Rocky, A New Modern Rocking Horse for Kids by Marc Newson For Magis Me Too.

I love it when designers re-imagine classic childhood toys and Marc Newson's latest take on the classic ride-on horsey for Magis is a perfect example.




Rocky simplifies the horse silhouette by moulding it from one piece of polyethylene with the exception of the rope reigns which hang in the mouth of the horse.





The parallelogram motion mimics the movement of a traditional rocking horse. The material, rotationally moulded polyethylene, was chosen for both its durability and recyclability.

Rocky was introduced at this year's Salone Del Mobile for Magis' children's brand, Me Too.

Other Re-Imagined Rocking Horses:

above: check out these stunning Modernist Rocking Horses by Frederik Roijé


above: An adult version of the Rocking Horse by Peter Jakubik

Radical Russian Nesting Dolls by Designer Katya Malakhova.

Russian freelance graphic designer and photographer Katya Malakhova has designed a series of Modern Matryoshkas which combine items that at first seem contradictory.


above: Katya with her "Brain" matryoshka

Using imagery that one would think incompatible with the well-known Russian souvenir icon, Katya has turned medical organs, superheroes, Playmates and S&M Dominatrices into Nesting Dolls.



Her stylized Batman Matryoshka:


The Gene Mutation Russian Doll turns a Cheburashka into Mickey Mouse:

Corsets, lingerie and breasts decorate her Playmate Matryoshkas:

Swarovski Crystal Russian Nesting Dolls:


A special thanks to Collabcubed for bringing Katya's work to my attention.

See all of Katya's work at her website.

Hot Wheels On Steroids - Slot Mods Luxury Custom and Replica Slot Car Raceways.

With humble apologies to Mattel's Hot Wheels, once you've seen these luxury slot car raceways, it's hard not to move them to the top of any slot-car hobbiest's wish list.







Slot Mods creates museum quality hand-crafted custom and replica raceway slot car tracks (of some of the world's most famous raceways) for serious slot car racing enthusiasts. Whether you're a NASCAR, Formula One or Vintage Car racing fan, these miniature scaled functioning raceways will blow you away.






From the pole position to the pit-stop, incredible detailing and beautiful craftsmanship make these perfect for commercial applications, showrooms or simply the ultimate man cave. Founded by David Beattie, the creations start at $15,000 and can go as high as $75,000.







A video of one of their custom slot car raceways in action:


Born from their passion of vintage racing, Slot Mods is now offering limited-edition replicas of cars from one of the greatest eras of racing inside which is a slot car raceway.



Their first offering: the RCR 917 that Vic Elford and Gerald Larrousse drove to victory at the 1971 12 Hours of Sebring. With just a push of a button, the body opens to reveal the ultimate slot car racing experience!



The RCR 917 is a faithful reproduction with fiberglass body panels true to its original shape. Specifications: rolling aluminum 3-piece original-style center lock wheels, race-worn tires, working headlights and taillights, and inside…a beautiful 1/32 scale wooden slot car raceway, featuring handcrafted, period-correct signs, banners, aluminum Armco railing, trees and structures.

But they couldn’t stop there. Also available to test your endurance, they’re offering the RCR GT40, RCR P4, and RCR T70. Choose period livery, or your own design.

"This is slot racing at it’s best!…combining the fun of slot car racing with the great tracks and history of the sport." Derek Hill – Race Drive & son of legendary Phil Hill

“Bodies provided by Race Car Replicas. Slot Mods has no affiliation with Ford Motor Co, Porsche, Ferrari, and Lola Cars.“

See their impressive portfolio and learn more at Slot Mods

Two New Modern Architecturally Inspired Dollhouses, The Dylan and the Edward.

Just in time for the holidays when a new dollhouse makes a wonderful gift for children and adults alike, brinca dada, manufacturers and designers of some of the most beautiful modern dollhouses have released two new products. Like their Emerson House and Bennett House, these modern toy houses have been inspired by well-known architects as Richard Neutra and Tadao Ando.

The Dylan House:






Inspired by the minimalist masterpieces of Paul Rudolph and Tadao Ando, Dylan House features a concrete-and-glass feel, but with the breezy openness of a beachfront home. Floor-to-ceiling windows open to allow natural light into the house and play from many angles. The Dylan House has five living spaces on three levels: living room/dining room, kitchen, bedroom, bathroom and roof patio. Dylan House is created in 3/4” scale. Furniture (shown below) is sold separately.
$139 USD

Specs:
23” x 15” x 16”
Eco-friendly MDF
Non-toxic and lead-free paints

Furniture for the Dylan House:


The Dylan House Furniture set contains twenty-three pieces...enough to fill five living spaces on three levels: living room/dining room, kitchen, bedroom, bathroom and roof patio. Dylan House is made of durable foamboard and is created in 3/4” scale.



Specs:
Designed by: Michelle Everett
23 pieces
Durable foamboard


Also new is a variation on the Emerson House (about which I have blogged and I actually own), The Edward House:








Inspired by Neutra’s Kaufmann House and Gary Cooper's home designed by A. Quincy Jones, brinca dada’s Edward House features many distinguishing architectural features like glass corners, minimalist cut stone fireplace, and hardwood floors. The Edward House has six rooms including a living room, kitchen, library/office, master bedroom, bathroom and child's bedroom. With its large, open floor plan and floor-to-ceiling windows, the Edward House enjoys year-round sunlight. Finally, the dollhouse is easy on the environment with only eco-friendly woods and non-toxic and lead-free paints. Assembly required.
$349 USD Edward House Ships Dec 5th.

Specs
Designed by: Tim Boyle
25” x 21” x 18”
Scale: 3/4”
Made of eco-friendly woods
Non-toxic and lead-free paints

Both houses and furniture are available for purchase from brinca dada