Eight Budding Designers in China

A group of innovators who think and create both traditionally and globally

by Stefano Caggiano China is often considered the “factory” of the world, but as the world’s most populous country is growing at such a rapid rate—in all ways—those beliefs are surely bound to be recognized as old-fashioned soon. One realm in which the country’s continued progression is evident is design—Chinese designers are showing an increasing ability at owning innovation, function and aesthetics. On the one …

Bang & Olufsen’s Beolab 14

A beautifully designed HiFi audio kit that integrates into a multi-brand home entertainment setup

by Jorge Abellas Bang & Olufsen (B&O) has always produced exquisitely designed sound-systems not intended for use in a multi-brand entertainment setup. A few months back, the brand made a very deliberate effort to expand their market with the release of the Beolab 14 speaker system—which not only seamlessly integrates with the Beovision line of televisions, but also works with a wide variety of standard …

Vinegar and Brown Paper

Britain's Andy Poplar gives glassware a sense of humor with etched messages and mantras

by Elyssa Goodman After working in advertising for over a decade, Britain-based designer Andy Poplar was burned out—he decided to quit his job and be a stay-at-home dad. Then one day, two years ago, he decided to teach himself how to etch glass, and his unique glassware called Vinegar and Brown Paper was born. Poplar, looking for a way to “mend his head” after his …