above: The prototype for Disney. Raw Data forms a jagged and angular landscape, serving as a muse for a chair that is comprised of intersecting layers and textures of 'digital' rock. Constructed of composite material consisting of impregnated fiberglass with polyester resin processed with manual layering, these Special Production Walt Disney Signature TRON Armchairs invite you to "sit off the grid."
You may have read about these on such design sites as Core 77, Curated Mag and Design Milk. Their reports showed the Special Production Walt Disney Signature TRON Armchairs made of fiberglass and in gritty and unusual paint jobs such as these:
Initially made as a series of four “one-off” fibreglass prototypes, when it came to mass production Cappellini and Poltrona Frau went with four new colors and 100% recyclable material.
Giulio Cappellini plays on the contrasts suggested by the film; the contrast between the real world and the world of TRON:Legacy. Natural elements embody this juxtaposition, so the dark grey of the “stone”, and the white of the “air” represent the landscape of Tron and the safe house, while the light blue of “water” and the green of the “grass” represent the real world:
Cappellini & Walt Disney Signature
Conceived from the futuristic world of the Disney film “TRON: Legacy” and designed by Dror Benshetrit of Studio Dror, the Tron Armchair is a product profoundly inspired by material with features that are reminiscent of the rugged and rocky landscape which surrounds the digital world of TRON. Initially made as a series of four “one-off” fibreglass prototypes individually hand-finished by New York designer Dror Benshetrit (shown below in the chair).
Using the roto-molding technique, made of 100% recyclable material and suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, the armchair is now available in four different colors.
Designer Benshetrit talks about the mass-produced TRON Chair at the Milan Design Village, 2011:
From Prince Charming's family crest to a highly stylized "poison apple", this unique and special collection of bronze and sterling silver belt buckles are designed with Disney lovers in mind.
I've introduced you to David Greico and his gorgeous Justice Bodan collection of hand cast belt buckles, leather goods and jewelry and I've blogged about several of Disney's Signature Collections before as well. Now, a collaboration between the two brings us a stylish collection of belt buckles inspired by the Magical Kingdom.
The Dream Buckle (Mickey Mouse): The Willpower Buckle (Tinkerbell): The Destiny Buckle (the poison apple): The Creativity Buckle (Stylized Mickey Ears): The Inspired Buckle (Button From Mickey's Shorts): The Strength Buckle (Prince Charming Crest): Photos by Jonathan Neil Schneider
Each beautifully crafted buckle is available in bronze ($225), white bronze ($245) or sterling silver ($1,200 - $1,210)with your choiceof a brown or black leather belt. Buy them here.
UPDATE 2013: Apparently these were too hip for Disney customers. I'm sad to say the line has been discontinued.
Original post: Disney has been really good about expanding their brand to include things that would appeal to hipsters of all ages. For the last decade or more everything from their films to their toys, their couture jewelry and collectibles have included modern artsy versions in addition to the classic ones.
The latest are their new soft plush toys that were inspired by the urban vinyl toy culture. The modern looking 12" tall toys called Pook-A-Looz (okay, so the name sucks) were designed to capture the personalities of iconic Disney characters in an edgy, offbeat way.
Sassy and fun, the new line of plush features more than 30 wide-ranging characters from Buzz Lightyear and Cheshire Cat to Muppets and Jack Skellington. Shown below are a few of them for you (keep in mind, there are more than just those shown below.. such as Eeyore, Dumbo and other beloved childhood favorites).
Mickey and Minnie:
Woody and Buzz Lightyear:
Snow White, Dopey and Grump:
Peter Pan and Tinkerbell:
Winnie The Pooh, Tigger and Piglet: :
Alice, Cheshire Cat, The Mad Hatter & the Queen Of Hearts:
Goofy, Donald and Pluto:
“We focused on capturing one key element, gesture or trait of each character during the design process. We wanted the look to be very unique, quirky and cool,” said Jose Zamora, lead designer for the DCP products. “When you think of the Queen of Hearts, you think of her mouth, so we brought that out in the design. With the Cheshire Cat, you think of the teeth. So we focused on that famous grin.”
To help promote the new plushies, there will be a series of “Pook-a-Sodes”, videos on the Disney Living YouTube channel. The first one, with Pook-A-Looz Mickey as a ‘Gentleman Caller’ is shown below:
The Disney Living Facebook fan page and @disneyliving Twitter feed will also offer additional content and forums for fans to win prizes, share content and connect.
The 12" Pook-A-Looz cost between $7.99 and $12.99 and can be purchased at Disney Parks, The Disney Store and Toys R Us.
above: Modern Mickey Mouse fabric on Cappellini's Rive Droite chair
Walt Disney Signature and Italian furniture brand Cappellini have collaborated to produce five limited edition chairs that were unveiled this month at the Milan Furniture Fair.
The chairs:
ECO FISH Walt Disney Signature limited edition from Cappellini - design: Satyendra Pakhalè 2010
An organic shape inspired by nature, the Fish Chair is the ideal way to showcase the latest advancement in fabrication - an opaque, multi-coloured plastic created from recycled materials, moulded using a rotational technique. The material is recycled to underline Cappellini's renewed focus on the theme of conserving raw materials for the future generations. The internal part of the seat is coloured white. Series of 99 numbered pieces. Armchair - cm. 55 x 87 x 40/72 h.
MICKEY'S RIBBON STOOL Walt Disney Signature limited edition from Cappellini - design: Nendo 2010
With its circular shape, open design and flowing lines, the Ribbon Stool lends itself perfectly to the famous silhouette that peeks over its seat. Merging flawlessly together, our two visions create a single, iconic representation of the seamless collaboration between Cappellini and Walt Disney Signature. This is a series of high and low stools with backrest, produced from laser cut and folded sheet metal. The low stool has a shiny red varnish, the high stool a shiny yellow varnish, whilst the feet are in transparent plastic. Series of 399 numbered pieces for the low stool. Series of 199 numbered pieces for the high stool. Low stool - cm. Ø 42 x 45/66 h. High stool - cm. Ø 42 x 78/99 h.
Y'S MICKEY Walt Disney Signature limited edition from Cappellini - design: Christophe Pillet 2010
With its rounded contours and unique design, the Y's De Lux Chair is the perfect canvas on which to embroider one of our signature icons: a subtle geometric pattern using Mickey's silhouette. Swivel armchair with integral polyurethane frame. Fixed cover in white leather with white yarn embroidery that reproduces the unmistakeable silhouette of the most famous cartoon character in the world. Base in die cast aluminium with matt white varnish, feet in black plastic. Series of 33 numbered pieces. Armchair - cm. 54.5 x 73 x 43/80 h.
MULTICOLOUR RIVE DROITE Walt Disney Signature limited edition from Cappellini - design: Patrick Norguet 2010
Making the connection between fashion and design, the Rive Droite chair seamlessly fuses a pure, modern shape, with the graphic pattern of Mickey's overlapping silhouette. The bold, daring palette illustrates both Walt Disney Signature and Cappellini's fearless approach to colour. Swivel armchair with wooden and moulded polyurethane frame. Fixed cover in fabric that presents a highly familiar silhouette in a daring pallette. Base in brushed stainless steel. Series of 99 numbered pieces. Armchair - cm. 93.5 x 73.5 x 38.5/71 h.
the press release:
Walt Disney Signature, Disney's first upscale, inspired, non-character, adult lifestyle brand and Cappellini, one of the most renowned design innovators worldwide, today unveiled five limited edition chairs at the Milan Furniture Fair in Italy. The combination of Cappellini's reputation for innovation and the magic and inspiration of Disney has produced a series of everyday products that resemble works of art.
above: The Disney and Cappellini Booth at The 2010 Milan Furniture fair
This introduction follows the success of Walt Disney Signature's dining installation in collaboration with Cappellini for last month's Dining By Design DIFFA (Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS) event in New York City.
above: the Dining display at Diffa
A 3-dimensional sculpting of Mickey Mouse sitting on a giant chair, previously used for the DIFFA event display, was recreated at Fuori Salone, Milano Design Village to mark today's launch. The Mickey sculpture is made of polyurethane, measures more than three metres tall and weighs 40 kilos.
"Walt Disney and Cappellini both have a shared approach to design, creativity and collaboration that turns everyday products into functional works of art," commented Pamela Lifford, executive vice president, Home and Fashion, Disney Consumer Products. "Collaborating with a leading Italian design brand specialising in contemporary furnishings like Cappellini is another exciting step in continuing Walt Disney Signature's philosophy on design and innovation."
"This collaboration is the premise for a joint Cappellini and Walt Disney Signature stylistic commitment that promises to become a new, interesting and exciting chapter in the history of contemporary design, combining Cappellini's strong inclination for innovation with the magical creativity of Disney," added Giulio Cappellini, Art Director for Cappellini.
The Ribbon stool and the Fish Chair, Y's de Luxe and Rive Droite armchairs are embellished with patterns, each one with a different image and underlying theme. The Ribbon's new profile blends Cappellini design with the outline of Disney's most famous character, Mickey Mouse; Y's de Luxe and Rive Droite reflect and multiply the same image in striking processed fabrics; the Fish Chair's shape is inspired by Disney's It's A Small World and produced in recycled material.
Walt Disney Signature products from Cappellini are available at independent and specialty retailers across the globe. Your local Cappellini retailer will be able to take orders now.
