A Permanent Vacation + Valentich Backpacks

J. Crew's art director launches a new gear-centric website for those who love design and adventure

Launched this week, the e-commerce site A Permanent Vacation introduced their debut product—a sleek, backpack collaboration with Valentich Bags (now going by the name Campfire) of Ridgeway, Colorado. Made by hand in the States, the rectangular canvas bag is thoughtfully designed to accommodate the needs of both the urban and outdoor explorer. The simple silhouette of the pack masks the intricacies of the contrasted interior, …

The Album Art of Leif Podhajský

We speak with the mixed-media artist about his mesmerizing designs for Kelis, Tame Impala and more

In Leif Podhajský’s studio (an old converted stable in Shoreditch, East London) there is a shelf filled with albums that he’s designed; their colorful spines lined up one after the other. Designed by mixing digital images with painted textures and drawings, the artist and creative director has created artwork that’s trippy, visually arresting and entirely complementary for the music it represents. That mix of mysticism …

Cool Hunting Video: Dominique Ansel

Experimentation, creativity and constant change define the philosophy of this interesting NYC bakery

Greeted every morning by 150+ pastry enthusiasts waiting eagerly for a taste of the renowned Cronut, Dominique Ansel Bakery of Soho has made quite a name for itself. We spoke with the bakery’s head chef and owner, Dominique Ansel to see where his craze-inducing ideas come from. He explained some of the items on the bakery’s ever-changing menu, his desire for innovation and even presented …