Maximo Riera Toad Sofa

A baroque bench with a massive amphibian rear rounds out the Animal Chair Collection

As an artist, sculptor and photographer, Maximo Riera has used his eye and craft of creating dramatic works across disciplines in his most recent project, The Animal Chair Collection. The ever-growing series of biologically accurate animals covers mammals, reptiles and insects from the octopus and elephant to walrus and beetle and now, the toad. The dynamic, sculptural furniture is certainly not for the faint of …

Weiwei-isms

Intelligent ruminations from China's most notorious radical artist

In his fight for freedom of expression, Ai Weiwei’s words are his ammunition. And fortunately, the controversial Chinese artist wields intellectual commentary with the voracity of a machine gun. For those who share his sentiments about the synonymity of art and activism, the new book “Weiwei-isms” is like having a nuclear arsenal of critical thinking right in your back pocket. For Weiwei, “Everything is art. …

Best of CH 2012: Brand Stories

Legendary labels reborn and new ventures set in motion

The entrepreneurial spirit showed no signs of waning in 2012. From new generations breathing new life into faltered family brands to the birth of a Brooklyn surf shop, we welcomed the return of iconic brands and were introduced to some new ones as well. We love when strong brands have a good backstory to go with the quality of their products, and the following are …