Thursday, May 31, 2007

Super Surfacial





Not sure what to say about this other than "wow". Go see www.ononsurface.com for inspiration.

I got it Elseware...






No, I am not spelling challenged! (bite that tongue T!) I found this great online shop put together by a couple of Brooklyn based designers and design lovers. They are truly passionate about design and origins, and have done a great job at finding and editing some of the countries coolest. They have amazingly fun stuff apparel, home goods, kids, paper products, etc. Have a look at www.elsewares.com To the right is an oil burning light from Adam Frank, a Brooklyn-based artist of international renown and an innovative product inventor. His work is an investigation of light and interactivity. I want an entire forest of these! Also check out the tees from Hardboiled based in Toronto, sounds like a co-op of designers and graphic artists of such. And customizable jewelry from NYC based GK Designs - Get me one that says..."A True Find"....!

Tuesday, May 29, 2007

Lace Basket


A big trend this year in women's clothing, home patterns and accessories has been lace. When I came across this "lace" bicycle basket online, I thought it was pretty cool. Available in white, black or green, it is a nice way to spruce up your bike for those summer rides.
Website: shoprelish.com

Branching Out


Branch is an online store that sells products that promote "sustainable design for living". One of the companies featured on their website is K Studio. They sell handmade pillows made from 100% organic cotton and filled with feathers and down. Above is their "Rain" pillow which I think is adorable.
For more of their designs, go to : www.branchhome.com

Monday, May 28, 2007

Baubles



When I was walking down the streets of Mastricht, Holland last week, I popped into a Swarovski crystal store and came across these beautiful "Chic" rings. They are rhodium-plated and have varying sized, colored crystals, set in a unique pattern. I had to have one and it makes me happy every time I glance down and see it on my finger.

Summer in the City



Virginia Johnson is a clothing/textile designer and illustrator. In addition to illustrating Kate Spade books, she has her own line of products such as clothing, scarves, aprons, totes, etc. that she sells in more that 100 retail stores. I recently fell in love with some of her silk scarves when I stumbled across them in a boutique down the street from me. I think they are perfect for summer.
Check out her summer 2007 look book online at: virginiajohnson.com

Sunday, May 27, 2007

Matchstick Garden


Tear off a matchstick, plant its tip in soil and soon you will have either a herb or flower garden. I'm thinking that this would make a great favor for your summer parties.
Website: matchstickgarden.com

May the Force Be With You


For the 30th anniversary of Star Wars, 66 artists, designers, and pop painters customized Darth Vader's helmet. The vader project is being shown at the LA Convention Center this weekend. Artists include Shag, Paul Frank, Mark Ecko, Jeff Soto and many more.

Red Hot


The Temperature Controlled Faucet Light is a light that turns on when you turn your faucet on. The light changes color based on the water temperature. It is blue when the water is cold/turned on and when the the temperature hits 89 degrees, it changes to red. Turn the faucet off and the light goes off. Now you might be thinking this is a smart invention to warn kids or the elderly so they don't burn themselves with the tap water but I'm thinking these could be cool in a bar or restaurant's bathrooms.
Website: merlinsbox.com

Lazy Day of Shopping


The Home Shopping network (HSN) is starting a new service that will allow subscribers to use their remote controls to purchase merchandise. "Shop by Remote" will provide its customers with the ability to shop without picking up the phone. Lazy shopping just got that much easier for those who never want to leave their couch...

Cool Bling



Summer is here and with the weather turning warmer, it's natural to look for new ways to keep cool. Check out these ice cube trays that make cubes in the shape of gems. Nothing like adding a little bling to your drinks. Also there is a swan ice sculpture kit that would set off any buffet table or bar at your next party. I'm digging the kitsch factor on this one.
Website: Fredflare.com

Tuesday, May 8, 2007

A Shadow of Warhol



Takashi Murakami might be most popularly known for teaming up with Louis Vuitton in 2003. He collaborated with the company and created the LV brightly colored monograms that adorned their purses and generated millions by becoming the "must have" accessory. He now has an exhibit at the Gagosian Gallery in NYC through June 9th. Referred to as the Warhol of Japan, he merges fine art with Japanese animated cartoons and film.

Saturday, May 5, 2007

Mr. Lonely


So have you ever seen that little kid on You Tube in the car seat singing "I'm so lonely, Mr. lonely..."? It's funny and this throw, called the Buddy Throw, makes me smile in the same way when I see it. Designed by La Tete Au Cube, it is warm and cuddly but doesn't take itself too seriously.
Website: charlesandmarie.com

Friday, May 4, 2007

Brooklyn Indie Market


Every weekend from May till December 2007, independent Brooklyn-based designers will have a place on the corner of Smith and Union to set up shop and sell their wares. The Brooklyn Indie Market showcases designers of bags, clothing, jewelry, paper goods, etc. They are still accepting requests to book spots, so if you have a hidden talent that you'd like to show off and make some money from, this may be for you...The Grand Opening is May 5th.
Website: www.brooklynindiemarket.com

Preen


There is a new magazine that launched called Preen. In their words, "Preen is a fashion, arts, lifestyle bi-monthly magazine for the young independent woman that has a curatorial eye for the world around her. Find the fantastic in your everyday life ." The imagery seems cool... I'm going to look for it on the newstand so I can check it out further...

Color Explosion


Jen Stark, a graduate of the Maryland Institute College of Art, makes these kaleidoscopic sculpures. She precisely cuts patterns, by hand, out of layers of rainbow colored construction paper. Talk about a step beyond the things I made with construction paper in elementary school ...

Thursday, May 3, 2007

Bitten


SJP's new clothing line will be made available June 7th, exclussively in Steve & Barry stores. Reportedly, the collection was named after her reaction to walking into a Steve and Barry's store for the first time...she was "bitten". The collaboration was geared towards creating high quality sportswear for women of all ages and sizes at affordable price points. I'm curious as to what this collection will look like...I've heard from some insiders "Boring"...we'll see.....

I'll Have What He's Having


So I was thinking about "getting my drink on" (a great expression I've adopted from Will Ferrel's internet short called 'The Landlord') and I came across an advertisement for Reyka Vodka. This Icelandic company has come up with some beautiful foil wrapper designs for their bottles.

Wednesday, May 2, 2007

Stiffen Up


Knoll Textiles has developed a line of fabrics sandwiched between sheets of resin. Imago allows you to have privacy while still allowing the light to pass through. It can be die-cut, sawed and bent. The patterns are sold in 4'x8' sheets in 6 thicknesses. Think about using these for room dividers, signs, ceiling patterns or backsplaches....the options are endless.

You Clean up Nicely


Andre Kim, a well known Korean designer has designed a bright red washing machine for Samsung. You may not be aware of Andre Kim, but in addition to his own line of clothes, he has designed costumes for celebrities. Michael Jackson even asked Andre to be his personal designer. Judging from the washer, I can see why. Doesn't it look like Michael Jackson morphed into a washer?

Designer Trash


Trash Chic Bags are available in 5 different patterns and are ideal if you want even the trash man to know you're stylish....
Available at: Firebox.com

Tuesday, May 1, 2007

Bear Skin Rug Not Included


Commoto of Germany has teamed up with Sieger Design to create a portable fireplace. The Plaza can be placed anywhere in your home and doesn't need to be connected to a chimney, since it's ventless. The open flame is produced by tins of buning gel and can be adjusted to your desired intensity. I know it is a little early to be thinking about next Winter now that Spring is finally here but I'm making a mental note to look into this product further at the end of this year.