Link About It: This Week’s Picks
Hip hop coffee, taxidermy lighting, Adidas cell phones and more in our weekly web snapshot
1. Peter Varga Concept Bicycles
Beginning with a Master’s Degree project in 2007, Slovakian designer Peter Varga has continued each year to produce unconventionally intelligent bikes. Highlighted on Selectism, Varga’s bikes have won several awards for their innovative forms.
2. Os Gemeos and Futura Paint NYC School
Os Gemeos follows-up their 2009 “Vertigo,” a colorful kid-friendly installation, with a 80-foot-high mural on the side of a Chelsea school in collaboration with local graffiti legend Futura.
3. Adidass808
The “Made in China” mobile phone gives a nod to the classic shell-toe while offering surprisingly decent technical specs. Dubbed the “Adidass808,” the knock-off is this week’s guilty pleasure.
4. Interview Magazine: Takashi Murakami
In anticipation of Takashi Murakami’s upcoming Versailles installation, Alison Gingeras sits down for an interview with the Japanese art star in this month’s Interview Magazine. The prolific pop artist elaborates on his personal collection of art and how Manga culture and industry influenced his artistic approach.
5. Alex Randall’s Trippy Lighting
British designer Alex Randall’s latest collection of taxidermy lighting ensembles adds a subversive touch to classic lodge decor.
6. Limited Edition Diesel Birthday Watch
Diesel founder Renzo Rosso celebrates his 55th birthday (15 September 2010, if you were wondering) with an oversized watch dubbed “This is My Time.” The matte black case, with gray, white and orange highlights, retails for $214 from Watchismo.
7. Don’t Kill The Animals
Avant-garde German songstress Nina Hagen and oddball New Wave darling Lene Lovitch partnered in 1986 for this charmingly dated slice of PETA-inspired industrial dance music. We’re particularly into the unassuming ducks and chicks sauntering around like there aren’t grown women dressed in rags and voguing like witches next to them.
8. Madlib Espresso Blend
XLR8R points to hip hop artist Madlib’s venture with Intelligensia Coffee. The “Madlib Blend” is one of four dedicated to the Stones Throw label, available exclusively at the Intelligensia shop in Pasadena, CA.
