Loyal Loot Collective Design

by CH Contributor

By Laura Neilson

Canadian-based Loyal Loot Collective is a four-woman design atelier, known for their clever furniture and home accessories which beautifully combine function with whimsy. Formed in 2004, the group of designers (and friends) Doha Chebib, Carmen Douville, Dara Humniski and Anna Thomas, who all met while attending the University of Alberta for Industrial Design.

The four designers work collaboratively and individually, each bringing her unique perspective as well as a particular speciality or craftwork to the drawing table. While Loyal Loot objects run the gamut in terms of function and form, as well as materials, there's almost always some inherent reference to nature and its byproducts.

Take Chebib's gorgeous log bowls (pictured above), for example. Crafted from locally-reclaimed trees of differing varieties, the vividly-contrasting interiors feature a glossy spectrum of brilliant hues.

Another standout is Thomas' witty "Monsieur Dressup," a series of maple wall collars, cuffs and pockets. The collars maintain the natural shape of a shirt or scarf, but along with the cuffs, they also double as everyday—but hardly quotidian—hooks for umbrellas, bags and coats. These innovative ensembles look just as striking on their own as they do while serving their function.

Check out Loyal Loot to see the rest of their collection.

I.D. Magazine's Annual Design Review

by Nathan Suberi

Material ConneXion is now hosting I.D. Magazine 's 2009 Annual Design Review.

The review highlights items that superbly combine form and function. Value and affordability were increasingly influential this year though this didn't rule out a few pricier objects of impeccable perfection.

The I.D. Annual Design Review exhibit is open weekdays, 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m., from 25 June 2009 until 28 August 2009 at the Material ConneXion showroom.

Material ConneXion
60 Madison Avenue, 2nd floor
New York, NY 10010
tel: +1 212.842.050
materialconnexion.com

Zuca for M.A.C. Wheelie Bag

by CH Contributor

by Rachel Felder

Wheelies dominate airports everywhere, but a rolling case with tricked-out inserts, a sleek black finish, quirky dimensions and a wide flat top to sit out delays? For that, you'll need a backstage pass to a fashion show.

M.A.C. Cosmetics recently commissioned Züca to create the Cadillac of their spacious rolling cases, a matte black version with the company's logo and a handful of spacious removable interior sleeves to fit a lifetime's worth of Russian Red. They've been selling out at M.A.C's professional store in New York, but are perfect for summer travel as well. Just be prepared for the airport lounge to feel a lot more stylish.

The California company originally created the bag for kids to schlep an extra-large locker's worth of textbooks and gear to school without hurting their backs. Snowboarders latched on, attracted to the appeal of a bag for the slopes that's roomy enough to hold everything, plus comes with its own seat. Gradually, they've also become the tote of choice for many professional makeup artists, who need to haul around loads of cosmetics to shoots and shows and typically wait around for ages.

Beyond its unique boxy dimensions, the key to Züca's appeal is each bag's generous interior. With the rectangular pouches that come with Züca's "pro" models, or some alternative, it's easy to keep everything organized and findable. And a double set of wheels and extra-solid construction means these bags can survive season-after-season of running to fashion shows on Paris and Milan's cobble stoned streets—or in any other urban jungle.

For more information, go to Züca. The M.A.C. x Züca bag is $280 from M.A.C. Pro, but you need to be a member to purchase.

MoMA Design Store Holiday 2009 Preview

by Evan Orensten

By Evan Orensten and Bailee Wolfson

We got a sneak peak of the MoMA Design Store's Holiday 2009 products and wanted to share a few of our favorites. As always the store will have reissues, classics and lots of new designs. We were really excited that the price points for a lot of the new items are right for the times, with a lot of great products under $50. The store will also feature some additional items by Ron Arad, who has an upcoming show at the museum later this summer.

These won't hit the shelves or the online store for a few more months, and we'll let you know when they do. And just a reminder, all proceeds benefit the MoMA to help fund programs and exhibitions to further education about modern art and design.

Espresso Set by Fellina SOK-Charm.This set features a bamboo tray with individual mini-saucers and cups with stainless steel spoons that rest on top of each cup. $45

Bamboo Charcoal Deodorizer by Kiyoshi Nishio. Its cube design features a micro-honeycomb interior and works best in enclosed spaces, whether it be a refrigerator, car or closet. (Not pictured.) $25

Glass Bell Ornaments by Eva Zeisel and Olivia Barry. Eva is still delighting and surprising the senses with these multi piece glass ornaments; mouth blown in Italy. $35 and $45.

Happy Hour Glasses. Double-walled glasses are essential for hot or icy drinks. These up the ante by also being reversible. Right side up, they are perfect for a Martini. Upside down, perfect for a Tequila shot. (Not pictured.) Also very well priced at two for $20.

Almond Bowl by Harry Allen. We love Harry's work and his new bowl with reflective chrome-plated exterior doesn't disappoint. $75

Adjustable Rolling Pin by Damian Evans (not pictured). The cooks on your list will love this new rolling pin design, with measurements on the roller and adjustable rings on the sides to roll your dough to the desired thickness every time. $20

Jar Tops by Jorre van Ast (not pictured). We think the tops are a brilliant idea and very eco-friendly. Instead of tossing out old jars, put them to good and varied use with this assortment of jar toppers. $22

Pop-Up Pencil Cup by Paul Koh Inspired by the straw dispenser, this pen and pencil cup makes choosing your next writing utensil much easier. Simply lift by the red ball and the contents of the cup lift up—perfect for grabbing that favorite, shortened pencil. $30

Jardino Mortar and Pestle. What makes this traditional appliance unique is its stainless steel pestle and cast-iron mortar, perfect for heavy duty use. $165

Wooden Flashlight by Jonas Damon. It's a classic flashlight, but a beech wood body and an LED bulb kicks it up a style notch. $55

Play Tool Set by Brian Gulassa and Robert von Goeben. This tool set is made from recycled milk jugs. $26

Shooting Star Magnetic Ring by Terence Kelleman. Made of five interlocking magnetic pieces, this ring can be modified to the wearer's preference. $12

Japan Premium Beef, Inc.

by CH Contributor

by Laura Neilson

Just in time for grilling season, Japan Premium Beef recently opened its first retail shop in New York's Noho district to much acclaim. Now discerning carnivores can take meaty matters into their own hands by purchasing various cuts of the importer's Wagyu-style beef, formerly available to restaurants only.

The superlative-quality beef, best known for its vividly marbled appearance, high percentage of unsaturated fat and refined flavor, comes from Oregon-raised Wagyu (or Washugyu) cattle.

Originally, Japan Premium intended to export the beef to Japan, but recent international shipping restrictions foiled the plan, resulting in the upscale butcher shop.

While the beef is certainly the main attraction, the presentation and aesthetic of the storefront itself shouldn't go unnoticed—even vegetarians can appreciate its spare, minimalist decor, befitting a scene from sci-fi flick or contemporary art installation.

"We believe that Washugyu is art," explains manager Taiki Otsuka, of the store's all-white setting which deliberately lets the product speak for itself. Given this conceit, it seems almost fitting that Japan Premium Beef's home is a storied building once owned by Andy Warhol.

Japan Premium Beef
57 Great Jones Street
New York, NY 10012 map
tel. +1 212 260 2333