Parkhaus Suit for 100 Classics

by Brian Fichtner

Parkhaus, the Berlin-based producer of felt accessories, stumbled upon a winning concept with its Suit for 100 Classics, an expanding collection of custom felt seat pads for iconic chairs. Arguably, a well-thought design doesn't need any augmentations. However, it's a sad fact that some of the most iconic chairs from the past century can be uncomfortable.

Take the designs pictured, pads for which are already part of Parkhaus' evolving suite. The classic Navy chair by Emeco (an update by Starck, above left), while notoriously indestructible, is both cold and unforgiving. Jasper Morrison's Ply Chair (above right) is exemplary of the designer's super normal approach, but the chair is also super hard on one's rear. Starck's La Marie Chair (right), the world's first completely transparent chair, features a planar seat and pinched edges. While beautiful it's painful to use for any length of time. The addition of a little cushion might make all the difference between an enjoyable meal and one of numbing annoyance.

Parkhaus seat pads are available in 20 colors and two versions—a 5 mm woolfelt pad or a 16 mm layered pad (3 mm woolfelt sandwiched around a 10 mm foam inlet) for extra cushioning. Now if they'd only produce one for my Hans Wegner Wishbone chair.

View the collection to date at Parkhaus.

via Daily Tonic

Palihouse Holloway Hotel, Los Angeles

by Tim Yu

Just down the hill from the hustle and bustle of Sunset Boulevard sits the Palihouse Holloway Hotel. I recently had the opportunity to stay at the quiet, NYC apartment-style hotel in the heart of West Hollywood and was expectedly pleased. Perfect for an extended stay, the tucked-away boutique spot has all the amenities of being at home—the one we wish we had—including a full kitchen, washer/dryer closet, flat screen TV, Bose stereo system and ultra-cush bed.

While the suites and residences are a private, quiet sanctuary, the opulent lobby and boisterous French bistro dining area are filled with guests and locals most of the day and night. The rooftop sundeck is the ideal place to take in the views of the city or kickback on one of the comfy Adirondack chairs.

Comfort is key at Palihouse and no detail has gone unnoticed, making you feel simultaneously at home while on vacation/business. In lieu of a card or key, a small fob is used for entrance to a secluded elevator that takes you up to the uniquely decorated, sun-drenched rooms.

Suites at the Palihouse Holloway Hotel start at $400–500; studios $450; residences $600–900 a night. Contact Mr & Mrs Smith for reservations.

See more images after the jump.

Palihouse Holloway Hotel
8465 Holloway Drive
West Hollywood, CA 90069 map
tel. +1 323 656 4100

Fiber and Fellow Fall/Winter 09

by Tim Yu

Fiber & Fellow has been on our radar for some time now, but we are especially impressed with their upcoming Fall/Winter 09 collection which is due out late this Summer.

Based out of Long Beach, California, Fiber & Fellow's latest menswear collection might fit better in the woods than on the beach. What I like most is the blend of traditional and contemporary styles making for a sort of highbrow work wear line. Designed by Jayson Santos, all the looks are detailed but clean and straightforward. An impeccably shot look book by Alan Gastelum also helps. More images from the line after the jump.

Available at select retailers or online at Revolve be sure to jump on this collection quick because it will go fast.

via Jeff Hamada

Built Camera Cases

by Nathan Suberi

Built's new camera cases are chic and affordable. The Soft Shell Camera Case (above left) is perfect for the simple point and shoot but for more involved photographers the Cargo Camera Bags (above right) will hold multiple cameras, lenses and other gear.

The Cargo Camera Bags feature an exterior composed of double-layered neoprene while the bottom incorporates additional padding for extra protection of those valuables. Built also includes padded dividers that you can adjust or remove as needed depending on your gear.

The Soft Shell Camera Case and Large Cargo Camera Bag are available in a range of patterns and colors through Built for $30 and $100, respectively. A Medium Cargo Camera Bag debuts in a few months for $60.

Blue Ember 650 iQue Grill

by Nathan Suberi

Blue Ember's 79,000 BTU 650 iQue grill is pushing the frontier of digital outdoor appliances. Every facet of its design lends itself to precision and versatility, allowing users to grill, rotisserie, smoke, sear, roast and even bake with ease.

The most notable difference from a traditional gas grill is the digital touch screen in front (pictured right). The screen facilitates access to the computer that regulates the multitude of features. Capabilities include two distinct cooking zones that can be individually controlled, automatic digital temperature detection and adjustment, the SonarQue fuel monitoring system that updates fuel levels every 30 seconds and dual meat probes that connect to the computer to ensure accurate cooking and automatically adjust the temperature. This computer allows even rookie grillers to cook with the best, perfectly monitoring your meal to fit your exact specifications.

The physical components of the iQue are just as impressive as the digital ones—Porcelain coated cast-iron grates to maximize heat transfer and reduce sticking, a smoker box for wood chip flavoring, 15,000 BTU stainless steel tube burners, a 12,000 BTU infrared rotisserie burner, three piece lid designed to circulate inner air flow while retaining heat insulation, and perhaps most importantly, a bottle opener.

The iQue is a must have for any grilling enthusiast, available through Lowe's, Sears, and Home Depot stores.