Ben Pentreath Boutique

by CH Contributor

by Rachel Felder

With the recent opening of Ben Pentreath's new boutique in Bloomsbury, the area's up-and-coming status as a destination in its own right gets a boost. London's got no shortage of neighborhoods packed with tastemaker boutiques, from Hoxton to Notting Hill, but Bloomsbury doesn't typically make that list. This truly quaint enclave on the north side of the city is probably best known for historic residents like Virginia Woolf and for its neighborhood landmark—appropriately enough, the British Museum.

But one small stretch of the neighborhood, Lamb's Conduit Street, has become an insiders' favorite over the last few years, as small clothing boutiques, cafes, and specialist bookshops have nestled in amongst the street's old school thrift stores and classic men's tailors. And now, Ben Pentreath's enticing spot continues that row of appealing stores around the corner to neighboring Rugby Street.

Ben Pentreath is an acclaimed architect, with design awards and many projects in Wales, Cornwall, and Dorset under his belt. Late last year he decided to transform the front of his Rugby Street design studio into a retail space stocked with more than a few of his favorite things, including John Derian decoupage, La Rochere glassware, ornate (and über-collectible) pottery from Leeds Greenware by Hartley Greens and Company and letterpressed posters with archival type by the East End's Hand & Eye Press.

Although its retail area only recently opened, Ben Pentreath's base already feels wonderfully lived-in. In fact, at times it feels more like a cozy domestic sitting room than a store with a few personal tidbits, like the odd dinner party invitation, left out amongst the hand chosen books, candles and antique British furniture that's also on display (and actually for sale). But it's that individual touch that makes the store so inviting. Even wandering in, the store has the feel of visiting an old friend, albeit one with an impeccable eye.

Incidentally, Ben Pentreath's new shop is adjacent to The English House, the London showroom of a company that handmakes elaborate light fixtures like chandeliers and candelabras. It's certainly not a place for impulse—or even portable—purchases, but this cozy and welcoming little store is worth a visit as well.

Ben Pentreath
17 Rugby Street
London WC1N 3QT map
tel. +020 7430 2526

Converse by John Varvatos Spring 2009

by Josh Rubin

From the casual distressing of the Slip-On Chucks to Crazy Laces and its 19 eyelets, Converse's ongoing collaboration with designer John Varvatos is all about the details that speak to the common rock 'n' roll ethos shared by the two brands. Now seven seasons into it, the latest collection features a few impressive examples in both apparel and footwear of just how committed the creators are to making the look authentic. (And the latest ad campaign, pictured at right, featuring rocker and top model Sarah Ruba stays true also.)

Perhaps most impressive is the process that the tees undergo to achieve both the vintage appearance and the luxurious feel that make them favorites. Starting with fine gauge slubbed jerseys, applied burnout printing adds texture and loosens the fabric—almost transparent and with an uneven effect, it's what makes the garment seem like it's been worn for 10 years.

Other minute adjustments, including light staining and tinting, printing on the reverse side and using a dremmel to grind edges, adds to the perfectly broken-in appearance.

But our newest favorite item to come from the partnership has to be the Bosey Boot, inspired by a utilitarian shoe from the Converse archives that's now in its second incarnation. The current version features a a lightweight, canvas upper that mimics the look of faded denim. Soles look similarly distressed with a paint treatment applied to the outsole and toecap that lends a rough-hewn look. The rustic appearance ends there however; the boot features haberdasher linings, pigskin footbeds and the choice of waxed or leather laces. Available in black or grey, the boots retail for $150 from Converse and are due out later this year.

Mike Perry: The Patterns Found in Space

by Mike Giles

If you're not already familiar with his hand-drawn type from his awesome book "Hand Job," Mike Perry is a Brooklyn-based artist who makes drawings, paintings, illustrations, magazines, newspapers, and clothing, as well as teaches whenever possible. He has worked with clients such as the New York Times Magazine, Dwell, Microsoft Zune, Urban Outfitters and Zoo York, to name but a few.

Doodling away night and day, Perry creates new typefaces and sundry graphics that inevitably evolve into his new work, exercising the great belief that the generating of piles is the sincerest form of creative process. His latest show of original items will feature a mixture screen-prints, original drawings, and watercolors.

In addition to creating illustrations for others, Perry has his own magazine entitled Untitled, which features his current work and interests and is in its third edition.

The Patterns Found in Space
Giant Robot Gallery
Opening reception: 7 March 2009, 6:30-10pm
7 March-8 April 2009
437 East 9th Street
New York, New York 10009
+1 212 674 4769

ZeroWater Filtration System

by Doug Black

Like air, water is a hard thing to quantify. As long as it isn't cloudy or strangely flavored, it seems interchangeable with any other. One way to separate hose water from the triple-distilled purified variety is by using a TDS meter, which measures the level of salts, minerals and anything alien in your water. On a TDS, American tap water can range anywhere from a dubious 700 parts per million to a relatively pristine 25. Some bottled water can even top 300ppm.

The ZeroWater filtration system, on the other hand, got its name for purifying tap water and consistently producing a zero on TDS meters. While comparable water filtration pitchers rely solely on chlorine, the ZeroWater system uses a five-stage ion-exchange filtration system that removes any discernible additives. And ZeroWater is so confident in their product that they include an independently-manufactured TDS meter with each purchase.

The ZeroWater Z-Pitcher can be purchased for $40 at Target, Walgreens and many other retailers.

John Keatley Photographs Annie Leibovitz

by Bailee Wolfson

We asked Seattle photographer John Keatley about his portrait shot of the doyenne of the modern glamour shot, Annie Leibovitz.
One of the things that I found out during my research is that Annie looks through her camera with her left eye. That was interesting to me, and I thought about photographing her as if she were looking through a camera. My original thought was to have her closing one eye, but when I explained this to her, she started using her hands around her face. I really liked how this looked, and told her that I wanted to continue with that idea. That pose ended up being the one that I connected with the most.