Off Piste: Westcomb

We visit the Canadian brand's Vancouver factory and speak with founder Alan Yiu on innovations in the outdoor market

Commonplace in innovative markets like the tech industry, the term “early adopter” is generally used to describe influential individuals doing just as it sounds; taking a leap of faith with a new product or technology. While often attributed to an individual, the term in its truest sense applies to companies as well. Enter Canadian outerwear brand Westcomb. Since its founding in 2005, the small Vancouver, …

Plumen 002

The world's second low-energy designer light bulb, elegant from all angles

For generations, the lightbulb remained a stagnant design—until 2010 that is, when the Plumen 001 was first introduced as the world’s first low-energy, designer bulb. Now today, Plumen again changes the game with the introduction of the new Plumen 002; a slighter, dimmer compact fluorescent bulb for spaces where lower, softer light is preferred. “What we’re trying to do with Plumen is mark a clear …

Tadao Ando’s Dream Chair

An imaginative ode to the classic designs by Hans J. Wegner for Carl Hansen & Son

Founded in 1908, Danish furniture manufacturer Carl Hansen & Son is largely known for using natural materials, relying on refined design and the unblemished beauty of raw wood, wicker and leather to tell each piece’s individual story—while creating a cohesive brand identity. Although synonymous with legendary Danish designer Hans J. Wegner, who joined the company in 1949 and became one of the most celebrated Mid-Century …