Comprised of 24 pages full of photographs, Benjie Escobar’s Vamos a Japan! spotlights scenes the creative captured during trips there (specifically Tokyo and Kyoto) in over the past few years. Based in LA, Escobar is a designer by trade, and his photographs are evidence of his broad skills and artistic talent. This first edition of the zine is printed by Buenas Vibras DC.
This product is sold by Benjoe Escobar
Made from pulped eucalyptus and beech and bioreactor-grown algae, Vollebak’s aptly named Plant and Algae T-shirt can be composted and all fabrics and inks are produced from sustainable plantations that are FSC- and PEFC-certified. The supple blend of lyocell from trees and linen from plants proves soft and comfortable, and the algae-made ink won’t run or bleed—or pollute waterways. The brand affirms, if composted, this garment will be worm food in 12 weeks.
This product is sold by Vollebak
Covering the years 1950 to 1999, Do You Compute? Selling Tech from the Atomic Age to the Y2K Bug compiles the most memorable tech (specifically computer) advertising of the 20th century. A survey of the advertising industry, study in graphic design and type, and a look at how computers have changed over the years, the book contains images pulled from museums, university archives, and private collections to showcase just how far 50 years got us. Also inside are two essays—one by anthropologist Ryan Mungia and another by graphic design historian Steven Heller—that complement the visual assets. Mungia. along with J.C. Gabel, also edited the book which is an essential for design and tech enthusiasts alike.
This product is sold by Hat and Beard Press
Made in Colorado from 1000D Cordura® and 400D nylon, this Topo Designs bike bag is made to be strapped to your handlebars, but doubles as a mini tote. Weatherproof all the way down to its waterproof zipper, the nifty triangle-shaped bag will hold bike tools, as well as a couple small items. With a secret interior pocket and daisy-chain webbing on the outside (making attaching a light easy), it even has a padded base to keep your possessions safer.
This product is sold by Topo Designs
Playfully asymmetrical, these PLIE earrings are handmade in Seattle by Faris. Available in bronze (with lapis, jade and pearl) or sterling silver (with red glass, pineapple jasper and pearl), they will naturally oxidize over time, but can be polished up to their shiniest state easily. Designed by Faris Du Graf, they are sculptural and bold, while remaining sleek and elegant.
This product is sold by FARIS
Beloved travel website Atlas Obscura’s second edition of An Explorer’s Guide to the World’s Hidden Wonders channels their keen eye and unparalleled ability to document strangely desirable (and desirably strange) destinations. This compendium of the curious couples almost 100 new destinations with 12 detailed city guides and a foldout map that includes an itinerary for an around-the-world road trip fit for the loftiest dreamer. Delights abound as the guide also manages to direct travelers inward, to the core reason they themselves want to travel.
This product is sold by Atlas Obscura
Wrapped in a blue and white grid cover, Poketo’s A5 Monthly Planner (which measures 5.8 by 8.3 inches) is printed on tree-free paper. Thanks to its open-date grid system, users can use it during any year. With enough pages to span a 16-month period, this planner is also available in A4 and A6 sizes.
This product is sold by Poketo
Part journal, part organizer, Adam Kurtz’s Unsolicited Advice Weekly Planner includes all of the usual dates and holidays—as well as some unexpected activities and check-ins. Whether reflecting on challenges from the past month, rating pizza toppings, listing irrational fears or noting some positive personal growth, there’s plenty to keep you inspired to continue using this planner. Kurtz’s contrasting bleak humor and earnest positivity, along with his familiar type and illustrations, come together over 224 coil-bound pages.
This product is sold by Adam J Kurtz
Part art book, part cookbook, part biography, Mirka & George: A Culinary Affair documents the life of Mirka and Georges Mora, Melbourne-based couple by way of Paris. Their apartment became a hub for the artistic community and their restaurants accommodated the overflow. This book—through photos, prints of their art, recipes and more—explains why the pair were so beloved and became icons of the Australian city.
This product is sold by Melbourne University Press
Composed by Sufjan Stevens and played by Timo Andres, this ballet score for a Justin Peck-choreographed dance performance (which premiered with the New York City Ballet in 2017) impresses with its subtlety and emotion. Far from merely background music, the 10 tracks (referencing the collection’s title Decalogue, which means 10 commandments) dip, accelerate, crescendo, and sometimes even pause entirely to afford the performers solemnity. The Deluxe version of the LP comes with a 40-page songbook and an art print by Charlotte de Mezamat.
This product is sold by Sufjan Stevens + Timo Andres
Featuring a design by Guadalajara-based artist Daniel Barreto, Slowdown Studio’s 100% cotton Spencer Throw measures out to 54 by 70 inches—meaning it’s big enough for a couch or bed, or as a wall-hanging. Featuring Barreto’s wavy, organic plants, the blanket’s palette is subtle but with pops of jewel tones. Spun and woven in the USA, it’s manufactured from yarn made from 70% recycled cotton.
This product is sold by Daniel Barreto + Slowdown Studio
In Japanese households it’s customary to remove your shoes upon entering the home. Thus comfortable and durable house slippers are a necessary accessory. SUBU, a Tokyo brand making such slippers, also makes a packable iteration. With a cushioned sole and a poly fill, they’ll keep your feet comfortable and warm. Available in sizes 5.5 to 12, they’re also available in three colors: gloss black, foil silver and neon yellow.
This product is sold by Subu
Grand Union: Stories is prolific author Zadie Smith’s first collection of short stories. The respected and beloved author features her horror tales alongside historical fiction, reflective pieces on modernity, dystopian tales and more. While diverse in subject and genre, Smith’s writing is consistently rich, thoughtful and measured. There are 19 stories within, 11 of which are new and exclusive to this release.
This product is sold by Penguin Press
Printed on recycled paper from French Paper Co, NYC-based Poem Press’ “Court Notecards” feature a grainy, sky-blue basketball court on one side and blank space for notes on the other. Measuring out to be 3.25” by 5.25”, there’s ample room for messages and doodles—or plays on the court.
This product is sold by Poem Press
Made from 100% recycled fishing nets, House of Holland and Speedo’s long-sleeved swimsuit boasts a somewhat retro tie-dye pattern, but the silhouette is contemporary and sleek. With high-cut legs, the suit’s plunging zipper offers a little flexibility and breathability.
This product is sold by House of Holland + Speedo
With CBD, aloe vera, sorbitol and more, Quim’s Smooth Operator serum promotes blood flow and pelvic relaxation, making it ideal for use during sex. Simply apply a few pumps of the potion about five to seven minutes prior to engaging in sexual activity. This serum is also soothing and can decrease inflammation. Of course, it’s non-psychoactive and safe to use with latex condoms or dental dams.
This product is sold by Quim
Taking an all-natural approach to your pooch’s nutrition, Ernest wants to make pet care more healthy and simple. Their Peanut Butter + Banana Recipe Biscuits are made up of just three ingredients—oats, peanut butter and banana—and are wheat-free, making them easier for your dog to digest them. With 14% crude protein and 9% crude fat, they offer plenty of nutrients for your pup.
This product is sold by Ernest Pet
Made in small batches with certified organic durum semolina, all Semolina Artisanal Pasta is extruded through bronze dies to give the pasta a rough exterior texture—ideal for holding onto sauces. For this limited edition gift set, founder Leah Ferrazzani adds her favorite organic California-grown whole-peeled tomatoes from Bianco di Napoli, a box of Jacobsen Salt Co Kosher Salt from Portland, tomato paste, hot cherry peppers and a choice of a bottarga or fennel pollen.
This product is sold by Semolina Pasta
Unlike typical gift boxes, Kokoro Care Packages puts the emphasis on producers—oftentimes generational, hard-to-find ones. Their Seasonal Delights box (which can be bought as a one-time gift or as a quarterly delivery) comes with over seven all-natural Japanese treats, ranging from noodles and sauces to seasonings and snacks. Each comes with its own translated directions for preparation and taste profile, and a little information about the producer. Kokoro prides themselves on picking ingredients for their quality, thus oftentimes including limited production items that rarely make it beyond the bounds of the archipelago nation.
This product is sold by Kokoro Care Packages
Victory Journal shifts its focus for the 17th issue, and centers on outliers and rebels who are changing the sports they play. From an essay about Bushwick’s drag wrestling scene to Kosovo’s emerging gymnastics program, and an interview with self-proclaimed outsider David Shrigley, the insights are fascinating and varied. With plenty of accompanying art and photography, the Victory again proves it’s also a welcome outsider in the world of sports publications.
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Produced and assembled in Italy, Yniq goggles for skiing and snowboarding blend a luxury aesthetic with functional components seamlessly. Protecting against harmful UV rays, the goggles offer an extreme peripheral field of vision and an anti-fog coating—so you’ll see more no matter the mountain conditions. Anti-scratch, the lenses come in several different tints but we can’t go past this intense orange iteration. Price is in Euros.
This product is sold by Yniq
Shaped like a freshwater bream, this Welcome Soap is moulded with a Kashigata, and replicates the popular fish-shaped Taiyaki cake. Available in three colors, each one boasts a different fragrance: red is pomegranate, white is lily blossom, and black is brown sugar. With lovely, minimal packaging, this soap-on-a-rope is made in Japan.
This product is sold by Tamanohada
Written by Dave Eggers, Tomorrow Most Likely is unsurprisingly playful and simultaneously tender. The book, illustrated by Lane Smith, preaches the virtues of going to sleep and waking up ready for the new day—and all the exciting, odd and glorious things that could happen then. “Tomorrow most likely there will be a door that leads to the world, where people are found,” one part reads. Intended for children aged three to five, it’s an ideal read-aloud bedtime story for the family.
This product is sold by Chronicle Books
With 800 by 600 pixels and 318 dpi in each print, the new Fujilink printer creates real-life photos from your smartphone, all while being incredibly portable. With a print-from-video option, there are plenty of edits to be made, and it easily pairs with your smartphone via Bluetooth. Available in pink, white or navy, the printer uses Instax Mini film to turn your digital camera roll into crisp, real photographs.
This product is sold by Fujifilm
Made for desks, window sills and other small spaces, the Hydropod by Brooklyn-based W&P is a five-piece hydroponic planter set made for at-home soil-free farming. The process leaves a significantly smaller footprint—using a nutrient water solvent as a food source. Made from plastic and frosted glass, the subtle design will offer a pop of color once your herbs start to bloom.
This product is sold by W&P Design
Made from slow-burning, unbleached 100% hemp pulp, Old Pal’s rolling papers come in a bundle of 40, with accompanying filters. Packed with enough papers for plenty of sessions, the magnetic-closure pack will keep them from getting torn, crumpled or wet.
This product is sold by Alcove
