Dan Funderburgh

by Brian Fichtner

Dan Funderburgh is a Brooklyn-based illustrator, artist, and wallpaper designer whose creations are rooted in the world of decorative arts. Recently, he participated in a group show called "Fellow Traveler" at Williamsburg's Riviera Gallery. Here, his fondness for adornment was literally thrown into relief by a triptych of laser-cut, laser-etched cardboard tools (pictured top). The series, a collection of iconic tools typically found in a workshop, was inspired in part by a hand-painted Persian anchor Funderburgh had seen in the Louvre and a few photographs a friend had taken of an abandoned tool shed in Long Island. The Tools are produced in an edition of five each, selling for between $100 and $500 depending on size.

In addition to the tool wall, Funderburgh was showing a small group of laser-cut tributes to dead objects such as a VHS tape, a wing-tipped shoe or a pair of spectacles. Titled "Papel Picado," meaning perforated paper, the pieces are based on Mexican folk art displayed during the Day of the Dead. They are produced in an edition of 15, and sell for $100 each.

One can readily place this work within the lineage of contemporary masters such as Wim Delvoye, Studio Job and New York artist Cal Lane, each of whom have relied upon graphical elements to punctuate their work. Indeed, Funderburgh shares a similar ambition to work on three-dimensional objects. If the quality of this recent collection is any indication of future achievement, our suggestion is to snag these posthaste.

Purchase Tools or Papel Picado through Riviera Gallery, or by emailing info [at] danfunderburgh [dot] com and see more images after the jump.

Istanbul: Akaretler Row Houses

by Ami Kealoha

by Rachel Felder

Just a short taxi ride from the Blue Mosque and the Grand Bazaar, Istanbul's new Akaretler Row Houses feel a million miles away from the grimy, congested frenzy of the city's touristy landmarks. Originally built as housing for palace workers in the nineteenth century, the set of buildings have been transformed into an understated and elegant development that's as modern as it is historic—kind of like Istanbul itself.

The anchor of the Houses is the newly opened W Hotel, the chain's first European venture. With its Turkish flourished decor and dark lighting, it feels more like a local boutique hotel than part of an international chain. (See images below.) Though there is a branch of Jean-Georges Vongerichten's Spice Market inside as an upscale alternative to the city's ubiquitous kebabs and baklava. The restaurant and some of its rooms have views of the Bosphorus straight, which is a short stroll away.

In contrast to the city's typically ornate architecture, the Akaretler Row Houses are sparse and neo-classical. It's easy to imagine this sophisticated, spotless development on a quiet street in London or Paris—particularly since its row of boutiques includes Marni, Lanvin, Marc Jacobs, and Jimmy Choo.

But since it's in the heart of a busy (and quite trendy) area of locals called the Besiktas district, Akaretler feels like you're in the real Istanbul instead of a tour guide's version. Within a few minutes walk from the Houses is a bustling community of local stores that are decidedly not fancy but a great source for little souvenirs that are inexpensive and unique.

The Akaretler Row Houses also include an smart Turkish restaurant, 1897 Konyali, that offers beautifully presented takes on local classics like dolmas, made here with cherries instead of meat. It's a place where you'll typically find no tourists and no English spoken. The best way to end a meal there? With Turkish coffee and Turkish delight of course, which are both predictably delicious.

Rapha Cycling Gear

by Brian Fichtner

Cycling the streets of New York poses its own unique set of problems, not the least of which is finding gear that doesn't make you look like a rolling advertisement. Fortunately, there are a few emerging brands that recognize the value in creating stylish, classic apparel with discrete branding. The British company Rapha develops high-performance clothing and accessories for the most demanding road racers and urban messengers around. From featherweight stowaway jackets to touring shorts that won't make you look like a sausage, smart tailoring, advanced materials and a decidedly non-geeky approach to cycle wear characterizes the label.

While capris went in and out of style years ago, the 3/4 pant remains a standby for the urban cyclist. Most bikers get around the chain issue by simply rolling up their jeans. For those willing to risk a raised eyebrow now and then, Rapha makes a 3/4 bottom as part of their Fixed range of apparel, pieces designed specifically to blend in with city styles. The Fixed Shorts ($205)—made from a water and stain resistant Schoeller Nanosphere fabric that manages to not look too techy—come with adjustable cuffs, zippered back pockets, and a slim foam seat pad.

The strongest weapon in Rapha's arsenal of urban gear is the Fixed Backpack ($145). I've always hated biking with an awkward bag clinging to my shirt and throwing off my balance, but I've been riding around the city with Rapha's pack for a week, toting my Powerbook and other freelance necessities from café to café, and I barely noticed it was there.

The Fixed Backpack is marked by a ridiculously slim profile that hugs your back, and a narrow width that enables you to knife through gridlock without worrying about catching any sideview mirrors. The outside is detailed with pin-dot reflective panels, waterproof zippers, and a series of back pads that will save your hunched spine. Inside, the suspended laptop pocket ensures a tight center of gravity, while a few carefully placed zippered pouches leave room for bare necessities. For those seeking a pared down commuter bag (on or off a bike), this is easily the best on the market.

Purchase Rapha gear on their site or through a select number of dealers such as Signature Cycles on the East Coast. They also publish an inspirational newsletter covering team rides and races, so sign up.

Also on Cool Hunting: Rapha x Paul Smith Cycle Jersey

Fashionable Technology Book Launch

by Ami Kealoha

Professor, designer, CEO and curator Sabine Seymour's new book "Fashionable Technology" collects 50 examples in the burgeoning field that integrate technology with clothing. From the conceptual to the practical, the survey features gorgeous photographs and detailed descriptions of work by artists, designers and institutions.

We don't want to give too much away here as we'll be covering the book in detail and if you're in New York this week we want to encourage you to come to what will be much more than a launch, involving a runway show, an exhibit and lecture. See details below.

Fashionable Technology Book Launch
22 May 2008, 6pm
Eyebeam
540 West 21st Street
New York, NY 10011
tel. +1 212 937 6580