Selk Sleeping Bag...

It's been a bit cold lately, however the weather is starting to slowly warm up. Until Spring decides to grace us with better weather, here's an alternative to Snuggies or the typical blanket, quilt, and even sleeping bag. 

"The only thing worse than being trapped in a sleeping bag, is needing to go to the toilet in one. Well cast those fears aside as the new Selk'bag is here. This sleeping bag is more like a body bag ( not the corpse ones ). It's padded and shaped to the human form and allows free movement both in and out of sleep, where traditional sleeping bags don't." - Lisa Evans for The Cool Hunter

 via The Cool Hunter

The Birds and The Beasts...

I'm not sure why it's taken me this long to bring this up, but a very close friend of mine and his girlfriend has recently started a greeting card company.  It will begin featuring other offerings such as more prints and stationary in the near future. 

He is responsible for the design aspect, while he and his girlfriend both contribute to the concepts and content. The designs are all amazing and the content ranges anywhere from extremely witty to just downright cute.

Please visit their site for more information: The Birds and The Beasts. For additional details regarding the artist behind the work, please visit his site here: Tbib.

Levi's x Medicom 1000%...

Another great collaboration between Medicom and a very recognizable brand, Levi's. The newly opened Levi's Concept Store in Taiwan will feature an extremely limited 1000% Bearbrick available at random to their customers who make purchases over $5000NTD ($157USD). It is limited to only 5 pieces! 

At that price, that's an absolute steal! You could easily go in and purchase a pair of LVC denim (assuming it's available) and be well over the limit and hope that you're a lucky winner as well as owner of some real quality denim. 

via Hypebeast 
Images Courtesy of OVERDOPE.com

La Patisserie des Reves - Paris

"...Nothing in the design of the sleek 29 square-meter boutique is reminiscent of a traditional European konditorei. Most strikingly, the stars of the space — the desserts, cakes and pastries — are displayed on a round platform in the center. Each of the 15 culinary masterpieces is presented under its own temperature-controlled glass bell suspended from the ceiling. Customers order their selection from the staff, after which each order appears directly from the kitchen. Both ideas evoke the feel of a meticulous laboratory where precious specimens are handled..." - Tuija Seipell for The Cool Hunter

Courtesy of Joyce, this Pâtisserie (French Bakery) was brought to my attention this afternoon. I've definitely got a sweet tooth, not nearly as serious as some other friends...but I certainly appreciate a delicious baked sweet from time to time. The concept and design here is something I've never seen before and would love to one day. The idea of your treats arriving up in a "temperature-controlled" dome per your order is the one thing that lured me into learning more about this house of edible tasties. 

via The Cool Hunter

Ghouls 'n Ghosts x Gargamel...

Japanese toy maker, Gargamel is set to release a special set of Ghouls 'n Ghosts figures at this years Wonderful Festival 2010 in Japan. Unfortunately, not being in Japan, this will be a difficult set to obtain. Going to certainly be on the lookout for stateside retailers and availability. 

via Kaiju Chronicle

Tatsuhiko "Ryu" Akashi...

Better known as the CEO of Medicom Toy Corporation. The Selby recently had the opportunity to visit him inside his office/studio. It's absolutely amazing! Look at those 4 ft. bearbricks! This is definitely a place I would love to visit, however I don't think this is open to the public. So, admiring from the outside for now will have to do. Enjoy!

 

via The Selby

via Medicom.co.jp

Tricker's, I Met You in Yokohama...

Tricker's...it was Japan where we first met, Yokohama actually. On the third floor of the Okadaya More's Department Store, walking with Joyce and we happened to pass by. 

It all started with just our general observations about fashion and style in Japan. My personal tastes lead me to spot more streetwear designs, while Joyce would hint at clean "dapper" looks that I should also consider. Mind you, I had my phases growing up, where I was trying to be "prep" or well-dressed on a daily basis. I just started to drift away from that is all. Found my way back to my love for sneakers among other things. Fortunately, I was sharing the same sentiments as Joyce when we first spotted that "Brogue"/country-western styled boot on the trains in Japan. Imagine a man, clean and trim, in cream colored khakis with a slight break, fitted wool peacoat in a dark camel buttoned up, similarly toned driver's cap, contrasting forest green scarf, thick black framed glasses, and of course the "cherry on top", a pair of rich cognac colored boots sharing that "Brogue"/western style. I couldn't confirm if they were Tricker's, but they looked amazing nonetheless. 

We found these in REAL SCOPE at the More's shopping center. That was the store that continued the venture into further research about this style of boot. Unfortunately, being on a budget while vacationing in Japan prevented me from adding these meticulously hand-crafted marvels to the shoe collection. 

"In 1829 Joseph Tricker, master shoemaker, founded the company R.E. Tricker Ltd and five generations later his family continue to apply the same traditional crafts and skills in the production of the world renowned “Tricker’s” shoes." - Trickers.com 

That fact above alone, is more than enough reason for me to consider a pair of these one day. Not only am I completely intrigued by the fine detail and style of these boots. Tricker's, who produces a boot in that style has been doing so for nearly 200 years. They're quite well known for being one of the oldest English hand and bench made shoes in the world. Honestly, being that I'm not fully aware of all quality hand-crafted footwear (the closest thing I've had on my feet are Mephistos, which are pretty amazing as is), this shoemaker is certainly going to be on my list. 

Most recently, BLACKHIST by DIAFVINE is collaborating with Tricker's to produce a special edition boot from their existing line, the Brogue Country Boot.

"Outfitted in a tonal black colorway, the boots take on a premium pebbled leather upper juxtaposed nicely against sleek black leather. Brogue detailing throughout and a two-tone outsole set the design off perfectly. Retailing for $777 USD, the boots are now available at the DIAF webstore." - Hypebeast


via Hypebeast: BLACKHIST by DIAFVINE x Tricker's Brogue Country Boots
via REALSCOPE - Tricker's
via Tricker's
additional images: wikimedia commons - okadaya more's yokohama, S.I.T.A

Dreaming in Prada...

Imagine floating around in a random dream-scape while you're in Shanghai...dapperly clad, from head to toe in Prada. Uncertain of what's to come, when you will you awaken, and inevitably returned to reality without an incredibly costly and well tailored wardrobe. 




 "'First Spring' is Prada's latest collaboration with pioneering Chinese artist Yang Fudong. 

Featuring young men gathered in Shanghai, dressed in Prada menswear, the black and white film portrays a timeless, dreamlike realm where anything is possible.

Inspired by the Chinese adage that 'the whole year's work depends on a good start in spring,' this bold and beautiful film represents an exciting new direction for Prada's visual communications at the start of this decade." - Prada.com



Please visit Prada.com for the full video. 


via Prada 

Humdrum Town...

Theophilus London...Brooklyn native, Talented MC, as well as Videoke Star. If you haven't already heard his music, get on it and look him up. This video here is just a slight variation of the original "Humdrum Town" video that just recently released. It's intended to have that "Videoke/Karaoke" visual appeal. So, all my friends out there who have those awesome karaoke mic devices that allows you to key in numbers for
a massive selection of songs, this video goes out to you. 




via Theophilus London - This Charming Blog 

Mario's Fitted...

Hmm...there are simply just days where pulling on a white T and jeans just won't do. 

via Albino Raven: Mario's Closet - The Art and Ramblings of Glen Brogan


 

"I love scotch. Scotchy, scotch, scotch..."

As odd as it may seem, being that I'm not a big drinker, this post is relevant due to my interest in various types of design.  A very unique and novel design concept by Macallan used to serve their finely aged Scotch "over the rocks." 

I present to you, The Macallan Ice Ball Machine. This thing is absolutely intriguing, I'm still trying to wrap my head around it. However, it clearly functions and is an example of scientific and technical genius. A few notes regarding its functionality:

"Did you know it runs on GRAVITY? Yes, high tech stuff… also the magical frictional heating of copper also comes in to play somehow just perfectly at room temperature. Really you stick a roughly right sized chunk of ice in between the two heavy pieces, and let gravity go to work on it. And with in moments ~ right before your eyes ~ it melts down to a perfectly glossy sphere. It’s magical really. This incredible device was discovered in japan (side note: where the macallan team also discovered japanese taking straight razors to carve perfect spheres of ice) ~ and they have exclusive rights to the device for a few years!"  - NOTCOT

 

"Beverage purists argue that ice should never be introduced to a quality Scotch whiskey. Such thinking rests on the theory that when holding a glass, your body heat will melt the ice, resulting in a diluted spirit and sub-par drinking experience. In order to make a Scotch cold without diluting it, Scottish whiskey purveyors The Macallan created a clever ice ball maker (pictured above). The machine creates a ball of ice precisely sized to fit into an average tumbler. The spherical nature slows the melting process making it less susceptible to hand warmth, preserving the liquor while keeping it refreshingly cool. In addition to being practical, the machine is noteworthy as an artifact unto itself. Inspired by Japanese bartenders who hand carve their ice balls, the machine uses two heavy copper plates while gravity slowly presses blocks of ice into perfectly spherical shapes. Watching it at work is almost as enjoyable as drinking the scotch, but not quite." -Josh Teixeira for Cool Hunting

Actual scientifically functional as well as creatively executed, a reason why I love this Ice Ball Machine.  As I stated prior, I'm not that big of a drinker, in fact I rarely do at all. However, If I'm not mistaken, quality and gourmet liquors such as this deserve at least a taste. Seeing it presented in this fashion deems it definitely worth while, if an opportunity should present itself. I would like to think that Scotch fans and non-fans alike should be able to enjoy this marvelous piece of machinery. 

via NOTCOT IN FOOD+DRINK 
via CoolHunting.com

Big Book of Kaiju...

Super7 and Hyper Hobby have come together to produce this amazing collective of Kaiju and Neo-Kaiju figures in one big "Encyclopedia of Kaiju." Brian Flynn(Super7) and Kanou Ishizaka(Hyper Hobby) are the two great minds that have come together to publish this book of Kaiju goodness.

Super7 will be handling the US distribution of this book and pre-orders are available now through their site, which should ship out mid-February. As a bonus, each book will come with a special mail-in-coupon that will allow you to purchase a very limited set of Le Merde Price Brothers (Bangal & Hollis). The price of the set is estimated at $125.00.

This will surely be a popular book among Kaiju fans and collectors. Thanks to all the parties involved that made this happen. 

via Super7 Blog
via Le Merde 

Banksy: Exit Through the Gift Shop

Banksy has a film releasing this Spring 2010 titled, "Exit Through the Gift Shop." It features many talented and well known artists, including himself. André and Invader are two that are easily recognizable. Giving the audience a look into the madness and randomness through their daily lives. If you've ever wondered how that piece got on that wall, because you almost never see these "ninjas" at work, then this will help you understand the process. Check out the trailer below for a sample of what's to come.

Gorillaz, 5 Years Later...

For all those who are fans of Murdoc, 2D, Noodle, and Russel...the animated band creation courtesy of Jamie Hewlett and Damon Albarn, will be releasing a new album in the coming months. It's been 5 years since their last album, "Demon Days." The Gorillaz will also be at Coachella 2010 this year as well. A single from their upcoming album "Plastic Beach" was due for an official release next week, however it's already leaked and made it's way to the web. Here's a sample below, enjoy, and I know I'll be looking forward to hearing this next album. 

via Hypebeast - Gorillaz feat. Mos Def & Bobby Womack
via HypeM - Gorillaz - Stylo (Feat Bobby Womack & Mos Def)
via Gorillaz - Wiki 
via Gorillaz - National Post: The Ampersand

Office...Pod?

For the many who work from home or just need a personal office space that really provides privacy and keeps the distractions of home away...we have the OfficePOD. An amazing little creation. Modern design and functionality. 

A few notes from their website regarding the theory behind its concept:

1. To create a self contained office that exceeds all standard office accommodation regulations & requirements.

2. To provide an environment that is conducive to productive work.

3. To create a product that staff would want, and even be proud to have, in their garden.

4. Have the minimum impact on the environment - both in manufacture and use.

via OfficePOD

Oooh...Nooders...

Momofuku Noodle Bar, a restaurant I personally haven't had the pleasure of visiting yet. However, from reading it's reviews and hearing about it from a friend, this place apparently deserves recognition for some really amazing noodles. Well, for those who are fans of the noodle soup as well as Momofuku itself, here is a new book filled with their amazing recipes and photos of their delectable cuisine. 

via Uncrate: Momofuku

Nexus One vs. Ninja Trio...

A recent ad commissioned by Google for their Nexus One. Stop motion creativity courtesy of Patrick Boivin breathes life into these ninjas, who wield their weapons, unleash their arsenal of deadly moves, and battle cries on this unsuspecting Nexus One's packaging. 

Illuminated Walls...

In a time where the world has become much more aware of the need to be "green," everyone is attempting to do their part. Whether it be adhering to new practices or discovering product innovations, we are now keeping our minds open to saving this planet. 

Imagine your wallpaper serving as a light source, rather than the traditional bulbs we've been working with all these years.  Yes, I said wallpaper. Not your everyday lighting solution I know, but The Carbon Trust based in the UK is attempting to lead this concept to fruition.

"The Carbon Trust, a United Kingdom-based nonprofit set up by the British government, has awarded $720,000 to Lomox to develop OLED lighting (Organic Light Emitting Diodes).

OLEDs use about half the power of fluorescents for a given light output, or about 1/9th the power of a traditional light bulb.

The OLED materials have a wide variety of potential applications and when coated onto a film could be used to cover walls creating a light-emitting wallpaper which replaces the need for traditional light bulbs.

As well as being flexible, OLED film will require a very low operating voltage (between 3 to 5 volts) so it can be powered by solar panels and batteries making it ideal for applications where mains power is not available such as roadside traffic warning signs.

The Welsh company aims to have the first lighting products using its technology available in 2012 and also plans to use the same technology to create more energy efficient television screens."

Think about how great these OLEDs would be? Especially being used in a wallpaper application. With having such a change in the amount of lighting, imagine the adjustability and how balanced it would be. Rather than dealing with a bulb here and a bulb there, trying to adjust placement, angles, and dimmers in order to achieve that look. I see a main panel/remote device that would give the user complete customization of their lighting situations at any given moment. Whether they be photographers, artists, galleries, or even just home owners, OLEDs would have a completely fresh approach to lighting. Interior lighting would take a whole new direction in terms of ambiance and emotion. 

via design blog - DesignAddict: Light Emitting Wallpaper to Replace Light Bulbs

Fishing Childhood Memories...

I remember when I was a kid I had a Daiwa rod and reel set up. It was a pretty standard activity all the way through grade school and a little of middle school. Whether it was with my dad at a nearby pond, learning to watch the bobber or fishing in a canal down the block with friends and makeshift bread bait, fishing was a fond memory from my childhood. 

It seems well known streetwear label BAPE has collaborated with Daiwa to make a BAPE camouflaged Daiwa lure among other things for this new collection, appropriately titled, A FISHING APE. Please see below for further details regarding the collection and release info. 

via Freshness Mag: BAPE x Daiwa - A FISHING APE

Mmm...Finger Lickin' Good

There's no need to over explain great tastiness here. Gourmet marvel, Thomas Keller has created a fried chicken kit from the original recipe that he serves at his restaurant in Yountville, California, Ad Hoc. Something to definitely consider for that fried chicken connoisseur. 

via Uncrate
Ad Hoc Fried Chicken Kit: Williams-Sonoma

Kaws x Pharell...

MTV Talk@Playground presents these great interactions between two very talented artists in each of their respective industries: Kaws(Brian Donnelly) and Pharrell Williams. Below is one of the videos in the series, visit the link after the video for the complete set.






via MTV Talk@Playground

Bail In Slow Motion...

Here's a great ad for Rick Lakai skate shoes. Not that anyone would ever want to go through the pain of eating it in slow motion, but hey...it's humorous right? *Thanks for this Kyle, hilarious way to start the morning.

Beer Trapped In Bottle...

Ever have those moments where you're home with a nice bottle of beer, but it's trapped because you can't find the bottle opener? Well, have no fear...if you're a dog owner, Fido might be able to help you out. Rather than dig around the clutter and randomness that prevents you from that liquid refreshment, call Fido over and reach for his collar. Why his collar? 

Bark4Beer Collar ($15) will have answered that question with their innovative dog collar that features a retractable bottle opener. So you're never without access to those tasty cold ones ever again. 

via Uncrate