Some 23 brands—including Nike, Adidas and Warby Parker—are testing a closed beta version of Instagram with an in-app point of sale. A big, blue “Checkout on Instagram” button will indicate when a product is available. Pre-stored payment information, done through Facebook, will then allow for much quicker purchasing. It’s the latest shopping feature rolling out from the app, and more developments are expected. Read more …
Instagram’s In-App Checkout Feature
Mini Tele Shirley Bag
$225
With an outer made from flexible PVC, the mini Tele Shirley bag from Staud is a practical little bag with a retro-future aesthetic. With an inner pouch crafted from white calf leather and wrapped in swirling telephone cords, it’s finished with a calf leather handle. Opt for just the pouch or carry the whole bag for a bit more room—it’s eye-catching either way.
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Stories from around the web that we think you should read
Jim Henson’s Creature Shop + Tombot’s Robo-Dog Companion
On a mission to improve the quality of life for senior citizens dealing with loneliness and depression, Tombot’s robotic puppy—which has exceeded funding on Kickstarter—emulates real-life dog behaviors. With artistic design by Jim Henson’s Creature Shop, the robo-dog certainly looks the part. And, as it’s a responsibility-free pet, companionship is manageable. Tombot’s touch-sensitive pup isn’t the first in this category, but it is the most …
1980s Film Posters From Ghana
Bucking the stereotypical blockbuster movie posters, Ghanian artists during the ’80s created gorgeous and witty hand-painted versions. Taking the core ideas of each film and combining them with popular culture and “complex iconography,” the posters (many of which will be on display until 23 March at the Brunei Gallery) represented Ghana’s blossoming film industry. These posters are evidence of a heightened interest in seeing Western …
Farewell to Andre Williams, R&B Singer and Godfather of Rap
Singer, songwriter and arguably the inventor of rap
Zephire “Andre” Williams—singer/songwriter and arguably the inventor of rap—has passed away in Chicago at 82 years old. Nicknamed Mr Rhythm, Williams worked in the music industry in various positions since the 1950s, from procuring and developing new talent to songwriting and producing. He co-wrote “Shake Your Tail Feather,” produced for Parliament-Funkadelic, teamed up with the Dirtbombs—his desire to make and explore music was, by all …
Supersonic Aircraft’s Shockwaves Shot by NASA
The first-ever images of two shockwaves interacting, taken by NASA, appeared online this week. These photos—shot using a 150-year-old German technique—are some of the first of supersonic flights in the air and not in a wind tunnel. Seeing how the shockwaves interact with one another and on their own, NASA may be able to reduce the noisiness of sonic booms—the result of pressure changes when …
Notes: On Hudson Yards
Our takeaways from exploring the micro-city, its monuments and restaurants
Buy Guide
The latest additions to our shoppable directory
CBD-Infused Honey
$19
Sourced from Bee Local in Portland, Oregon, Alto Essentials‘ CBD-infused honey is dark, robust and incredibly high-end—and it contains the cannabinoid best known for soothing inflammation and stress. Use the honey as you normally would and reap the benefits of the 5mg serving of CBD.
Crepe Indigo Terry Cardigan Blazer
$175
Dyed a medium indigo hue, Goodlife’s terry cardigan blazer boasts the silhouette of a more formal garment with the feel of something more relaxed. Part cardigan and part blazer, it is an easygoing piece that will fade and age with character. Because of the brand’s unique dye process, each blazer will look a bit different.
Limited Edition Duffle Bag
$600
Handmade in the US, KILLSPENCER’s limited edition duffle bag has been crafted from Italian oil-suede in a rich, olive green hue. With Swiss Riri zippers, bullhide leather accents and a removable and adjustable shoulder strap, the bag is practical, yet luxurious and understated. Ultimately though, it’s sturdy—thanks in part to fire-retardant and waterproof nylon lining.
L’Internationale Saison
$18
Based on an official recipe from the Saison, Bière de Garde and Farmhouse Ale Appreciation Society, American Solera’s L’Internationale is a saison as it should be—crisp, peppery, light, refreshing and around 6% ABV. The Tulsa, Oklahoma brewery was one of 10 to brew the recipe and they’ve released it to widespread acclaim.
Lizzo + Missy Elliott: Tempo
Lizzo and Missy Elliott have teamed up for an absolute banger with “Tempo.” With a beat that’s reminiscent of an early 2000s hip-hop club anthem, it’s a celebration of thick women: “Slow songs, they for skinny hoes / Can’t move all of this here to one of those / I’m a thick bitch, I need tempo.” The third track from Lizzo‘s Cuz I Love You, …
Jamila Woods: Eartha
Part homage to the great Eartha Kitt, part ode to self-love, Jamila Woods’ newest single “Eartha” (from her forthcoming album LEGACY! LEGACY! out 10 May on Jagjaguwar) is a soulful, slow ride. Though it’s anchored by the depth of Woods’ vocals, the instrumental—comprised of drums, keys, drum pad and some electronic chords—shines. “Who’s gonna share my love for me with me?” she sings on the …
Interview: Jerico Mandybur, Author of Neo-Tarot
We discuss empowerment and self-care through an ancient practice
Writer/editor/speaker/podcast host, Jerico Mandybur is also the editorial director at Girlboss and the author of the brand new Neo Tarot: A Fresh Approach to Self-Care, Healing & Empowerment. Officially releasing 2 April (but available for pre-order now), the book comes with a deck of tarot cards, and the set offers a unique, contemporary and thoughtful guide to tarot. Accessible for rookies, and useful for seasoned readers, …
Tempus Now’s SS19 Homage to Africa, Afrofuturism
Contemporary menswear infused with African tradition
Tempus Now, helmed by South African-born designer Ora Fine, is an LA-based label that fuses African influences and processes into contemporary menswear releases. For SS19, Fine designed a collection called Afrofuturism—pulling from his intellectual and creative memories to create clothing that’s representative of his world; a place somewhere between South Africa and LA. “I was looking for context as I set out to design SS19, …
Interview: MVMT Watches Co-Founder Jake Kassan
How one minimal wristwatch brand set itself apart from the rest
A few months after MVMT watches raised $220,000 on Indiegogo—back in 2013—co-founder Jake Kassan reached out to us via LinkedIn. He wanted to get his products in our hands. The brand was growing. Their site traffic and sales were increasing. And their social media presence was nothing short of exponential. Today, they’ve got one million followers on Instagram. Moreover, their collections have expanded and improved. …
Louis Cole: Doing The Things (Short Song)
Instantly recognizable as a Louis Cole bop, the delightful “Doing The Things (Short Song)” has just been released—and is also a teaser for the upcoming Live Sesh and Xtra Songs EP, which is due out on 5 April. Melting together funk, pop and so much more, the track is off-kilter in the best possible way. The LA-based singer/songwriter/producer and multi-instrumentalist is also heading out on tour—from …
New York Public Library’s Lou Reed Archive
Before NYC rock icon Lou Reed passed away in 2013, he did not give instructions on how to handle the large collection of recordings, photographs, notes and other artifacts from his prolific career. His wife, Laurie Anderson, decided to donate the collection to an institution that would display it for the public—and to “present raw material and let people make up their own minds.” Two …
Artisan Revere’s Chef Knife
Ultra-thin and resilient, this knife hit Kickstarter today
Most chef’s knives boast weight and a menacing blade. Wielding one, with any sort of precise skill, can be a daunting task. There are plenty of low-level options with less weight and a less intense blade, but they often don’t last—or they aren’t aesthetically appealing. But Artisan Revere‘s chef knife, which hits Kickstarter today, is a lightweight option that outperforms some of the most acclaimed …
Mitski: Let’s Get Married (Bleachers Cover)
As part of Terrible Thrills, Vol. 3—a vinyl-only collection of covers from Bleachers’ 2017 album Gone Now—Mitski recorded a version of “Let’s Get Married.” The song is minimal but layered. It’s stripped away all the big and joyful production from the Bleachers version—which is actually how it sounded originally, according to Jack Antonoff. Since the recording will never be available digitally, it’s appeared online as an mp3, …
Word of Mouth: Portland, Oregon
The quintessential PNW city has grown up but its kept its inventive charm
Reprinting 1927’s The Bolted Book
Depero Futurista (oftentimes known as The Bolted Book) is a 1927 design book by Fortunato Depero—bound together by two aluminum bolts. A testament to ingenuity and creativity, the book was acclaimed and referenced for many years, but very few copies remain. A Kickstarter by Design & Books hopes to publish it once again. The bolts will bind it still—locking in the early 20th Century typographic …
Farewell to Influential Curator and Art Historian, Okwui Enwezor
An incredibly influential figure in the contemporary art world, Okwui Enwezor has passed away at just 55 years old. Not only a curator and art historian, Enwezor was a poet and critic whose astute way of thinking pushed for a more global view of art. Born in Awkuzu, Nigeria, he moved to the Bronx as a teenager, and over his career he was the artistic …
Anderson .Paak: King James
Anderson .Paak‘s third album Oxnard was just released in November and he’s already sharing new music from his fourth record Ventura. The first song from the LP, “King James” is an ode to LeBron James and his dedication to giving back to underserved communities. It also mentions Colin Kaepernick kneeling, the possible border wall, gun violence and more. While the subject matter sounds heavy, it’s …