Interview: Aldo Bakker

The Dutch designer on material, process and his family's extensive history

by Stefano Caggiano Designs by Aldo Bakker look quite different from designs by his father Gijs Bakker who, in 1993 founded—with Renny Ramakers—the worldwide famous “conceptual design” brand Droog. Rather than focused on the concept, Aldo Bakker’s pieces feature a strong by-hand control of the fusion between form and material. Highly skilled in jewelry, glass and wooden design, Bakker is influenced by Constantin Brâncuși, Georgio …

Interview: Tinker Hatfield of Nike

A one-on-one talk with the Vice President of Creative Concepts about facilitating innovation and inspiration

During Nike‘s recent Nature Amplified summit at their Beaverton, OR headquarters, we were presented with a series of innovations that comprise the next palette for product development from the sportswear giant. A visit to the Nike Sports Research Lab meant a deep dive into the methodologies used to understand human mechanics. Of course, all the latest footwear, including the supportive-yet-sensitive Hyperfeel and and the slipper-like …

Lasvit Tour de France Trophy 2013

The world's most celebrated bicycle race marks its 100th year with a hand-blown crystal trophy

As the 100th Tour de France came to close on Sunday, 21 July, Briton Chris Froome hoisted the trophy for the first time. While the athletic accomplishment is an impressive one, the sculptural trophy itself is commendable as well. Produced by designer Peter Olah for Czech glassmakers Lasvit for the jubilee year of the race, the hand-blown and hand-cut trophy achieves an elegant balance; being …