In a new study, researchers from the University of Konstanz in Germany discovered that spiders, specifically the jumping spider species Evarcha arcuata, experience moments of rapidly shifting eye movement while they sleep—a sign that indicates they may be dreaming. These twitches are similar to that of other animals who experience REM sleep, the phase in slumber in which dreaming occurs. To find more concrete proof …
$220
These Interlocking Sandals combine District Vision’s dedication to performance-oriented athletic apparel with cult Japanese brand Suicoke’s minimal design. The sandals feature Suicoke’s signature antibacterial and supportive EVA cushioned footbed, a supple strap system that molds to the wearer and a custom-developed Vibram Wurstel outsole that allows the shoes to interlock for easy storage and transport.
In developing a new technique to create polymers (large molecules that are composed of smaller, structured molecules), Japanese scientists have opened the door for the creation of environmentally-friendly plastic. These scientific researchers were able to gain control over molecular weight (crucial to the formation of plastic) using two pre-existing techniques called “living cationic polymerization” and “asymmetric cationic polymerization.” This novel strategy allowed them to manipulate …
Streets that cater to pedestrians and bikers not only offer more commuter options, but they also create areas that look and feel community-oriented—as evidenced by Brooklyn-based artist Zach Katz’s new project. Using the second version of DALL-E, the AI system from OpenAI that generates images and art from written descriptions, Katz feeds the program an image from Google Street View with details on how the …
This morning, Miyake Design Studio announced the passing of its founder, Issey Miyake, the pioneering Japanese fashion designer who first rose to fame in the ’80s for eye-catching, avant-garde designs. Miyake was born in Hiroshima in 1938 and studied graphic design at Tokyo’s Tama Art University. He moved to Paris where he transitioned from studies at the renowned École de la Chambre Syndicale de la …
GFP-GAN is an open-source photo-restoration tool that uses AI to transform old photos that may have faded over time or become damaged. The algorithm makes an educated guess about missing or damaged details from each image, smoothing out creases and enhancing color. While the AI may not always recreate an exact replica of the original photo, the restored images have been meaningfully impressive. It’s also …
$865
Manchester, UK-based clothing brand Private White VC’s collaborative weatherproof tote bag with American leatherworker Frank Clegg is sleek and functional. Handmade in Massachusetts, the tote pairs vegetable tanned leather patches, buffed and polished edges and a bevy of zippered and internal pockets with Ventile, an absorbent cotton material that’s often used in tech-forward outerwear.
$55
Copenhagen-based design studio ferm LIVING utilizes a two-tone mix of clay to create this cup and saucer set’s marbled pattern, which is unique to each piece and enhanced by an elegant high-gloss glazed finish. The oversized shape of the saucer contributes to an aesthetic that’s simultaneously bold and minimal.
$20
From Melbourne, Australia-based, alien-themed incense brand Agaric Fly comes the Arzach set of 15 hand-dipped incense sticks with a fragrance that blends clary sage, white tea and labdanum. Agaric Fly’s in-house scents incorporate natural oils and aroma molecules to create relaxing moments that feel almost otherworldly.
$18
Design studio and book publisher Actual Source partnered with NYC-based graphic designer and illustrator Kurt Woerpel to create this bold blue frisbee. Manufactured by Wham-O, the 10.5-inch diameter disc features an illustration of a comic book with eyes, along with Actual Source’s logo in whimsical script and three words in classic lettering.
Following Who Cares?, the second studio album of Rex Orange County (aka Alex O’Connor), “Threat” is a breezy and synth-laden departure from the English recording artist’s previous oeuvre of quirky, jazz-tinged bedroom pop. The one-off single marries relaxed percussion, easygoing melody and uplifting guitar with lyrics of insecurity, paranoia and vulnerability. Despite the somber themes, the song’s laidback yet cheerful energy makes for a quintessential summertime bop.
Accompanying the announcement of Irish multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Anna Mieke’s forthcoming, eight-song LP, Theatre (out 18 November), comes the mesmerizing single “For A Time.” The alt-folk track balances sensations both gentle and engulfing. “It’s a song of humid heat, burning summer, a pool,” says Mieke. “Rotting fruit, flies, the density of a greenhouse in August, carpeted stairs, a diving board. But also loss, and that …
In 2019 we were invited by Ferrari to participate in their Tailor Made customization program with the encouragement to expand and explore the use of colors, materials and finishes further than the luxury automaker has ever done before. We had just returned from our CH Japan trip, and as we were still inspired by indigo and traditional Japanese crafts we decided to bring some of …
Amidst the nostalgic neon lights and shimmering disco balls that currently populate Central Park’s Wollman Rink, Madonna and music industry legend Nile Rodgers donned roller skates to celebrate Finally Enough Love: 50 Number Ones, the pop star’s spectacular new greatest hits remix release. The summertime pop-up venue within the rink, named DiscoOasis, is open to the public through mid-September—and features immersive theatrical elements along with skate …
From Secret Machines—who are perhaps best known for releasing bold, conceptual and critically acclaimed rock albums in the early aughts—comes a remastered version of their 2008 track “The Fire Is Waiting,” featuring Tony Visconti on recorder. The larger-than-life, 11-minute song layers cosmic-psychedelic sonic elements onto mighty, masterful drumming by Josh Garza. “When we recorded the demo for this song, everyone told us it was too long,” vocalist …
Another dreamy alt-folk single from LA-based singer-songwriter Adam Melchor, “Turnham Green,” sets exquisite vocals on gently enveloping instrumentals. An official music video, directed by Francisco Covarrubias, transforms the track’s themes into metaphoric scenes. “‘Turnham Green’ is a song about listening to someone’s reason for hurting you, taking every step they took in your own mind and realizing you’ll never be able to see the same …
Little Rock, Arkansas-raised, LA-based bLAck pARty (aka Malik Flint) releases his third album, called Hummingbird, today and from it comes the smooth and saccharine “I Love You More Than You Know.” The track features Childish Gambino (another in a string of collaborations) and possesses a gloriously languid energy that perfectly lends itself to the lyrics. bLAck pARty says that the album (which also features Saba, …
$48
The Winding Road is a platform founded by Marla Showfer, who traverses the globe to partner with and present small fair trade artisans. For the Magic Mushroom Playhouse, Showfer worked with a family-owned workshop in Kathmandu, Nepal to create a pastoral felt world, replete with a mushroom-shaped cottage and mouse finger puppet. With a design evoking fairytale art, the playhouse inspires whimsy and imagination.
$370
Paris-based running apparel brand Satisfy collaborated with Canadian brand norda to design a dynamic version of their 001, the world’s first trail-running shoes made with durable, bio-based Dyneema—one of lightest sustainable materials in existence. Their collaborative sneakers feature a Dyneema upper that is 15 times stronger than steel of the same weight, a Vibram SLE midsole that is 30% lighter than the standard and a …
