According to a draft document (which is under review) released by the Pentagon, intelligent extraterrestrial beings might have already visited Earth and even be monitoring life here via research devices—or probes. Written by Sean Kirkpatrick (director of the Pentagon’s All-Domain Anomaly Resolution Office) and Avi Loeb (chairman of Harvard’s astronomy department and founder of the Galileo Project), the research paper says, “Since most stars formed more than …
$68
Containing an exfoliating powder and turmeric, this two-in-one treatment from KORA is both a scrub and a mask that softens and brightens skin. The refreshing formulation includes aspen bark (a natural BHA), rosehip seeds (which is rich in antioxidants and helps to polish skin) and peppermint, together yielding a subtle aroma. Made with certified organic ingredients, the gentle formula feels luxurious to use and leaves skin feeling supple …
Osaka-born artist Shunsuke Kawasaki’s upcoming show The Shape of Frequency at Somewhere Tokyo (on 14-30 April) will showcase his industrial, metal sculptures and functional speakers. Using aluminum, plastic, acrylic and wood, Kawasaki creates these striking pieces—some of which are retro-tinged, while others look like futuristic robots or have been inspired by ninja throwing stars—in editions of five. Bluetooth compatible and wired, these creations are beguiling …
In rural South India, the Chuzhi house from Wallmakers (an architectural firm founded by Vinu Daniel) twists and turns between rocky outcrops and trees, intricately maneuvering through its challenging terrain. The residence’s structure takes after a snake coiling under a rock and not only works with the landscape in a visual sense but is respectful of it. Made up of almost 4,000 plastic bottles that littered the …
The hallucinogen dimethyltryptamine—better known as DMT—is used commonly to initiate vivid visions, remarkable feelings, near-death experiences and even to contact interdimensional beings. The psychedelic compound is found in various plants including Psychotria viridis, which is used to brew ayahuasca—a spiritual medicine utilized by Indigenous people in the Amazon basin. Only recently have scientists scanned and studied brain activity during a DMT trip. For their research, …
Japan’s most recognizable orchid, the Spiranthes australis, has been cherished for centuries (it even features in The Man’yōshū, the oldest collection of Japanese waka poetry, dating back to 759AD) and it’s just been discovered to have an almost identical twin: the Spiranthes hachijoensis. The flower was actually hiding in plain sight—in private gardens, balconies, parks and more—and the common belief was “that all the Spiranthes …
$225
Appearing like molten lava that trapped gemstones within, the MENAGE Ring from Seattle-based jewelry brand FARIS (founded by Faris du Graf) is available in sterling silver or gold-plated iterations. The silver features citrine, topaz and a freshwater pearl, while the gold is adorned with garnet, citrine and a freshwater pearl. The piece possesses an organic element that’s charming and dramatic.
$305
Handmade in Portland, Oregon by Proba, The “Paw-fect” Bed elevates the humble pet cushion through its playful form and alluring colors. The splotch-shaped product pairs a 100% cotton outer (making it easy to wash) with recycled foam inside. This cushy, comfy spot is available in small, medium or large.
$200
Designed and sculpted by CH favorite Pansy Ass Ceramics in their Toronto studio, this Cock Pump Soap Dispenser makes a statement. Available in black, white or pale pink, it stands approximately nine inches tall and features a glossy finish.
$200
Limited to 150 pieces, this collaborative hoodie is adorned with a screenprint of beloved British painter Rose Wylie’s “Black Cat (Bones) (Study)” artwork on the back and her signature along the left sleeve. From the exclusive online art market Platform, known as a trove for captivating works from emerging artists at independent galleries, the comfortable garment is made in the USA and screenprinted in Red Hook, Brooklyn.
A slow-moving ballad by London-based recording artist Lucinda Chua featuring Singaporean producer Yeule (aka Nat Ćmiel), “Something Other Than Years” is gentle yet entirely arresting. Chua tapped Yeule for the enchanting track, which appears on the upcoming album YIAN (燕) (which means swallow in Chinese and pays homage to the singer-songwriter’s Chinese heritage).
To be released 7 July, the tribute album The Endless Coloured Ways – The Songs Of Nick Drake will feature 25 cover versions of tracks by the influential, almost mythic English singer-songwriter. Among the illustrious roster, British avant-pop act Let’s Eat Grandma contributes a moving rendition of “From The Morning,” the ethereal closing track on Drake’s third and final studio album, Pink Moon. “I’ve always …
Anyone who has glanced upon a baggage claim carousel recently might have been struck not by the differences in the luggage circulating but rather by the general sameness. A few brands repeat time and again and anyone who owns one of those must identify their belongings by way of stickers and tags. This is one of many reasons why the durable Spectra 3.0 collection (especially in its …
At first, “Warning Sign,” the latest single from Hannah Jadagu’s forthcoming debut album, Aperture, sounds sparse and soft, but then it transforms with surprising instrumentation. Abrupt percussion, gentle keys and spatial strings turn the indie-pop song into a textured listen. It’s yet another sublime, melodious track from the Texas-born singer, songwriter, producer and student.
The Japanese House (aka British singer-songwriter Amber Bain) returns with the moving single “Boyhood.” Featuring spacious, buoyant production and shimmering strings, the single captures the complexities of identity, from gender to the seemingly futile quest of being more than the sum of your circumstances. Bain shares, “When Katie and I were young and in love, we fantasized about riding off into the distance on her …
by Maggie York-Worth Danish company ice scraper combats the frosty downside of winter. Industrial designer Troels Seidenfaden (also Danish) created this chic t-shaped solution to the perils of ice and frost using his extensive experience at his eponymous design firm. Made from stainless steel, the weighty tool lives up to its Nordic heritage through simple functionality and, of course, beauty. (Click image at left for …
Not quite satisfied with his first homage to the deck, "Disposable: A History of Skateboard Art" (which we covered Amazon.) At a whopping 368 full-color pages, the hardcover indeed makes for something of a biblical account, cataloging an astonishing breadth of 20th Century skateboard graphics. Peppered with quotes from former pros and accounts from obsessive collectors, Disposable also ventures into new territory, charting the nostalgia-fueled …
by Stephanie Miles Handmade and mostly one-off leather handbags, headbands and belts have Canadians buzzing about Cha Cha, a new eco-friendly accessories label created by young designer Lori Chalmers. From Ostrich-print hip bags to woven totes made out of salvaged leather, the purses in Chalmers' line look as individual and unique as the women wearing them. After losing her job in graphic design, Chalmers channeled …
