11.30.2007

When A White Sink Won't Do,
Vitruvit Will

Vitruvit of Italy makes stunning traditional bathroom sinks, vessels, tubs, shower trays and more. But if simply having nicely designed bathroom furniture and accessories isn't enough for you, check out their 'decorated' sinks and vessels.

Below are sinks from Vitruvit's Scalene decorated collection:

Below are samples from their Artist Series (shown on the Logic sink) which are available on three different sink styles:

Above: Monet's Irises

Above: Gauguin's Due Donne Tahitiane Sulla Spiaggia

Above: Picasso's Guernica

And, if you're not into fine art or flowers, then how about exotic animal skins?
Below are some sinks from their Ethnic Collection:

Order sinks, download pdfs or just get more info about Vitruvit here.

11.29.2007

Where To Stay In Berlin? How About
An Art Gallery That Sleeps Fifty

Often called a "gallery where you can spent the night" in one of the city's most exciting neighborhoods, The Arte Luise Kunsthotel in Berlin has 50 rooms -- each of which have been designed by a different artist.

Room sizes and prices vary - as do the talent of the artists..

Nevertheless if you're looking for an unconventional hotel, this is the place.

Situated within view of the Reichstag building, the Spree river, Friedrichstraße, Unter den Linden, and the Brandenburg Gate, this is a historical area that has been recently attracting attention with top-flight architecture, both old and new, on both sides of the Spree.

Comprising a neo-classical residential palais from 1825 and an addition from 2003, the hotel offers almost 50 rooms, a generous lobby, and an art gallery for holding events.

Above: The Lobby with sculptures by the Dutch artist Hans van Meeuwen and (below) a wall piece Markus Linnenbrink

The text below is taken directly from their site:

Our single and double rooms and the suites are not only comfortable, but in the "bel-étage" of the old building they are decidedly expansive. The rooms have a shower or bathtub, TV, free wireless Internet, and-in the new building-even air-conditioning. In the tradition of the "Künstlerheim" we additionally offer a few simple, very favorably priced single and double rooms in the mansard.

All rooms were decorated by a renown artist, whereby the entire room was included in the concept. Thus, every room is an original, and all rooms are only united by the high artistic standards with which the concepts have been carried out. Sculptures in the lobby and philosophy in the stairwell accompany guests en route.

At the reception desk a young, competent team is at our guests´ disposal around the clock. Our in-house restaurant "Habel" offers lovingly prepared German-Mediterranean cuisine, which is also served on the broad terrace in the hotel courtyard in the summer.

This combination of a truly unique location, the inspired manifestation of enormously diverse artistic concepts, and the pleasant urbane atmosphere of our small hotel make a stay at the "Luise" an incomparable experience.

We look forward to welcoming you!

A Hotel and Its Artists

Guests walking into a room at the hotel "Arte Luise Kunsthotel" find themselves within a work of art. Each room is unique, each room an artistic proposition, a museum, a gallery, an artwork and a place to inhabit.

A Berlin philosopher has added a dialectical dimension to the public areas of Luise. Sculptures greet guests in the hotel lobby. The director of a well-known public art gallery wrote about us, "This hotel is a place for art and an artwork of its own."

This has been made possible by over 50 artists who accepted the hotel's invitation to make a contribution. In designing different rooms artists have created scenarios that go beyond their work in the studio and reflect on the time, place, and situation of the traveler. The entire room is taken into consideration, usually including the furniture and other decorations.

The artists receive approx. 5% of the profit from "their" room as payment - a so-called artist obolus - a one-time compensation for materials and other costs, and a number of free overnight stays.

Most rooms are recommissioned every 2-5 years.

As the worldwide media response and the numerous guests of our house attest to the success of the unique project. This is our motivation for continuing to improve the quality of the hotel and offer new platforms for all manifestations of art with an outstanding niveau.

Click on the name of each artist below to see their room at the hotel.
Artists:

For those of you who will never click on the names above, below are examples of some of the lower priced rooms below:

And some of the higher priced:

Hotel Berlin
(formerly "Künstlerheim Luise" )
© Arte Luise Kunsthotel

E-Mail:info@luise-berlin.com
Web:www.luise-berlin.com

Luisenstr. 19
10117 Berlin
Germany
Tel.: +49 (0)30 28448-0
Fax: +49 (0)30 28448-448

11.27.2007

Swarovski Studs Anything That Stands Still

Okay readers... everyone seems so into crystal studded stuff these days, I've done weeks worth of research to share with you some of Swarovski's history, their offerings and several Swarovski studded items available on the market with links to all of them.

Settle in and get ready to sparkle.

What HASN'T been Swarovski Studded?

Swarovski, the austrian crystal manufacturer has been around for a long time, since 1895 to be exact. But in the past couple of years they've experienced a big surge in popularity. As "bling" entered our vernacular, so did Swarovski studded cell phone cases and ipods.

Smart moves like aligning themselves with Fashion Rocks helped to reinvigorate this fading brand as well.

Initially known for their little faceted desktop crystal sculptures (above), their jewelry and best friend to the Bedazzler , individual loose Swarovski crystals (now given the trademarked name Crystalline®) are now adorning a lot more than just glass shelves, faux jewelry and denim jackets. Sure, hair accessories and shoes are to be expected, but refrigerators and board games?

Here are just a few of the products on the market, made "luxe" with the addition of Swarovski Crystalline® crystals. Some in collaboration with Swarovki and sold on their own site, others by non-affiliated manufacturers.

Crystal Studded Refrigerators:

Last May in London, Gorenje - one of the leading European appliance manufacturers - unveiled two very special Premium Touch fridge-freezers, decorated with high-quality crystals from Swarovski.

“The Eye-catcher”
The unique Premium Touch fridge-freezer, called the “Eye-catcher”, with its gloss black colour and elegant door, features 7,000 hand-embedded crystals from the world famous Swarovski. This black refrigerator – eye-catcher - is a unique appliance. Only 5 of them were produced so far: 1 for Slovenia, Russia, Romania, Serbia and now for the UK. The purpose of the eye-catcher is to be sold for charity. For more information, call Gorenje on 0208 247 3980 or visit their UK site

Also in stainless steel finish with Black Swarovski crystals in Austria and Serbia
Buy the stainless steel one with black Swarovski crystals here.

And in Russia and France, you can buy an LG (called DIOS in some countries) peach colored refrigerator studded with Swarovski crystals.

More than 4,900 Swarovski crystals are embedded in the handles, the home bar and the unit logo on LG's popular French-door refrigerator.
Buy it here.

And, in India you can buy The Whirlpool Mastermind 23 with Swarovski studded handles.

Above: the Deluxe and Elite versions both with crystal-studded handles, available in five color options.
Buy it here.

Binoculars: Idomeneo Crystal Pocket Binoculars

Waterproof, lightweight binoculars with Swarovski-cut 20mm diameter lenses; 8 x 20 = 8 times magnification; grip in Crystal Dorado and Jet Nut crystals in Crystal Transfer application on black Alcantara. Other crystal combinations available. Comes with leather strap and calfskin leather case. Price: $ 850.00
Buy it here.

Nespresso machines:

Nespresso added serious sparkle to its award-winning Essenza coffee machine models. The result: two fashion-forward coffee machines with 'bodies' covered in Swarovski crystals: the Nespresso Limited Edition Brilliant Black Essenza and the Nespresso Limited Edition Sparkle Pink Essenza. These were sold at the Nespresso boutique in New York.

Swarovski Grand Piano

The exclusive grand piano "Swarovski" is a real diamond. The instrument is decorated by 9 000 hand polished crystals Swarovski, surrounding it with shine. Each crystal is enclosed into a gilded frame with enhances its reflecting ability even more. Even in the lacquer there are small pieces of crystal - the grand piano is shimmering with all the colors of a rainbow. Glitter of the grand piano's body embodies the glitter of its unbelievable sound.

Buy it here.

Special edition Sony MP3 Players:

Sony teams up with Abiste Corporation and offers the limited edition of the E010 Walkman with Swarovski glass crystal. The limited edition is available in 5 colors, Blue, Gold, Pink, Purple and Black. E010 is available in 1GB, 2GB and 4GB capacity, and is priced at $134, $160 and $210 respectively.Buy them here.

Swarovski Fashion Rocks - DJ Headphones:

2007 Swarovski Fashion Rocks showed off this uber extravagant set of DJ headphones. The headphones are encrusted in Amethyst Crystals throughout and include a luxury box and small carrier bag. Price tag on these for European residents is a staggering €1670 Euro (approximately $2404 USD).

If blinged out headphones are a little too much for you, how about these pretty blinged out earbuds? Shuga Buds are earbuds studded with Swarovski® crystals make your personal playlists even cooler. Mini earphones are for use with iPods® and other portable music players. Choose from Amethyst, Pink, Green, Iridescent, Blue, or Rainbow. Imported. $48.00 a pair.

Available here.

Swarovski Bear. The special edition Holiday Steiff Bear 2007

Light grey mohair bear featuring a Swarovski Pointsettia Ornament. Clear Swarovski Xilion™ crystal in ear. Size: 10 inch Price: $ 225.00
Buy it here.

Swarovski studded USB memory keys:

Made in conjunction with Phillips Electronics, these usb memory keys sell for $178.00 each.

In 4 different models, each made of stainless steel and Swarovski crystals. They hold 1 GB of data (about 250 songs or 1’000 photos) with password protection, high-speed USB 2.0 interface.
Buy them here.

Swarovski Studded Furniture

Above: The Vendome Chair, an otherwise conservative piece in black wool, is tufted with buttons made of Swarovski crystals. Now that's sitting pretty..
$3,390 at Sipure Design in Miami, (305) 940-4655.

Swarovski Board Games

L'ecal students, Emanuelle Jaques & Constanza Candamil-Cabral, in collaboration with Swarovski for an object exhibition, created these board games of felt and Swarovski-Crystals:

Unfortunately the above backgammon, chess and checker boards are not in production.

Swarovski Umbrellas
Pasotti, the Italian umbrella maker has a Lux line that is studded with Swarovski crystals, available in many color fabrics and crystals.

Buy Pasotti's luxury Swarovski studded umbrellas here.

Swarovski Band-Aids

And , of course, don't forget the band aids, each flesh colored band-aid studded with four crystals in one of three color options, selling in packs of 12. Nothing heals a boo boo like some bling! Buy them here.

At Bling My Thing (based in germany) you can have everything from crystal studded automotive interiors to bathroom sinks!

Above: Cadillac XLR interior with over 20,000 swarovski crystals.

Swarovski sinks and vacuums

Above: the Myth Collection for the bathroom and a blinged out vacuum cleaner!!
Go see more

Swarovski Crystal Car Badging

The original luxury automotive blinging emblem company, Iced-Out Emz, has several great options from blinged out grills for several different automobiles as well as blinged shifter knobs and create-your-own bling badging.

Check out Iced Out Emz here.

For the bride to be, there are several companies that sell Swarovski crystal monogrammed cake toppers, like those shown below.

Buy the above cake toppers and more here.

You can even get crystal monogrammed lip glosses here.

Even Bottled Water comes "blinged" these days:

Above: Bling Limited Edition Water.

Corked, frosted glass bottle glamorously adorned with Swarovski Crystals. Clear. 750ml.
Buy the limited edition bottle of Bling H2O at Vivre.com

Swarovski Crystal Ring Mug

And what better to pour your Bling water into than this new (and creatively packaged) fabulous Swarovski Crystal Ring Mug (shown in white above). Whose gold or silver handle is inset with a large single Swarovski crystal that gives the illusion of wearing a ring as you hold the cup. Different handle and crystal options below.

Buy the ring mug here.

Swarovski Studded Mouth Grilles

Even Swarovski studded grills for your teeth are available from Mr. Bling.

By the way, Mr. Bling makes actual diamond studded grills for your teeth as well.
Buy them here.

And it's not only items for humans that are getting luxed up with Swarovski crystals this year. Even the canine fragrance, Sexy Beast, with the Karim Rashid designed bottle, has a special holiday Swarovski-crystal studded version for a mere $850 bones!

Buy Sexy Beast Swarovski Limited edition here.

Of course there are many more items, but I thought the aforementioned examples were a good representation of the range.

About Swarovski crystals
Swarovski is an Austrian company established at the end of 19th century by Daniel Swarovski. The company is renowned for its tradition and excellence in manufacturing and supplying crystals and crystal-ware, especially for the jewelry and fashion industry as well as decorative homeware. In the fashion world, Swarovski crystals have recently been a hot and immensely sought-after accessory and component of haute couture. The name Swarovski can thus be found on many a fashion item or piece of jewelry created by famous fashion designers – among those are Coco Chanel, Elsa Schiaparelli, Dior, Dolce & Gabbana, Valentino and Roberto Cavalli.

As a company, Swarovski comprises two major divisions:
The first, dating back to Swarovski’s origins in 1895, producing precision-cut crystal components, the crystal elements, catering to a wide range of design-driven industries in the fashion, lighting and interior business, the second, established in the mid 1970’s, using these same elements to create finished crystal products -jewelry, fashion accessories, and home décor objects- which are sold through the worldwide network of more than 1150 Swarovski stores.

Hooking up with Fashion Rocks and opening an Atelier further upped the hip factor of Swarovski. Check out
the Fashion Rocks 2007 Video here.

See the latest fashion applications, tv and movie collaborations and more at Swarovski Sparkles and you can check out the company and their products here.

Also, Swarovski created indoor lighting and home elements. Didn't know that? See them here.

They have even introduced ATELIER SWAROVSKI, an exclusive collection of accessories created in collaboration with cutting-edge fashion designers to bring their creative visions to life. For more information email: atelier.swarovski@swarovski.com, or register here to be updated with news on ATELIER SWAROVSKI.
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Now, for those of you who don't intend to buy a blinged out refrigerator or armchair, but do have the desire to bling their sunglasses case, lighters, headphones, PSPs, ipods, etc.

Above: One of Phling's custom Blinged Blackberry cases

Here are some great sites that sell either kits, patterns, stick-ons or do custom crystal encrusting, shirts and more. If you want to do some of your own blinging, Bling Me Out (as well as several other companies) sells cell phone crystal kits.

Buy them here.

Just click on the logos below to see other custom and self-blinging sites:

There's been lots more Swarovski studded items written about since this post. Please use the search box or check the tags at the bottom of the side bar for more.

11.26.2007

Nine New Neat & Nifty Notables

Click on any image below for details and purchase info.

From the Icon Crucifix (a rubber jesus who comes with four nails) to the edible Vanishing Living Creatures (Chocolate Mounted Animal Heads) here are nine relatively new items to hit the market.

They range in price from 10$ (the ChilliChilly pocket ashtrays) to $720 (the Chinook hanging pot rack in stainless steel) and all are available for purchase. Just Click On The Pic.

Need more gift ideas? See more of my If It's Hip,It's Here. list at ThisNext.

Square, Metal, Knit, & Modern:
Anything But Traditional Wreaths

For those of you who don't want your front door looking like the White House or a Department Store, how about trying a wreath that isn't the traditional pine with poinsettias?

For those less adventurous, how about a square wreath or a snowflake-shaped wreath?
And for those who want anything but traditional, try a metal op-art wreath or recycled street sign wreath.

Below are some cool wreaths, that are anything but traditional, available this season.

Above left : Fresh myrtle box wreath
Buy it here.
Above right: Snowflake Winter Wreath
Buy it here

Above left : Real Frasier Fir Pine Peace Wreath from Emilie's Wreath Factory.
Order here.
Above right: Real Pine Peace Wreath from Organic Bouquet
Buy it here.

Above left: Snow white feathers fashion this elegantly simple wreath, creating a stunning centerpiece or wall accent. 13 1/2" diameter.
Buy it here.
Above right: Lime green feather wreath, 20" in diameter
Buy it here.

The above stunning "angel" wreaths available here.

Above left: A white flocked pre-lit wreath. 15"
Above right: Gold, Silver and White ornament wreath 16"
Buy either one here.

Above left: Keith Wingard's metal op art wreath of powder coated steel. 16"
Buy the Mod op-art wreath here.
Above right: Laser cut steel wreath by Atelier Lzc with birds and berries, 23cm x 24cm
Buy it here.

Above left: Garnet Hill offers a Sleigh Bell wreath in ivory or lime green. 11.5" in diameter
Buy it here.
Above right: A merry hand crocheted striped wreath, also from Garnet Hill. . 14" in diameter.
Buy it here.

Above left: Boris Bally's Metal Art wreath made of recycled street signs, available in 5 different color combinations. larger size 22.5"H x 15"W
Buy it here.
Above right: Boris Bally's Metal Art Wreath, the smaller size. 16.5"H x 10"W
Buy it here.

11.25.2007

Finally, A Truly Luxe Bean Bag Chair: The Cowch

Goodbye Fatboy, Hello Cowch!

Awhile back I wrote a post about Fatboy products. And it wasn't the most flattering. Why?
Because I saw FatBoy as the New Millenium version of the 70's bean bag chair. And very overpriced.

But now I've spotted the Cowch (no pun intended). And this, in my humble opinion, is a bean bag chair worth buying. (by the way, these are not the "cowches' that are made to look like real stuffed animal toys, that's a different company)

Not only does it look incredibly comfortable, but it looks expensive ---and it is-- and as though it won't end up in rec rooms and flea markets in several years.

Above: Each one is unique and large enough for two people.

Cowches measure 140cm x 170 cm and are made with real cow skins on the upper side, Bisonyl on the under side. They have quality four time stitching and are filled with 100% recycled polystyrene.

You can choose from multiple real skin options:

Above: available skins and Walter Bak, the designer and founder of Schaalwerk

Made in Holland, they ship to all countries!

"Cowch is developed by Schaalwerk, a young designers collective based in Utrecht, The Netherlands. At Schaalwerk we aim for designing and creating usable durable products. Besides designing our own products we also do interior decoration projects and custom handmade furniture. Besides creating the designs and the conceptual studies we also manufacture/realize the products.

Cowch, is one of our original designs. It is a tough and sturdy beanbag that can be used in many ways and in all kinds of locations. The used materials make it a unique product. Cowch is already sold in countries all over the world.

They are made in Holland cost 699 euros each (approx $1040.00 USD).
Buy it here.
Or here.

or contact them directly for any questions here.

Bonus Post: Number 31 Bean Bag Chairs

If the Cowch (see post above) is too pricey for some of you.
And Fatboy is too boring for some of you, then how about Holland's Number 31 Artist designed bean bag Chairs?

They come in 16 fabulous limited editions by various well-known artists. Below are two examples (click to enlarge).

Below are more examples from their collection:

And here's the really fun part, they are on sale right now here.

Or direct from the manufacturer here.

11.24.2007

Be Hip, Green & Merry Simultaneously:
WOW's Vinyl Artist Christmas Tree

I introduced you to the Art Production Fund's Works On Whatever last year when I first told you about their artist beach towel series and then again , this past week when I introduced you to the new 2008 artist series beach towels.

Now, in addition to the cool beach towels, WOW has come out with this fabulous vinyl Christmas Tree wall sticker in collaboration with Wallpaper LAB and designer Marilyn Minter.

MARILYN MINTER "MERRY MERRY" TREE
A self-adhesive vinyl sticker

No more watering a dead tree, no more fire hazard, no more vacuuming up pine needles well into April. It's a truly 'green' Christmas tree: reduce, reuse, recycle this vinyl sticker year after year. Save the trees, save water, save your back from schlepping it all the way home. No religion, no broken ornaments. It's a Christmas tree for the moderately wealthy and super lazy.

Minter will collaborate with Wallpaper LAB and WOW (Works on Whatever) to create a six-foot die-cut vinyl wall-sticker that addresses the powerful and ubiquitous symbol of the season: The Christmas Tree. Minter styled a small tree with her own eclectic collection of shiny ornaments, lighting and photographing it in a way that merges crisp detail with gauzy soft-focus radiance. The photograph is further transformed on the way to the decal: the image is enlarged and an archetypical Charlie Brown cartoon die-cut shape is enforced as the template for the tree.

The self-adhesive vinyl tree can be applied directly to the wall, by either removing the paper back or simply pinning it; a boon to the space-challenged apartment dweller with a sense of humor. Each limited edition "Merry Merry" tree comes rolled in a tube with four decal ornaments and a star and retails for $180. The "Merry Merry" star can be purchased separately for $25. 1/3 of the proceeds go to support public art through Art Production Fund.

About Wallpaper LAB:

Wallpaper LAB is a publisher of limited edition artist wallpaper. Founded by Ron Keyson in 2006, WL collaborates with contemporary artists to translate their studio works into conceptually heroic wallpaper and wall stickers. From freeze framing the entirety of Douglas Gordon's video masterpiece Play Dead, Real Time to digitally super scanning Phoebe Washburn's plywood blowout Wood Wall sculpture, invited artists are challenged to pull the domestic world of wallpaper into their own aesthetic gravitational center. The inaugural exhibition at Lennon Weinberg Gallery in 2006 wrapped the entire 3000 square foot gallery space with fifteen original artist's wallpapers, the result being a seamless visual battle of the bands. Wallpaper LAB is represented in New York City by Artware Editions.

For more information and installation views please see: www.wallpaperlab.com or www.artwareeditions.com

About WOW:

WOW (Works on Whatever) is a unique collection of everyday items designed by artists. The revenues from sales go into public art. APF invites artists to experiment with the latest commercial materials and techniques to bring art off the walls and into homes as everyday objects. WOW introduces contemporary art to a larger community, with profits supporting Art Production Fund�s mission dedicated to producing ambitious public art projects, reaching new audiences and expanding awareness through contemporary art. Projects include: SHOW, Vanessa Beecroft, Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, 1998; FISCHERSPOONER: LA, performance, 2001; Keith + Farrah, collaborative exhibition by Keith Edmier and Farrah Fawcett, Los Angeles County Museum of Art and The Andy Warhol Museum, 2003; PLAN B, Rudolf Stingel summer 2004, Grand Central's Vanderbilt Hall and The Walker Art Center; Prada Marfa, Elmgreen & Dragset, Valentine, TX, 2005; Greeting Card, Aaron Young, Park Avenue Armory, 2007. APF Co-Founders : Yvonne Force Villareal and Doreen Remen, Director of Operations: Casey Fremont.

For more information please see: www.worksonwhatever.com

just the star
12 inch removable vinyl sticker- $25.00

Buy it here.

full tree kit
(1) 58 x 48 inch vinyl tree sticker (1) 12 inch star (4) ornaments

Buy it here.

Try Your Hand At Handbag Designing
And Win A Murakami LV Purse!

This is your chance to win a thousand dollar purse for the price of postcard postage.

How this contest works:
You send Imprint Culture Lab an original handbag design on this template by midnight of Monday, January 21, 2008.

They will post all submissions here.
Then, everyone votes for their favorite designs.

The design with the most votes wins the handbag that started all this commotion (seen below, only the Louis Vuitton Alma bag is covered with the special murakami LV fabric "superflat" which includes the eyeballs).

You know, the one designed by that famous Japanese artist (Murakami) who made being an otaku at least as cool as carrying a high-end French luxury purse?

Above left : the design that started it all, Murakami's Louis Vuitton Alma Handbag.
Above right : The actual Murakami fabric on the winning handbag. Click to enlarge

FAQs:
You can submit as many entries as you wish
You can mail hard copies to them at:

Imprint Culture Lab
555 East Ocean Blvd, Suite 900
Long Beach, CA 90802

Or submit your design via email to: info@imprintlab.com
Be sure to include your name and contact info with your submissions.

perhaps the following two entires will inspire you:

I don't know who designed the above left, but above right is clearly an entry by one of my personal favorite designers, Scott Rench of Yosoh.

About Imprint lab:
The IMPRINT Culture Lab was founded by interTrend Communications to investigate, promote and curate Asian-sourced and inspired consumer culture. IMPRINT’s mission is to foster creativity and innovation in the business segment by connecting the cultural dots between various elements, which includes inspiration from art, media, food, fashion, product design, technology, architecture and pop-culture phenomena.

The imprint lab enables collaborative idea generation between corporate marketing and development teams and artists, designers, and entertainers who are leading and shaping global pop culture.

IMPRINT engages consumers and clients through various methods including an annual culture conference, private collaborative workshops, as well as custom consultancy and research products and services.

Start designing!

11.23.2007

It's black friday, the busiest shopping day of the year.

Perhaps I can help?

Today is purported to be the biggest shopping day of the year. Some stores opened their doors at the ungodly hour of 4 a.m., others had people camping out the night before. According to early news reports this morning, Nintendo Wii, Zune and other mp 3 players as well as games like Halo 3 and gadgets like iphones and ipods are the hot sellers.

A Wal-Mart shopper loads up her cart with Black Friday bargains.

Midnight shoppers rush into the Altamonte Mall in Florida.

The parking lot at the Hamilton Place Mall in Chattanooga, Tenn., was 85 percent full shortly after 9 a.m.

If you are one of those sane people who, rather than getting your car door dinged by a thoughtless shopper in a crowded parking lot or losing your cell phone in the local mall, would prefer to shop from the comfort of your home and personal computer, then I am here to help.

Nowadays, most of the 'great deals' people are clamoring for the day after Thanksgiving in malls are also available online.

And the savvy shopper does better to buy out of state (no tax) and find an online coupon code for free shipping!

I suggest checking these sites before you hit the 'check out' button to be sure you're not missing out on any promo codes or special deals:

http://www.keycode.com
http://www.retailmenot.com
http://www.dealhack.com
http://www.fatwallet.com
http://www.edealfinder.com
http://www.couponmountain.com
http://www.couponcabin.com/
http://www.couponheaven.com/
http://www.dealcatcher.com/
http://www.onlinepromotioncodes.com/
http://www.currentcodes.com/

First and foremost, The Apple Store (who rarely ever has a sale) does have a sale today. AND Only today!

Apple gifts this year, you had better act fast--the sale is of the one-day variety. Highlights include $51 or $101 off MacBooks and iMacs (sadly, you're out of luck if you're trying to justify a MacBook Pro purchase), $21 off the AirPort Extreme Base Station, and $21 off the iPhone Bluetooth Headset. Three iPods are on sale: you'll save $31 on an iPod Classic and $11 on either the Nano or the Shuffle. Lots of other products and accessories are on sale. See them all here.
So now's the time to get that iphone or ipod.

Click here to go to the apple store online sale.

Go here to see Jonathan Blum choices for the top ten tech toys this year.

Watch a CNN video on hot toys this christmas season here.

Check out Buy.com (they have great deals all year and even better today). Especially on things like external hard drives and Zune media players, as well as books and tvs!

Got a serious Sports Fanatic in the house? According to Money Magazine's Charles Passy, Noah Rothbaum and Wilson Rothman, here are The greatest gifts ever for sports fanatics....

My personal top 5 choices for gifts that no one would return:

For anyone, male or female, young or old, the following five gifts are my favorite things to give this season.

1. The Flip Video Ultra 30 minute recorder

Above: The Flip Video Ultra, a pocket sized video camcorder (available with 30 minutes of recording time or 60 minutes). Even my grandmother can use this one. Record and plug it into the tv (cord comes with) or into the computer via the built in usb.
This rocks! I bought four earlier this year and am giving them to my whole family (who are not tech savvy!)

Here's a money saving hint. No one really needs 60 minutes of recording time unless you are making an actual movie. So if it's just for "you tube" fun or to see keep up with your growing nephews and nieces, get them the 30 minute recorder.. they will be thrilled.

Available online at www.theflip.com or target, toys r us, amazon, buy.com, etc.
Be sure to check out all the stores, prices vary on this one. Also available in black or colors.

2. Netflix movie rentals and instant computer movie downloads.

So easy, affordable and who doesn't rent DVDs? Plus the options for the amount of time or number of rentals makes it easy to purchase this for anyone regardless of how much you want to spend.

How it works:(click to enlarge)

Buy it here.

3. Pottery Barn's Fabulous Fur Throws on sale today only!!!!!!!!!!

I get so many compliments on the luxurious feel of this throw from men and women everytime they visit and see it !
Comes in four nice options. Usually $150.00, it's on sale WITH FREE SHIPPING today only for $99.00
Buy it now.

4. Money no object? Spoil your child or yourself with the $345.00 PLEO by Ugobe.

Learn more about this adorable interactive toy here.

5. A Bluefly gift certificate.

Lots of people have heard of Bluefly but haven't actually checked it out. They are unaware that in addition to having designer clothes at a discounted price they carry great home decor items like Thomas Paul Pillows and luxury bedding at prices that are hard to beat anywhere. Shoes are a great find here as well...and as many items for men as women.

And for Project Runway fans, they actually sell the "wall of accessories" here. Luxury and designer handbags, belts and more.

Also, a bonus is that no one makes it easier to return items than Bluefly. They provide you with the free return sticker, just put it in the box, seal it up and set it out for the postman. Costs you nothing and you get full return credit.

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Ready to hit some of the stores who have sales and free shipping today?
Here are a few you can access from the comfort of your home instead of braving the heinous crowds.

Click away...
Apple store
Bluefly
Target
Buy
Toys R Us
Amazon
Bluefly
Pottery Barn
Walmart
JC Penney
Kohls
Best Buy
Circuit City
Sharper Image

11.22.2007

Hirst Buys Bacon, Sothebys Makes Bread

Above: Tobias Meyer with Bacon's Self-portrait

There's been a lot of talk about art prices falling and auction houses suffering. However, just the other night, on November 14th, Sotheby's Evening of Contemporary Art Auction in New York set several records and hopes soaring.

Below is a reprint of an article written by Colin Gleadell for the UK's Daily Telegraph. I added the images for your entertainment and information.

Art sales: Damien Hirst's £16m for a slice of Bacon
Colin Gleadell on Damien Hirst's expensive purchase

Damien Hirst may have lost his title as the most expensive living artist at auction to Jeff Koons in New York last week, but he can still claim to be not only the richest artist in the world but also the one who spends the most on art.

Above: Francis Bacon, Self Portrait 1969, sold for $33,081,000 Sotheby’s New York, Nov. 14, 2007

Artist to artist: A 1969 self-portrait by Francis Bacon, which was bought by Damien Hirst bidding anonymously by telephone last Wednesday, he splashed out $33 million (£15.9 million) at Sotheby's on a 14" by 12" in self-portrait by Francis Bacon – easily a record for a small painting by Bacon, and surely one for an artist buying at auction.

Above: Damien Hirst's Platinum and diamond skull which received lots of press

In his excitement, the auctioneer Tobias Meyer, who knew Hirst was bidding, forgot the normal routine of noting down the buyer's registration number on the winning paddle. "I was too happy," he said. And why not?

Above: Tobias Meyer at Sotheby's

With that purchase, Hirst, who now owns four Bacons, joins an elite group of big spenders who last week allayed fears of a slump in contemporary art prices. The group includes the diamond dealer Laurence Graff and the hedge-fund manager Steve Cohen.

Above: Francis Bacon's Second Version of Study For A Bullfight #1, sold for $45.9 million

It is thought that Cohen bought the top lot of the week, Bacon's Study for Bullfight, for $46 million. And Graff spent nearly $30 million on two paintings by Warhol and one by Jean-Michel Basquiat.

Above: Basquiat, Untitled (Electric chair) 1981 - 1982, acrylic, gold spray paint and oilstick on canvas, Sold For 11,801,000 US$

He may have been in partnership with Larry Gagosian when the dealer bought a big Koons sculpture at the sales - the 8ft stainless-steel Blue Diamond, for $11.8 million.

Above: Koon's 8ft stainless steel Blue Diamond, sold for $11.8 million

On the surface it was a glittering display by the art world. More than 100 records were broken and $950 million was spent on contemporary art during the week.

This was itself a new record, close to the highest estimates for the sale set in the balmy early summer when credit crises were barely a glimmer in the eye of far-sighted Wall Street analysts.

Adding style to the occasion were the fashion designers Marc Jacobs, resplendent with blue hair and green scarf, and Valentino. Outbid as a buyer, Valentino successfully sold two paintings by Mark Rothko and a Hirst.

One of the Rothkos, which was sold for $21 million, cost $1.7 million at auction nine years ago. The Hirst made a record for a spot painting in 2003, selling for $438,000; Valentino sold it for $1.6 million last week.

Above: Jeff Koons' Hanging Heart, presently the world-record for art auction sales by a living artist; $23.6 million

The biggest mark-ups, though, came for Koons's $23.6 million Hanging Heart, for which the seller, the US property developer Adam Lindemann, had paid $4 million last year, and for Richard Prince's 2002 painting, Piney Woods Nurse, which was sold by the West coast collectors Nora and Norman Stone for $5.4 million.

Above: Richard Prince's Piney Woods Nurse, 2002, sold for $5.4 million

Bought by the London dealer Jay Jopling, the painting would have cost less than $100,000 when first shown four years ago.

Above: LUCIAN FREUD, Ib and her Husband (1992) ©The Artist, Oil on canvas, 16.8 x 14.7 cm Private Collection, sold for $19.36 million

Older generation artists in demand included Lucian Freud, whose portrait of his daughter, Ib and Her Husband, sold for $19.36 million, making him the most expensive living European artist at auction (in dollars), just ahead of Hirst; the American "Pop" artist Ed Ruscha, whose classic Burning Gas Station was sold by the collector Kent Logan for a record $6.98 million; and the junk-sculpture artist John Chamberlain, whose twisted wreck of car parts sold for a record $4.6 million.

Above: Ed Ruscha's Burning Gas Station, sold for $6.98 million

Among the rising stars attracting accelerating prices were the young Americans Mark Grotjahn and Jules de Balincourt, and the German Anselm Reyle, in all of whom Charles Saatchi has wisely invested.

However, there were some warning signs. At the main Christie's sale, 39 per cent of lots were sold at or below low estimates or not at all.

Nearly half the lots, carrying a combined low estimate of $173.5 million, had been guaranteed, and they realised just $176 million excluding auctioneer's commission. So profit levels must have been minimal.

US buying was also relatively low at around 50 per cent. In recent seasons this has been as high as 82 per cent for New York contemporary art sales, which are aimed mainly at the American market.

Sotheby's had made an even higher level of financial guarantees to sellers, regardless of the outcome of the sales, but, in contrast to last week's Impressionist sales, met it comfortably. The $316 million sale was Sotheby's largest of any kind, ever.

But there was sufficient evidence to predict that, come the next series of important Impressionist and contemporary art sales, in London in February, estimated prices and guarantee levels will be more conservative.

The bubble has not burst. But clouds are still gathering ominously.
__Colin Gleadell for the UK's Daily Telegraph

Click here to see Artnet's illustrated catalog of the Sotheby's Art Auction On November 14, 2007

Turkey Day Facts, Parade Pics and

Some Thanksgiving History for you:

•The first Thanksgiving was observed in Plymouth, Massachusettes in 1621

•Approx Ninety (90) Native Americans were at the festivities

•in 1863 President Abraham Lincoln first declared that Thanksgiving should be observed on the last thursday of November

•in 1939, However, President Franklin D. Roosevelt moved it to the third thursday of November. Why? To boost Christmas shopping (this is true) .

•President Harry S. Truman began the tradition of pardoning a turkey. The turkey is most often sent to a petting zoo in Virginia (I wish they'd do that with the other turkey in the picture).

• The average American consumed 13.1 pounds of turkey in 2005

•In 2007, the us will produce 1.6 billion pounds of sweet potatoes

*The first Macy's Day Thanksgiving parade was in 1924

•1934 was the first year the Detroit Lions played the first Thanksgiving day game. they faced off againstthe Chicago Bears

source: us census bureau/macy's, inc /detroit lions

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The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade got under way Thursday morning, mixing new attractions and longtime favorites, solemn tributes and lighthearted spectacle.

Carrying banners and flags, participants gathered on an unusually warm November morning for the parade. The lineup included three new balloons, 2,000 cheerleaders, 800 clowns, the Radio City Rockettes and 11 marching bands -- among them the Virginia Tech Regimental Band, playing in honor of the victims of last spring's campus shooting.The 81st annual parade began with a Michael Feinstein tune especially written for 600 kids from around the nation, whose opening number was choreographed by John Dietrich of the Rockettes.

Below are a few images from early this morning in New York::

and my favorite pic from today's parade:

Maurace Morris, 6, of Brooklyn mugs for the camera as the Shrek balloon is inflated in the background.

Happy Turkey Day Everyone!

11.21.2007

Visionaire 52: Private and Visionaire 53: Sound

Visionaire Publications is a company dedicated to creating beautiful artistic collaborations in limited editions. The latest two to be released are issues number 52 and 53. With three editions each year in limited numbers, they do sell out quickly.

Issue # 52: PRIVATE

Edited by Marc Jacobs. Photographed by Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott.

Guest Art Director Marc Jacobs teamed up with photographers Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott on the newest installment of the coveted fashion quarterly, Visionaire, which comes housed this time in a limited-edition Louis Vuitton case designed by Jacobs. Alas and Piggott photographed a series of intimate portraits of today's most inspiring contemporary icons, traveling to New York, London and Paris in search of their personal muses.

Subjects include actors Drew Barrymore, Scarlett Johansson and Selma Blair; singers Jennifer Lopez and Lil' Kim; models Gisele Bündchen, Stephanie Seymour and Christy Turlington; New York City Ballet principle dancer and choreographer Benjamin Millepied; and fashion designers Marc Jacobs, Vivienne Westwood and Stella McCartney, to name a few.

PUBLISHED BY: Visionaire Publishing, LLC
FORMAT: Clothbound, 11 x 14in/ 192 pgs/ 100 color
ISBN: 9781888645637 ISBN10: 1888645636
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/01/2007

Issue # 53:

Although not yet released, Sound is available for pre-order.
An interesting collection of five 12 inch vinyl picture discs in a dome case. Complete with MINI toy car that acts as the record player!

Issue 53 of Visionaire--produced this time around in collaboration with the British car manufacturer, MINI--is dedicated to the theme of Sound. Packaged inside a specially produced domed case, it consists of five 12-inch vinyl records, imprinted with images (picture discs), that together contain more than 100 minutes of sound content--from audio experiments to unreleased songs, samples and spoken word pieces. Also included is a MINI Clubman "Vinyl Killer" record player: a battery-operated toy car, containing speakers and a needle. As the little car moves along a record's groove, it plays each track, acting as a fully portable record player and sound system. Beyond all this, the issue also includes two CDs with all of the sound content gathered digitally, as well as a booklet of credits and instructions.

Contributors include: musicians David Byrne, Courtney Love, Michael Stipe, Adam Horowitz (Beastie Boys), Antony & the Johnsons, Thurston Moore and Kim Gordon (Sonic Youth), Nick Rhodes (Duran Duran), Karl Bartos (Kraftwerk), Andrew WK, Chan Marshall (Cat Power), Danger Mouse, Malcolm McLaren, Ruyuichi Sakamoto; artists Robert Wilson, Yoko Ono, Christian Marclay, Doug Aitken, Gary Hill, Sylvie Fleury; DJs Miss Kittin, Trevor Jackson, Towa Tei, Michel Gaubert; fashion designers Alexander McQueen, Helmut Lang; bands Littl'Ans, Fischerspooner, Unkle, Animal Collective, SunnO) and many more.

PUBLISHED BY: Visionaire Publishing, LLC
FORMAT: Dome Case,13.25 x 3.5/5 12-in. records/2 audio CDs/vinyl killer record player
ISBN: 9781888645682 ISBN10: 1888645687
PUBLICATION DATE: 12/01/2007
AVAILABILITY: Not yet published in the U.S. Retailers may backorder through D.A.P.

Buy Visionaire Books here.

Addendum To Yesterday's Post: Grace Gunning

A little note:

Yesterday I wrote a post on Grace Gunning and her unique, mysterious and personal handmade copper reliquary boxes.
Ironically, that was the one day, her own personal site was down. In all fairness to this artist (and to my readers), now that her site is functioning, please be sure to take a look. Her boxes make wonderful personal and unique gifts.

I was also remiss in not explaining how some of her pieces are 'interactive' games, under her site heading "Come Play With Me" (you know, where you roll the ball around until it sits in a little depression?) and I didn't point out her fabulous Changeling boxes which, when moved, images appear and disappear.

Her work ranges from kitschy (little plastic babies and googly eyes) to spiritual (angels, madonna) to retro (robots and toys).
Now that her site is up and running, be sure to visit by clicking here.

Modern Weathervanes From Italy

I always felt that weathervanes, belonged atop a lovely country farmhouse- where, from the looks of most of the present designs, they belong.

Above left: Traditional Rooster Weathervane, Above right: Modern Rooster Weathervane

However, these modern interpretations designed by Afra and Tobia Scarpa are so much fun, they'd complement even the most modern of homes or yards.

Made of powder coated steel and available with various mounts for either in ground or rooftop, these five colorful wind vanes are all available for purchase.

Each painted aluminium weather vane (Or wind vane as called by some) comes with a telescopic pole and stainless steel counterweight.

Above are the available bases: pole for ground, free standing and mount for fireplace.
350.42000/A pole for ground
350.42000/B free standing
350.42000/C mount for fireplace (only 1 pole H. 120 cm.)
Telescopic tube (max lenght ca. 260 cm.

About The Designers:

Afra and Tobia Scarpa
Afra Bianchin was born in Montebelluna in 1937 and Tobia Scarpa in Venice in 1935. They graduated at the Istituto Universitario d’Architettura in Venice and formed one of the most successful and known professional associations. In 1958 they began working in the glass field with Venini in Murano. In 1960 they started working with Gavina; the "Bastiano" sofa and the "Vanessa" metal bed – now in the Knoll International collection – being their most successful pieces.

With Cassina, where they designed furniture exclusively for the house, success came with "Soriana" armchair, which won the Compasso d’Oro award in 1970, and the "925" armchair, which is on permanent display in the Museum of Modern Art in New York. In 1960 they joined Flos and worked as designers with the Castiglioni. Their best known piece for B&B ITALIA are the "Coronado" and the "Erasmo". For Maxalto they designed a whole collection of very fine furniture. They did the "Torcello" system, which is still on the market today, for Stildomus.

For Molteni they did the "Morna" bed, while for Unifor the "Master" series of manager’s furniture. They were also responsible for the Benetton image in Europe and in America. In architecture they designed the Benetton woolens mill and offices in Ponzano, the Scarpa house and the Lorenzin house in Abano Terme, they restored the Villa Minelli and the Fragiacomo house in Trieste.

Their designs are on show in the principal museums of the world and have been chosen for all major international shows.

Buy any one of these great modern weather vanes here.

11.20.2007

Grace Gunning's Reliquary Boxes

Grace Gunning's Reliquary Boxes

the bio and info below are from the artist:
Play and mystery are the main ingredients in the unique reliquary boxes made in Grace Gunning's studio.

After years of working primarily with glass, Grace Gunning found old 1890's metal forming machines and began to experiment with a very heavy gauge of copper, hoping to learn to form a box. It took a year or so to teach herself the techniques that are all but lost in this very modern world. In time the boxes, formed one at a time, became more than just boxes. Although the word Reliquary means 'a receptacle for treasures', Grace hopes she's created a treasure to hold your treasures.

Growing up in Blacklick, Ohio in the late 50's and early 60's as a Quaker and moving to N.Y.C. as a teenager in the later 60's gave Grace the sense that life is whackier than we can even imagine.

In her studio in upstate N.Y., along the mighty Hudson River, past meets present. Through the work of play and the play of work, and these marvelous old machines, Grace brings you her Reliquary Boxes.

Below are just a few examples, she has many more in varying themes.

GRACE GUNNING'S RELIQUARY BOXES ARE MADE OF HEAVY GAUGE COPPER USING HAND-RUN 18TH AND 19TH CENTURY MACHINES.

THE LIDS FEATURE WHIMSICAL IMAGES AND MOVEABLE PIECES CAREFULLY DESIGNED AND PROTECTED UNDER GLASS. THE BOXES RANGE IN SIZE FROM 3"x1.5"x1" TO 7"x6"x2".
(MOVE CURSOR OVER THUMBNAIL IMAGES TO VIEW DIMENSIONS)

EACH HAND SIGNED AND DATED BOX IS LINED IN VELVET TO PROTECT YOUR CHERISHED TREASURES.

Be sure to visit her own site to see all her work.

Or you can buy her boxes at any one of the several galleries below:
here(left bank gallery).
And here(Zanisa).
And here(uncommon goods).
And here(ruby lane).
And here(paddiwhack).
And here(cog and pearl).
And here(fire opal).

11.19.2007

Funky Find Of The Week: Swarovski Studded Band-aids

Seems as though there's an endless way to incorporate swarovski crystals into consumer products. And here's the latest: Swarovski Blinged Out Band Aids!

Blinged out band aids with 4 Swarovski crystals available in three crisp colors (White, Red and Pink) and one sweet little tin. Designed by Fabian Seibert.

$12.00 a pack.

Nothing heals a boo boo like some bling!

Buy them here.

Aldo Rossi's Rugs On Exhibit in London

Some know Aldo Rossi (1931-1997) for his Pritzker Prize-winning architecture, like the San Cataldo Cemetery in Modena and the Centro Torri Commercial Centre in Parma; some for his masterful hand drawings; and others simply as one of last century's greatest Italian architects, who founded the neo-rationalist movement. Few though, would associate Rossi with carpet design; yet the Milanese architect and theorist has much more than architecture projects to show in his impressive portfolio.

Specialist antique dealers Arto and Eddy Keshishian, in association with James Bly, launch today an exhibition of Rossi's carpet designs. The 15 pieces on show were created in 1986, when Rossi was invited to design a series of traditionally woven carpets by the Zeddiani Company, inspired by Sardinian techniques and culture. The architect embraced the local, basic and schematic carpet craftsmanship tradition, which fitted perfectly with his own geometric design explorations, aiming to boost the island's textile industry.

The beautiful pieces are on show in a selling exhibition in London's Kashishian Gallery till the 24th November, along with one each by the designers Piero Lissoni, Ettore Sottsass and Jasper Morrison, and five by Patricia Urquiola, all measuring 2m by 3m.

Click on each rug below to enlarge.

INFORMATION

Event dates- 14 November 2007 to 24 November 2007
Telephone- 44.20 7730 8810
Address - 73 Pimlico Road, London, SW1W 8NE
source-wallpaper magazine, nov. 14

11.18.2007

The 2008 Artist Series Beach Towels Are Here!

Above: One of this years' wonderful artist series beach towels

Earlier in 2007, Target and the Art Production Fund came out with a series of four artist-designed towels. The 2007 series (seen below) was a big hit and Target sold out of all four almost immediately. As a big Alex Katz fan, I immediately bought two of his. The towels are nice and large 60" x 70" and well worth the $50.00 for which they retail.

Above: The now sold-out Artists Series of Beach Towels from 2007

Now, Target and Art Production Fund have announced the lineup of guest artists for their second-annual collaboration of fine-art towels known as the Artist Towel Series 2008.

Jeff Koons, Cindy Sherman, Elizabeth Peyton, and Kehinde Wiley have each created a limited-edition beach towel as part of the WOW (Works on Whatever) items designed by contemporary artists to bring art off the walls and into everyday life.

Above: Jeff Koons' Balloon Monkey beach towel

Above: Cindy Sherman's Woman In Pool beach towel

They include "Balloon Monkey," "Woman in Pool," "Sidney," and "African-American Man." The 60 x 70-inch cotton towels, which will be available starting November 19 for $50 on Target.com and worksonwhatever.com, will also be the official pool towels for André Balazs' Raleigh Hotel during Art Basel Miami Beach December 5 to 9.

Above: Elizabeth Peyton's Sidney beach towel

Above: Kehinde Wiley's African American Man beach towel

Proceeds from sales will support Art Production Fund's mission to support major civic artwork projects, while half of all proceeds generated from sales of Koons' towel will also support the Koons Family Institute, a resource of the International Centre for Missing and Exploited Children.

Buy 'em quick, they don't stay in stock for long.

11.17.2007

Good Fun for Good Dogs. And A Good Cause

Above: Dru Barkymore and Pugnelope Cruz

Is your loving companion a good dog?
Why not reward him or her with a mouthful of Rosie O' Doggell or Brad Pittbull?
You'll not only make your dog happy, but other dogs as well. What am I talking about? Read on.

Doggin' Celebrities with Haute Diggity Dog

The other day I was surfing the net for some toys to put in my jewish dog's Chanukah stocking. (Okay, if that sentence doesn't make me sound like a crazy woman, I don't know what does.)

Nevertheless it was during this odd exercise that I came across some newly released limited edition plush dog toys on Muttropolis.com that actually made me laugh aloud. Enough to startle my dog for whom I was shopping (Indie, my 1 year old jack russell terrier) who was sleeping at my feet as I surfed the net (see below).

Puparazzi Pups are the brainchild of Pamela Reeder and Victoria Dauernheim, the ladies behind Haute Diggity Dog. And, to make it even easier to purchase these, Haute Diggity Dog announced that they will be donating a portion of profits from these Limited Edition Toys to nonprofit organizations dedicated to helping dogs rescued from HIGH KILL SHELTERS across the country under their new program HELP A DOG PLAY ANOTHER DAY!

Above: Bruce Woofless, Clint Barkwood, Angelina Grrrowlie and Doggy Depp

Upon seeing these hilarious canine versions of hip hollywood, I promptly wrote to Pamela and Victoria wanting to know more about them and where the profits would be going.

Above: Pomeranian Anderson, Biteme Spears, Bone Rivers and Brad Pittbull

How many did they make?
Where can I buy them?
Did they need to have the celebrity's permission?
Who designed them?

Above: Bark Nicholsen, Pup Doggy, Rosie O'Doggell and Sarah Jessica Barker

In a matter of minutes I received a friendly and informative reply from Pamela Reeder who was happy to tell me about this fun and benevolent project.

Coincedentally, my question about the 'permission' to create these was a timely one. Just last week Haute Diggity Dog won their second lawsuit brought against them by Louis Vuitton- LVMH (who clearly lack a sense of humor). Their toys were judged as parodies of famous objects. You can read details about the suit here.

Pamela, who designed these herself, went on to explain about the project:
"...We will be listing monthly how much money we raised that month and WHO it went to with a link for the group.Our November sales will be going to The Baja Animal Sanctuary and we will be presenting them with a check on December 6th as well as 165 rubber dog toys for the dogs for Christmas. The sanctuary is in the desert and is semi-outside with dirt floors so sending our toys would be inappropriate, so I bought rubber sturdy ones. Most of these dogs have never even had a toy in their lives. Which is the whole basis of this fund raiser...our toy sales helping other needy dogs live to play another day.

We are donating fifty cents for every toy sold at wholesale....so far this month we have sold approx 7,450 pc..so that's $3,225 already with 2 more weeks to go! Once the toys sell out that will be it for this collection and my guess is that we will be sold out by January at this rate since it is Christmas but we plan to do another collection the same way (something different) late Spring again (-: We are hoping to raise $30,000 or more from this one collection!"

You can tell from her enthusiasm and language in the above excerpt from her e-mail to me how much she and her partner really care about the welfare of dogs.

Below is some background on the fun and fashionable duo behind the luxe parody dog toys.

HAUTE DIGGITY DOG is the brain puppy of Pamela Reeder and together with partner Victoria Dauernheim, Haute Diggity Dog has quickly grown from a fun idea to a successful line of popular parody dog toys, unique collars, carry bags, and must have dog accessories. Additionally, the company's products have been featured on the Today Show, Good Morning America,and CBS Early Show,Haute Diggity Dog has an extensive celebrity following and has been a featured item in gift bags to nominees and presenters at the Oscars and Emmy Awards.

PAMELA REEDER is no stranger to growing a business. She learned the ropes while owning a successful bath and body retail store. She also owned and operated a freelance floral design business, some of her clients included Spago, New Line Cinema, Disney, Glamour Magazine, Martha Stewart and president Bill Clinton. Pamela's skills were also utilized as a product manager/buyer for a major Las Vegas casino resort company. It was her great love of dogs though, that led her down the path to Haute Diggity Dog.

Pamela lives with her two beloved dogs Biscuit and Rusty. All three are redheads :)

VICTORIA DAUERNHEIM was one of the pioneers at FedEx and assisted the start-up company through its development years into becoming a billion dollar giant we know today. Working for FedEx and coming from a military family enabled this "Southern Belle" to travel the world. Victoria is a little bit of Champagne, a little bit of moonshine, and a whole lot of fun. She and Pam met while working for a Las Vegas casino resort chain. Victoria has a feisty Pomeranium named Fluffy.

Pam and Victoria's love of animals has been the driving force that propelled Haute Diggity Dog from dream to reality. Both are involved in charitable foundations and are big advocates and supporters of dog rescue programs.

You can contact Pam and Victoria at info@hautediggitydog.com

Some online retailers who carry Haute Diggity Dog products:
www.smalldogmall.com
www.trixieandpeanut.com
www.muttropolis.com
www.shopluckydog.com
www.inthecompanyofdogs.com
www.lushpuppyonline.com
www.barkslope.com
www.dogbar.com
www.wrapables.com
www.jakesdoghouse.com
www.hautedogboutique.com
www.tailsinthecity.com
www.glamourdog.com
www.pamperedpup.com
www.gwlittle.com
www.thepinkpaw.com
www.bestinshowsf.com
www.pawpalaceonline.com
www.moochieandco.com
www.canineranchnyc.com
www.shopthedog.com
www.wiggle-n-waggle.com
www.poshpetboutiqueandspaw.com
www.maxwelldog.com
www.busterandsullivan.com
www.michipet.com
www.funnyfur.com
www.doggievogue.com
www.diggitydogcarmel.com
www.yourdogwilldigit.com
www.foxypaws.com
www.happytailpets.com
www.fundogfred.com
www.ruffaroundthehedges.com

Funky Find Of The Week:
Lantic's Pure Gold Remote Control

This new remote control by Lantic Systems is made of pure gold. That's right, gold.
I dare you to call it 'the clicker'.

source-Lantic Systems' site:
Lantic Systems delivers the most expensive remote control in the world.
The Danish hi-tech manufacturer Lantic Systems, which is specialized in developing high end integrated entertainment systems, has designed a remote control in pure gold.

It is probably the world’s most expensive remote control on the market – at a price in excess of USD 30.000,- which compared to the standard remote control retailing from USD 1050,-

The new remote control – Gold RC1 – was presented Nov. 13th at the METS 2007 Exhibition in Amsterdam, Holland – the worlds biggest marine equipment trade show.

Lantic Systems is ready to deliver Gold RC1 from December 2007 and the first orders have already been received.

Modeled after the original RC1 from Lantic Systems, the Gold RC1 offers the same sleek form factor and cool metallic finish and ease of use that have made the RC1 one of the hottest remote controls on the market today.

The Gold RC1 is as well as in design as in function the centre of the Lantic Entertainment system which offers control over TV/video/dvd, music/CD, internet, e-mail, CCTV, burglary alarm, lights, curtains, air-conditioning and surveillance of navigation systems etc.

This is a unique technology which matches the other integrated state-of-the-art management and entertainment systems, which Lantic Systems is specialized in developing for the mega yachts and the exclusive homes worldwide.

To contact:

Lantic Systems A/S
Nordlandsvej 90
8240 Risskov
Denmark
E-mail: info@lantic-systems.com
Telephone: +45 8743 9090
Fax: +45 8743 9099
For more information, click here.

11.16.2007

Brother, Can You Spare A Dime? If So, Here's 20 Great Places To Put It.

Around this time of year, people start thinking (and worrying) about their money. The holidays are coming up, year -end deductions and expenses are taken into account and chances are, most of the world is pinching their pennies.

So, If you're not gonna spend it, at least put it in something cool. Above are 20 beautiful places in which to put that spare change- if you've got any.

There's no longer an excuse for keeping pennies in a ...gasp...jar!

Just click on each piggy bank above to purchase.

Wanna see more cool and modern money boxes/piggybanks/coin boxes? Go here.

11.15.2007

Cartier's Surprisingly Hip Launch
For Their Latest Watch

While I've always been a fan of Cartier, especially their watches, I wouldn't have described them as a hip company or a cutting edge company or even a company in touch with an audience under 40 years of age.

However, their fabulous, artful and beautifully illustrated launch of their newest watch, the Ballon Bleu has changed my mind.

By creating a microsite that showcases six different comic book writers/illustrators' work as well as seven Ninth Art writers in an unusual visual odyssey they have made me re-examine my previous notion of this luxury jewelry and watch manufacturer.

I can hardly do the entire site justice without reproducing it, so let me just share a few of the illustrations and a few frames of the comics and let you experience the entire thing for yourself.

Click on the images below so you can see them larger and appreciate the art.

Above: six different illustrations, each showcasing the blue cabochon in a different visual interpretation.

Above: 3 different examples of partial comic strips written about the watch

Of course, the watch is stunning. It's most notable feature, the large blue cabochon sapphire winding mechanism incorporated into the bezel and open on both sides. Followed by the unusual slightly rounded shape of the front and back of the face.

Above: The unusually set blue sapphire cabochon winding mechanism on the newest Cartier watch

Above: A detail of the watch face

Like most of Cartier's bracelet watches it's available in 18k yellow, pink or white gold (with or without diamonds) and 18k yellow gold combined with stainless steel (no diamonds).

Above: The unusual shape of the Ballon Bleu

So, in addition to tempting me with yet another stunning horological adornment, Cartier's microsite has captured my eye as well and I wonder if they've produced hard copies of these 'stories'.

Most surprisingly of all, I must declare, Cartier is hip.

See for yourself here.

or buy the watch here.

11.14.2007

Modern Interior Design. On a Different Scale.

Before you simply glance at the pictures below and think you are simply viewing yet another series of beautifully designed modern interiors... STOP and realize these are miniature models.

That's right, tiny handcrafted replicas of rooms and interiors by craftsman Peter Tucker, who calls them "Roomboxes". He creates everything down to the replicas of famous classically modern furniture like that of Corbusier and Reitveld as well as working light fixtures of all sorts.

Throughout this post, be sure to click on the images to enlarge them so you can appreciate all the details.

Above: Art Deco City room (look at the Corbusier Chairs and lucite table!!)

Above: the Artist and Craftsman, Peter Tucker

Below is an interview with the artist, reprinted with his permission:
Peter Tucker's contemporary miniatures spring from a 180-degree turn in life about 10 years ago.
He had been a school psychologist and then he had owned and operated a systems database design-consulting firm.
Peter is thrilled with the change.

"Around that time, two curves crossed. One was that I was getting less and less enjoyment in systems and the second was that I wanted to do something creative. In computer database design, the things you do disappear before you finish.
Sometimes I worked on a project for years, got very well paid, then the project was scrapped and I felt I had nothing to show for the work."

That career also involved a major amount of travel. The final epiphany for Peter came when he was sitting alone in a hotel room far from his home in British Columbia, when a good friend died, and a day later, his mother-in-law died. "I realized that it wasn't much of a life if you can't be there for your friends and family.

Above: Beautifully accurate modern room, down to the objets d'art (click on image to enlarge)

Above: another view of the above modern intimate interior

"The kids were no longer really a responsibility and Jeremie (Peter's wife) was tremendously supportive, even though we both knew that it would never be the financial equivalent of database design. On the other hand, I would not be spending 250 days a year away from home."

Above: A perfect little replica of the bedroom from the beloved children's story "Goodnight Moon".

Known for his modern doll house furnishings and lighting, Peter's only previous experience with miniatures was a doll house he helped build for his little sister when he was about 10, and another doll house he started building for his daughters, Heather and Michelle, many years ago.

Above: A painstakingly perfect working art deco light sculpture of tiny proportions.

Above: a modern two-story loft (click on image to enlarge)

Above: Detail of the above modern loft

"I was still traveling a lot when I started it and I finished it years later, after they were grown. and had left home. I really enjoyed building it. I found it very satisfying. Miniatures were all new to me, but Jeremie's parents were antique dealers in Connecticut and she had lots of contact with miniatures and dolls. "

Above: Peter's roombox of the Frank Lloyd Wright designed Zimmerman House, his "Usonian" period

Peter's first show was in Seattle, Washington, where he met Marilyn and Andy Benedict of Maison des Maisons. The Benedicts invited him to be their featured guest at the Chicago International show in 1999. Since then, Peter has been a Chicago International regular. A boost in the direction of modernism came from a client Peter met at the Seattle show "Her father was an engineer with Frank Lloyd Wright and she was only interested in modern miniatures," Peter said. Looking for someone to build her room structures, Annie Herzfeld approached Peter, who was pleased to take the task. "Over the course of that year, I got hooked on modern," he said.

Above: A detailed miniature of a Greene & Greene dining room

Peter had been doing Arts and Crafts, Art Deco, and Greene and Greene structures.
"Once I got involved with Annie, I became more involved modern. "I really like to make things that are as accurate as possible, or more importantly, convey the accurate feel of what I am trying to reproduce.

Above: Another arts & crafts interior roombox (complete with dog!)

Sometimes I have to go away from total accuracy because it doesn't always work in scale."
When making the back of a fireplace, Peter uses bricks half the size of the ones in front because he feels that one should have the impression of being 15 to 20 feet away when looking into a roombox. "I try to create precision with an optical illusion," he stated.
Peter's accuracy has had its disadvantages. "At least a dozen times people have placed an order on my Web site thinking they are buying a full size item."

Above: Just look at the wood and brick detailing in this unfurnished Greene & Greene replica. A roombox like this sells for almost $6,000 USD.

Because Peter's academics started with engineering, with a reasonable amount of accuracy he can convert a picture to a scale drawing. "I haunt local book stores for interior design books and reference books and I've wandered all over the neighborhood looking for appealing architecture. Then I look to see what finishes and woods were used. I try to come as close as I can and I make changes that need to be done to make it look right."

Above: A Modern art deco interior complete with Corbusier's pony hair lounge chair

Originally, Peter thought of his modern boxes as a stage, letting the client do the "dressing. " But he found that there were very few modern furnishings and even fewer things in the way of lighting.

Above: Peter's Modern "apartment" roombox.

"Now I have come to the point that I design and make the furnishings that would work in the room. Some things are just a visual treat and I have to make them, like the red and blue chair by G. Rietveld (seen below both in a roombox and alone) . It is a study in geometry, angles and planes in primary colors. "I also took pleasure in making the piano from a picture a client sent me of a full-size piano entered in a competition. My knowledge of grand pianos was limited, but by the time I was finished I knew about the soundboard, the cast iron frame and the height of the keys from the floor. I like the detective work that goes with design. "

Above: Peter's replica chair of Reitveld's original as seen in the above room

Because Peter works in a contemporary style, he developed fluorescent lights, tracks with modern canister lights, and other accessories not found in older homes. "When I make lighting I use LED's so you don't have to change bulbs."

Above: another interior-just look at the sophisticated lighting in it!

Although Peter knows that contemporary and modern styles appeal to only about 10 percent
of audiences at shows, he would like to continue in the genre. "I would like to be able to produce some things that are totally unique.”

Above: Peter's handcrafted tiny maple X table

I would love to do the living room of Falling Waters, a Frank Lloyd Wright house in Pennsylvania. This, though, is a two-year project and I can' t do it unless someone commissions it."

Peter enjoys the fact that that his work appeals to the next generation of miniaturists . "I like when a kid points to something on my table and says, 'Mom, that's cool'

Above: A roombox of a local bar

Victorian is not what kids understand. Grandma's house is as far back as they go and it usually is not Victorian. It's probably the fifties at the latest. "I feel really good about the career change-although it is still a scramble at times-but ' I enjoy what I'm doing and other people enjoy what I'm doing."

Above: A modern two-story loft (click to enlarge)

Above and below: details of the two-story loft shown above

Peter Tucker also has amazing victorian and classically designed roomboxes as well.
Visit his site by clicking here for a complete inventory of his admirable work.

Want to buy one of these stunning roomboxes?
They don't come cheap- nor should they.

Click here for a price list.
contact information:
Peter Tucker
Roomboxes Etc.
3675 West 29 Ave
Vancouver B.C. Canada
V6S 1T5
(604)224-3928 Pacific time zone

Other great miniature models:

be sure to check out Mark Turpin's Pine Island and:

Gideon Bing's mini architectural models for Resene too!

11.13.2007

John Maeda Designs Cool Kicks for Reebok
But only 100 pairs!

Today, Reebok launched a special limited edition shoe called the Timetanium,designed by artist/ designer/mathematician/scientist/and all around hip guy John Maeda of which they only have 100 pairs available.

And as of 12:45pm today, only 47 pairs are left!
So, half the day is gone and so are half the shoes. Better get your kicks now!
Buy them here.

Below are some details of this uniquely designed pair of sneaks.

above: designer/artist John Maeda
The designer's site.

Below is a video of the designer and his creation of the Timetanium for Reebok.

Buy them here.

11.12.2007

Product Pick Of The Week:
Sony Style Esprit Bravia LCD TV

Just a few weeks ago, I did a post on Two Eyes cool-looking customizable self-concealing HDTV.

What I didn't know then, and do now..is that last May, Sony introduced their self-concealing Bravia LCD TV in 32" to Europe*, calling it the Esprit Series. The greatest product difference between this and the Two Eyes self-concealing LCD HDTV is that Sony's "concealing" panel which they call a "grille" is actually a flat panel speaker system with a top loading CD/DVD, thereby making more than a self-concealing tv but a self-concealing home theater system.

*The Sony Tav L1 is available in the US and is marketed without the Esprit name and with fewer panel options

Sony unveiled the Esprit TAV-L1 theatre system in May 2006 to European markets, initially with a plain solid black front panel.

A sleek, beautiful home entertainment experience packed, wire-free, into a simple, clean-lined box. The L1 boasts a grille net, effectively a flat panel speaker that rises in front of the BRAVIA LCD TV, like a silk screen fencing off the horror of 24-hour news.

With a unique motorised front panel that hides the TV screen when you're in standby mode or listening to music and glides open for TV and DVD viewing.

The new Esprit line boasts a touch-sensitive speaker grill in front of the 32-inch BRAVIA HDTV that protects your precious LCD during audio mode. Touch the speaker grille and it glides down the pedestal to reveal the high-def flat panel.

A top-loading CD and DVD slot complements the 50 watts-per-channel 2.1 sound complete with a 100 watt sub.
The 32-inch model is said to soon be followed by a 40-inch model.

You now have the option to swap the Midnight black panel for one of their Limited Edition patterned panels or buy their special offer, TAVL1-3PAN, and get three additional panels in Mint green, Sunset orange and Sand cream, so you can personalize your living room to suit your mood.

Above: the Special offer edition (available here - europe only) that comes with three solid color swappable panels.

Above & below: Their limited edition panels patterned panels (see enlargements below):

Then they came out with more panels and called them the Prestige Collection (designed by Ligne Roset).

The Esprit's Prestige Collection has been created for discerning 'style tech' customers, who choose consumer electronics products for style and design integrity as well as superior technology and is only available from Sony Style and Sony Centres.

The ethos of the brand is 'beautiful simplicity', creating highly functional, fuss-free solutions, which will look good and work well in today's modern urban living environment.

Below are examples of some of Ligne Roset's panel designs for the Esprit Prestige collection

Above: Grille cover "Twiggy"

These wonderful looking 32" home theater systems can be found by clicking here.
or here.

Or , in the US, here.
and here.

And in regards to the 40" version, I have yet to see it on the market.

Specs for the 32" version are:

Screen size: 32"

Resolution: 1366 x 768

Integrated digital tuner

EPG (Electronic Programme Guide)

HD ready

FM tuner

3D Digital Comb Filter

1-Chip video processor

Audio features:

S-Master

Dolby® Digital, Dolby® Prologic II, DTS Digital Surround

S-FORCE Front Surround

Front power output: 50 W x 2

Sub woofer (RMS) power output: 100 W

1 Composite Video In

1 S Video In

2 SCART

1 HDMI

PC input

DVD-R/+R/+R DL/+RW/-RW/-RW(VR) playback

DivX

MP3 playback

Precision Cinema Progressive

Size (L x W x H ): approx. 1069 x 856 X 470 mm

Weight: approx. 58 kg

Buy the 32" Sony esprit here (for those in Europe).

A Little Something For Those More Traditional

If the idea of a motorized flat tv is just a little too sci-fi/futuristic for you or your home decor, Sony has just started offering their Bravia HDTVs with colored monitor frames (see pic below):

Buy them here.

11.11.2007

Premium Vodka Distillers
Drunk With Design

I can't help but notice how many new "Luxury" Vodkas are entering the market these days. Premium distilled award-winning Vodkas with stunning bottle designs to match.

Whether they contain actual gold flakes, like Shaw-Ross Importers "Gold Flake Vodka" or Swarovski Crystals like "Diva Vodka", clearly alcohol and luxury are becoming popular bedfellows.

In addition to being touted as having multiple distillation processes or having the least impurities, these companies have hired well-known designers to create gorgeous bottles and packaging..and in the case of U'luvka, glasses and ice buckets as well.

Below are a few of the newest Luxury Vodkas with stunning bottle designs for your perusal.. and possibly imbibing.

1) French Vodka Gold Flakes Supreme, a new ultra-premium vodka with a touch of gold launched across the US this month.

Above: Gold Flakes Supreme Vodka by Shaw-Ross Importers.

Shaw-Ross is to release the Ultra-premium French Vodka Gold Flakes Supreme – made with 24-carat consumable gold flakes – to certain vodka markets in the country.

The gold vodka is bottled in France and quadruple-distilled. "The shimmering flakes of edible gold that glitter magically in Gold Flakes Supreme's crafted quality bottle bring to life all of gold's most desirable associations and expectations," the company notes. The retail price of the flaked vodka is estimated at €60 (£40) per bottle.

Shaw Ross is currently updating their web site to better serve you. If you have any questions, please email TatianaColumbus@Shaw-Ross.com.

2).What vodka is worthy of the Trump name?

After an exhaustive worldwide search, Drinks Americas is proud to announce the launch of the world's finest vodka: Trump Super Premium Vodka.

Quintuple-distilled in Holland by renowned Dutch master distiller Jacques de Lat, Trump Super Premium Vodka is the culmination of our search for the distiller and the vodka that will demand the same respect and inspire the same awe as the international legacy and brand of Donald Trump himself.

Trump Super Premium Vodka is bottled in a unique, sexy, and luxurious Bruni Glass design, with labels and outer decorations by world famous New York designer and artist Milton Glaser.

The Premium Vodka category is where the very best of fashionable spirits brands compete. By the summer of '06, I fully expect the most called for cocktail in America to be the "T&T" or the "Trump and Tonic." We are very excited that Drinks Americas will be leading this initiative and look for great success."

The beverage, Trump 24K Super Premium Vodka, is marketed though a partnership between Drinks Americas and business icon Donald Trump and is currently sold in the United States, Canada and the Caribbean.

As part of the Russian launch of the product, an expected 45,000 consumers in Moscow will be able to view the 24-carat Trump gold bottle and sample the award-winning spirit on November 22nd. Trump 24K Super Premium Vodka has been available on the market since earlier this year, when 1,000 cases of the drink were pre-sold to distributors for holders of luxury accounts and premium clubs.

A separate version of the beverage, without the luxury gold label, has been sold in the US since last autumn and up to five new flavors of the product are expected to be announced in the coming months.

Marketed under the catchphrase "Success Distilled", the vodka is made in Holland.
Buy it here.

3)Diva Premium Vodka

Diva Vodka seems to be the brainchild of ten people (the Diva Divas) and in addition to creating this 'gem' of a bottle, they make many custom (bespoke) versions as well. Their site is filled with quotes and information. The Diva Divas certainly seem like a fun group of people!

The Baltic Vodka is triple distilled and filtered through a fine sand of crushed gems and diamonds.

In every bottle you’ll find semi-precious or precious stones, including diamonds, which means the prices range from $ 70.00 up to $ 1,060,000.00 a bottle.

Some even come with matching jewelry (see rings below next to bottles):

You can get the Vodka with swarovski crystals in any color variation or, even better, with REAL GEMS. Below is an example of DIVA Black Gold which has two nuggets of solid gold in it.

The above, Diva Black Gold, is available for purchase from Selfridges.

for other falvors and/or custom orders, see their site for all the options, ordering and details.

4). Oval Vodka

Oval calls their product "structured" vodka. Their purification process and bottle design are related to the chemistry used in their patented filtering process.

The Tetrahedral -Shaped Bottle was designed by Lucy D. Design Studios and is based on the form of the vodka and its molecules.

Above: the vodka molecule and a bottle to match

The Bottle was a Cannes Design award winner this year, 2007.

Buy it here.

5) U'luvka Vodka

In addition to being yet another premium vodka with a beautifully designed bottle, Uluvka has a beautifully designed website filled with entertaining copy and information.

Another award winning multiple-distilled Vodka, U'luvka also sells stunning vodka gift accessories, glasses and buckets.

Their site is one any designer should see, even if you're a teetotaler.

Above: just some of U'Luvka's stunning package design by Aloof Design

Visit their site.
Or just buy the vodka here.

6) ABNormal Vodka by Arteska.

Many of you design-watchers will recognize this bottle as receiving praise for being the first neckless Vodka bottle. Initially named Vertikal Vodka, I believe they have now renamed it ABNormal. Which is probably why you couldn't find it on the shelves.

ARTESKA International Company is introducing revolutionary innovations into the technology of vodka production, especially in the process of distillation. Its vodka is produced from the best quality wheat grown in the famous wheat fields of Vojvodina.

The quality of every bottle of ABnormal vodka is guaranteed due to the control of the complete production process; every drop of vodka is filtered for more than eighty hours through ten tons of special active coal. As the result of this process, crystal clear vodka with neutral smell and taste is produced, quality highly appreciated and highlighted by the devotees of this beverage.

ABnormal vodka is the first in the world bottle without the neck.
Design of the bottle for ABNORMAL Vodka received get the "GRAND PRIZE - best packaging design" in Cannes 2005.

ABnormal vodka is now launched, finding the way to consumers hearts; recognized as excellent cocktail base, providing the inspiration for creative barmen.

Vertikal Vodka (now renamed as ABNormal Vodka) from Serbia received a lot of attention as well as design awards, with their 'Neckless" bottle design by Nonobject.

7) Bong Spirits "Bong Vodka"

Bong Spirits has a Holland Vodka Called Bong Vodka. The Bottle design, below,obviously emulating a bong.

Bong Spirit Vodka has been created by a group of partners in the nightclub, art and entertainment industry. They combined their ideas and resources to craft one of the most notable and interesting spirit brands on the market!

Above: the six bottle designs sold at beverage warehouse in Los Angeles

A limited number are available in 5 artist designs - 1 plain hand painted bottle and 4 designed by renowned artists -each individually numbered bottle represents a little slice of history.

Artist Jimi Beach developed the concept of the Bong Spirit brand. It is certainly a well-designed marketing strategy that not only redefines the spirit world, but also the art community. Bottles of Bong Vodka have a distinct shape, are made with fine glass, and topped with a chrome overcap. While the original design is a marvel of its own, a collector series of bottles featuring the art of several up and coming artists is also available and are randomly packed with the unadorned bottles in each case that is distributed.

Their website is presently under design but you can contact them for info here.
Or buy Bong Vodka here.

8) Kauffman Vodkas

Kauffman Vodkas has non-vintage, vintage and special vintage Vodkas.

Their Non-vintage premium vodkas come in Hard Vodka, Soft Vodka, Lemon and Grapefruit, Pepper and Carraway flavors as well as a beautiful bottle.

Above: Soft Vodka
The taste is soft, inherent to a honey-based vodka, with barely perceptible hint of Cornelian cherry. The aroma is delicate, with ginseng and pea tones: the recipe includes ginseng tincture. Natural honey guarantees the long-term storage of the vodka and makes it taste soft and deep.

They also created Vintage Vodkas.
The innovative approach to producing the only vintage vodka in the world involves using natural ingredients from a particular year, producing spirit and vodka itself at the same distillery at the same time and in limited quantity and monitoring every stage of the process.

In 2003 Kauffman Luxury Vintage 2003 was issued. It is a very gentle vodka which matches the same quality as Luxury Vintage 2002 and has a harmonious taste and light aroma of fresh bread and spices.

Kauffman's Luxury Vintage is made from the highest quality wheat of one single harvest only in the years when the finest wheat grains are identified. To guarantee high quality and retain continuity of style Kauffman Luxury is bottled only once per vintage (25.000 bottles) with each bottle carrying a limited edition number. The blend of Kauffman Luxury contains the infusion of dried wheaten crusts that is thoroughly filtered before being added to the other components of Vodka Kauffman Luxury such as rectified ethylic spirit ‘Luxe’, softened water and sugar.

Tasting notes: It is an incredibly elegant, soft, subtle and delicate drink with feint perceptible scent of roasted rye bread crust and a light pleasant taste of mint.

In 2003 Dr. Mark Kauffman launched his second range of vodka - Kauffman Special Selected Vintage 2003 (0.7 L). It matches the same high technological requirements as Luxury vodka. The difference is that 5000 cases of Kauffman Special Selected are produced annually.

Just as Kauffman Luxury Special Selected Vintage is also made from the highest quality wheat of one single harvest only in the years when the finest wheat grains are identified and bottled only once per vintage (5000 cases). Special Selected Vintage contains feint infusion honey, natural extracts of schizandra, and finest high strength spirit and purest water.

Tasting notes: The taste is soft, inherent to a honey-based vodka, with barely perceptible hints of anise and licorice.

In addition to those, they had two special blends; the Christmas blend and The Inaugural Blend (shown below):

the above Bottle was issued in limited edition on the occasion of the Russian President's Inauguration in May 2004. The bottle is truly inspirational and decorated by the 24-carat gold sputtering.

The taste is soft and elegant, inherent to a honey-based vodka, marked by a barely perceptible scent of roasted rye bread crust.

Click here to find Kauffman Vodka.

9) Heavy Water Vodka

Made in Sweden at the Bloomberg estate near Källby, on the shore of Northern Europe’s largest lake, Heavy Water Vodka has the unique taste of Sweden in every sip.

After searching for years to discover the perfect vodka formula, which required them to travel the world, spend countless hours of intense research developing formulas and subsequent arduous hours of sampling, they finally found the vodka they were searching for in

Hey, we know, it’s a rough job, but someone had to do it! Heavy Water Vodka derives its’ name from the rare isotope, D20, which scientists call “heavy water.” For every 6,000 parts of water, there is only one part that is heavy water. According to Jared Brown, “Heavy Water Vodka was designed by discerning drinkers for discerning drinkers.”

Heavy Water Vodka is made from Scandinavian-grown winter wheat that is fermented and blended with deep artisan well water. It is distilled through a continuous still and filtered, with the actual number of times that it is distilled, as well as the formula, a closely guarded secret, however the result is a product that is rich, balanced and smooth with definite herbal and spicy notes of fennel, toasted almonds and orange.

Heavy Water Vodka made its debut in October 2005, and has already received five international medals.

Even the bottle of Heavy Water Vodka is unique, with its squat shape made by a prestigious French glassmaker with a metal rod inside which bears the name Heavy Water Vodka. The Italian-made, flavor-neutral rod is a playful addition to Heavy Water Vodka with a nod to the fuel rods that are immersed in heavy water to generate energy from plutonium.

Described by Tastings as "Clear. Neutral sweet cream, anise cookie, nougat, and powdered sugar aromas. A velvety entry leads to a supple, oily medium-to-full-bodied palate with balanced, powdered sugar, fresh sweet cream, and spicy anise flavors. Finishes with a long clean cream and spice fade. Lush and delicious."

Recipient of the International Review of Spirits Award: Gold Medal
Buy it here.

Other vodkas (some premium, some not) with interesting bottles worth noting are:
Liquid ice Organic Grain Vodka in a bottle that looks like it's trapped in an ice cube (US only),
Vodka 666(in the devil-shaped bottle),
Scotland's Brilliant Vodka bottle in the five-sided faceted black or clear bottle,
Roberto Cavalli's Vodka with the snake-wrapped frosted bottle,
Red Army Vodka in the bomb shaped bottle,
Gotham Vodka in the porcelain deco skyscraper decanter
Jean Marc XO Vodka in handblown glass bottle
Ultimat in colored glass decanters

11.10.2007

Fur + Embroidery + Dance + Dog = Puppoose

Take a talented girl with a rock hard body and a love for dance, dogs and crochet and what do you get? The Puppoose, of course.

Shannon Beach is a professional dancer, aerialist and the designer and creator of the "Puppoose".

A SAG /AFTRA member with an impressive resumé and an equally cute dog, she has created this fun crocheted dog carrier now available for $80.00 in various designs and colors.

THE PUPPOOSE.
The Puppoose is the most ergonomically designed, natural way to carry your pet. The luxuriously lightweight, soft fabric makes using this carrier a breeze! The Puppoose fits any small dog and any person! Its crocheted design has 4 holes at the base for the pets limbs, 4 adjustable straps to adjust the length, a neck cushion for your comfort and safety strap to ensure your pets security. Its hands-free convenience allows more quality time together!

Each product is beautifully hand crafted and checked extensively by their quality control department. They ensure that every Puppoose passes our high standards and is guaranteed original.

The designer, Shannon Beach and her "spokesdog" (below):

COLORS
Pink, Blue, Brown & Black
The custom fabric is made of 45% cotton/55% acrylic.
Machine washable, lay flat to dry

SIZES
Small: 3-8 lbs
Medium: 9-15 lbs
Large: 16-22 lbs

RETAIL PRICE
$80.00

SHIPPING DOMESTIC THROUGH US POSTAL SERVICE
1 item $6.50. Add $1.50 for each additional Puppoose. Rates effective August 2007 and are subject to change. A business, residential address or PO Box is acceptable. Shipped with Delivery Confirmation

RETAILERS
Please call 818-505-8829 for wholesale information

About this unusual designer (from the 'about' section on her site):

SHANNON BEACH, DESIGNER & CEO
Often on the road as a professional dancer for superstars such as Cher, P!NK and others, Shannon appreciates her down time and puts her mind at ease by crocheting. The meditative process allows her to slip into a world of relaxation and deep concentration, focusing on everything and at the same time, nothing at all. She describes this space as being "in the flow". A state of concentrated attention in which ordinary worries are forgotten and intrustions fail to register. She explains this feeling as being absolutely blissful and decided to make it her own by naming the company Feel the Flo.

Shannon has appointed her Shih Tzu, Ted D. to be the official "spokesdog" behind the first product, the PUPPOOSE. Its fashionable functionality compliments the pair as they cruise the streets of Los Angeles and New York City, spreading the joy of this unique product. This guerilla marketing tactic has gained an adoring fan base allowing people to easily see how the PUPPOOSE would enhance thier lives.

This is the first of many innovative ideas to build the Feel the Flo brand. Shannon is dedicated and smart and most importantly patient. She exudes positive energy and creativity which motivates herself and others, building strong solid relationships along the way. In an ever changing and increasingly competitive world, she believes a clear focus and perseverence will allow her dreams to come true!

the Feel The Flo website

Polls Show Consumers' Expected Shopping Habits This Christmas

New York — Despite the early sales push by major retailers, a Consumer Reports Holiday Shopping Poll shows that consumers plan to start shopping later for the holidays this year. Only 22 percent expect to get their holiday shopping done right after Thanksgiving this year, compared to 30 percent in 2006.

Another 45 percent said they expect to finish shopping for the holidays by the second week of December, while 20 percent don't expect to complete their purchases until Christmas Eve.
A full 6 percent don't expect to finish their shopping until after the season is over.

Clothing tops the list of gifts that consumers plan to buy, at 71 percent, followed by gift cards at 62 percent and electronics at 53 percent. But while clothing is the most-purchased gift, it isn’t the most wanted. The poll found that consumers would most like to receive electronics gifts, at 19 percent, followed by gift cards at 12 percent.

Men wanted electronics the most, at 25 percent, while women want gift cards (15 percent) and electronics (13 percent). Last year Consumer Reports found that clothing was the gift which most often disappointed, at 38 percent.

Some 23 percent of respondents anticipate they will spend less than last year, and 65 percent plan to do at least some of their holiday shopping online.

Men (23 percent) are more likely than women (13 percent) to do more of their holiday shopping online. The 22nd Annual Holiday Survey of retail spending and trends, by Deloitte, got slightly different results, finding that gift spending will hold steady and the number of gifts consumers plan to give is up.

Consumers plan to buy an average of 23 gifts, up from 22 last year and the highest over the last six years. Women plan to buy even more, with an average of 26 gifts. Consumers aged 61–74 plan to spend 27 percent more than the average.

However, the survey also showed that 41 percent expect to reduce their spending this holiday season, just not on gifts.

Areas where spending is likely to be down include home improvements, socializing/entertaining, charitable donations, home/holiday furnishings and non-gift clothing.

Department stores, both traditional and discount, continue to be the top shopping destination. Gift cards are expected to be the top gift purchase for the fourth straight year, with 69 percent of consumers surveyed planning to buy them, compared with 66 percent last year. Shoppers are planning to buy an average of 5.5 cards, compared with 4.6 cards last year. Consumers are also spending more per card: $36.25 on average, compared with $30.22 last year.

Some 39 percent of consumers would rather get a gift card than merchandise, an increase over last year's 35 percent. And only 19 percent say they don't like to give gift cards because they're too impersonal, down from 22 percent last year. While 46 percent intend to buy them for immediate family; however, only 14 percent plan to buy gift cards for spouses or significant others.

More than half of consumers surveyed (54 percent) say a product's country of origin is important to them when making a purchase decision, with those over age 44 being most concerned; 35 percent said non-food products importer from other countries are not safe. Even more (58 percent) say recent news stories about product recalls will influence some of their purchase decisions.

11.09.2007

Japan Gets In Gear:
Tokyo Motor Show 2007

The dust has settled on the Tokyo Motor Show, traditionally the outlet for the industry’s most avant-garde predictions.

2007’s debuts didn’t disappoint, although the host country’s penchant for bizarre city cars is starting to look rather less eccentric as public perception shifts in their favor.

As well as some cracking urban concepts from Honda, Toyota and Nissan, here’s Wallpaper's round-up of the show’s scattering of the bold and the brave.

Above: Lexus LF-Xh concept
As a luxury brand, Lexus doesn’t dabble in the small scale. It is, however, fully committed to lowering emissions, so while the size of the LF-Xh concept was an eye-opener in these eco-conscious times, the news that the urban SUV packed the latest version of the company’s tried and tested hybrid drive was far more welcome.

The concept is sleek but not improbably so, and many elements of the design will make their way into next year’s new RX model. The wrap-around, folding interior structure seems strongly influenced by contemporary architecture.

Above: Audi metroproject quattro concept
Mindful that the media’s eyes would be drawn to the more unusual fare on show, few major Western manufacturers brought all-new models to the show. Audi were the exception, and while the metroproject is ostensibly a design study, it’s actually a near production-ready version of 2009’s A1 city car.

The concept uses a mild hybrid drive to keep emissions down, while the swooping roof line gives the car an easily identifiable silhouette. The metro project also includes Audi’s new in-car remote control, a hand held device designed to control the car’s functions (try switching on the heater before you’ve even stepped out of the front door on a winter’s morning). Expect the idea to spread across the company’s entire range before long.

Above: Honda CR-Z Concept
The CR-Z offered a rather more believable view of the future than most concepts on show. Standing for ‘Compact Renaissance - Zero’, the car’s anteater-like snout and extreme wedge shape all hint at a low drag shape.

Intended as a sporting take on the ubiquitous hatchback, expect elements of the CR-Z to surface in the 2009 model year, with hybrid power on board right from the start. Sadly, the neon-striped spaceship feel of the interior might not make it to the showroom.

Above: Mitsubishi i MiEV Sport
A sporting variant on the Mitsubishi i, the i MiEV Sport is a low-slung fastback city car, with a scarab-shaped bodyshell and an all-electric, all-wheel drive power train.

Foam green bodywork offsets the high-tech goings on below, including solar cells in the roof and a miniature wind turbine concealed behind the grill. The two plus two is pitched at the sporting environmentalist - an oxymoronic consumer profile the auto industry is keen to cultivate.

Above:Suzuki Pixy and Sharing Coach
In the future, Suzuki’s futurists expect we’ll want a car that fragments into smaller vehicles, taking each occupant a stage further on their individual journeys. This ‘sustainable mobility’ concept is embodied in the SSC, the Suzuki Sharing Coach.

Essentially a box on wheels, each SSC can contain two PIXYs, a curious personal transportation module with an upright stance and the ability to enter buildings. It’s a solution to a problem that doesn’t yet exist, but Suzuki are banking on the pod people taking over the pavements of tomorrow as a response to smog-shrouded roadways.

Above: Nissan Intima
Big saloons still sell by the boatload in Asia. Nissan’s Intima looks relatively conventional but is saved from mass-market dreariness by the clamshell doors that open up the cavernous interior and the teardrop-shaped windscreen that extends high over the passenger seats.

The thought of seats that swivel round to deposit you on the pavement might appeal to Japan’s fast-ageing population, although the firm is pitching this as a, and we quote, ‘New-generation Saloon for People with a Sophisticated, Discerning Eye for Beauty’.

Above: Nissan RD/BX
Nissan’s ‘Round Box’ Concept epitomises the current trend towards the toy-like, a bulked-up four-seater that features a bluff frontage and open-air top. In corporate speak that translates into a ‘Youth-Oriented Compact Convertible’, hence the emphasis on being a mobile social environment. The driver gets the usual quota of lights and dials, while the satnav system can be accessed by anyone (sure to cause a few arguments).

Above:Daihatsu Mud Master-C
With its Tonka Toy moniker and four-square stance, the Mud Master-C is an almost comically cute reinterpretation of the classic go-anywhere utility vehicle. Reminiscent of any number of ultra-tough models from the classic Unimog onwards, the Mud Master-C was actually developed in collaboration with one of Japan’s leading mountain bikers, Raita Suzuki, as a ‘support vehicle.’ Deliveries never need be delayed again.

Above: Toyota RiN / Toyota Hi-CT
While Toyota’s 1/X hybrid concept was relatively conventional, the company let loose its creative juices with the RiN and Hi-CT. The latter was a joystick-steered, mini utility vehicle, with an upright cab and space on the back platform to haul anything you please. Plug-in hybrid drive comes as standard.

The RiN was even more avant-garde, a push-me-pull-you style urban vehicle inspired by tea houses and the dream of zero emissions. The white bodywork was decorated with organic forms, and the green carpet was a not-so-subtle way of turning the driving experience into a soothing walk in the park.

Source: Wallpaper Magazine

11.08.2007

99 Modern Menorahs.Oy Vey, That's A Lot of Lights.

Modern menorahs are growing in popularity. And since last year's list was such a hit I've decided to continue to scour the world and web for new and more modern menorahs to add to the list.

Please note that although I've listed many menorahs, this list does not include 'novelty' menorahs of which there are many.

Instead this list is focused on beautifully designed menorahs that deviate from the traditional style.

To see modern Christmas stuff, check out my other list by clicking here.

Hanukkah (Chanukah) begins December 4th this year. Better buy that menorah now!

Quick Little Giggle: The Alphabet In Pop Culture Pics

Click to enlarge.

A friend of mine sent this over to me this morning.
Unfortunately I do not know who to credit, so if you do, let me know!
It's hilarious for those of us familiar with American pop culture and above the age of 30. Not sure if the rest of you will understand all the visual letter references.

The World's First Underwater Spa:
LIME at Huvafen Fushi

Well, I've found my next vacation destination. How about you?

In addition to being a stunningly beautiful award winning resort,
what does the spa offer?

•6 over-water treatment rooms, each with its own glass floor.

•The world's first underwater spa which offers 2 double rooms

and a separate relaxation area designed specifically for the best vistas of the surrounding sea life.

•Health Exchange where the resident naturopath offers wellbeing consultations using the latest techniques in haemaview live blood analysis and iridology.

•Relaxation area spread over two floors with Aroma infused steam room, sauna, ice room, high tech rain shower, boutique, over water yoga pavilion and gym.

•A first in the Maldives - salt water floatation pool otherwise known as a Lonu Veyo - known for its therapeutic and healing effects.

•Spa and Yoga guru retreats year round.

•Raw - innovative spa cuisine restaurant

Lime at Huvafen Fushi enjoys high occupancy through out the year. They recommend and welcome prior bookings for any treatments.

Please contact them by email or telephone to reserve your appointment specifying the treatments you would like, the date and time required, and the name(s) for the reservation.

A credit card number is required at time of booking. They understand that it can be confusing choosing which treatment is best for you. Therefore upon arrival they invite you to an informal consultation so that they may guide and advise you in choosing your treatments.

To make a reservation contact them at:
lime@huvafenfushi.com
or telephone +960 6644 222

Maybe I'll see you there!

contact the spa for menu and reservations

11.06.2007

Spruce Up Your Home With Real Wood

In intentional contrast to my previous posts about "faux bois" and "wood-like" flooring, how about the real thing?

About ten years ago blonde woods were all the rage. Maple, beech, birch, white ash.

Then about five years ago, it was dark woods; cherry, mahoghany.. or, as you probably know them; java, espresso and chocolate wood, since most of the dark woods were stains.

But now, anything goes.

And there are a million beautiful things made of wood these days. In any shade. And any style.

Veneer, lasercut, bent, combined with electronics, light, glass and more.

Above, clockwise from top left; Reclaimed timber vases with glass inserts, intricately lasercut wood bench by Studiobility, wood-framed wall mirror with little bird and twig detail , wood and acrylic bed tray by Asli Bohane, The reveur cube clock with feather secondhand, wood framed HDTV LCD screen, Seneca pendant flourescent lamp, modern wood planter box by Wud, the Creep pendant lamp by Susan Bradley and Arik levy's Wengé wood rocks.

From wood clocks and benches to wood vases and decorative items, here are ten new items made of real wood that will "spruce" up your home. Pardon the pun..

Click on any of the images above for purchase information.

"New Rich" & "Indulgences" : Two Different Collections, One Message

Two Different Groups of Artists Mock Consumers' Obsession With Luxury
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A collection by Big-game for +41

Above; Elric Petit, Augustin Scott de Martinville and Grégoire Jeanmonod met at ECAL, in Lausanne. Respectively Belgian, French and Swiss, they developed a common approach and soon they formed a close team and in 2004, Big Game was born.

After the success of their first collection “HERITAGE IN PROGRESS” in 2005, Big-game came back with a new collection presented at the Köln imm fair in 2006.

Once again, the members of Big-game surprise us by creating a series of jewels for +41, a young Swiss fashion brand with a stellar reputation amongst the connoisseurs.

In their latest collection, Big-game questions the meaning of accessories and offers new alternatives to jewelry. This series of objects entitled “NEW RICH” results from the confrontation between mass products and luxury.

NEW RICH (as described by the artists)- Mass products meet luxury

When gold replaces plastic, democratic and functional objects become exclusive in a subtle way.
“We’ve picked standard, universal products, and replaced a part of each object by an equivalent in gold”, explains Elric Petit. “We love the shrewd blend between the down-to-earth functionalism of mass-products and the ultimate precious material: gold”

The scenography of Big-game’s exhibition in Köln reflects this ambiguity as it is inspired by black-market peddlers. The black suitcase that serves as a display stand for the objects is regularly carried around the fair grounds to meet visitors.

“Why buy a luxury lighter when you can have a deluxe BIC lighter?” asks Grégoire Jeanmonod. "Pimp your Bic pen, Apple headphones, Bic lighter, Swatch watch, brummagem jewellery and drawing pins with the “New Rich” collection!"

The Swatch has democratized watches as it offered a reliable and affordable alternative to luxurious timepieces. Here, Big-game substitutes a simple loop on the wristband by a golden version, making the object exclusive.

The BIC ball-point pen is an icon of democratic design. “We love the cap” explains Augustin Scott de Martinville, “it’s such a strong recognition factor”. Big-game’s version of the pen has a golden cap and – as it emerges from the pocket of its owner – becomes a jewel mocking luxury pen.

Over the last few years, the white Apple headphones have become an archetype. Here, Big-game replaces the plastic component holding together the two earphones by a golden one. This part thus becomes a pendant.

A plastic piece of jewellery can have some true qualities but will always suffer from a mediocre image. With the golden price tag, it suddenly becomes a truly valuable object!

Playing with the tradition of lighters being luxury objects, Big-game exchanges the BIC lighter’s plastic push-button with a golden one. This well thought mass-product becomes exclusive while staying functional.

Using push pins is the simplest way to fix something on the wall. Why choose a complicated solution in the name of luxury? A golden push pin will do!

contact@big-game.ch

Switzerland:
Big-game
11, Rue du Nord
CH-1004 Lausanne
Suisse
+41 76 492 89 27

Belgium:
Big-game
1, Rue d’Andenne
B-1060 Bruxelles
Belgique
+32 478 37 82 09

Now, Big Game is not the only creative minds to marry luxury with mass marketing. When it comes to creating products that mock consumerism and society's obsession with wealth and luxury it's hard to top Tobias Wong and Ken Courtney (aka Ju$t Another Rich Kid).

Tobias Wong and Ju$t another Rich Kid had created similar items based on a similar philosophy.
They call their collection "Indulgences"

Tobias Wong with fellow designer Ken Courtney, of Ju$t Another Rich Kid fame, also combined well-recognized symbols of mass consumption with qualities associated with wealth, luxury, and excess.

The duo took McDonald's classic coffee stirrer as well as the Playboy Bunny Swizzle Stick, both of the '70s — and notoriously used as drug paraphernalia — and cast them in gold, drawing attention befitting to their lesser known use.

Below are their Coke Spoon 1 and Coke Spoon 03, gold examples of everyday items also recognized as drug paraphenalia.

Other products include a Murdered Skull Pendant with diamond teeth, and capsules of gold flakes that when ingested turn excrement into gold.

Tobias Wong and Ju$t Another Rich Kid's products (coke spoon, swizzle sticks, murdered skull pendant and pills) are actually available for purchase at the following places, just click on the name to go:

Matter NY
Moss
Citizen:Citizen

Despite mocking the consumer, there's irony in the fact that people shell out a couple hundred bucks for these pieces of 'art', further illustrating the philosophy behind them.

11.05.2007

Funky Find Of The Week:
Amplifier's Broom With A View

Broom With a View is created by London Design Studio, Amplifier,

and incorporates a usable wooden picture frame into the handle of a broom.

Now when your broom is leaning against the wall, it can do double time as a way to show off a photo.

Now that's using space wisely...

Broom 250 x 1260 x 60 mm
Frame 133x184x43, holding 100x150 (6x4) images

Buy It Here.

In addition, Amplifier has come out with their first T-shirt and it uses the "Broom With A View" as an air guitar graphic element:

or, if you'd like their newest Amplifier logo postcard:

If you would like one, please email with your address to: info@myamplifier.co.uk

Check out all their products here.

contact info for purchase:

Amplifier
151A Englefield Rd
London
+44 (0)7941 419 962
Contact:Florian Kremb

11.04.2007

Meet Russian Photographer/Artist Oleg Dou

I can't even recall how I came across this young (and handsome!) photographer's unusual and haunting work, but I'm so glad I did.
Be sure to visit his site for much more, I can only post so much.

OLEG DOU (1983-)
With staggeringly unique vision, Oleg Dou's work develops and pushes to the limit the idea of a body, evoked by the surrealists, as an object of subversions, distortions and other mutations that undermine its integrity.

Above: Self portrait

His photography has been celebrated in Paris and Moscow exhibitions, as well as such French and Russian publications as Le Monde2, PHOTO magazine and Fotomasterskaya magazine.

Often strange and disturbing, Dou's artistic search pushes to extreme limits, his subjects destroyed and massacred before the lens seemingly without pity...but take a look at their eyes and see if your interpretation is shaken.

Artist’s Statement:
"I was born in Moscow on the 19th of August in 1983. My mother was a painter, and I grew up spending a lot of time among artists — although I was not particularly interested in their activities.

I felt an urge toward the arts and creation some time ago when I was working as a designer, and I began seriously studying design. That’s how I “bumped into” photography."

"I worked hard to create my own style and technique. The main tool is computer photo-manipulation and a mix of several photos. I’ve already created several art projects and showed them in a few countries, including France, Belgium and the USA."

"Creation brings me enormous pleasure. I am stubborn, ambitious and optimistic by nature; I like being different — and my work, I hope, reflects these features of my character."

The Artists Page on DeviantArt

See Much More of His Fabulous Work On His Website

11.03.2007

Deborah Bowness' Unique Hand Printed Wallpaper

The word "unique' is thrown around a lot without really registering in many cases. We've grown a little anesthetized to it. Especially in design. But I made a point of putting that very word in this post's headline because, despite a glut of beautiful wallpapers on the market, these are truly unique.

She has a few different collections, each of which seem to combine art, space and meaning.

Below are some selections from her collections:

In addition to these (and many more you can see on her site ), she sells wallpaper 'kits', multiple images one can add wherever they want like decals.

These are so much more elegant looking than the popular vinyl wall decals and stickers selling everywhere these days.
Take a look:

Finally, below are some images of her wallpaper in the Lacroix Hotel du Petit Moulin in Paris and in the Phillip Starck Yoo Design project, Aldelgade in Denmark.

When space and furniture interact with her art, a whole new environment is created:

Below: Seems she has some new wallpaper, Typography, in the works which should be available soon. I can't wait!

Click here to see more and learn more.

Click here to reach Deborah Bowness.

11.02.2007

Sometimes Drinking & Driving Do Mix

At least when you're talking about Veuve Clicquot champagne and Porsche Design Studio.

Together they have launched a limited edition 'treasure' chest of sorts called the Vertical Limit.
An entirely handmade stainless steel cabinet that holds 12 individual vintages at a temperature maintained 12 degrees celsius.

Above: Each compartment is individually lit and automatically lights up on when opened.

Above: The year of each vintage is etched on the end of each compartment.

Only 15 were made and only 2 will be available in the US. the going cost? $70,000. USD

Above: specially produced label will be on each of the 12 bottles in the Vertical Limit.

Click here to visit Veuve Clicquot.

And here to visit Porsche Design Studio.

Product Pick Of The Week:
Shadow Bulbs by Melissa Borrell

Melissa Borrell is a very interesting designer.
She makes beautiful window shades and her unconventional "pop-out jewelry' is gathering a cult following.

Here's another wonderful product from her.
Her 5" diameter etched glass shadow bulbs are beautiful.
They may seem pricey at 90$ a piece but think of the money you save without having to buy a shade!

They make stunning shadows.
She sells lamp bases as well on her site here.

Cute Dog Crates (Can You Believe It?)

Wired Crate

daisy crate

spiral crate

leaf crate

Bamboo Crate

banana leaf crate

...and some variations in shapes sizes and varying tops:

Who is behind Bow Wow House?

Lori Grey's love of animals and interior design led her to develop Bow Wow House, a whimsical pet product line of Doggie Doll Houses, Critter Crates and "For The Birds" bird houses. The colorful and playful designs are part of Lori's "fresh ideas and fun products for furry friends."

Trained as a graphic designer, fine arts painter, furniture designer & decorative painter, Lori uses all her skills in Bow Wow House product development. As an international sales and marketing consultant for the non-profit "Aid to Artisans" she uses those same skills to help artisans from developing countries reach international markets.

After graduating from art school, Lori opened Fish Tales Gallery, which specialized in contemporary handcrafts. She then founded "That Girl Decorative Painting and Design" where she designed and crafted faux finish murals, decorative paintings and furniture in high-end residential and commercial buildings.

Lori's current product development line includes textiles, furniture, home decor products and more surprises from Bow Wow House.

Born in Connecticut, Lori worked in Atlanta and San Francisco and now lives in Los Angeles with her pets Ivan & Daisy, and her husband Bob, though not necessarily in that order.

And, they have many wonderful dog houses, birdhouses and cat houses as well, so be sure to check their site out here.

Bow Wow House
5333 Village Green
Los Angeles, CA. 90016
Phone: 323-291-9948

11.01.2007

Kaufmann House To Be Auctioned By Christies
Care To Bid? There's No Shipping Costs...

Above: The Kaufmann House, a 1946 glass, steel and stone landmark built on the edge of Palm Springs by the architect Richard Neutra, has twice been at the vanguard of new movements in architecture — helping to shape postwar Modernism and later, as a result of a painstaking restoration in the mid-1990s, spurring a revived interest in mid-20th-century homes.

NY Times

By EDWARD WYATT

Published: October 31, 2007

PALM SPRINGS, Calif., Oct. 30 — The Kaufmann House, a 1946 glass, steel and stone landmark built on the edge of this desert town by the architect Richard Neutra, has twice been at the vanguard of new movements in architecture — helping to shape postwar Modernism and later, as a result of a painstaking restoration in the mid-1990s, spurring a revived interest in mid-20th-century homes.

The Kaufmann House

Now the California homeowners who undertook that restoration hope Neutra’s masterpiece will play a role in a third movement: promoting architecture as a collectible art worthy of the same consideration as painting and sculpture.

Those owners, Brent Harris, an investment manager, and Beth Edwards Harris, an architectural historian, are finalizing their divorce, and plan to auction the Kaufmann House at Christie’s in New York in May. The building, with a presale estimate of $15 million to $25 million, will be part of Christie’s high-profile evening sale of postwar and contemporary art.

Commissioned by Edgar J. Kaufmann Sr., the Pittsburgh department store magnate who had commissioned Frank Lloyd Wright about a decade earlier to build Fallingwater in Pennsylvania, the house was designed as a desert retreat from harsh winters. Constructed as a series of horizontal planes that seem to float over glass walls, the house seems to absorb the mood of the surrounding desert.

Auctions of such midcentury landmarks have become more common in recent years. In 2003 Sotheby’s sold the 1951 Farnsworth House southwest of Chicago, designed by Mies van der Rohe, at auction for $7.5 million. In June Jean Prouvé’s 1951 Maison Tropicale (seen below), a prototype for prefabricated homes for French colonial officials stationed in Africa, sold at Christie’s for $4.97 million.

Above: Jean Prouvés Maison Tropicale on Long Island, sold to a private bidder

Such auctions are bringing a new level of scrutiny to a form that, little more than a decade ago, attracted so little notice that the Kaufmann House was being offered for sale as a teardown.

Still, such sales sometimes draw criticism from preservationists who would prefer that the houses be tended by a public institution or trust that guarantees continued access for architecture students and scholars rather than sold to the highest bidder. (The Farnsworth House, now open to the public, was bought by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, while the Maison Tropicale went to a private bidder.)

The couple behind the restoration, Brent Harris, an investment manager, and Beth Edwards Harris, an architectural historian, are finalizing their divorce, and plan to auction the Kaufmann House at Christie's in New York in May. The building, with a presale estimate of $15 million to $25 million, will be part of Christie's high-profile evening sale of postwar and contemporary art.

The Harrises also bought several adjoining plots to more than double the land around the 3,200-square-foot house, restoring the desert buffer that Neutra envisioned. The Harrises “were visionaries in their own way,” said Joshua Holdeman, a senior vice president at Christie's. Asked how it felt to be close to selling the property, Dr. Harris blinked away tears. “Oh, it’s horrifying,” she said. “But we did our time here. There will be other things.” Photo: Tim Street-Porter

But Dr. Harris, who worked toward her doctorate in architectural history while restoring the Kaufmann House, said she believed an auction would further the preservationist cause.

“It’s an odd thing, but the more money this house goes for, the better it is for preservation in my point of view,” she said on Monday while giving a tour of the house to a reporter. “I think it will encourage other people who have the income to go out and get places like these to restore, rather than just looking for some pretty palace somewhere.”

Above Photo: Tim Street-Porter

The Kaufmann House is one of the best-known designs by Neutra, a Viennese-born architect who moved to the United States in the 1920s and designed homes for the next few decades for many wealthy West Coast clients. His buildings are seen virtually as the apotheosis of Modernism’s International Style, with their skeletal steel frames and open plans. Yet Neutra was also known for catering sensitively to the needs of his clients, so that their houses would be not only functional but would also nurture their owners psychologically.

When Brent and Beth Harris first saw the Kaufmann House, it was neither a pretty palace nor an obvious candidate for restoration. Strikingly photographed in 1947 by Julius Shulman, it stood vacant for several years after Kaufmann’s death in 1955. Then it went through a series of owners, including the singer Barry Manilow, and a series of renovations. Along the way, a light-disseminating patio was enclosed, one wall was broken through for the addition of a media room, the sleek roof lines were interrupted with air-conditioning units, and some bedrooms were wallpapered in delicate floral prints.

The house stood vacant for several years after Kaufmann's death in 1955. Then it went through a series of owners, including the singer Barry Manilow, and a series of renovations. A patio was enclosed, one wall was broken through for the addition of a media room, the sleek roof lines were interrupted with air-conditioning units, and some bedrooms were wallpapered in delicate floral prints. Photo: Tim Street-Porter

In 1992 Beth Harris, an architectural tourist of a sort, scaled a fence one afternoon to peek at the famous house while her husband discovered a for-sale sign in an overgrown hedge.

“It quite clearly was at some risk of being severely modified by whoever was to buy it, or potenti