Cool Hunting

A few cheeky watermelon-themed products we happened upon recently got us thinking about the summer fruit as a source of design inspiration. While George Nelson's iconic modernist clock ($335 from Pure Modern) is a restrained nod to the melon's oblong shape, most of what's out there appeals to the pink, black and green colorway and the contrast of the exterior rind to the flesh. Using the aesthetic as a starting point is hardly new (2008 saw Estate LA's exceedingly witty Tearaway Cap and the Watermelon sock by Baron Von Fancy and Mike Perry makes custom watermelon kicks), but we dug up a fresh crop of designs—from cars to posters—that are all about celebrating the bright colors and playfulness of one of nature's most influential fruits. (See images of items mentioned above after the jump.)

August 20, 1971 (Watermelon) Print
Part of an annual series designed by Stephen Frykolm to celebrate Herman Miller company picnics, this print (above right) abstracts a watermelon into a vivid graphic image that almost reads as a landscape. It's part of MoMA's permanent collection and the reproduction is $110 from MoMA.

Keep Watermelon Homer
With a slim profile, terrycloth interiors and Keep's comfy padded sole, this new sneaker has the basics we like about the brand and offers an interpretation on a watermelon with a polka-dotted pink toe and bright green vamp. We especially like design details like the contrasting tongue in the pink fabric and the punchy white accents. It's available from Keep for $65, along with other models that use the watermelon colorway, the Elias ($95) and the Ramos ($80).

Watermelon Toenail Art
In spite of their size, there's something undeniably cute about watermelons—especially in the form of ten tiny toenails. Fortunately, Dragonfly Nailz, makes getting them easy with their kit of fakes that includes a full set (24 in all, including different sizes) and glue. They're available for $30 from Etsy.

Watermelon Jelly
Speaking of cute, these jars of watermelon jelly feature packaging that cleverly mimics a slice of the fruit and indicates the flavor it contains. Designed by Seikanin, the ingeniously precious wrappers are also very Japanese.

via Packagings of the World

CLOT x Medicom x Levi's Watermelon Jeans
Feet aren't alone in getting the watermelon treatment. Using the green striped pattern from the shell as a lining and on the leather tag, these distressed jeans play on the concept. They're part of a line by CLOT, Medicom and Levi's that includes a "Watermelonbrick" and t-shirts. Released at Juice in Hong Kong late last year, good luck finding them now.

via High Snobiety

Vans 2009 Watermelon Pack
Apparently Keep wasn't the only label turning to watermelon's for a canvas shoe. Vans goes with a more red color with a black seed print for the upper and a green outsole. The Era ($43), Slip-On ($48) and Chukka ($59) are all available from Zappos.

Watermelon Car
Possibly the best play on the exterior vs. interior, this car exists (and someone actually drives it) somewhere in the Ukraine.

via Desicolours

Adidas Watermelon Forum Mid
Adidas got in on the game too with this pair featuring a rind-inspired print and a watermelon logo on the tongue. It was released as a pack along with another shoe that takes its cues from a pumpkin and is available at select Adidas retailers.

via Everything I.V.A.N.