Public School’s Lab-Brewed Bio-Leather Sneakers

Through Slow Factory’s One x One science incubator program, Public School NY teamed up with Dr Theanne Schiros (of Columbia University and FIT) to make sneakers designed from leather grown in a natural fermentation process. The method (similar to how kombucha is made)  results in a material that can be formed to any mold, without excess—drastically reducing the waste produced. “The idea of a bacterially …

LEGO’s 1,552-Piece “Starry Night” by Vincent van Gogh

Imagined by 25-year-old PhD student Truman Cheng, LEGO’s new 1,552-piece toy set replicates Vincent van Gogh’s swirling masterpiece “Starry Night.” Cheng uploaded his 3D brick vision to the Danish toymaker’s Ideas website, where the brand crowdsources concepts for future products. Cheng received resounding support from other public users for his replica of the painter’s iconic colors and brush strokes. Cheng will earn one percent of …

Reed Art Department’s Parc Eames Lounge Chair + Ottoman

Limited to three, a design icon restoration that's inspired by New York City

In the history of furniture design, few additions are as cherished (or as recognizable) as the Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman, which debuted in 1956. To honor the molded-plywood icon, the Reed Art Department (RAD) creative agency partnered with the furniture archival and restoration experts at Parc for an imaginative refresh, looking to the asphalt of NYC as inspiration. With premium leather in a gradient from black …