In a new exhibition at the Chicago Cultural Center, titled African American Designers in Chicago: Art, Commerce and the Politics of Race, the influence of black designers is traced, from 1900 to 1980. Jackie Ormes’ highly sought-after Patty-Jo Doll, based on her cartoon character, is on display. As is work—for Coca Cola and more—from the country’s first African American-owned advertising agency, helmed by Emmett McBain and Thomas J Burrell. “It’s …
Tracing the Influence of Early Black Designers
Glass Teapot Set
$4500
With the filter built into the lid and a body made heat-resistant glass, this teapot is foolproof. Included in this set are two green teas—Sencha Unro and Gokujo Genmaicha—which can be brewed for a single cup or a big batch. Appropriate for teabags or loose-leaf, this 750ml pot will elevate tea time.
Link About It
Stories from around the web that we think you should read
Chinese State Media’s AI News Anchor
Xinhua (China’s state media) in collaboration with Chinese search engine Sogou, has just unveiled its Chinese- and English-speaking AI news anchor. Its evening slot wasn’t just a test run, in fact, “the simulations can be used on its website and social media platforms” now, but there’s no word on whether any TV channels have picked it up. Created to deliver news in a 24-hour cycle, …
Ancient Bathroom Humor Discovered
Uncovered this week in Turkey, inside what was once a Roman latrine, are a bunch of dirty jokes that date back to the second century. Two mosaics depict well-known Greek and Roman characters, Narcissus and Ganymede—only the scenes are a little different than the myths we know. In one, Narcissus is staring at his penis, obsessed; in the other, Ganymede (who was kidnapped by the eagle of Zeus) …
What the Lobster Emoji Means to the Transgender Community
The recent iPhone update included several additions to the emoji keyboard, from ball of wool to an abacus and a pirate flag. Still conspicuously missing—despite it being requested over and over—is the transgender flag. In response, the trans community has decided to use the lobster claw emoji (which was part of the updated) until they get the representation they deserve. Activist and author Charlie Craggs, who …
NASA’s First 8K Video
NASA has its first 8K video from space, and it shows the Expedition 56 team hard at work—as well as a few shots of Earth from afar. The project, which was completed in collaboration with the European Space Agency, hopes to show the world that “the science being conducted aboard the International Space Station is answering questions that hold the keys to our future in space …
Word of Mouth: Copenhagen
We explore the Danish capital through the lens of the creative minds at MoMA Design Store
Presented in partnership with MoMA Design Store
Buy Guide
The latest additions to our shoppable directory
Pearl Skateboard
$55
From the ever-playful NYC-based Alltimers, this deceptive skateboard appears adorned in pearls—atop oyster shells, of course. The deck measures eight-inches and is made from seven-ply hard rock maple.
Sleep Kit
$70
With two components, The Nue Co’s Sleep Kit comes with Magnesium Ease spray and Sleep Drops, make falling—and staying—asleep easier. The spray—made using magnesium chloride with lavender and arnica oil—helps to reduce muscle tension. Simply spray it on and massage into your face (be prepared for a mild tingle and the flavor if it hits your lips). The sleep drops are essentially a tincture, made with …
Fortune Cookie Cat Toy
$12
Filled with catnip, this fortune cookie toy will delight any cat—especially those who can read the message: “blame it on the dog.” Made from eco-friendly felt, it can be spot-cleaned easily and air-dried. The 100% catnip will affect two-thirds of cats as a mild hallucinogen. Adding to the high (for cat and owner), Modern Beast donates 100% of their profits to various animal welfare organizations.
Barry McGee Catalogue
$23
Writer Katya Tylevich’s Barry McGee, which examines the beloved multidisciplinary artist, is the accompanying catalogue and essay from McGee’s show at Cheim & Read earlier this year. With sketches, photos and more, the 72-page book traces his delightfully uncategorizable work—and thankfully doesn’t attempt to explain it.
SG Lewis feat. Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs: Dusk
London-based SG Lewis (aka Sam Lewis) has just released another enthralling track, this time teaming up with fellow British DJ/producer and vocalist Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs for “Again.” The song is from the second chapter of Lewis’ three-part concept album Dusk, Dark, Dawn and is a textured electronic track that’s a little heavier than the releases from Dusk. Still, it’s warm and rich—thanks in part to the tender …
Regina Spektor: Birdsong
Regina Spektor drapes serpentine vocals atop fingerpicked acoustic guitar to form “Birdsong.” This latest track from the singer and multi-instrumentalist appears in an episode of the new Matthew Weiner show The Romanoffs on Amazon Prime. It’s brief, clocking in under two minutes, but uses every moment for a considered beauty that’s undeniably Spektor.
Black Ember’s New WPRT Collection
Bags that boast interchangeability and weather-proofing
The latest from SF-based Black Ember is the WPRT Collection: a pair of roll-top bags that are durable, waterproof and super-functional. Launching on Kickstarter today, the Minimal and the Modular bags both allow for extensive customization with Black Ember’s range of accessories. Without sacrificing organizational features or easy-access pockets, these bags are entirely waterproof—even at access points, thanks to a 800-denier, three-layer MICRO-HEX performance textile and …
Holiday Gift Guides 2018: Travel Bug
Products that benefit wellness, efficiency and sanity when on the road
Food Highlights From Summit LA18
From irresistible street carts to cannabis-infused and plant-based dishes, culinary wonders matched the high-level dialogues
Panda Bear: Dolphin
In typical Panda Bear (aka Noah Lennox) style, his new song “Dolphin” is delightfully oddball. Complete with droplet sounds, the gentle psych-pop tune is led by acoustic guitars and Lennox’s delicate vocals. Without any real hook, the track will appear on the upcoming album Buoys, which Lennox co-produced and co-mixed with Rusty Santos.
King Princess: Pussy is God
With equal parts sweetness and swagger, King Princess (aka Mikaela Straus) has crafted an incredibly satisfying and infectious bop with “Pussy is God.” The singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist/producer’s new track is glittery and polished, with plenty of synths and boom-bap percussion, but shies away from becoming overly saccharine or twee. It’s a delightfully catchy, perky pop song celebrating queer love.
Alphabet Block Set
$179
Made by Korean design studio Oioiooi, this set consists of 60 wooden (beech and walnut) blocks. Of the set, 26 are letters and another 34 are corresponding numbers, shapes and characters. As a child plays with the letters, they also learn cognitive and motor skills—like problem-solving, building, storytelling and perhaps even spelling.
Gravity Images Reveal Lost Continents Under Antarctica
For four years, the European Space Agency’s Gravity field and Ocean Circulation Explorer (GOCE) satellite accumulated data on Earth’s gravitational field. Now, scientists are using that information to best understand what lies beneath Antarctica’s ice sheets. Here, they’re learning that East and West Antarctica bear fundamental differences, including lithosphere thickness. Underneath the former, there are actually several similarities to the continent’s closest neighbors. Read more at VICE.
Greenport’s Charming Beachside Sound View Hotel
Thoughtfully refurbished, this North Fork destination isn't just for summer getaways
Social Anxiety Bundle
$49
For pooches with social anxiety, this helpful bundle by Bark Shop includes a topical oil, a snack and a treat dispenser. The 200mg CBD oil aims to calm dogs down while the toy and treat offer a necessary distraction. Thus, dogs (and, in turn, owners) might just find a little zen here.
Listen Up
Neo-soul, blues, hip-hop, pop and more in this week's bops
Gamer Kit
$100
This Gamer Kit from Tech Will Save Us lets kids become their own game inventor. Starting by building their own console, they can then code their own game—choosing from 15+ retro games or or custom-building their own. Best of all, not much at all is needed to play: the kit, a nine-volt battery and a laptop or desktop computer to code on. The brand’s online …
Colorblock Rainbreaker
$62
Offering protection against wind and rain, this jacket will keep dogs dry on miserable days (and help ward off that classic “wet dog” odor). Designed to be an outer-layer, it’s light enough for summer storms but should be worn over a cozy coat for winter days. Complete with a chunky zipper for getting on and off easily, and toggles for keeping the hood in place, …
Ginger Baby Room Playset
$58
An entire nursery room exists in Maileg’s new playset. Inside the box, one finds a doll with a change of clothes, sleeping bag and diaper—set in a room that reflects the majesty of Danish design. Further, there’s a chair for the doll and a hanger for the other items. All of the materials are premium (including cotton and linen)—and the entire set begs to be …