IF-Mode Folding Bike

by CH Contributor

by Tisha Leung

Changing the aesthetic of what a commuter bike could be, the IF-Mode, a full-size folding bike designed by acclaimed industrial designer Mark Sanders is now available in the U.S. The innovative design incorporates the benefits of a folding bike but with large wheels, ease of collapse and clean design, it's aimed at the commuter who wants to get to their destination in style.

The IF-Mode features an enclosed transmission and monoblade wheel mounting with no oily chains, dirt traps or traditional bike clutter. Using Pacific Cycles IF (integrated folding) technology, the bike folds in a single action in five seconds or less and, like luggage, rolls anywhere when folded so it never has to be carried. Designed to be compact enough to carry onto the subway, bus or the trunk of a car for partial commuting, the Mode will even pack into a suitcase for air travel.

According to Sanders, who has designed award-winning products from kitchen tools to operating tables, people prefer larger wheels for ease of pedaling and smoothness of ride. The bike weighs in at 32 pounds, and its handle bars and pedals collapse as well. Check out this video to see the award-winning IF-Mode in action. Aimed to be a work of art and a bike collector's dream machine, the bike is sure to raise eyebrows upon its arrival in the U.S.

The IF-Mode is available for pre-order at Areaware, for $2250. Production is limited, and orders will not be fulfilled until end of summer 2009.

Higashiya Tea and Sweets

by CH Contributor

by Julie Wolfson

Nestled between the shops and trees in Tokyo's tranquil Nakameguro neighborhood, Higashiya is a seasonal confection shop and tea bar selling traditional Japanese sweets in the setting of a rustic house. The brainchild of design firm Simplicity , Higashiya brilliantly integrates the old with the new. Known for adding modern twists to conventional crafts, designer and confectioner Shinichiro Ogata creates elegant dishes like Japanese buns with grated yam and wheat cakes wrapped in bamboo leaves.

While they do offer year-round desserts, the seasonal confections are the stars of the menu. This month's sweet is Shiso-mochi, a treat made using fragrant Shiso leaves that fans cherish for its scent before eating. Combined with a warm cup of matcha, these sublime treats make for an incredible afternoon.

Higashiya
1-13-12 Aobadai Meguro-ku
Tokyo 153-0042 map
tel. +81 3-5428-1717

I Heart Guts! Black Heart

by CH Contributor

by Julie Wolfson

After a slew of lousy relationships cured by heavy drinking, the designer and brains behind I Heart Guts! found restitution in creating Black Heart. Known for their very colorful soft organ creatures, the faux patent leather Black Heart is a welcome macabre addition to the gutsy lineup.

The perfect gift for the rock star in your life, the black heart features shiny fabric, metallic stitching and a bloody red tear drop. We had the pleasure of seeing the quirky organ at indie design show Unique Los Angeles last weekend, where the plush heart made our own melt.

The limited edition heart is $25 and available for purchase from the I Heart Guts website, where you can also peruse their collection of peculiar organ-based goods, like digestive system stickers and gall bladder t-shirts.

Brown Wing Overdrive

by Lost At E Minor

Last month I saw Brown Wing Overdrive open for Black Pus (the solo project of Lightning Bolt's Brian Chippendale). The band—which formed in DC and relocated to NYC—uses electronics, found objects, banjos, duck calls, jaw harps and whatever else they can get their hands on to make jerky, syncopated, yelping noise. At times referencing shamanistic traditions, at others drawing from Kabuki, the band doesn't quite sound like anyone else on their label, Tzadik. I wish more experimental bands would play around with vocals the way these guys do.

Domsai Desk Pets

by CH Contributor

by Laura Neilson

Matteo Cibic's desk tamagotchi, an anthropomorphic planter, is an altogether different creation from his contribution to the "Love Design" exhibition at last month's Design Week in Milan. Where his bedside lamp stylishly doubled as a sex toy, the Domsai, which he showed at the exhibition space Monotono, provides a decidedly more G-rated dose of pleasure.

Cibic describes his space-agey little tabletop toys as tamagotchis with regards to the egg-shaped handheld digital creatures that, along with Giga Pets and Nano Pets, became a major gadget trend in the mid '90s. Unlike their digital precursors however, Domsais are far less likely to perish from lack of constant vigilance.

Each Domsai is one-of-a-kind and crafted in Italy, with custom-blown domes that differentiate according to the individual cactus they enclose. Ranging from 25 to 29 centimeters in height, the plants stand on sturdy white or gold-tinged ceramic legs.

Between his lamp and the Domsai alone, Cibic's design interests undoubtedly run the gamut. In addition to art and creative direction for various architecture, design and advertising companies, he most recently established AAAAAAAAAA, a tailoring research workshop specializing in trousers with suspenders.