Brooklyn-based experimental design duo Chen Chen and Kai Williams are well-known for creating functional art pieces that surprise. Finding the ideal balance between playfulness and elegance are their latest products—created exclusively for furniture design store The Future Perfect—marble candleholders. A little menorah, a little horseshoe and a lot of class.
Added: April 2015
This product is sold by Chen Chen & Kai Williams
Vancouver-based sportswear brand Reigning Champ tirelessly advocates for attention to detail and doing the simple things exceedingly well, so it’s no surprise that their made-in-Canada sweats are some of the best on the market. With the new Sea to Sky collection, the brand stepped up the technical features of a few of their apparel essentials to better suit an active lifestyle. Utilizing advanced fabric from Polartec, the pullover wicks moisture while a nylon front provides protection from the wind. An asymmetrical side zipper and pocket round out the details on this versatile piece, perfect for a hike or down day on the couch.
Added: April 2015
This product is sold by Reigning Champ
The days of passing down a good pen or mechanical pencil are not gone. In fact, Taiwanese design firm ystudio has an array of writing implements, crafted from brass, copper and bronze that are heirloom worthy. Each is distinct and magnificent, and will adopt elements of oxidization over time that will make it truly unique to the user. The mechanical pencil is a true standout, as it’s a utensil not often associated with longevity. But as it’s been forged from high quality materials (and refillable), it’s guaranteed to last for everyone from aspiring authors to anyone who wants to write with style.
Added: April 2015
This product is sold by ystudio
For any wine enthusiast, upscale attire often accompanies tasting the best of the best while out on the town. Crafted from oak staves, formerly a part of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon wine barrels, these elegant cufflinks pair well with formal occasions. They also lend a distinct, signature touch. No two pair will every be exactly the same, as the color is entirely determined by the wine stain. Designed by Anne Siegel and Nicole Hughes of California Wine Country’s Olive and Poppy, these pieces carry the essence of Napa and beyond.
Added: April 2015
This product is sold by Olive and Poppy
Denim jackets become one-of-a-kind, wearable political and social commentary through designer McKenzie Rose’s touch. Using the jackets as a base, Rose pieces together patches, cut-up T-shirts and other garments, buttons and pins—all from vintage and thrift stores—to tell a specific story with each piece. From “Crack Kills” to The Casualties, tales range from the musical to the controversial. All Franc Bakon pieces are hand-sewn by Rose himself, who spends the rest of his day working in a NYC leather shop.
Added: April 2015
This product is sold by Franc Bakon
A better nickname for German-born, New York-based designer Ingo Maurer would be a “poet of light,” as his whimsical creations surprise and evoke emotion. As a part of his I Ricchi Poveri lamp series, Maurer’s Toto table light prompts us to recall our childhood and sense of wonder. The specially manufactured halogen bulb appears to float like a balloon, and has a cap with Mickey Mouse-like ears that rests on top.
Added: April 2015
This product is sold by Ingo Maurer
Something about the Bonded 100 proof bottling of this Kentucky bourbon speaks to its origins and continued success. It’s not expensive, it’s not fancy. It’s just good old fun—with a higher amount of rye in the mashbill for lighter, spicier profile. The “Old Grand-Dad” mentioned happens to be distiller Basil Hayden (whose own namesake line also continues to wow). While he didn’t develop this, his grandson did—and did so with fervor.
Added: April 2015
This product is sold by Old Grand Dad
Back in 1961, photographer Ted Russell started capturing a relatively unknown Bob Dylan when the young artist had just moved to NYC. Russell shot the 20-year-old songwriter, recently signed to Columbia Records at the time, hanging out in his Greenwich Village apartment, practicing his guitar and performing in tiny venues. This new hardcover of never-before-published photos gives a charming peep into Dylan’s life before he belonged to the world.
Added: April 2015
This product is sold by Rizzoli
Danish audio company Vifa’s latest portable offering comes in a petite, square-ish package but surprises with its power and sound quality. The Helsinki speaker, launched in time for this year’s summer picnics and outdoor parties, comes with a beautiful leather strap for easy carrying; its grill is unusually covered in a custom made Kvadrat textile available in four soft colorways. Perfect for those who love music and design.
Added: April 2015
This product is sold by Vifa
These bold black pearl earrings by New York-based designer Sharon Chandally make a refined, powerful statement. Trained in Yemenite silversmithing by her great uncles, Chandally creates pieces influenced by ancient cultures but feel contemporary in the way they channel movement and sculpture. Respecting the fact that these pieces are worn so close to the body, Chandally uses only conflict-free stones as well as recycled or Fairmined metals.
Added: April 2015
This product is sold by Chandally Jewelry
For press photographer Weegee (born Usher Fellig), New York City was his muse; he spent his lifetime documenting urban life without prejudice, from spectators at gruesome crime scenes to elevator operator strikes to the crowds at Coney Island. In the book “The Weegee Guide to New York,” 265 black and white images (many which have never been published) reveal the chaotic streets of New York from the 1930s to ’60s. The book is thoughtfully organized by areas, from the Lower East Side and the Village to Brooklyn and Rockaway, and includes fold-out maps that indicate where Weegee shot each photo.
Added: April 2015
This product is sold by Prestel
For those who have been wearing the same T-shirt to bed for the past few years, upgrade your sleep style with these handmade pajamas from young Istanbul collective Poplin Homewear. With a focus on lightweight, pure fabrics—like sheer voile—many of the brand’s pieces are refined enough to double as airy summer outfits. But the rest of the collection isn’t afraid to get adventurous; such as jumpsuits and nightshirts for men, plus striped bodysuits and polka-dot kimono gowns for women.
Added: April 2015
This product is sold by Poplin Homewear
Tired of cheap nylon NATO watch bands proliferating the market, Suigeneric recreates the style using durable and stiff waxed cotton; the naturally water-repellent fabric used in vessel sails and classic Barbour jackets—at a similarly affordable price point. Freshen up your much-loved watch-face for spring with this hand-sewn, hand-waxed green strap. Or, for the more adventurous, go for their watercolor or leopard print options.
Added: April 2015
This product is sold by Suigeneric
This isn’t your typical hammock. UK-based Tentsile’s 80 square foot Trillium model comfortably fits three adults and bears a maximum weight of 880 pounds. Utilizing seatbelt material and a high-strength ratchet system, the Trillium sets up in minutes for an elevated outdoor outpost. Pick-up multiple Trilliums and stack them for an outdoor bunk-bed set-up. Just don’t call dibs on top bunk if rain is on the way.
Added: April 2015
This product is sold by Tentsile
Hungry Eyes NY has released a very cute collection of soft enamel pins that are small, but have big personalities. With donuts, pizza and more on the menu, Hungry Eyes NY injects humor into their pins (and humanizes some of our favorite snacks) with a pair of googly eyes incorporated into each design. Our pick is the .70″ tall bowl of ramen, because one serving is never enough.
Added: April 2015
This product is sold by Hungry Eyes NY
These pit-tanned leather high-tops are entirely unlike your kick-around sneakers. Hand-dyed in a deep ultramarine blue, worked to create a buttery and supple texture (that’s still durable) and reinforced with a vegetable-tanned nine ounce heal counter, The Brothers Crisp’s Hand-Dyed High-Tops are meticulously made and luxurious.
Added: April 2015
This product is sold by The Brothers Crisp
Melbourne-based designer Lucy Folk’s HONEYMOON collection is full of tropical delights that provoke images of palm trees, sunsets and fruity cocktails. The Palmtastic Hidden Treasure Earring (sold as a single piece) is available in sterling silver or 9ct gold plate, boasts a stunning, bright green Tsavorite garnet and a stud shaped like a palm tree.
Added: April 2015
This product is sold by Lucy Folk
Bring art to the beach or pool with Barbara Kruger’s instant classic beach towel. The 100% cotton, 70″ by 60″ towel boasts the conceptual artist’s iconic text-based style and was made as part of Art Production Fund’s “Works on Whatever” series—for which artists were tapped design real-life, functional objects that were also works of art.
Added: April 2015
This product is sold by Barbara Kruger
Named for a popular hiking trail across the Golden Gate Bridge, the new Sunski Dipseas combine classic styling with bold touches. The polarized lenses are super-bright emerald green (and offer certified UVA/B/400 protection), but the shape and tortoiseshell colorway ensure that the design will match just about every outfit you don this summer.
Added: April 2015
This product is sold by Sunski
Closca won the prestigious Red Dot Design Award this year with its Fuga helmet. Not only is the Fuga safety-certified in Europe, Canada and the States, the helmet is super-convenient. The thin-shell design folds down—reducing its own space by 50%—meaning it can easily be stored in a backpack or tote bag without becoming cumbersome. Now there are really no excuses to leave the helmet at home.
Added: March 2015
This product is sold by Closca
Brooklyn-based Aelfie Oudghiri offers up plenty of playful designs through her cushions and rugs, but our favorite is this 16″x16″ “Cool Bananas” pillow. The three sunglasses-wearing bananas hand-embroidered on the pale blue fabric bring a dash of color, humor and fun to any room.
Added: March 2015
This product is sold by Aelfie Oudghiri
Brooklyn-based Upstate makes tie-dye utterly covetable and sophisticated with their fall collection. Mixing shibori hand-dye techniques with marbling and digital printing, the made-in-USA brand offers kaleidoscopic sarongs, culottes and dip-dyed sweatshirts. Their vibrant Mandarin-collared Maria silk button down dress is sleekly makes a strong, bright impression during the dreary weather—and no two will look exactly the same.
Added: March 2015
This product is sold by Upstate
In complete contrast to the cheap, mass-produced plastic speakers that clutter the aisles at convenience stores are the unique crafted pieces by Salvage Audio. Each of their Bluetooth speakers are handmade in California from reclaimed wood that has a story: whether it used to be a family’s redwood fence or secondhand pine shipping boxes. Even when the music stops, the speakers are just beautiful works of design to rest your eyes on.
Added: March 2015
This product is sold by Salvage Audio
From Georgia Perry’s newest collection of enamel pins comes the Larry David. Perfectly capturing David’s trademark furrowed brow and unimpressed expression, Perry’s pin is 30mm by 30mm and packaged in a protective bio-degradable cello sleeve—ready to be placed on your favorite bag or lapel to show the world just how awkward everything is.
Added: March 2015
This product is sold by Georgia Perry
As it’s made from 100% French flax linen, bedding from Australia’s Scottie Store is not only ultra-comfortable, but far more breathable than other sheets due to its loose weave. Available in Queen or King, these chambray and stone-colored sheets will appeal to denim lovers and enthusiasts of subtle but interesting design.
Added: March 2015
This product is sold by Scottie Store
One of the best loved and commonly used emoji—the smiley poop—has been made into a bottle opener by designers Eric Ho and Kostika Spaho and the team at 3D printing service and marketplace, Shapeways. Available in a rainbow of colors as well as a range metallics, our pick is the perfectly ironic brushed gold.
Added: March 2015
This product is sold by Shapeways
