Cool Hunting
| 29 July 2008view entries from: this week | this month | view previous day | view next day |
Three Na Massa
by Doug Black
Three Na Massa is a Brazilian group heavily steeped in the music of the last four decades. The debut LP borrows from styles as diverse as Bossa Nova to trip-hop. Consisting of São Paulo-residents Rica Amabis, Pupillo and Sucinto Silva, the group sought a different female vocalist to voice each song on their self-titled record. The result is a diverse disc with 13 different chantreuses interpreting music that pays homage to both João Gilberto and Serge Gainsbourg.
The dynamic between the all-male band and the harem of female singers is palpable. Even their name — which translates to "three in the dough," a Portuguese phrase for something that makes one's mouth water — is a not-so-subtle reference to the sensual themes that permeate their music and lyrics.
You can pick up their album from Nublu or Amazon, and follow upcoming performances on their Myspace page. Also, check out their video above for the song "Tatui," voiced by Brazilian soap opera star Karine Carvalho.
Zero-G Watch
by Ami Kealoha
by Kyle Small
Tokyoflash is famous for making unique and unusual watches, pushing the limits of time telling. We often find the light shows a little too flashy but the mix of retro styling and an innovative display make the Zero-G appealing. With a sleek and slender profile, you might not have the hardest time telling the time (although it still takes a little getting used to) but you will have fun doing it.
From the body to the mirrored LCD face, the Zero G has a simplistic design that carries through into the display. An arm (like most analog watches) points to the hour and a segmented curve around the edges marks the minutes. All in all, telling the time isn't much different from regular watches, it just takes a little practice. (It's nothing like some of Tokyoflash's other watch designs, where you basically can't read the time without a manual.)
Besides the LCD display, the Zero-G wields a surprisingly sophisticated frame. In either black or silver, weighing in at just 60 grams (a tad over two ounces) and built around a strap that's barely thicker than a dime, the waterproof beauty is both uncomplicated and at the same time everything you need in a watch.
It's available from Tokyoflash for ¥9,800.
The Online Toaster Museum
by Ami Kealoha
While we consider toast itself to be one of the greatest snacks of all time (if not for its versatility alone), The Toaster Museum, an online archive of toasters through the ages, suggests that the method of production deserves some credit too. Browsing through the beautifully-photographed and well-organized collection (you can sort using the manufacturer's name, where it was made or by material) is a great case study on the design evolution of a humble device. From the early 1900s examples consisting of little more than a stand for holding toast upright to later porcelain models, the site is rich with info detailing the history of toasters.
It's the result of German designer Jens Veerbeck's ongoing project that's now more than a decade in the making. In addition to the documentation of his collection, Veerbeck includes resources and info, not the least of which is a link to Toaster Central, a NYC-based restorer of some of the finest vintage toasters ever made.
Also, check out our review of some of the finest non-vintage toasters currently available.
Generic Man Fall 08
by Tim Yu
Here's a little peek of what's to come from The Generic Man this fall courtesy of Arktip. The upcoming line looks as if it's made from recycled clothing—most likely Boy Scout or military clothing. There's not much information on this yet, but the recycled cotton outer adds a casual, rough-hewn look. Dark brown laces contrasted with tan is always complimentary and the plaid inner adds something unique yet still familiar.
Also, the old buttonhole detail seems like it could double as a coin slot-like stash pocket—great for milk money. From what we've seen, expect a full line using recycled materials and featuring old patches and artifacts. Check back with The Generic Man in the near future for the whole release.
