Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Learn Something Every Day...

 Humorous drawings to accompany the random facts you may learn each day...



 via Cargo Collective

Monday, August 30, 2010

iPad as Retro TV

The iPad becomes increasingly enticing as I see products designed like this...



"frogs do some pretty fascinating things in their spare time, combining their passion for technology with their artistry. So, when frog Creative Director Jonas Damon transformed a fruit crate into a retro iPad charging doc, we wanted to get the full scoop.
A statement from the resourceful artist, Jonas Damon:

I’ve heard designers lament the end of industrial design for some time now: single-purpose products like calculators and alarm clocks are being replaced by smart devices, leaving nothing more than a screen in a minimal enclosure.  Another woe is that design is increasingly being offered by off shore OEMs and ODMs, leaving design quality to suffer at the hand of the cheap cost.

I’ve got a different way of looking at it: all this advanced technology is actually enabling industrial design. A product’s form used to be dictated by its mechanical function. Products had distinctive shapes largely because the composition of the internal components mandated a certain form. But, as mechanics are being replaced by microchips, these constraints are disappearing. Designers have more opportunity with form now ; ergonomics and expression no longer need compromising.
This is the thinking behind the iPad dock I built for my personal use. It takes the form of a 1970’s or 1980’s era television, complete with the cathode ray tube housing.  Hartmut Esslinger kick-started his career and frog design with the iconic design of a television for the German manufacturer WEGA (later absorbed by Sony). Up until then, TV’s were largely made to look like furniture: wooden cabinets complete with spindly legs. His premise was that this technology should proudly assert its own identity. My iPad dock reverses this thinking. Lacking a distinct expression, I sought to enrich the iPad with something I have an emotional connection to – the home appliances of my upbringing.  This lo-fidelity design language is very appealing in contrast to the gloss-black slick design trends that are currently the norm.  However, what I’ve done is not unique. Every day we are seeing ordinary people adapting products like the iPad to suit their particular needs, lifestyles and desires. The lack of personality of the iPad has enabled people to create their own enclosures. In this sense, industrial design, or folk-industrial design, is thriving." - Designmind

via Designmind

Sunday, August 29, 2010

jeonghwa seo + hanna chung: ripple effect tea table

Such an amazing piece of artwork and design, would love to see this in production and available for purchase...



"as part of his graduation project for IM masters design academy eindhoven, 'ripple effect tea table' by korean industrial designer jeonghwa seo in partnership with hanna chung is a reflection of eastern mentality towards social relationships.

according to the designers, easterners commonly believe that small changes of an individual person or object can make big impact on the larger society, thus, leading to a modest and totalitarian culture. this social tendency described as a 'ripple effect' was translated here into tea ceremony table.

 ripples are created on the top water layer of the table surface everytime the tea cup and saucer are moved by the user. through this project, seo and chung wanted to emphasize the importance of considering cultural mentality and context as a backdrop to their work." - Designboom



via Designboom

Saturday, August 28, 2010

Vans Vault Mountain Edition LX “Knoll” Pack Fall 2010

Vans working with Knoll to utilize some great textiles for their Mountain Edition LX...


"Coming out next month is the Vans Vault Mountain Edition LX “Knoll”. The mid top sneaker comes in with suede and Knoll fabrics on the upper. They kept it tonal, only with a bright red Vans Vault logo tag on the tongue standing out. The sneaker will drop in overall 3 colorways.
Check out the full line-up after the jump." - High Snobiety

via High Snobiety

Friday, August 27, 2010

V Magazine’s Sexy Scratch-off Covers

Creative, interactive, and novel approach to the magazine cover...


"V Magazine’s Fall Preview issue covers feature some of the fashion industry’s top(less) ladies. You can even get a limited edition issues with scratch-off covers, although I can’t see people other than very lonely gentlemen or hardcore collectors purchasing these. Do you think these limited editions are crazy tacky or the an example of interactive ingenuity?

Buy the limited edition issues here." - Fatlace - Sandy Ley - Ladylike

via Fatlace

Thursday, August 26, 2010

Krink Vs. Yone at And A, Tokyo

Recognized artist, Krink collaborates with Yone, one of the most fortunate photographers around...


"Street artist KR has joined forces with photographer Yasumasa “Yone” Yonehara for an exhibit at Toyko retailer And A. Seen here is a preview of what you can expect to see at the exhibition. The opening party takes place August 25, 2010, will the show running until September 17, 2010.
More Krink vs Yone after the jump." - High Snobiety


via High Snobiety

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Disney x KAWS, it's official...


"Today the official release of the much anticipated Originals Fake Pinocchio and Jimmy Cricket toys, designed by Kaws, have been announced. The set will be released on August 28th.

More detailed images follow after the jump." - High Snobiety


via High Snobiety

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Starck Mystery Dial Watches

Like a spy in the darkness...


 "Few designers have been as prolific as Paris-born Philippe Stark. An extraordinary mix of rock star, mad inventor, romantic philosopher and leading edge designer, Starck has worked tirelessly and passionately to transform the perceptions and realities of our daily lives, touching the deepest wallsprings of our consciousness to evoke response and reconsideration while pioneering a vision of de-materialization. The latest from his line of watches, developed by Fossil, include these two Mystery Dial selections. Each feature two intriguing indicators of hours and minutes, with the hours being represented by a central solid color disc with lone Starck logo for the little hand (or hours). The minutes are indicated by a traditional hand that is hidden behind the hour disc and bends up past the edges to poke out and rotate around the bezel of digits and dashes for minutes. Both are now available through Watchismo." - Hypebeast

via Hypebeast

Monday, August 23, 2010

KAWS Companion “Passing Through” Preview

Whoa...BIG Kaws...


"In his biggest Companion to date, KAWS previews a massive sculpture created for an upcoming exhibition titled “Passing Through”. the exhibition will be presented at Hong Kong’s Harbour City in Tsim Sha Tsui. Definitely stay tuned for more details of this piece which will be unveiled in October." - Hypebeast - Eugene Kan

via Hypebeast

Sunday, August 22, 2010

Nike Sportswear Air Footscape Blueprint & Faded Taupe

The Footscape is growing on me, should've picked up a pair when I was in Japan...


 "Nike Sportswear drops two new colorways in its popular Air Footscape silhouette. Both play off military color usage, as we see an olive green and black design, accompanied by a beige/green version. Suede makes up the toe boxes while a mesh honeycomb pattern takes over the upper, seemingly utilizing Nike’s Torch technology. Both are now available through the Kix-Files online store." - Hypebeast - L. Ruano

via Hypebeast

Saturday, August 21, 2010

NES Hard Drives

Instead of leaving these packed away in the attic or something, bring back those childhood favorites and make use of them...

 
"Hide your precious data inside the unassuming casing of a video game classic with NES Hard Drives ($130-$180). Available in capacities up to 1TB, these 2.5-inch Toshiba drives feature USB interfaces, all stuck inside games like The Legend of Zelda, Metroid, or everyone's favorite code-driven shoot 'em up, Contra." - Uncrate

via Uncrate

Friday, August 20, 2010

OriginalFake KAWS Wooden Companion Preview

This looks amazing and would go so well with the other KAWS wooden be@rbricks...



"OriginalFake previews what looks to be an upcoming wooden version of KAWS highly popular Companion toy. No official information is available, aside from speculation that this will ultimately see an official release. Stay tuned as we uncover more in the coming weeks." - Hypebeast - L. Ruano

via Hypebeast

Thursday, August 19, 2010

Levi’s – Blue Market

Sounds like a grand ol' time, searching for some possible classics...


"Levi’s Japan have started their Forever Blue initiative, and within this project is a flea market, titled “Blue Market”. It is a market where reused denim pants can be purchased for only 501 yen. For denim lovers, it is a perfect opportunity to dig around for a gem. This year it will be held at the Ebisu Garden Place, and the market will display more than 2,792 pairs of blues which had just been donated and collected few months ago. Another benefit of this movement is that proceeds from the denim sales will go to non-profit organizations. Also on display are some art works produced using denim. The event will take place from Saturday August 28th until 29th in Tokyo from 11am to 6pm.
Ebisu Garden Place
4-20 Ebisu | Map
Shibuya, Tokyo" - Freshness

via Freshness

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

size x Sneaker Freaker x Puma R698 Reaction Pack

Puma's retro-inspired runners are looking better and better...



"After a teaser a couple of weeks ago, the size x Sneaker Freaker x Puma R698 Reaction Pack has been released this week. The pack consists of two colorways, one beige suede version and a light brown leather version with brogue detailing. The pack is also part of the size? 10th Anniversary Project.

Detailed images of both sneakers follow after the jump." - High Snobiety

via High Snobiety

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

NEXUSVII x New Balance – CM998

Clean and work-wear inspired...



"It is almost too easy to guess the inspiration for this collaboration sneaker by NEXUSVII and New Balance. This CM988 stems from the classic running model, M988 and is influenced by one of the famous work boots maker in US. The obvious colorway and use of yellow nubuck on the uppers is a nice touch. If that is not enough, the round two tone shoe laces is more or less the same and the NB 998 logo embossed in brown color finishes off the sneaker nicely. Dark chocolate inner lining and heel section balances out the color scheme along with matching plastic eyelets. via: Tokishirazu" - Freshness

via Freshness

Sunday, August 15, 2010

Jay-Z x Nike Air Force 1 (AF1) – World Basketball Festival All Black Everything Collection

Jay-Z collaborates with Nike on an exclusive set of AF1s to help raise funds for charity...


"The rumor could now finally be authenticated as Nike officially announced the participation of music mogul and reigning King of Hip Hop, Shawn Carter or better known as Jay-Z, on center stage at tomorrow’s World Basketball Festival kickoff event in New York City. The one of the kind, special musical performance will mark the highlight of the evening as the 2010 USA Basketball World Championship Team makes its debut at the first ever World Basketball Festival, a concerted effort in promoting the sport by Nike Basketball, Jordan Brand, and CONVERSE.
Through its community outreach programs, youth mentor-ship projects, and other charitable organizations, Nike already distributed freely thousand of tickets for tomorrow’s event. Along with on-going promotions to the general public at retailers such as Foot Locker, NikeTown, Modell’s and more, Nike will broadcast the event in its entirety live tomorrow night on http://www.facebook.com/wbf

In conjunction to this special event, Jay-Z designed a collection of Air Force 1 like no other. Billed as All Black Everything, the tone-on-tone creations are extremely limited, with only 2 pairs made for each of the 5 designs, all going towards a great cause – Shawn Carter Scholarship Foundation (SCSF) in providing financial support for promising individuals in the pursue of higher education.
5 of the 10 designs will be offer at 9 am EDT, August 12th, on a special eBay charity page www.ebay.com/jayznikewbf, and ends at 9 am EDT on Sunday, August 22nd. The other 5 pairs will go to the designer, Jay-Z, himself. Visit World Basketball Festival Facebook page for updated information in the coming days." - Freshness

via Freshness

atmos x Reebok Insta Pump Fury “Original Mesh” Pack

Bringing back some of the classic materials and one of the original colorways...



"Japanese retailer atmos continues their ongoing partnership with Reebok for a trio of new Insta Pump Furys. Dubbed the “Original Mesh” pack, each sneaker comes outfitted with a nylon mesh upper and 90s inspired colors. The sneakers will be released at atmos in September 2010.

More views of the atmos x Reebok Insta Pump Fury sneakers follow after the jump.’" - High Snobiety

via High Snobiety

Saturday, August 14, 2010

Eniko - Make Your Own Fashion Film...

Quite an awesome experience, visually and audibly...

http://showstudio.com/project/eniko/

"Showcasing the best of new and emerging U.S. fashion talent as selected by stylist Keegan Singh, photographer and filmmaker Barnaby Roper offers fashion editorial with a difference - rather than flicking a page, you click a button to select from two-dozen clips of Eniko and ten exclusive soundtracks to hand-craft your very own fashion film edit(orial)." - SHOWstudio
 
via SHOWstudio

Friday, August 13, 2010

Nike HTM Solar Soft Sandal

Since Crocs have become such a new and acceptable style in the world of footwear, other labels such as Puma, Native, and now Nike have joined the ranks of injected EVA shoes/sandals. 


"A piece of footwear that is sure to draw a fierce debate, the Nike HTM Solar Soft Sandal combines a direct-injected EVA upper with one of Nike’s most recent cushioning systems, Lunarlite. Masterminded by the HTM initiative which features Hiroshi Fujiwara, Tinker Hatfield and Mark Parker, the sandal is perhaps a more refined take on injected EVA footwear made popular by Crocs. Four colors are available for sale now at select retailers including the Nike Sportswear Store by Head Porter Plus." - Hypebeast - L. Ruano

via Hypebeast

Thursday, August 12, 2010

Asics x Culture Shoq Gel Lyte III Preview

Asics is definitely moving forward with an effective method of marketing for their Gel Lytes. Similar to a previous post of mine with the Ronnie Fieg collab, I can only continue to appreciate this new direction. I can't deny the combination of beautiful women and clean kicks...



"Offered is a preview of the upcoming second collaborative release between Culture Shoq and Asics, as we see yet another colorway of the ever popular Gel Lyte III. The runners are given a white/black/purple colorway with a nice mix of material choices on the uppers. Also apparent is the shoot itself, which enlists the services of model Amee Enger, sporting the Gel Lyte III in anticipation of the sneaker’s release. Further release details will follow in the coming days." - Hypebeast - L. Ruano

via Hypebeast

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Maharam x Nike ACG Air Moc

A big fan of Maharam and their textiles (especially the Eames Dot Prints). This is an interesting collab with Nike. Curious to see how these feel...


 "New York based textiles house Maharam collaborate with Nike on the classic ACG shoe, the “Nike Air Moc”. Using an unique washed canvas weave, it gives the shoe a noticeably rough texture as opposed to the smooth suede you might be used to. The drop comes in three colorways: red plum, black and faded taupe. The design is tied up by a charcoal colored full length air sole and is now available from KIX-FILES." - Hypebeast

via Hypebeast

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

HEAD PORTER – Two Tone Series

Yet again, Head Porter continues to impress me...


"A new Two Tone series has launched from HEAD PORTER which is based on the popular Black Beauty series. As the series name suggests, it is a variety of items that are colored in Earthy two tone in brown/black or olive drab/black combination. Included in the series are staple HEAD PORTER items such as tote bags, brief cases, day packs, zip shoulders as well as pouches, wallets and cases. Also as with the Black Beauty series, the exterior is made up of nylon taffeta that has been quilted. All of these items are currently available at HEAD PORTER stockists and online store." - Freshness

via Freshness

Monday, August 9, 2010

Agenda Summer 2010 – Stussy Deluxe x Master-piece Collection Preview

Another solid collab from Stussy...


 "Stussy Deluxe aligns with Japanese utility bag label Master-piece on a capsule collection of co-branded goods. Comprised of a backpack, waist bag, wallet, gadget pouch and keychain, the series blends heavy canvas, leather and suede with brightly colored accents in two distinct color groups. Stussy and Master-piece labels are featured prominently on each.
Have a closer look at the Stussy x Master-piece collection after the jump." - High Snobiety


via High Snobiety

Sunday, August 8, 2010

KAWS Book Preview

Looking forward to this...



"Book publisher Rizzoli unveils the final cover of its upcoming book documenting the work of world renowned multidisciplinary artist KAWS, first known for his work as a graffiti artist and his subversive approach to popular imagery on bus shelter and phone booth advertisements. Written by Mónica Ramírez-Montagut, a curator at The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum, the book results in the first comprehensive survey of the artist’s body of work. A release date for this highly anticipated title is set for September 2010, with further information available here."  - Hypebeast - L. Ruano

via Hypebeast

Saturday, August 7, 2010

PORTER – Duo Series

Porter continues all these amazing releases. Yet, I can't seem to think that I'll never find a use for so many packs/wallets. Sigh...



 "Duo is the new series of bags from PORTER and it takes a hi tech turn unlike their ordinary items. All of the bags use special material that is ultra light weight and have had Scotchgard treatment to make them water and oil resistant. There are Daypacks in normal and large sizes and Shoulder Bags in this series. Each are equipped with compartment for laptop and numerous compartments and pockets. For the attention seekers or safety conscious, the safety orange color will be perfect and for others who are not so daring, the black or gray colors could be the conservative option. via: BEAMS" - Freshness

via Freshness

Friday, August 6, 2010

Well, this might help in explaining what happens when the pet goldfish is being flushed to it's new "home"...



"A children's book for adults, "All My Friends Are Dead" cleverly illustrates the inevitable sadness we all will face—whether you're a tree, sock, pirate, cassette tape or other—when our friends cease to exist.
From the snowman whose friends all melt away to the house plant whose friends are slowly killed by humans, the book uses dark humor to shed light on the ubiquitous feeling of loneliness. Written by actor Avery Monsen and journalist Jory John, "All My Friends Are Dead" sells online from Chronicle Books (where you can check out the lighthearted video short) or at Urban Outfitters stores for $10." - Cool Hunting

via Cool Hunting

Thursday, August 5, 2010

Vans Vault Spectator LX Brown/Tan

 Some of the best designs I've seen from Vans have come from their Vault line...


"Vault by Vans consists of timeless Vans styles drawn from Vans’ 40-plus year catalog, but inspired by modern street fashion, art, music and the boardsports world. With each release, Vans’ designers conjure up unique materializations or contemporary twists to their most popular styles. For Fall 2010, Vans introduces the Spectator LX, a classic spectator inspired style available in a series of colorways, including this brown/tan version as a couple of previous ones seen here. Arguably the best of the bunch, this new release is now available through finer Vans Vault accounts, including Bows & Arrows.
Photography: Hypebeast" - Hypebeast - L. Ruano

via Hypebeast

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Junya Watanabe COMME des GARCONS MAN x Tricker’s Brogue Sneakers

I still can't get over the appeal of the "brogue" application and Tricker's is certainly the one to use it well. This should be a solid collaboration and hopefully will bring the price tag down slightly for those who aren't ready to commit fully to a pair of traditional Tricker's boots. 


 "The latest footwear development from Junya Watanabe COMME des GARCONS MAN comes in the form of these great new brogue sneakers. Produced by popular English shoemakers Tricker’s, the shoes carry on the distinct brogue style we’re accustomed to seeing, transplanted onto slim sneaker outsoles that add a great degree of versatility. Look for these now through Vendor and Dover Street Market.
Dover Street Market [MAP]
17-18 Dover Street
London W1S 4LT
Photography: Hypebeast"

via Hypebeast

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

KAWS Furthering His Prescence In Social Networks...

KAWS has taken the initiative and started his own Facebook page, keepin' it legit and official...


  "After seen imitators and wannabes begin to their version of “cyber squatting” on Facebook, artist KAWS took matters into his own hands this morning by announcing the creation of his own Facebook page. For purpose of authenticity, KAWS asked Facebook members to look for this Green Chum as its icon." - Freshness

via Freshness

Monday, August 2, 2010

OriginalFake Dog Collar & Leash

So awesome, OF x HP with a great lil' accessory for your dog. Even better if you named the lil' one, Chompers...


"For those looking to give their canine some love, Porter has a solution, as the popular Japanese accessories brand develops a new set of dog accessories for OriginalFake, including a collar and leash. Both follow a rather simple look, highlighting KAWS signature chomper print in a red/white/black colorway. Available now via finer stockists, including Union."

via Hypebeast

Sunday, August 1, 2010

Levi’s Tailor Shop – San Francisco, California

For that vintage appeal and a possible history lesson...



"The timing is absolutely impeccable. Being that today is July 4th, America’s Independence Day, Levi’s opened its first ever customization retail concept, the Levi’s Tailor Shop, at its Union Square flagship store in San Francisco (also home to its parent company, Levi Strauss & Co.). Maxed from floor to ceiling with machinery, antiquated imagery and icons, the shop reflects an atmosphere similar to a turn-of-the century general store. All with a single purpose, to assist in the customization process as either inspirations or tools. The range of selection could be overwhelming at times, everything from buttons, screen prints designs, to the Levi’s patches and even special edition Field Notes. But its likely the attentive specialist will walk you through the process, no matter how indecisive you might be. Once again proven the rumor about American denim’s early demise is just that, a rumor. via: ACL
Levi’s Tailor Shop – Levi’s Union Square
300 Post Street | Map
San Francisco, CA 94108
TEL #: 415-501-0100"

via Freshness