John Ortved

John Ortved

A member of the global COOL HUNTING network of contributors.

    Kevin Joo Hwang

    A fisherman-inspired thesis project turns heads with gender-bending utilitarian chic

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    Parsons grad Kevin Joo Hwang‘s thesis collection mixes a traditional menswear palette with a feminine take on early twentieth century Southeast Asian fishermen. The 25-year-old California native focuses on making wearable clothes, emphasizing the utilitarian side of his inspiration with details like oversize patch pockets. “Even if clothes look great,” he argues, “if it doesn’t really serve a purpose, I don’t think a lot of …

    The Halo

    A ring of fire in a modern ceramic chandelier

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    Industrial designer Piet Houtenbos re-imagined the chandelier as an elegant ceramic ring with six flames, dubbed “The Halo.” Inspired by the movement to phase out the world’s 60-watt incandescent light bulbs, Houtenbos—who played with fire before with his hand-grenade oil lamps—has created an elegant lighting system completely free of electrical components. Designed to function with all forms of candle oil, including ultra pure liquid paraffin …