Cool Hunting
| 20 April 2008 - 26 April 2008 week before | next week | view all from this month |
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The Pharos Project
by Russ Lowe Addressing inconsistencies and other challenges in eco-friendly construction, a revolutionary group of like-minded (and large-minded) scientists, architects, engineers, humanitarians and optimists from the U.S. Green Building Council's robust Northwest Chapter, Cascadia, have developed Pharos, a project that might just reshape the Green movement.Its namesake, the island lighthouse of Alexandria, references the guiding beacon that led travelers through unmarked waters in ancient...
by Russ Lowe Addressing inconsistencies and other challenges in eco-friendly construction, a revolutionary group of like-minded (and large-minded) scientists, architects, engineers, humanitarians and optimists from the U.S. Green Building Council's robust Northwest Chapter, Cascadia, have developed Pharos, a project that might just reshape the Green movement.Its namesake, the island lighthouse of Alexandria, references the guiding beacon that led travelers through unmarked waters in ancient...
Hank and Matlok
Unconventional in every sense of the word, Melbourne duo Hank and Matlok are causing a stir down under with cutting-edge art, quirky prints and intelligent fashion. CH caught up with the duo during their recent exhibition at Robio to talk about art, beer and fashion. (Click images for detail.) What's with the name? Hank: Blame our parents. That's what we normally do. Matlok: Yeah,...
Unconventional in every sense of the word, Melbourne duo Hank and Matlok are causing a stir down under with cutting-edge art, quirky prints and intelligent fashion. CH caught up with the duo during their recent exhibition at Robio to talk about art, beer and fashion. (Click images for detail.) What's with the name? Hank: Blame our parents. That's what we normally do. Matlok: Yeah,...
Neon Shoes
Designed from pieces of hand-painted leather, these sexy men's-style dress shoes recently premiered at Neon's winter fashion show and bring action and color to any get-up. The Brazilian label's co-designer Dudu Bertholini has been collecting leftover painted cow skin—some of them rare—from his trips abroad to New York and throughout his home country, at last finding the best use for them. Because he only...
Designed from pieces of hand-painted leather, these sexy men's-style dress shoes recently premiered at Neon's winter fashion show and bring action and color to any get-up. The Brazilian label's co-designer Dudu Bertholini has been collecting leftover painted cow skin—some of them rare—from his trips abroad to New York and throughout his home country, at last finding the best use for them. Because he only...
Radio Village Nomade
Beginning in May, experimental composers Marie-Claire Brycztwa and Sudhu Tewari will host a seven-month "audio play" called Radio Village Nomade. Broadcast daily from a makeshift village in La Corbière, Switzerland, the 214-day project will feature live performances, as well as audio submissions from sound manipulators the world over. The concept is to let people define for themselves what constitutes a moment in time and...
Beginning in May, experimental composers Marie-Claire Brycztwa and Sudhu Tewari will host a seven-month "audio play" called Radio Village Nomade. Broadcast daily from a makeshift village in La Corbière, Switzerland, the 214-day project will feature live performances, as well as audio submissions from sound manipulators the world over. The concept is to let people define for themselves what constitutes a moment in time and...
Ghostly Swim: Interview with Sam Valenti
For years, Ghostly International, the indie juggernaut of Avant-Pop music, has been redefining the record industry with innovative collaborations and a brand awareness that puts most labels to shame. On 21 April, the fruits of their latest collaborative efforts paid off in the release of "Ghostly Swim", a 19-song compilation made exclusively for Adult Swim and available for free download. The kicker? Ghostly mascots...
For years, Ghostly International, the indie juggernaut of Avant-Pop music, has been redefining the record industry with innovative collaborations and a brand awareness that puts most labels to shame. On 21 April, the fruits of their latest collaborative efforts paid off in the release of "Ghostly Swim", a 19-song compilation made exclusively for Adult Swim and available for free download. The kicker? Ghostly mascots...
Creative Index
In response to feedback from agencies and companies that search for creative talent and wanted a "one-stop shop," our friends at Behance developed another great tool: Creative Index, an open and free service for creative professionals and those who search for them. The service makes it near effortless and far more efficient to find photographers, designers, dancers and even confectionery artists. Clean, attractive and...
In response to feedback from agencies and companies that search for creative talent and wanted a "one-stop shop," our friends at Behance developed another great tool: Creative Index, an open and free service for creative professionals and those who search for them. The service makes it near effortless and far more efficient to find photographers, designers, dancers and even confectionery artists. Clean, attractive and...
Interview with Maarten Baas
The most talked about exhibition during the Salone del Mobile was that by Maarten Baas. Set within the chaotic mess of a working auto garage in the Zona Tortona, the show covered works to date, along with a preview of new collections for Contrasts Gallery and Established & Sons Limited. The choice of space initially felt to me like a commentary on the hyper-produced...
The most talked about exhibition during the Salone del Mobile was that by Maarten Baas. Set within the chaotic mess of a working auto garage in the Zona Tortona, the show covered works to date, along with a preview of new collections for Contrasts Gallery and Established & Sons Limited. The choice of space initially felt to me like a commentary on the hyper-produced...
A Paper Tiger
A Paper Tiger is a new venture that launched in January of this year selling exclusive prints by some favorite artists such as Jack Long (pictured). Usually so-called printmaking and distributor sites are unimpressive, but these guys really seem to know what they're doing. With artists like Ken Garduno, Haubs, Tesslar Lo, Jeana Song and many more, A Paper Tiger is releasing extremely limited...
A Paper Tiger is a new venture that launched in January of this year selling exclusive prints by some favorite artists such as Jack Long (pictured). Usually so-called printmaking and distributor sites are unimpressive, but these guys really seem to know what they're doing. With artists like Ken Garduno, Haubs, Tesslar Lo, Jeana Song and many more, A Paper Tiger is releasing extremely limited...
Von Totebags and T-Shirts
Award-winning London based illustrator Von has long been a CH favorite so when he decided to launch a range of tees and totes we grabbed the chance to find out more. Why did you decide to brand into fashion now? As much as t-shirts have been done a million times before I still get excited when I come across a really nice design printed...
Award-winning London based illustrator Von has long been a CH favorite so when he decided to launch a range of tees and totes we grabbed the chance to find out more. Why did you decide to brand into fashion now? As much as t-shirts have been done a million times before I still get excited when I come across a really nice design printed...
All My Pretty Ones
All My Pretty Ones are a six-member group from the San Francisco Bay Area. Led by songwriter Derek Schmidt, the band plays richly-orchestrated, folk-influenced music. Songs rely heavily on acoustic guitar and piano, with occasional flourishes from a wide array of instruments like oboe, upright bass, mandolin and glockenspiel. Their debut EP, "Handsbreadth," was released last year and includes five songs combining lighthearted melodies...
All My Pretty Ones are a six-member group from the San Francisco Bay Area. Led by songwriter Derek Schmidt, the band plays richly-orchestrated, folk-influenced music. Songs rely heavily on acoustic guitar and piano, with occasional flourishes from a wide array of instruments like oboe, upright bass, mandolin and glockenspiel. Their debut EP, "Handsbreadth," was released last year and includes five songs combining lighthearted melodies...
BTL Luggage
BTL (pronounced "beetle") is a new luggage line designed by China Young. Named after the Jewel Beetle, the collection aims to adopt the bug's intricate beauty and remarkable fortitude in the form of striking, resilient suitcases. Young hopes to appeal to a chic brand traveler "whose identity cannot be captured by a colored ribbon on a black suitcase." An expert in accessory design, Young...
BTL (pronounced "beetle") is a new luggage line designed by China Young. Named after the Jewel Beetle, the collection aims to adopt the bug's intricate beauty and remarkable fortitude in the form of striking, resilient suitcases. Young hopes to appeal to a chic brand traveler "whose identity cannot be captured by a colored ribbon on a black suitcase." An expert in accessory design, Young...
Farm
Staged in an immaculate, white gabled space in the Navigli neighborhood in Milan, Studio Job recently previewed their latest monumental work in conjunction with the Eindhoven-based designhuis. The installation, called Farm, draws inspiration from traditional farming economies of the Dutch lowlands, and is composed of twenty-four cast bronze objects and six pieces of Palissander wood furniture. Continuing the leitmotif developed in last year's Homework...
Staged in an immaculate, white gabled space in the Navigli neighborhood in Milan, Studio Job recently previewed their latest monumental work in conjunction with the Eindhoven-based designhuis. The installation, called Farm, draws inspiration from traditional farming economies of the Dutch lowlands, and is composed of twenty-four cast bronze objects and six pieces of Palissander wood furniture. Continuing the leitmotif developed in last year's Homework...
Shaun White for Target
A couple weeks after watching him tear up the half pipe at the U.S. Open, I got the chance to meet with Shaun White for the first unveiling of his new line for Target due out this Fall. Shaun and his brother, Jesse, both super nice California natives, collaborate on all design projects including the White Collection for Burton. The same goes for the...
A couple weeks after watching him tear up the half pipe at the U.S. Open, I got the chance to meet with Shaun White for the first unveiling of his new line for Target due out this Fall. Shaun and his brother, Jesse, both super nice California natives, collaborate on all design projects including the White Collection for Burton. The same goes for the...
Joost & Kiki: reCollections
While the Italians were rightfully celebrating their design legacy at the Triennale with an exhibition called "What is Italian Design?," I find it worth noting that once again, Dutch design was proving to be the most radical, poetic, soul-searching work at the Salone del Mobile. On the last day of the fair, I doubled back to the Zona Tortona to see “reCollections,” an exhibition...
While the Italians were rightfully celebrating their design legacy at the Triennale with an exhibition called "What is Italian Design?," I find it worth noting that once again, Dutch design was proving to be the most radical, poetic, soul-searching work at the Salone del Mobile. On the last day of the fair, I doubled back to the Zona Tortona to see “reCollections,” an exhibition...
The Pyramids of Makkum
For years, Royal Tichelaar Makkum, the Netherlands' longest extant company, has quietly mounted the most impressive displays of ceramic ware during the Milan Furniture Fair and this year is no exception. Two years ago, they released a hugely successful collection of biscuit ware with Studio Job; last year they launched a unique office collection with Dick van Hoff, which turned the ornamental into the...
For years, Royal Tichelaar Makkum, the Netherlands' longest extant company, has quietly mounted the most impressive displays of ceramic ware during the Milan Furniture Fair and this year is no exception. Two years ago, they released a hugely successful collection of biscuit ware with Studio Job; last year they launched a unique office collection with Dick van Hoff, which turned the ornamental into the...
Saskia Olde Wolbers
by Laurice Parkin The video art of Saskia Olde Wolbers is transfixing to watch not only for the dreamlike fluidity accompanied by surreal narrative, but also to see the intensely complex handmade models that the artists films. These miniature sets combine both the architectural space and uniquely constructed parts to bring the artist's imaginative landscape to life. Unpopulated and desolate, the worlds are beautiful, strange...
by Laurice Parkin The video art of Saskia Olde Wolbers is transfixing to watch not only for the dreamlike fluidity accompanied by surreal narrative, but also to see the intensely complex handmade models that the artists films. These miniature sets combine both the architectural space and uniquely constructed parts to bring the artist's imaginative landscape to life. Unpopulated and desolate, the worlds are beautiful, strange...
The Footprint Chronicles
While most companies are just getting up to speed with their green initiatives, environmental activism has been a core value for Patagonia since day one and is the driving force behind their recently announced web initiative, The Footprint Chronicles. Taking social and corporate responsibility one step further, the well-designed interactive site allows consumers to track social and environmental impact of specific garments. Offering unrivaled...
While most companies are just getting up to speed with their green initiatives, environmental activism has been a core value for Patagonia since day one and is the driving force behind their recently announced web initiative, The Footprint Chronicles. Taking social and corporate responsibility one step further, the well-designed interactive site allows consumers to track social and environmental impact of specific garments. Offering unrivaled...
Vintage Terrycloth Stuffed Animals
Made from reclaimed cotton terrycloth dating back to the '50s, '60s and '70s, these stuffed animals are a worthy challenge to their classic plush counterparts. Each neo-Boho monkey, pig or polar bear is handmade in Germany and is one-of-a-kind. The animals start at €28 from the new eco-friendly online retailer Matteriashop....
Made from reclaimed cotton terrycloth dating back to the '50s, '60s and '70s, these stuffed animals are a worthy challenge to their classic plush counterparts. Each neo-Boho monkey, pig or polar bear is handmade in Germany and is one-of-a-kind. The animals start at €28 from the new eco-friendly online retailer Matteriashop....
Early Future Lamp by Ingo Maurer
Here at CH we think every day should be Earth Day, but we also think 38-year-old holiday deserves honoring as a way to single out projects and products that keep the environment in mind. Today we'll be bringing you the best of the eco-web, as well as a few of our own finds. The first of its kind to use organic LEDs (OLEDs), Ingo...
Here at CH we think every day should be Earth Day, but we also think 38-year-old holiday deserves honoring as a way to single out projects and products that keep the environment in mind. Today we'll be bringing you the best of the eco-web, as well as a few of our own finds. The first of its kind to use organic LEDs (OLEDs), Ingo...
New Klaus Tees
Two years ago Klaus Industries proclaimed that 2006 was the new 1984. While the fledgling experiment of democracy is still fledgling, the Portland, Oregon-based company has expanded their line of irreverent and humorous wears. Aside from an update on that particularly ominous theme, these hand-dyed printed shirts extol the tough-guy Abe Lincoln and the need for some domestic humanitarian intervention. “Our shirts are intended...
Two years ago Klaus Industries proclaimed that 2006 was the new 1984. While the fledgling experiment of democracy is still fledgling, the Portland, Oregon-based company has expanded their line of irreverent and humorous wears. Aside from an update on that particularly ominous theme, these hand-dyed printed shirts extol the tough-guy Abe Lincoln and the need for some domestic humanitarian intervention. “Our shirts are intended...
Christiaan Postma Clock
The sprawling Spazio Rossana Orlandi was almost a fair unto itself, featuring the annual Design Academy Eindhoven student show and work by Piet Hein Eek, Front, Jaime Hayon, Studio Libertiny and many others. One of the most intriguing pieces on view was a clock by the Stockholm based, Dutch designer Christiaan Postma. For some reason, one of the perennial engagements in design is the...
The sprawling Spazio Rossana Orlandi was almost a fair unto itself, featuring the annual Design Academy Eindhoven student show and work by Piet Hein Eek, Front, Jaime Hayon, Studio Libertiny and many others. One of the most intriguing pieces on view was a clock by the Stockholm based, Dutch designer Christiaan Postma. For some reason, one of the perennial engagements in design is the...
Turn Nocturnal T-Shirts
Western Massachussetts-basedTurn Nocturnal design studio is the brainchild of designer Matt McInerney and his good friend Jack Strong. Busting onto the scene a few months ago with their best selling font driven "Huge Type Looks Sweet" t-shirt ( still a favorite of mine) they've since followed up with a few others, their latest is "Turn The City and is available, along with Huge Type...
Western Massachussetts-basedTurn Nocturnal design studio is the brainchild of designer Matt McInerney and his good friend Jack Strong. Busting onto the scene a few months ago with their best selling font driven "Huge Type Looks Sweet" t-shirt ( still a favorite of mine) they've since followed up with a few others, their latest is "Turn The City and is available, along with Huge Type...
E&Y: Greenland
Just steps from the infamous 10 Corso Como, the Japanese brand E&Y mounted a modest show at Galleria Antonia Jannone under the name "Greenland." The title was supposed to reference both global warming and the changing nature of the namesake country. I didn't quite get the connection between their products and sustainability, especially considering the wanton (albeit well-designed) use of paper and cardboard in...
Just steps from the infamous 10 Corso Como, the Japanese brand E&Y mounted a modest show at Galleria Antonia Jannone under the name "Greenland." The title was supposed to reference both global warming and the changing nature of the namesake country. I didn't quite get the connection between their products and sustainability, especially considering the wanton (albeit well-designed) use of paper and cardboard in...
Banana Splits Beanie
The Banana Splits Beanie from London design team You Must Create is a 100% cotton hat with two eyeholes in the brim to perfectly execute your springtime Dumb Donald look. The hat is available in both camel and a darker mushroom color for £35. Update: Thanks to Brian, a reader, for pointing out that it was actually Dumb Donald of Fat Albert fame who...
The Banana Splits Beanie from London design team You Must Create is a 100% cotton hat with two eyeholes in the brim to perfectly execute your springtime Dumb Donald look. The hat is available in both camel and a darker mushroom color for £35. Update: Thanks to Brian, a reader, for pointing out that it was actually Dumb Donald of Fat Albert fame who...
The Kiss Off
Though they formed last year in Brooklyn, The Kiss Off could easily pass as Manchester natives from the early '80s. The band was founded by guitarist Adam De Rosa and bassist Nathan Lithgow, who lay distorted melodies over catchy drumming and synth drones. Sam Tyndall's vocals complete the band, which sounds something like a better-produced Joy Division or a more brooding Franz Ferdinand. The...
Though they formed last year in Brooklyn, The Kiss Off could easily pass as Manchester natives from the early '80s. The band was founded by guitarist Adam De Rosa and bassist Nathan Lithgow, who lay distorted melodies over catchy drumming and synth drones. Sam Tyndall's vocals complete the band, which sounds something like a better-produced Joy Division or a more brooding Franz Ferdinand. The...
Bananagrams
Bananagrams is a multiplayer anagram word game that uses tiles with letters. Each player constructs their own freeform group of words at the same time, drawing or exchanging tiles as needed until someone has used all of their tiles. That person wins the round, which can take as little as five minutes to play. The Nathanson family loves word games, and came up with...
Bananagrams is a multiplayer anagram word game that uses tiles with letters. Each player constructs their own freeform group of words at the same time, drawing or exchanging tiles as needed until someone has used all of their tiles. That person wins the round, which can take as little as five minutes to play. The Nathanson family loves word games, and came up with...
White Carpet for Polimoda
It seems furniture isn't the only thing on display during the Milan Furniture Fair. Increasingly, corporate sponsors, associations, and schools use the fair as an opportunity to sell their brands. Interestingly enough, one of the most awe-inspiring installations this week has come not from an Italian mega brand like Moroso or B&B Italia, but from Polimoda, the International Institute of Fashion Design and Marketing,...
It seems furniture isn't the only thing on display during the Milan Furniture Fair. Increasingly, corporate sponsors, associations, and schools use the fair as an opportunity to sell their brands. Interestingly enough, one of the most awe-inspiring installations this week has come not from an Italian mega brand like Moroso or B&B Italia, but from Polimoda, the International Institute of Fashion Design and Marketing,...
| April 20, 2008 - April 26, 2008 week before | next week | view all from this month |
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