in the often hectic shopping district.

Founded in 1997 by a carpenter, Dunderdon's mission has always been to create clothing for modern crafts people who appreciate superior construction and intelligent design. With timeless cuts and some urban tailored tweaks, their Workwear and more street-friendly Sportswear line maintain such ideals. Men's blazers, vests, sweaters, scarves and ties blend function and minimalist style, while the women's dresses and blouses are dainty and cute. If you're in the area be sure to check out the whole Dunderon collection at their new U.S. base, or you can always check out and purchase items from their online store.

Dunderon
25 Howard St
New York, NY 10013 map
tel. +1 212 226 4040

Botanist Blank Canvas Series

by Ami Kealoha

by Laurice Parkin

Following last year's debut of the Botanist Line, this year Orange 22, Dario Antonioni's LA-based design studio, will reveal the Botanist "Blank Canvas" Series at the ICFF and we're pleased to bring you the exclusive sneak preview. Eight collaborators were tasked with putting their own design mark on the simple shapes made from single sheets of aluminum. The diverse line-up of creatives includes the iconic Milton Glaser (I heart NY) to the ubiquitous Karim Rashid (most recently of the cone-shaped Dirt Devil fame). (Rashid's design pictured above right, Glaser's below left. See more images and details after the jump.)

But, these innovators will be doing more than just putting their own artful spin on the simple, organic-inspired forms. Each will choose a charity of their choice and Orange 22 will match their profits for donation. It is a unique collaboration of both altruism and creativity.

For Antonioni, the Botanist line, which is manufactured in all ways green, is also a way for the design community to give back. As he puts it, "Creativity empowered for positive change." It's always good to know that design is doing more than just making your living space look hot.

If you can't wait to purchase a Blank Canvas Series, you can check out Botanist at a store near you. Look for Orange 22's Blank Canvas Debut at ICFF, 17-20 May 2008 at the Javits Convention Center, NYC.

Stephen Floyd Drawings

by Brian Fichtner

You don't have to know Stephen Floyd to understand his drawings. If you're easily offended, though, knowing that he's an incredibly kind, amiable fellow might soften the blow. Floyd's drawings, like something from a high school economics student with a wandering mind, can seem innocent and inappropriate at the same time. But underneath the running gags, an intelligent, satirical study of our social and political climate is brewing.

"India-na," a drawing about the country and the state, is an apt commentary on outsourcing cheap labor. Another, "Manifest Destiny," reverses the map of America by way of suggesting the wrongheadedness of our political leaders. According to Floyd, “When you look at a map backwards, it just looks wrong… it's a different way of looking at it, but some of the ways we look at things are backwards.”

Floyd just launched his website over the weekend. In addition to the drawings, such as "Asian Girlfriend" (and you can guess what this one is about), he has images from a new billboard project, which sites the drawings in often remote, rural locations. ("Olive Loaf" pictured above left.) According to Floyd the response has been very positive, “Everyone I talked to thought it was really neat.”

To purchase any of Stephen Floyd’s drawings, send him an email: floyd [at] floydfloyd [dot] com.

Gorman

by Fiona Killackey

Gorman has become one of Australia's most respected labels, not only for their sharp styling pieces that miss the fad boat staying stylish season after season, but also for their stand for eco-friendly and sustainable fashion. Recently launching their new organics collection, Gorman's winning even more green hearts with their vow to become a carbon neutral company within the next two years. This month sees the Gorman brand lease a space on the online shopping strip with their web store. Buy up without guilt.

Mario Mandala Colouring Book

by Tim Yu

Mandala, a Sanskrit word of Hindu origin, most often refers to a symmetrical detailed pattern representing the universe and the unconscious self. In some religions it serves as an aid in meditation or to establish a sacred space as well.

For Japanese artist Mario Tauchi, who illustrated 108 black-and-white versions of Mandalas for Trolley Book's "Mario Mandala." the motif plays a slightly different role. Using the format of a traditional coloring book, Tauchi bends the traditional mandala into a more organic, jellyfish-like form to be filled in with color. The excruciatingly detailed illustrations take on different feels with each added color making for a rewarding, if not trance-inducing, experience.

Perforated pages allow the user to tear out colored works (perhaps to denote their own sacred spaces).

Purchase it from Trolley Books or Amazon.

Labyrinth Aquarium

by Evan Orensten

Are your fish envious of your hamster's Habitrail? Now you can hook them up in style with a Labyrinth Aquarium, which features multiple connected tanks for your fish to explore. The aquariums come with all of the filters, lights, pumps and cleaning equipment you need, all hidden away in the cabinet below.

Thanks to CH reader Ion Dog, who posted the Labyrinth Aquarium in CH Reader Finds.

The Labyrinth Aquarium comes in a few models and colors and is available at Opulent Items for $5,500.