A collection of images, diagrams, sketches and research surveys believed to be “the world’s largest open access digital archive dedicated to life on Earth,” the Biodiversity Heritage Library is comprised of over 55 million pages of literature. The library (with ephemera dating back to the 15th century) has made over 150,000 illustrations from their collection available for free, high-resolution download. There are also a number …
Made with high-quality shade-grown, stone-milled Japanese matcha and Belgian white chocolate, Kettl’s Matcha Chocolate boasts complex flavors and aromas. There are 2.5 servings of matcha in each bar, which contributes to the chocolate’s rich green coloration, too. It’s available individually or in a box of six.
The theme for this year’s Lisbon Triennale—”The Poetics of Reason”—poses the question of whether or not ornament is integral to architecture. Positioning photographs and up-close sculptural renderings of classical Victorian structures and their decorations alongside an international assortment of patterns, prints, decorations and furniture, the curators encourage visitors to understand architecture and ornament as two separate entities. The former is rooted in reason, while the …
In an effort to ease congestion, improve conditions for cyclists, and make way for publicly funded restorations of sidewalks, transit lines and streets, San Francisco officially banned the presence of cars (except some official vehicles) on the city’s busiest thoroughfare: Market Street. Following similar legislation passed in cities including Paris, Madrid and NYC, San Francisco formulated a $600 million plan to revitalize its current systems …
Captured using Hawaii’s Daniel K Inouye Solar Telescope (the world’s largest), this high-definition video of the sun’s surface is the closest observation earthlings have ever seen. Comprised of cell-like eruptions marked by bright centers and darker outlines, this particular swatch of the sun comprises 200 million square kilometers, and each individual “cell” is equal to the size of France. The first of many videos to …
While many roll their eyes when people stand on a seat to snap a photo of their meal, it’s worth remembering that food photography has a long history—one that predates Instagram by over 150 years. And, as Susan Bright (author of Feast for the Eyes: The Story of Food in Photography and co-curator of the current exhibition of the same name) says, it’s not about …
This special collaboration between Parisian perfume brand Ex Nihilo and LA-based visual artist Reine Paradis is a reimagining of the glorious “Lust in Paradise” fragrance. Each 100ml bottle of the refreshing, radiant perfume comes in bold, limited edition packaging, along with a signed and numbered A4 print from the artist’s 2019 series called Midnight. The perfume’s notes include white peony, lychee and solar blossom, balanced …
Celebrating 20 years of the International Space Station (the largest spacecraft ever built), LEGO has created an 864-piece set based on the beloved vessel. In addition to its impressive details, the model kit comes with a buildable NASA space shuttle and three cargo spacecraft, as well as a stand for display and a helpful 148-page booklet with instructions and facts about the ISS. Intended for …
Based on the Chinese Medicine technique, facial Gua Sha tools are meant to be used in a gentler manner. This smooth-edged, black obsidian iteration from Alder New York is perfectly shaped to work over the various grooves of your face—from your chin and jaw to cheeks and forehead. After cleansing and applying oil or serum, simply work the tool gently over your face from the …
One of three bowls in Case Studyo’s collaborative collection with French artist Jean Jullien, this Skate Bowl features skaters in various positions on the inside, while the exterior is a plain, muted, concrete gray. The limited edition piece is made from porcelain and measures 23cm in diameter, and holds approximately three liters. The other two serving bowls in the collection are decorated with Jullien’s illustrations …
Canadian musician ATTLAS (aka Jeff Hartford) has released his debut album, Lavender God, after years of one-off tunes. Out via Mau5trap (a label run by Deadmau5), the album features tracks that highlight Hartford’s talent as a producer and multi-instrumentalist—piano, trumpet, electronic keys (all influenced by a stint as an intern with a classical composer). “More Than That” is an acid jazz performance entangled with starry synth …
“Easier Said Than Done” from Desert Sessions (Josh Homme’s ongoing collective series) has Homme guiding listeners through the avant-garde song and video. Highlighted by solemn vocals, grand piano, an electric Wurlitzer, drum rolls and “little tiny baby claps,” the tune is from Arrivederci Despair—which was released late last year. Sometimes humorous (with Homme peeing on a man dressed in a Nazi uniform) and sometimes disturbing …
An energized, electronic ode to anticipation and seduction, Braids’ new single “Young Buck” channels the magnetism of attraction. Singer Raphaelle Standell-Preston’s sonic delivery powers the personal narrative. The track is a taste of the Montreal-based band’s forthcoming album, Shadow Offering, produced by Death Cab For Cutie’s Chris Walla.
From Dutch singer Leven Kali’s upcoming EP, High Tide, “Homegirl” is influenced by ’90s R&B and hip-hop, but tweaked for the current day. Highlighted by feature spots from Smino and Topaz Jones, the track is lighthearted and fun, despite the complicated relationships each vocalist details in their lyrics. Atop piano chords, a deep bass line and funky drums, each artist offers their personal style without …
Japan‘s Setouchi region—from the namesake town to the serene Seto Inland Sea—offers a concentration of high-quality crafts, denim and food. On our CH Japan guided excursion, we explored it from the pristine guntû floating ryokan to various day trips on foot. Nearly everything on guntû is from Setouchi, including furniture, ceramics, textiles, food and even the wood used on the ship. The rattan chairs in …
Now in its 25th year, Design Indaba explores how to make the world a better place through creative innovation and groundbreaking design. For three days, the annual Cape Town summit brings together international, visionary minds to share ideas and explore new ways of thinking. Founder Ravi Naidoo and his team bring some of the most thoughtful and provocative creatives in the world together. From well-known …
One of the last artisan paper-making studios in Japan, Awagami Factory specializes in hand-making various types of natural washi paper. Run by the Fujimori family, Awagami dedicates time to developing contemporary uses for washi, as well—its large scale inkjet photography paper is a good example. During our CH Japan travel experience we visited the 8th generation family business in Tokushima. There—among professional papermakers—we learned the …
Now in its eighth year, the Lexus Design Award honors innovators around the world who formulate clever solutions for everyday challenges. This year’s theme “Design for a Better Tomorrow” prompted applicants “to envision solutions to 21st-century challenges that anticipate, innovate and captivate.” Narrowing the field from more than 2,000 submissions to just six finalists is never an easy process, but this year’s group (from Kenya, …
In Takamatsu, artisan Kazushi Iwasa—a fifth-generation incense maker—steers IWASA, his family’s business that’s been in operation since 1872. Long-inspired by indigo, we commissioned Iwasa to craft a scent around the natural color and its traditional dyeing process for our 2019 Omakase box. Pulling from the brand’s reservoir of scents, Iwasa assembled 400 limited edition incense sets, bearing notes of wood and musk. When lit, its …