Cool Hunting

Galen Trezise Crocheted Cozies
From the newly-opened Look boutique in SF, these handmade cozies have all the warm appeal of a sweater grandma made with an offbeat Dr. Seuss shape. According to the site, they're intended for vases but we think they'd be well-suited for dressing up a different household object that holds water and plant matter. With unusual colorways, ruffles and perforated weaves, they also hold their...

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...

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....

Stephen Burks: Cappellini Love
Yesterday at the Fiera Milano, walking through the sprawling campus of the supergroup Poltrona Frau, I ran into the New York designer Stephen Burks, who took a moment to chat with me about his new line of eco-conscious ware for Italian manufacturer Cappellini. Called Cappellini Love, the collection is comprised of a series of vases and bowls made from glass fragments, and a small...

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...

Boobs and Dinks Early Detection Kits
While testicular and breast cancer is something we might not want to think about, Shanon Gerdard uses humor to eliminate some of the fear surrounding that dreaded monthly self-exam. Her Boobs and Dinks Early Detection Kits include crocheted breasts or penises that contain small lumps that can be found by following instructions provided in the accompanying booklets. On top of everything else, she donates...