Saskia Diez Accessories

by Karen Day

As seductive as it is simple, Saskia Diez's jewelry strikes a perfect balance for an elegantly contemporary look. A trained goldsmith turned industrial designer, Diez's creations are a clear combination of those two talents.

Her travel bag, dubbed Papier, is a good example of her particular approach. Constructed of synthetic paper, the bag is extremely strong but extraordinarily lightweight, while maintaining an elegant and luxurious appearance. At only four ounces, it's the perfect travel companion and questions the use of bulkier mediums such as leather.

From bags to cufflinks, Diez' understated manner of approaching each piece is a refreshing attribute compared to today's trend-driven accessories. The Boule series (bracelet pictured above) carefully uses the balls as both decoration and as a clasp, again signaling Diez's thoughtful demeanor as an industrial designer.

Roused by combining the right material with the right symbolic content, Diez prudently uses wood, glass, precious stones, gold and more to achieve authentic beauty, realized in each design.

Her jewelry is available for purchase online, prices vary. See more images of her work after the jump.

Hotel Perivolas, Santorini

by CH Contributor

by Anna Chisholm

In the midst of the Aegean Sea rests boutique hotel Perivolas on the chic island of Santorini. Formed entirely of volcanic rock and steeped in eons of history, the island is home to former fisherman’s cottages elegantly carved high into Santorini’s hillside.

Just a short walk from the charming town of Oia, Perivolas' cluster of softly contoured caves totals 19 unique cocoon-like suites, each with breathtaking views overlooking the sun-soaked caldera. The room-s sun dappled white walls and sensual curves are the perfect backdrop to Santorini's tranquilizing sea. White cotton linens beautifully offset baskets of Mediterranean flowers and without a television in sight, the quiet whisper of the waves lapping below lulls you to sleep.

The handcrafted bedrooms vary, but a bad room simply does not exist at Perivolas. For those seeking privacy, Suite 15 features a spacious and secluded outdoor terrace, while the much-coveted Perivolas Suite boasts its very own pool.

With a full service spa, impressive infinity pool and an exclusive restaurant serving a feast of Mediterranean delights and Greek delicacies, Perivolas offers both modern and ancient beauty.

Prices start at €368, contact Mr & Mrs Smith for reservations.

Transparent Restroom in Lausanne

by Doug Black

Giving visitors a new reason to be pee shy, the recently-unveiled public bathroom in Lausanne, Switzerland features completely transparent walls. But fortunately for patrons and passers-by alike, they don't stay that way. Equipped with liquid crystals, the glass uses electric tension to temporarily frost the glass at the touch of a button.

Like similar installations in an NYC Diesel store and other notorious bathrooms, the result is an immediately private sanctuary that returns to its see-through state at the touch of a "Voir" button. Check out a video below.

via wejetset

Cap Spray Can Nozzle Stool

by Mike Giles

Produced deep in the forests of Sweden, "Cap" is the first piece of furniture from the Don't Feed The Swedes. The plastic stool is a tribute to prominent graffiti personalities and modeled after a standard spray can nozzle, but enlarged to a scale which also makes for a functional seat. It was thought up by Swedish design duo Don't Feed The Swedes, and will be released at the end of this summer through selected retailers and online partners. The clever piece of furniture will also be on show at Berlin International Design Festival.

Berlin International Design Festival
3-7 June 2009
DMY Youngsters Exhibition
Arena Berlin
Eichenstrasse 4, 12435 Berlin map

More images after the jump

Arniko Skateboards

by Karen Day

by Laura Neilson

Nepal seems like an unlikely source for skateboards inspired by the '70s surfing scene, but Arniko Skateboards shines a light on the Himalayan country's long-standing identity as region rich with traditional woodcarvers—an ideal production site for the socially-responsible brand with a global consumer base.

Founded two years ago by Nepalese-born Marius Arniko Arter, Arniko Skateboards is a Swiss company that works with small local enterprises to employ talented Nepalese woodcarvers. The company, which boasts the same name as a major highway in Nepal, strives to bring better working opportunities and conditions to one of the world's poorest countries, while at the same time promoting the craftsmanship of citizens.

Currently available in nine artful styles, the boards featuring varying timbers and carvings. Ideal for urban cruising, the slalom-form base is derived from '70s surfboard models. The company also carries its own range of clothing and accessories, produced exclusively in Nepal.

Prices start at about $160. For purchasing and more information, visit the Arniko website.