Bookends are oftentimes perceived of as unnecessary or kitsch design objects, but this stunning and minimal version from Brooklyn-based Chen Chen + Kai Williams will make a statement. Made from White Carrara marble, the bookend is shaped to accentuate the material, and it’s even padded with black neoprene to protect your treasured tomes.
This product is sold by Chen Chen + Kai Williams
This numbered, limited edition clutch from Olympia Le-Tan (best known for her book cover bags) is made meticulously and with high-quality materials—fitting, considering it borrows an American icon’s art. The entire, new Keith Haring range from Olympia Le-Tan is predictably colorful, playful and retro. More impressive is that each bag within has been crafted from hand-embroidered silk thread and felt appliqué. A pretty pink clutch with a pretty price to match; cost is in Euros.
This product is sold by Olympia Le-Tan
From the recently released Georg Jensen + Patricia Urquiola collaboration comes this sleek pitcher that manages to match modernity with timelessness. The ribbed steel is meticulous, but adds texture to an otherwise polished piece. Crafted from stainless steel, the pitcher features PVD coating, which is eco-friendly and high-tech—offering a protective layer to keep the object looking its best.
This product is sold by Georg Jensen + Patricia Urquiola
We all know what it feels like to receive a handwritten note. Why not be the person to send one? It can be very challenging to select notecards but with Princeton Architectural Press’ Olivetti Pattern Series designed by MADE BY MEMO, there’s a lot to love for everyone. With distinct patterns produced by the Olivetti Lettera 32 typewriter—in black and red—there’s a casual elegance here that appeals to writers, artists, designers and more. The inside is blank, allowing for an any-occasion message. Each box comes complete with 12 notecards (three of each of the four different pattern types) and envelopes.
This product is sold by Princeton Architectural Press
One-size-fits-most and (of course) entirely gender-neutral, these “I Did My Best” socks are made for Mondays. Screen-printed on classic white crew socks, the slogan is an attempt to remind yourself (and others) that there’s no place for self-doubt. If you’re feeling a little insecure, throw these on and wear them proudly.
This product is sold by ban.do
Featuring Old White Heart glass beads, hailing from an old trading post in Tuscon, Arizona, this simple but distinct necklace draws its inspiration from vintage pieces. At its center is a copper pendant, stamped and filed using traditional methods. Deerskin leather composes the “chain.” All of it has been made in the US, and it represents just one of many pieces in the FELTRAIGER and handmade, custom jewelry brand Red Rabbit Trading’s one-off collaboration.
This product is sold by FELTRAIGER + Red Rabbit Trading
Including 15 books and over 250 myths, Ovid’s “Metamorphoses” is a true classic—one many of us may feel a little shameful about, for not having read it yet. The clever and energetic poetry links mythical stories (like Pygmalion and the fall of Troy) via the theme of transformation. The new, cloth-bound cover was illustrated by Coralie Bickford-Smith and should be a little incentive to tick this significant tome off your reading list.
This product is sold by Penguin
With Japanese lifestyle and clothing brand Beams lending design flourishes (notably, the two colorways and non-mirrored strap choice), Teva’s limited run Hurricane XLT Adventure Sandals might just be some of the nicest looking we’ve seen released. As for the inclusion of adventure in the product name, that’s referring to the thick footbed, with a proprietary “Shoc Pad” in the heel and a durabrasion rubber outsole. Of course, these are sandals—but certainly sturdier than most.
This product is sold by Beams + Teva
This huge beach blanket is big enough to fit the whole gang (it measures nine by seven feet) but packs down into its own little bag, making it super-easy to transport from beach to park—whether you’re cycling or taking the bus. Made from parachute nylon, it’s lightweight and won’t let sand stick to it. Also featuring anchor pockets, the blanket can be secured in the sand (or grass) so it doesn’t blow away.
This product is sold by Wildhorn Outfitters
A bi-fold with just the right amount of personality, Maison Margiela’s new stain effect grey leather wallet calls to mind Jackson Pollock on a bovine canvas. Striking design aside, it’s also a highly functional item with three card slots on either side and a divider between the bill pocket. For years now, Margiela has been a fashion industry innovator and it’s nice to see the brand’s dedication to details on everyday use accessories.
This product is sold by Maison Margiela
A wonderfully tongue-in-cheek piece by New Jersey-based multimedia artist Ray Geary, this “Not So Ancient Tile #9” is a delightful and unexpected addition to your art collection. Measuring 12 inches on each side, the tile is made from cast hydrostone. Not exactly something Indiana Jones would discover in an ancient tomb, this tile is for modern (or maybe more accurately, fake) archaeologists who like a smiley face on their artifacts.
This product is sold by Ray Geary
Regardless of the time of day you set aside for ironing, the very act is perceived of as a hassle by most. Anyone who has transitioned to a steamer knows the value there, but with LG’s Styler, more is at play. Not only does the system gently reduce wrinkles—all on its own—but it also lifts odors. It’s an ideal appliance for in between dry cleaning items and comes complete with an internal pants press. This is a luxury home (or hospitality) appliance but the benefits, especially on delicate clothes, are undeniably valuable.
This product is sold by LG
Made from mostly recycled pink polyester, these lined board shorts are as functional as they are fun. They feature the standard two angled pockets, as well as a zippered back pocket for your valuables. The block color is simple enough not to feel gaudy, but the pink hue is perfect for channeling your inner flamingo. They also come with a waterproof bag for when you need to transport your wet duds.
This product is sold by Paul Smith
This brand new all-in-one home brewing kit contains everything you’ll need to make your own iced coffee: a pouch of 12 Bean Bags (which contain coffee, spices and chicory) and the easy-to-use pouch—complete with spout for pouring straight from the fridge. Making the cold brew concentrate is foolproof: simply toss four Bean Bags into the pouch, add water, seal it up and refrigerate it overnight. By the time you wake up the next morning, you’ll have enough cold brew to make 12 cups of iced coffee—plenty of caffeine hits that should last about two weeks in the fridge.
This product is sold by Grady's
Made from soft reversed French terry, this range of caps from KNYEW features embroidered words inspired by Stevie Wonder lyrics. From “pastime paradise” to “higher ground” and “living in the city,” each hat is a different mellow hue—though they’re all super-wearable. Our pick is the peachy, salmon-colored iteration which states “overjoyed” so you can share positive vibes on your hat, even if you’re frowning.
This product is sold by KNYEW
Not only is the design of the bottle gorgeous, the vermouth inside is delicious. If you’re only drinking vermouth in cocktails, this is the best way to venture further: try it on ice, with a little soda, or (as it’s traditionally consumed in Spain) with sparkling water, a slice of citrus fruit and a green olive. It makes for a perfect afternoon or brunch cocktail—somewhat akin to an Aperol spritz.
This product is sold by Casa Mariol
First published in 2009, a very comprehensive tome of Tom of Finland works, “Tom of Finland XXL” contained over 1000 images—covering around 60 years of the artist’s work. The book is now available in a second edition (currently on pre-order) and features paintings and sketches that span sexuality, pleasure, love, traumas and illnesses faced by men. With words by John Waters, Camille Paglia and more, it’s available in English, French or German.
This product is sold by TASCHEN
Along with tasting delicious, Steep Echo’s all-natural teas are also healthy. Olive leaf tea contains a super-powerful compound called oleuropein with potency almost double that of green tea extract. Oleuropein boosts the immune system and energy levels, while promoting cardiovascular health. Our pick from the several Steep Echo flavors is Bloom which also incorporates peppermint, echinacea root, licorice root, thyme and rosemary.
This product is sold by Steep Echo
The second version of its portable instant film printers, Fujifilm’s Instax Share SP-2 means your smartphone photos don’t have to live only in your camera roll or on Instagram. Faster and with extra customization options (like saturation and brightness), the printer produces high-quality two-inch-by-three-inch photos that are available in just 10 seconds. There’s nothing quite like tangible pictures, and these high-res mini pics are real photos—on photo paper—made for sharing.
This product is sold by Fujifilm
Pack for your next weekend trip with this deceptively spacious bag. Available in subtle blue or gray, the circular bag expands to fit everything you need for a couple days away. With two interior mesh pockets and extras on the outside, the bag features blue striped lining and is made from durable polyester.
This product is sold by Poketo
If you couldn’t catch Björk on tour performing her heartbreak-to-healing Vulnicura, the Icelandic artist has collected her favorite performances into a live album, plus a few classics like “Wanderlust.” The luxury edition boxset includes a double LP and CD, as well as six photo prints and a build-your-own Björk moth paper mask—based on James Merry original design she wore on tour. It ships September, when the exhibition “Björk Digital” also opens at London’s Somerset House, showcasing her art-tech innovations like her VR music videos. There will also be one-night-only concert at Royal Albert Hall.
This product is sold by Björk
No camping (or staycation) adventure is complete without a fire, and no campfire is complete without s’mores. But sometimes cooking the sweet treat can be difficult, not to mention messy, with skewers and sticks. Essentially three little cages with a handle, this metal roaster is a neat and simple way to cook them over a fire. It can also be used to make grilled cheese sandwiches and just about anything else that will fit.
This product is sold by Terrain
Instant coffee gets a bad rap for its sludgy results, but 2015 Finnish Barista Champion Kalle Freese is using it as a way to make specialty coffee more convenient and accessible. Freeze-dried shots of espresso made from single-origin beans—roasted by trusted names like SF’s Ritual Coffee–transform into complex (never bitter) flavors that won’t leave you craving something freshly brewed. We’re most excited to whip a tube of Sudden Coffee on our next flight—just add hot or cold water (or even milk).
This product is sold by Sudden
Depending on how you feel about snakes, this pennant from Oxford might be the perfect addition to your house—but the phrase actually refers to the predicament of having too many tasks to complete. The black wool pennant—made in USA— shimmers with gold lettering to remind all those overworked folks out there to focus, rather than stretch themselves thin. The company makes plenty of city-centric decorations too; check out their entire range.
This product is sold by Oxford
Whether Snachatting, catching Pokemon, emailing or actually calling people, a power bank for your smartphone is an essential. The new Dubleup designs do exactly what you think, but they are super-slim and lightweight—and they’re the size of a credit card. Complete with a built-in lightning cable, these gadgets are available for iPhone and Android and come in three colorways: gold, black or silver. Price is in Australian dollars.
This product is sold by Dubleup
A confluence of many CH favorites: Australian industrial designer Marc Newson has designed a Montblanc rollerball pen set exclusively for the most acclaimed watch website HODINKEE. This is an heirloom quality writing implement, complete with a platinum-coated clip and an individual serial number. The pen’s polished black resin case exudes class and the device has been weighted for ideal grip and usage. This is a pen for lovers of writing and design, housed in a black full-grain calfskin pouch with jacquard lining.
This product is sold by Marc Newson for HODINKEE
