Incase DSLR Bags

by Brian Fichtner

Incase recently dropped two new bags for the digital photographer. The carrying case (above, $60) and the sling pack (below, $80) both feature the brand's signature styling, a deft combination of simplicity and functionality. Depending on your gear set and travel plans, each bag offers professional-grade protection and fulfills a range of needs. Setting it apart from many existing bags on the market, the sling pack gets innovation points for its slim profile, easy access side-zip compartment and ergonomic shoulder strap.

Check out more images after the jump.

Louis Vuitton: Art, Fashion and Architecture

by CH Contributor

by Tamara Warren

In fashion and art circles alike, the palpable buzz for the September release of " Louis Vuitton: Art, Fashion and Architecture" comes from the French brand's pairing of their coveted insignia with artistic sensibilities. Best embodied in the art handbag, couture collectors continue to hunt for limited editions of the Stephen Sprouse, Richard Prince and Takashi Murakami designs, both for daily use and extended shelf life. The book covers these projects as well as Louis Vuitton's creative adventures into other aspects of design and architecture, such as Olafur Eliasson’s brilliant "Eye See You" lamp, Frank Gehry’s Parisian architecture and Annie Leibovitz portraiture. The coffee table tome captures it all in 400 image-heavy pages with plenty of thoughtful comment.

“I thought, well, how do we deface the monogram to make something more rebellious? More punk?" Artistic Director Marc Jacobs said in an interview with New York Magazine about the Sprouse collection. Like his influence on the Louis Vuitton vision in recent years, Jacobs shapes the book's content, with essays by art critic luminaries including Interview magazine's Glenn O'Brien, architecture critic Ian Luna, Rebecca Mead of the New Yorker and Valerie Steele, director and chief curator of The Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology.

Readers who buy the book at a Louis Vuitton store will find the special edition cover featuring the 2003 Monogram Hands print created by Takashi Murakami for Louis Vuitton—with a sticker price of $85, it's certainly cheaper than one of their handbags.

Pre-order the book from Amazon or Barnes & Noble.

My BluBlockers

by CH Contributor

by Ariston Anderson

Immortalized in Dr. Geek's Venice Beach rap and late night half-hour infomercials, BluBlockers defined an iconic '80s style. Now the infamous sunglasses, re-named My BluBlockers, are back with retro appeal.

Still boasting the same lens technology originally developed for astronauts, protecting eyes from treacherous UV rays and the even more harmful blue light rays, the reissue adds blue, green, pink, white and gold frames along with the original tortoise shells. The oversize plastic aviators are incredibly lightweight and durable, making them perfect for cycling, driving or any on-the-go activity. On a recent spin around New York, we were shocked at how much brighter and happier everything looked. Even on the beach, they just made the sand and waves that much more vivid.

Pick up a pair from My Blublockers starting at $38.

Check out more images after the jump.

Halo LED Spray Can

by Jacob Resneck

Mimicking an aerosol can, Paris-based designer Aïssa Logerot's Halo uses an LED light in place of a nozzle and gets its power from the same shaking action that mixes the paint.

The interchangeable LED bulbs allow different colors and brightness depending on the occasion.

See more images after the jump.

via Notcot

Vannen Watches

by CH Contributor

by Jeremy Brautman

Vannen Watches, based loosely around the Swedish word vännen (meaning "friends") brings some of today's best lowbrow art to wrists. Longtime watch fan and founder David Stowe wanted to fill the void in a medium that doesn’t always pair fashion with function, while incorporating his idea that working with friends helps people discover artists thus creating new friends.

Stowe also hopes that Vannen Watches will transform the insular nature of collectors. “If someone buys an art toy, book or print, it sits on their shelf collecting dust only to be seen by people who come to their houses. With our watches, you can show the entire world your taste in art and fashion.”

The premiere Vannen collection launching this month features four watches by artists Buff Monster, Damon Soule, Brian Morris and Chris Ryniak. Each design will be available in an edition of 500, with coordinating packaging (above) and a signature watchband loop.

CH recently had the chance to speak with the artists behind the collection to find out a little more about their individual Vannen Watch designs. Read the interview and see some of their original artwork after the jump.