London’s Clerkenwell Design Week once again draws excellent furniture from established and emerging studios alike. Parsing through the offerings can be difficult, as they’re tucked into pre-existing studios or hidden in one-off pop-ups. For anyone attending the event (on now through 23 May), Dezeen put together a list of five highlights. From a sculptural table by EOOS to a modular grid system, the selections here …
$140
Made from Baltic birch and cork, Fredericks and Mae’s beach tennis set includes everything you need to get your game going: two rackets, a cork ball and a cotton drawstring bag to carry it all. Make up your own rules, or follow the official instructions for the game (aka Kadima, Matkot or Frescoball) whether on the beach, park or backyard.
Primarily aimed at tech-oriented businesses, the newest iteration of Google’s Glass eyewear—the Glass Enterprise Edition 2—runs on Android, is faster, more powerful and has a longer battery life. Further, developers can create “Glass-friendly” apps that run more seamlessly on the wearable and owners can use a USB-C port to charge more quickly. Most pertinent for those working in warehouses or factories, the Enterprise Edition 2 …
Celebrating US songs that were popular in Japan and SingleCut’s launch in Tokyo, the brand’s new tropical and dense IPA (aptly named “Big In Japan”) features four different can variations—all with their own cartoonish QR code. The codes are comprised of motifs that act as hints to a song title and, when they’re scanned, they prompt Spotify to open and play the track—ultimately revealing whether …
“We have $100 million worth of equipment downstairs. And the dog can beat me?” MIT scientist Andreas Mershin asks. “That is pissing me off.” Mershin aims to develop a bot that detects an antigen that can be an indicator of prostate cancer. It’s one that properly trained dogs can sniff out with 90% accuracy. The physicist’s lab, Label Free Research Group, is attempting artificial olfaction, …
For $450, one can now buy a 1 terabyte version of SanDisk’s Extreme microSD cards. While the announcement was made back at Mobile World Congress, the product is now officially available on the SanDisk site. Current read speeds reach 90MB/s, and write speeds rise to 60MB/s—and an even faster version is expected in the near future. As Tech Crunch notes, many may “have a nightmare …
$28
Ghostly (one of our favorite record labels) is celebrating its 20th anniversary, and has released a bunch of merch to mark the occasion. Our pick from the collection is this six-panel cap, designed by LA-based Justin Sloane. Crafted from nylon (so it’s lightweight and perfect for warmer weather), it’s made in the USA and embroidered with Ghostly’s 20th anniversary logo—which, of course, features their trademark …
$11
Penned by Man Booker-nominated author David Means, Instructions for a Funeral is a poetic and poignant collection of short stories. From a tale about fatherhood to one that follows two FBI agents on a stakeout, the stories offer lifelong lessons about compassion, love, addiction and more. Each unlike the last, these tales not only thrill, but also also provoke contemplation.
$49
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 …
$50
Super-absorbent, Sunnylife’s Crocodile Rock towel features plenty of contrasts—including color and also texture, thanks to its soft velour front and terry back. Made from heavyweight 520 GSM cotton, it will hold up after repeated use—even on the sand and through exposure to salt water.
Another catchy number from musician Ezra Furman, “Calm Down” (aka “I Should Not Be Alone”) clocks in at 2:22 and doesn’t dip in its dramatic delivery at any point. The animated video, directed by Beth Jeans Houghton, swirls comic book color into the mix. After a milestone year for the songwriter, 2019 will see the release of his latest album, Twelve Nudes, out 30 August …
Fusing go-go, African and Caribbean rhythms and hip-hop, “Zulu Screams” is an upbeat bop outfitted with smooth verses from DMV-raised GoldLink and Nigerian-Brit Maleek Berry, with vocals from singer/songwriter Bibi Bourelly (who wrote “Bitch Better Have My Money” for Rihanna). The accompanying video—directed by Meji Alabi—takes place in a dark, chaotic warehouse party and features a hologram version of GoldLink, who seems summoned by the …
$34
Part of their new Chromesthesia series (made up of three scents), Ambrosia candle by Boy Smells entices with its distinct but subtle fragrance. The candle offers notes of mandarin peel, rosemary, galbanum, iris, hinkoki and vanilla—all the while avoiding being too zesty or citrusy. Made from a blend of food-grade coconut and beeswax, this candle offers 50+ hours of burn time. Like the others in …
Artist Harry Fonseca‘s work may look familiar—even if viewers have never seen it before. There’s an element of recent nostalgia underlining his work; a late 20th century charm that straddles traditional folk, pop and contemporary native art styles. His playful yet meticulous use of bright colors and bold patterns permeate the new show at LA‘s Autry Museum. Called Coyote Leaves the Res: The Art of Harry …
Baby Alpaca frontman Chris Kittrell returns as Heather Stranger, his moniker for a glitzy solo project that strikes deep. With production by Dave Sitek and Christopher Hines, lead single “Ruthless” tucks Kittrell’s Morrissey-like vocals into thoughtful, pop-friendly instrumentals. Underneath it all, however, is a song about doubt and defying insecurity. A message that works well with the glittery Bryan C. Watkins-directed video.
Roaring and somewhat reminiscent of a staticky space transmission, Slow Pulp’s “Do You Feel It” turns from a minimal soundscape into a classic—almost hair metal—anthem. Guitars slowly creep in as steady drums keep it all together. There’s an almost live quality to the track—which emits incredible energy over its short but sweet two minutes.
$160
Made in Japan, Snow Peak’s Take! chair is a six-pound, collapsible seat that’s easy to transport on all your summer adventures. Constructed from laminated bamboo and aluminum, it’s lightweight but still sturdy—and that goes for canvas seat covering too. Available in two sizes.
As one of the most respected design studios in the world, Pentagram selects their partners incredibly carefully. There’s no surprise then that somebody as talented as Giorgia Lupi is the company’s first new NYC partner in some seven years. From installations to brand identities, architecture and advertising, Pentagram’s disciplines are vast. Unlike other studios, the owners also create the work—meaning everybody in the company must …
Scheduled for the middle of May each year, NYCxDesign turns the city into a walkable, exhibition-ladened activation. From retail pop-ups and concept restaurants to larger-than-life installations and gallery shows, there’s a diverse and immense group of talent on show. Big shows like WantedDesign and ICFF are always worth visiting, but here are a few smaller events worth checking out this weekend. Design Within Reach + …
Sister City, a new outpost from the people behind the Ace Hotel properties, feels like a secret, futuristic escape. Guests check themselves in at kiosks just inside the lobby doors, which exist beyond a stone patio and a doorman-equipped gate (with an even more private back entrance on Freeman Alley). If visitors wished to duck away from the chaos of the city for a minute, …
