Known as Zealandia or Te Riu-a-Māui, an ancient supercontinent exists underneath New Zealand. “Only recently recognized by scientists, Zealandia is the most submerged, thinnest, and youngest continent yet found,” and geologist Rose Turnbull is dedicated to unraveling its secrets. While the landmass was believed to be relatively young, with a crust roughly 500 million years old, the discovery and testing of crystals of zircon collected …
The plunger is a household essential, but one that’s rarely attractive. This one—available in four bright colorways—from NYC-based Staff is more design-forward and playful than most on the market. With an acrylic handle, it comes with a sanitary drip tray and stands just under 24 inches tall. Founded during the pandemic by Charlie Weisman, Staff aims to bring thoughtful design, interesting materials, bold colors and …
As many cities around the world purposely make spaces and surfaces impossible to skate, Folkestone (a port town in England) has—through the 2021 Creative Folkestone Triennial—commissioned public sculptures designed for skateboarders to enjoy. Made by multidisciplinary collective Assemble (in collaboration with local skaters), the nine “Skating Situations” are located on the city’s Harbour Arm promenade. Made from “raw Kentish ragstone found on the beach and …
Iconic furniture manufacturers (and historic competitors) Herman Miller and Knoll are set to merge into a powerhouse design entity named MillerKnoll. The deal, valued at approximately $1.8 billion, will attempt to reimagine “collaboration, culture and focused work, while supporting a growing remote employee base,” according to Andi Owen, president and CEO of Herman Miller. Over the years, both brands have become renowned for their “premier designs …
Moscow-based design firm Art. Lebedev Studio has proposed a traffic light alternative to the classic unit that’s been more or less unmodified (from a design point of view) since one debuted in Cleveland in 1914. Rather than stack the three colors (which is actually a means to help colorblind drivers), the studio’s dazzling design features one LCD panel that shifts colors continuously, but uses clear …
A figurative 180 on glass-bottom boat tours, artist and designer Ian Callender’s installation “Uptown Underground” projects geographically correct moving images of New York buildings on the ceilings of NYC’s subway cars. The battery-powered artwork uses four projectors that are connected with “raspberry pi’s which communicate over a peer-to-peer WiFi network… They synchronize and accordingly offset as informed by geolocation and acceleration data from a cellphone …
The 2021 iPhone Photography Awards process was unlike any in its 14-year history. Every photo was taken during a remarkable year—one of loss, grief, fear and isolation. While many of the winning photos and honorable mentions certainly illustrate the pandemic, with images of people wearing masks and deserted spaces, several also capture hope, joy and pleasure. Many also show everyday moments and striking scenes from …
The sound quality of in-ear headphones can be lacking that immersive feeling, but the PI7 In-Ear Wireless Headphones from English audio company Bowers & Wilkins provides big sound in a small package. Founded in the 1960s, the brand has been innovating audio products for 50+ years and these headphones are evidence of their success. With adaptive noise-cancelling capability, 24-bit connection and Qualcomm aptX technology, and …
Warby Parker and Entireworld have collaborated on a collection of limited edition ’70s-inspired sunglasses. The existing Hatcher frames are now available in four new colorways chosen by Entireworld: oxblood, jade, midnight, and blossom jade. Not only do they feature a decidedly retro appeal, but proceeds from every sale will be donated to Equal Justice Initiative, an organization that helps find legal representation for wrongly convicted …
Even during the most intense summer showers, the L6 > Waterproof Outer has kept us perfectly dry, thanks to its tech-forward composition: 100% Japanese recycled polyester with a non-fluorinated, water-repellant finish. With a hydrostatic head of 20,000mm, this jacket will keep wearers dry in heavy rain and wet snow. Complete with bonded and seam-taped YKK Aquaguard® zips and plenty of pocket space, this durable garment …
Each Valeria Vasi object is handcrafted in Barcelona, including the just released and limited edition Liquid Vase. The handblown glass vessel stands 25cm tall (just under 10 inches) and its fluid form appears just as striking whether holding a bloom or empty. It’s the perfect piece to illustrate how Vasi balances visual art with function. Price is in Euros.
English-Nigerian singer-songwriter and producer Samm Henshaw brings plenty of vintage soul and gospel-inspired back-up vocals to his latest lush tune, “Grow.” He says, it’s “just a song about understanding that the hard parts of a relationship (any relationship) are necessary for growth and strength and that we shouldn’t give up at the first sign of trouble.” The uplifting bop is the second tune from his …
The second single from singer-songwriter Indigo De Souza’s upcoming album Any Shape You Take (out 27 August), “Hold U” is a sweet pop-leaning tune that begins with soft vocals and synths, before evolving with swirling guitar and percussion. Of the bright, optimistic song, she says, “I wanted to write about a really simple kind of love that isn’t necessarily romantic, but that is just about …
French-Senegalese artist anaiis teams up with New Jersey-born Topaz Jones for “chuu,” a song that blends elements of contemporary hip-hop and trap with R&B and layered ethereal effects that make it feel a little otherworldly. Appearing on anaiis’ upcoming album, the song’s introspective lyrics are brought to life thanks to her mesmerizing voice.
Montreal-based trio Planet Giza (Rami B, Tony Stone and DoomX) have teamed up with Philadelphia rapper Ivy Sole for the spacey, soulful “Out of Touch.” The vocalists’ smooth harmonies flow into Ivy Sole’s effortless verse, altogether making for a groovy, mellow collaboration.
Alabama Shakes’ front-woman and guitarist, Brittany Howard recently announced Jaime Reimagined—an entire album of covers and remixes of her 2019 solo debut Jaime. The album’s first single “Stay High” remains an airy, uplifting vintage-sounding soul song—replete with rhythmic guitar, celesta and textured percussion. For Jaime Reimagined, Childish Gambino (aka Donald Glover) eschews the guitar for strings, synths and handclaps, with his familiar falsetto sweeping over the …
Free and open to everyone from 19-20 July, the Disability Futures Virtual Festival will present thoughtful dialogue between, and groundbreaking art from, several of today’s leading disabled artists, performers, designers and writers. The inaugural online event showcases the work of the 20 multi-disciplinary creative fellows of Disability Futures—a fellowship created for and by disabled practitioners; supported by the Ford Foundation and the Andrew W Mellon …
