Milan’s The Manzoni Restaurant by Tom Dixon’s Design Research Studio

A permanent destination to dine or shop the most recent collections

For years now, acclaimed designer Tom Dixon has had a presence in Milan—especially during the annual extravaganza Salone del Mobile. With The Manzoni, he’s established a permanent position. Functioning as both a restaurant and showroom, The Manzoni space is a collaboration between Dixon’s Design Research Studio and JLK Design Studio. To enter means stepping from one distinct material experience to another. As one may expect from …

East Imperial + Jim Meehan’s Delicious Grapefruit Soda

With real fruit, a gently effervescent mixer that's flavorful enough to sip on its own

Made in collaboration with Jim Meehan, East Imperial‘s new grapefruit soda was inspired by a cocktail Meehan made for a rum brand—one that called for a grapefruit mixer. He was unhappy with the market’s selection and felt he had to choose between a natural grapefruit juice or a soda with an artificial additive. After a conversation with Kevin Law-Smith (founder of East Imperial), the opportunity …

Interview: Calty Design Research President Kevin Hunter on His Creative Process

"I always think we're not going to find our inspiration from looking at other cars. So, go out in the world and look at other things"

Automotive design often exists with one end-goal in mind: functionality. It’s about whether or not that vehicle will get you from point A to point B—without endangering, obstructing or upsetting a driver and passengers. But transitioning from a sketch to a moving vehicle involves many steps and teams of mechanics and designers. “I’m always looking at art, wondering how an artist created that; what did …