Chika Kako, Lexus Chief Engineer, Discusses the First-Ever UX

A manga character helped the design team make the right tweaks to the all-new vehicle

When Chika Kako, the first woman chief engineer at Lexus, saw designs for the brand’s all-new UX subcompact crossover, she thought of childhood days spent watching anime cartoons with her brother. The SUV’s rear lights reminded her of Mazinger Z, a hulking manga robot on the small screen in the late 70’s and early 80’s. It was a good look for an animated character, she …

Factory Visit: Arc’teryx

A sneak peek at new products, testing sites and more at the brand's North Vancouver HQ

When we arrive at Arc’teryx headquarters, moody weather—a calling card of North Vancouver—has darkened the sky. Lush trees adorn the parking lot, blurring the light in the lobby with shadowy leaves. Inside the building, black steel beams frame the windows and hallways, like the darting lines on Arc’teryx clothing. It is nearly inescapable—this brand aesthetic—and it’s only the dozen or so dogs who come to …

Cement the Future of Global Culture at WORLDZ Summit 2018

Speakers, workshops, displays, networking and dinners across a weekend of creativitiy

The 2018 iteration of WORLDZ—a summit aimed at uniting “tomorrow’s leaders with today’s CEOs, CMOs, and Cultural Icons”—returns to Los Angeles on 17 and 18 October. The weekend’s festivities will be held at The Port of Los Angeles and will feature speakers, workshops, art installations and events covering a range of topics (from culture and technology to leadership and social impact). COOL HUNTING is excited to …