Smithsonian’s “Great Design” Book

A spectacular survey of great moments and individuals in the expansive world of design, from the 1860s onward

Only the Smithsonian Institution could compile a survey of design from the 1860s onward and somehow land every major milestone. Their new book, released this month by DK Publishing, is as comprehensive as it is beautiful. Covering design from across the world, the book incorporates everything from technology to textiles, furniture and industrial design. Full photographic galleries—including detail shots and even sketches—meet insight in this …

Test Drive: 2014 BMW 4 Series

We hit the streets of Seattle in an automobile that's beautiful and functional, inside and out

by Davis Adams In light of the launch of its new 4 Series coupe, BMW invited CH to the Pacific Northwest to spend some time with what will surely be its next best-selling sports car. First things first—the name—a question that has become challenging for BMW’s marketing team, as the brand has consolidated the nomenclature for its sports cars. The logic would seem easy enough: …

Shinola Runwell Di2

Classic styling meets top-of-the-line electronic components in the Detroit manufacturer's latest bicycle offering

In less than two years, Detroit-based consumer goods manufacturer Shinola has raised the bar in quality and innovation for American-made goods. While the Detroit-based company’s watches and retail spaces continue to impress, their bicycle program keeps turning heads in both the cycling and design world. The American manufacturing powerhouse is going all in with the newest limited edition version of its French Porteur-style urban bike—the …