Within the new book The Beauty of Chemistry, Wenting Zhu and Yan Liang present 300 astounding images of elements up close. The duo used “infrared thermal imaging techniques, along with high-speed and time-lapse micro photography” in order to capture molecules and molecular reactions, according to Wired. Science writer and chemist Philip Ball penned the text, which deftly explains the principles behind the abstract, swirling and crystalline …
$60
Part of PHAIDON’s Explorer Series, Flower: Exploring the World in Bloom endeavors to illustrate the history and significance of flowers—across continents, cultures and eras. Chosen by a panel of experts (from art historians to botanists), the entries in the hardcover span sculpture, scientific illustration, film, floral arrangements, textiles, painting and beyond. The importance and influence flowers have on us is almost impossible to distill into one …
Imagined by the Space Design Club at Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), a space-dust repeller, a wearable rock sample container and an augmented reality headset for use in astronaut helmets are three proposals selected by NASA, from their BIG Idea Challenge, to receive further development. Each project is in a different stage of development, with many scientists (and students) working virtually. RISD’s Space Design Club …
London-based Pavement Licker (a creative duo consisting of James-Lee Duffy and Josh Jones) has launched “Pressing Matters,” a project that joins the art and music industries to raise money for mental health charity Music Support. The initiative sees artists and designers paired with musicians and bands for cover art that’s currently on show at the Matches Fashion gallery space in Mayfair, and available to bid …
Tarrytown, New York’s two-Michelin-star restaurant, Blue Hill at Stone Barns, has been awarded a new accolade in the US—the green star for sustainability—in this year’s Michelin guide. Chez Panisse, French Laundry and a handful of others also received the star (joining dozens of European restaurants that were awarded the honor when it debuted last year). This was granted to Stone Barns, however, because “the non-profit …
In partnership with Roomfifty, Communitea—an online marketplace raising funds for the London Chinese Community Centre—has launched, with tea-centric prints by 55 artists and designers available from £20 each. The team decided on the tea theme not only because of its importance in Chinese culture, but also because it “encourages people to come together, chat and learn more about one another,” Jenny Brewer writes for It’s …
$95
Designed by Pierre Charpin for Danish design brand HAY, this PC Portable Lamp features a USB-rechargeable battery and an energy-efficient LED bulb within that produces a warm white glow. The light can be dimmed or brightened thanks to touch control. Made from ABS plastic that’s finished with a scratch- and water-resistant coating, the light comes in six colorways—some of which boast several hues. Standing just …
$54
Mukti’s Daily Moisturizer with SPF 15 ($54) provides near-instant absorption; perfect for reapplication during the day. Made with aloe vera, desert lime, green tea, jojoba, kakadu plum, rosehip and more, the ingredients are all-natural and clean. The lightweight formula leaves skin feeling moisturized but not greasy, and it’s unscented.
$29
Omsom’s Southeast Asian three-pack of dish starters are based on Vietnamese, Thai and Filipino flavors. Three sachets—for lemongrass BBQ, larb and sisig—are packed with difficult-to-find ingredients to create bold, aromatic dishes. Recipes are available online, but they’re super-simple: essentially just ripping open the starter pack, heating, adding protein and/or veggies and serving.
$75
From iconic NYC-based Le Labo, a new fragrance in the form of a candle: ENCENS 9. Like all their scents, ENCENS 9 proves itself to be nuanced and bewitching. Frankincense mingles with amber and clove; blending woody notes, sweetness and spice to create a rich, warm fragrance perfect for a den, study or other small nook where coziness is paramount. The 8.6-ounce candle should burn …
The somewhat mysterious Brooklyn-based artist MIIV releases their EP Umbra on Friday. The title track (produced, written, mixed and performed by MIIV) is dark, cinematic and atmospheric—with metallic, industrial elements balancing a rich bass line and ethereal, layered vocals. “The song is a sadistic dance, you bend yourself to impress this one person to the point of unhappiness,” they tell High Clouds. “It’s tiring, but …
An intimate rumination on relationships, performance and connection, “Spring Breaking Your Heart” from LA-based indie-pop group SWIMM premieres by way of a thoughtful narrative music video. As the beautiful track progresses, two theatrical characters explore their own identity and their feelings for one another. It’s a pitch perfect pairing of audio and visual artistry. Image by Alex Nelson
HARD FEELINGS (aka Amy Douglas and Hot Chip’s Joe Goddard) came to existence after Goddard publicly tweeted at Douglas, “Amy, can we make a thing?” Now, the duos is signed to Domino Records and just released their debut single, “Holding On Too Long.” The late-night banger melds lyrics about the demise of a relationship with uplifting, nostalgia-tinged dance. Douglas says of the collaboration, “‘Holding On …
From his debut solo album Bad Meditation, Mara TK’s “Te Kete Aronui” is a divinely slow-burning and soulful work. The Māori-Scottish singer (once the frontman for New Zealand outfit Electric Wire Hustle) wrote and produced the entire album and says, “Writing this album has been a form of therapy over the last few years trying to figure out what kind of music I wanted to …
Another playful addition to the portfolio of Parisian electro-pop duo Polo & Pan, the track “Ani Kuni” is a tribute to their favorite lullaby, which is a traditional Native American hymn from the Arapaho tribes. Though, their rendition escalates to dance-floor-ready levels. Accompanying the track, a colorful animated music video—with artistic direction by regular collaborators Noemi Ferst and Benjamin Moreau, and created by Werlen Meyer …
