Anthony Pappalardo: Virgin White

by Karen Day

Professional skateboarder Anthony Pappalardo will show his furniture design and art in his first solo exhibition entitled "Virgin White" at Brooklyn's inimitable shop and gallery The Future Perfect.

Curated by redstr/collective, Pappalardo's collection of handmade stools and tables are cut from a variety of both common and exotic woods. A fairly laborious process, Pappalardo crafts each piece using mostly small blocks. The result are works with meticulous parquet finishes and well-crafted, sturdy designs (see images above). His focus on the visual effect of joining different grains of lumber adds to the work. He's not a bad skater too (see video below). We like his relaxed, nonchalant style.

"Virgin White"
Opening Reception: 9 October 2009 from 7-10pm
The Future Perfect
115 North 6th Street
Brooklyn NY 11211 map
tel. +1 718 599 6278

Peak Snow Sled

by Bailee Wolfson

Built by Wolfgang Sirch and Christoph Bitzer, GSelect recently unveiled the new Peak Snow Sled. As fast as it is alluring, the steam-bent solid ash sled boasts stainless steel runners, a comfortable webbed seat and an adjustable cord for maximum control. Whether for racing or reminiscing about childhood play days, this sled won't disappoint.

It's available for purchase from GSelect for $460.

Injinji Tetratsok Mini Crew Socks

by Ami Kealoha

Made from moisture-wicking fabric, these "gloves for your feet" wrap around each individual toe to prevent blisters. The high-tech fabric and construction also make for a better-fitting sock, lending themselves well to hiking, long-distance running and traveling, among other activities.

Available from REI for $12.

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Ken Diamond Moccasins and Leather Goods

by Mike Giles

Run by partners Ken and Jolene out of their East Vancouver studio, their brand Ken Diamond stays true to the roots of leather craft. Using extremely high-quality materials, minimal die-cutting and hand stitching, the duo create tailor-made leather moccasins, messenger bags and other limited run leather goods.

Available online and through select retailers, the collection is a testament to doing things right, constantly striving to perfect the details (especially after a trip to Tokyo and viewing masters like Gorro at work) and finding a balance between making a living on limited edition pieces, while producing enough to keep the paychecks flowing.

Sort of Coal

by CH Contributor

by Noah Armstrong

Founded by Pernille Lembcke and Louise Vilsgaard, Danish brand Sort of Coal focuses on bringing the natural purification power of white charcoal to Western culture with a range of handmade products intended to purify the air without attacking the senses or pollute the environment.

Used as a natural purification agent in Japan and Korea for generations, white charcoal's natural toxin absorbing qualities cleanse the air of odors, pollution and unwanted moisture.

Activated by heating pieces of oak and bamboo in oxygen depleted kilns over a seven-day period, the uniformly black pieces of coal retain the natural beauty of their original wood forms, but unlike common charcoal, white charcoal leaves no dust or residue and sucks up nastiness like a sponge.

Depending on its size, its purification qualities can be reactivated through exposure to scalding water or direct sunlight for a few months up to a few years.

Sticks of of the black porcelain-like material are used to stir tea, water and alcohol to remove chlorine and other impurities. Once it no longer functions as a purifier, it can be broken into small pieces and recycled into soil where it acts as plant nourishment.

The inherently beautiful product was recently highlighted in a T Magazine article, reminding us "that nature has its own way of purifying itself" and underlining the brilliance of process design.

Basic air and liquid purification products are now available in United States through Design Within Reach, while a full range of personal hygiene products, jewelry and sculptures can be found at the Sort Of Coal online shop.