Other than gimmicky changes like colors, textures and flavors, condoms have remained relatively the same over the past 50 years—Lelo‘s efforts at a structural overhaul with HEX aside. However, a new self-lubricating condom, designed as part of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation’s competition, might just revolutionize the industry. Created to encourage safer sex, this condom remains lubricated for “1,000 cycles (scientific speak for thrusts), which …
Revolutionary Self-Lubricating Condoms
Peppermint Charcoal Soap
$14
When lathered in Oar + Alps’ Peppermint Charcoal Soap, one feels both clean and refreshed. This is thanks to their 100% natural, proprietary peppermint fragrance, as well as Witch Hazel and organic, fair trade Shea Butter. Activated charcoal pairs with spirulina for a deep cleanliness and the removal of dead skin cells, too. Made in the US, the soap also happens to be paraben-, phthalate-, …
Link About It
Stories from around the web that we think you should read
The Man Behind Modern Ghost Stories
Born in 1862, Montague Rhodes James was an acclaimed intellectual who published a handful of stories (from short quips to long, academic papers) that are widely regarded as the basis upon which modern ghost stories are built. Not entirely for the narratives, but rather the topics: his stories are unpredictable and based on haunted objects, unfamiliar beings and odd circumstances. Cynthia Zarin, of The New …
This Airline Wants to Calm Your Flying Nerves
Regardless of all the statistics about flying being the safest way to travel, the anxiety for many is unavoidable. Rather than drinking booze or taking a pill (or just enduring the nervous sweats), Virgin Australia wants its customers to start practicing mindfulness while flying. Starting next year, people can let the airline know they’re nervous travelers and they will be sent “calming communications before the flight …
NYC’s Central Park Tower to be the Tallest Residential Building in the World
Topping out at a 1,550 feet, Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture‘s forthcoming Central Park Tower will set a new precedent for Billionaires’ Row, aka West 57th Street in NYC. 179 two-to-eight bedroom residences will start on floor 32. Designed by Rottet Studio, they’ll range from 1,435 square feet to over 17,500 square feet. It’s the ‘Central Park Club’ that may be most appealing however, as it offers …
Bringing Extinct Species Back From the Dead with Gene-Editing
American scientist Ben Novak has spent the past six years working on a process referred to as de-extinction—with the goal of bringing back the passenger pigeon species that died off in 1914. In Melbourne, Australia Novak has used gene-editing to weave the Cas9 gene into the reproductive organs of common pigeons. Cas9 enables the use of CRISPR, a tool that acts as molecular scissors and …
Link About It: This Week’s Picks
The history of ghost stories, the tallest residential building in the world and more
Buy Guide
The latest additions to our shoppable directory
Shinola Apple Watch Strap
$250
Shinola, in collaboration with Detroit-based artist Eric Lowry, has released a line of hand-stitched and hand-painted Apple Watch compatible bands. The high-quality leather is painted over by Lowry, giving the classic strap a more modern look—one that matches the high-tech watch it’s attached to. This one in particular is a black leather band with brown and gold art deco adornments and space gray (brushed gunmetal …
Hedley & Bennett SK8-Hi Reissue UC
$90
A recent installment in the Vans “Made for the Makers” series, these monochromatic navy blue Sk8-Hi sneakers were produced in collaboration with CH favorite Hedley & Bennett—apron and kitchen apparel brand of the future. Design and function-oriented details pop everywhere, from the rainbow-colored Vulcanized lugged outsoles to the Vansguard canvas uppers and comfort-yielding UltraCush H&B ampersand sockliners. Fans of both brands will find something to love …
Octahedron Crayons
$13
This set of 15 two-toned crayons are a playful take on the traditional version, thanks to their octahedron shape, which features multiple points and edges to allow for endless combinations and textures. Kid Made Modern has, of course, ensured that these are non-toxic and small enough for learning hands.
John Derian + Astier de Villatte
Turquoise Marble Teapot
$700
In partnership with Parisian atelier Astier de Villatte, NYC designer and découpage artist John Derian has released a series of 19th Century-inspired tablewares. Each piece, handmade in Paris from glazed terracotta, features one of Derian’s images or patterns. Here, this nine-inch-tall teapot wears a striking Théière Marbre Turquoise Orange Noir print—that varies from piece to piece.
Troye Sivan + Jónsi: Revelation
From the upcoming film Boy Erased, comes “Revelation” by Troye Sivan and Jónsi. A minimal and gentle ballad, the song blends the two familiar talents seamlessly and the result is hypnotic and powerful. Between its lofty strings, minimal piano, and Sivan’s pared-back vocals, the song ebbs and flows ethereally. Sivan also appears in the film (out in November) about a young man sent by his pastor …
Alfie Templeman: Like an Animal
Its chemistry doesn’t just come from the fact that UK teen Alfie Templeman plays every instrument on “Like an Animal” (and all the other tracks on his just released, debut EP of the same name); it’s that the singer’s voice carries such soul. Templeman assembled the EP in his bedroom amidst school and a job in construction. There’s an honesty to its presentation—and the wisdom …
Moët & Chandon c/o Virgil Abloh™ Nectar Impérial Rosé Cocktails
Louis Vuitton's Men's Artistic Director hosts a multisensory dinner with delectable drinks
Prague’s Mesmerizing Signal Festival, 2018
Exploring the annual celebration of light art and emerging technologies
Tom Blachford’s “Midnight Modern IV” at NYC’s Toth Gallery
The final installment of the beloved Palm Springs photographic series
Julia Holter: Words I Heard
With “Words I Heard,” Julia Holter embarks upon an almost seven-minute-long vocal stroll through a landscape of strings. Even as the lyrics beg for salvation, the song’s dark depths yield beauty. All of this is emphasized through the Dicky Bahto-directed music video–a montage of dizzying switches between forest scenes and live performances. The track will appear on Aviary, out 26 October on Domino Records. It’s Holter’s much anticipated …
Dominic Fike: 3 Nights
Dominic Fike, a recent Columbia Records signee and a Naples, Florida native, just released his debut EP, Don’t Forget About Me, Demos. A standout on the six track release is “3 Nights,” an acoustic guitar-backed alternative hit. It hums along to a recognizable, steady beat (with loads of personality). Fike displays his vocal ability and flexes a bit of his star-power potential here—which is impressive considering …
Designing the 2019 Audi A8
Symmetrical and smooth, much of this vehicle's appeal is in its subtleties
LA’s Secret Project Elevates Underground Music Festivals
New DTLA festival offers a more mature musical palette with food and cocktails to match
Inside Chivas Regal’s Refurbished Strathisla Distillery
Designer Florian Dussopt brings interactivity to the oldest working distillery in Scotland
Finding Sanctuary in Camelback Mountain Resort + Spa
An aesthetic overhaul for the acclaimed wellness location
Lower East Side Art Week Debuts With a Spotlight on Women Artists
Over twenty galleries in the NYC neighborhood are welcoming visitors this week
Several streets in New York City‘s Lower East Side neighborhood count handfuls of art galleries as occupants. Across decades, the community here—born of non-conformity—has witnessed its statements surpass those of other art movements and locations with the city. With all of this in mind, Lesley Heller of Lesley Heller Gallery and Bart Keijsers Koning of LMAK Gallery realized it’s time to get people into these galleries—to get …
The Four Seasons Safari Lodge Embraces The Serengeti
A destination that celebrates its spectacular natural surroundings and Tanzanian culture
The Pulse of the City: Culture Lab Detroit 2018
Insight into the Motor City's future with consideration for the past
This past week signaled the onset of Culture Lab Detroit—the annual series of events that magnify the pulse of the city. Organized by Jane Schulak, the organization’s director, and led by community-engagement specialists Ingrid LaFleur (former mayoral candidate and current artist and activist) and Bryce Detroit (entertainment justice activist and founder of Detroit Recordings Company), guests–including life-long Detroiters, visitors, artists, musicians and press alike—converge on …
Angelo De Augustine feat. Sufjan Stevens: Time (Live at Reservoir Studios)
From lyrical lacework to a whistling hook, Angelo De Augustine’s “Time” acts as a powerful introduction to the singer/songwriter’s forthcoming album Tomb. Both the track and album were produced by Thomas Bartlett, aka Doveman, and his complex warmth once again blankets listeners. De Augustine has released two videos for the track—an official music video, directed and filmed by Jess Calleiro and a live version from Reservoir Studios, with …