Wataire Atmospheric Water Generator

by CH Contributor

by Julie Wolfson

Collecting moisture from humidity in the air, the Wataire atmospheric water generator can produce four to eight gallons of water daily in a seemingly magical process that eliminates the need for buying and replacing plastic water coolers or bottles.

I recently had the chance to learn more about it when I was offered a glass after a rain forest hike in Maui with the Ambassador of the Environment programs at The Ritz-Carlton Kapalua. Upon further investigation into the great-tasting water from the high tech cooler, I learned I was in fact drinking purified Wataire water, made from the air in Maui.

The Wataire machine includes carbon filtration, a reverse osmosis and UV lamp sterilization with a mineral filter, and makes hot and cold water. While it does require a minimum 35% humidity to effectively produce water, the atmospheric water generator can generate up to 18-30 litres of water a day from (not so) thin air.

It's available from Wataire for $1,500.

Thule K-Summit Snow Chains

by Jacob Resneck

Creators of stylish equipment for the active lifestyle, Swedish label Thule recently unveiled an innovative set of snow chains that will have drivers braving mountain passes with ease. A simple and effective system that's available for a range of vehicles, the K-Summit chains put an end to complicated self-installations or paying a mechanic at a service station.

Molded from plastic with metal studs, these Italian-crafted chains don't compromise performance and function nor will they damage alloy rims. The color-coded facets provide for easy assembly while the quick release system allows for one-hand removal, making the entire process a seamless operation.

For a quick demonstration, check out the YouTube clip showing the chains in action.

Michael Leon Skull Behind Sunglasses Limited Edition Sculptures

by Mike Giles

Portland-based artist Michael Leon has been busy creating limited edition sculptures of his notorious Skull Behind Sunglasses image, a portrait he has brilliantly reworked since its conception in 2005.

Selling out of the black and white versions minutes after opening the doors of the Michael Leon Studio, the skateboarding pundit is back with a new colorful rendition of his the sculpture. Gorgeously cast in gypsum, the skull takes on new form, each one hand engraved with its number and Leon's signature.

While it's been three years since his last solo show, Leon has not remained idle. A former Nike Design Director, over the recent years he notably co-created Commonwealth Stacks and Rasa Libre, in addition to art directing and contributing to the design of DC Shoes, Stussy, Fourstar Clothing, Girl Skateboards and progressive art magazine Arkitip.

A new group of the Skull Behind Sunglasses sculptures will be released today for $250 from the Michael Leon Studio online store.

My Wonderful World of Fashion: A Book for Drawing, Creating and Dreaming

by CH Contributor

by Julie Wolfson

No longer limited to superheroes or adorable animals, the new wave in coloring books offer the same creative outlet on an artsier scale with illustrations by talented artists like Nina Chakrabarti, who came up with the upcoming book "My Wonderful World of Fashion: A Book for Drawing, Creating and Dreaming." (Click on images for enlarged view.)

Asking budding fashionistas to open their art supplies and imagine working in the world of haute couture, Chakrabarti provides 272 pages dedicated to clothing design, patterns and accessories. More than a simple coloring book, the illustrations make for a lesson in the history of dress combined with sharp how-to-guides for creating saris, head scarves and more.

Much like how artist Andy J. Miller's whimsical "Yellow Bird Project's Indie Rock Coloring Book" sneaks a peek at the lives of up-and-coming musicians, the Calcutta-born, London-based illustrator's book details the fashion industry.

Launching 23 September 2009 from Lawrence King Publishers, "My Wonderful World of Fashion: A Book for Drawing, Creating and Dreaming" is available for pre-order from Amazon.

via Oh Joy!

Cyclodelic Women's Bicycle Accessories

by Karen Day

Founded by cycling enthusiast Amy Fleuriot—a girl who tests Ridgeback hybrids with two goldfish in the front basket—Cyclodelic makes biking a bit more fashionable with a line of gear created by Fleuriot and her friend Sarah Buck, a former bike courier.

Recent design grads, the London duo combine their knowledge of fashion and textiles to create a clever line of functional accessories for the stylish cyclist.

All printed, dyed and made by hand, items like the bra bag (£85, above left), which features reflective piping and an anti-swing ergonomic shape that "also fits a pair of heels rather neatly," combines functional design elements with a pop-meets-glam look. Silk scarves that use bikes as a design motif (£30, below) riff off vintage Japanese fabric, similarly updating a classic aesthetic for a modern girl's lifestyle. Unsurprisingly, their fashion shows depart from the norm too, featuring members of their bike gang in place of models—yet another example of their forward-thinking attitude and refreshing spirit.

The Cyclodelic line is available online from Tokyo Fixed Gear or at select bike shops around London, as well as at Topshop there. Be sure to keep an eye out for their upcoming clothing line, which will feature a line of cashmere sweaters and waterproof cycling jackets.

Check out Outlier for a menswear take on the concept.