Funky Find Of The Week: Christian Astuguevieille's Mini Soft Sculpture Chairs

French born artist and designer Christian Astuguevieille, owner of Paris' Populus Alba (which designs luxury goods and jewelry) is also a Creative Director for Comme des Garcons parfums and a designer for Holly Hunt. In addition, he makes unusual items for Couturelab, two of which I have chosen as my Funky Finds Of The Week.

Limited edition miniature soft sculpture chairs by Christian Astuguevieille for CoutureLab. These two playful miniature chairs are meant for budding collectors. Handcrafted from chestnut wood, the chairs are covered in bean-bag toys, painted for a tactile effect.

Created exclusively for CoutureLab, these decorative chairs are part of a limited series of four. Please note: these chairs should only be used for decorative purposes and is not suitable for children.

Manta Ray Mini Chair




above: Manta Ray Mini Chair by Christian Astuguevieille for CoutureLab
Limited edition miniature wooden chair covered in soft toys
Pricing: £605 €647 (approx) $847 (approx)
Size: Small 45 x 38 x 53 cm

The Crab & Lobster Mini Chair




above: Crabes-Langoustes Mini Chair by Christian Astuguevieille for CoutureLab
Limited edition miniature wooden chair covered in soft toys
Pricing: £643 €688 (approx) $900 (approx) Product: CL2095
Size: Medium 45 x 38 x 53 cm

The Christian Astuguevieille exclusive collection at CoutureLab includes a unique jewelry selection as well as a series of mirrors and miniature sculptures. See them all here.

Play, Learn and Laugh: The Fake For Real Memory Game

This fun boxed game is based on the same simple premise as other 'memory' games, only it's a clever, well-executed version for the 18+ crowd. Lie the 60 included cards out face down and flip them over two at a time in hopes of matching the pair. If the cards do not match, place them back down and continue until you've matched the pairs. Only in this case, the 30 pairs contrasts one 'real' photo and one 'fake' photo.



What do I mean by a clever, well-executed version? Take a look at some of the FAKE/REAL 'pairs' from the game:









designer: Hendrik-Jan Grievink.
About the editor: Koert van Mensvoort is a philosopher, scientist, researcher and artist. He is an assistent Professor at the Eindhoven University of Technology, the Netherlands and co-director of the All-Media foundation, an organisation that researches and visualizes current cultural issues. Among his works are the Datafountain, the TV documentary The Woods smell of Shampoo and the Fake for Real memory game.

Buy the Fake for Real Memory Game here



Other equally creative and well-executed memory games from the same publishers, BIS Publishers, are Twins, Visual Power, Amsterdam and soon to be released...Typefaces!


Buy the Twins Memory Game Here

Buy The Visual Power Memory Game Here


And the Typefaces Memory game is to be released this coming November.



Buy the Fake for Real Memory Game here

Like His Clothes, James Perse Furniture Is Cool, Comfy And Californian.

James Perse, a native Californian whose father is the man behind the enduring celeb-chic Los Angeles boutique, Maxfield, began his own fashion career designing T-shirts. His understanding of the blend of luxe and casual has made him into one of today's hottest clothing designers for men and women. He launched his first retail store in 2003 and has now has over 12 boutiques nationwide.


above: designer James Perse

What I didn't know is that he now has a furniture collection that looks as cozy and comfy as his clothes. The collection consists of 4 different lines- all blending that 'California Casual' look and feel with clean and elegant styling.

The text describing each collection below is taken directly from their site and the images are courtesy of James Perse.


above: the flagship store in Malibu, CA.


The James Perse Furniture collection is a seamless extension of the brand. It embodies the same philosophy as the clothing; classic, simple, and timeless, the essence of a casual way of living. The furniture appeals to a broad cross-section of homes from traditional to modern. The collection is not limited to only the indoors as it also extends to outdoor environments. Currently, four collections define the James Perse Furniture Line.

Malibu Collection

- Classic outdoor pieces that have been updated and refined. Included in the collection are the Director's chair, Colony Chair, Chaise and side tables. All of these pieces are made of top quality Teak, grown in an environmentally safe and friendly farm, and are upholstered with Sunbrella fabrics ensuring they're sustainable for lasting outdoor use.






Los Angeles Collection

- Inspired from true craftsmanship, this collection has a rustic feel while maintaining clean lines. These pieces are available in Yellow Balau for the outdoors and Rough Sawn White Oak for the indoors.






Nor Cal Collection
- These upholstered pieces embody the refined yet relaxed feeling of the James Perse aesthetic; modern yet timeless. Fabrics are a cotton and linen blend, made of fine Belgium linens and Italian basket weave. These pieces express a casual lived in and laundered look.






Brentwood Collection

- Includes a dining room table, desk and console. Different dimensions are available for a custom fit. The collection is sleek and sophisticated lending itself to limitless décors. It is classic yet mixes well with casual environments.




Cost? I don't know but given that a white men's cotton V-neck by James Perse retails for $50.00, I'm guessing the furniture is pretty pricey.


above: Short Sleeve V-Neck Tee by James Perse, $50.00
100% Cotton. Lightweight jersey v-neck., Style: MLJ3143

The James Perse Furniture Collection is made in the USA and is sold exclusively at James Perse Boutiques. For more information, please contact a boutique near you.

Also worth noting is his limited edition Custom Built Beach Style Cruiser, also cool and Californian. And available in 4 colors; matte back, khaki green, dark orange and antique white:


Features include: Hydroform steel frame, billet aluminum stem, hand-aged leather seat and grips, triple-clamp fork, extra large aluminum sprocket, extra wide 2" rims and 2.125" tires, 1 speed coaster brake hub and a limited edition serial number tag. Available exclusively at James Perse boutiques.

James Perse

May The Force Help Us Find A Cure For Breast Cancer

While scanning through this years' Comic-Con exclusives, I came across this wonderful find.



A PINK Darth Vader bust created by Gentle Giant Studios, with permission from Lucasfilms, with 10% of each sale going to the Susan G.Komen organization in an effort to find a cure for breast cancer! Looks like Darth is leaving the Dark Side for a worthy cause.



The Pink Darth Vader bust, shown above, is limited to a production of 1,644, stands 8" tall and will ONLY be available at SDCC.

For every pink Darth Vader helmet sold from July 1 - July 26, 2009, Gentle Giant Ltd. will donate 10% of the retail sales price to Susan G. Komen for the Cure® with a minimum guaranteed donation of $5,000, in support of Komen's promise to save lives and end breast cancer forever. This donation will go towards research as well as education in hopes that a cure can be found.

This item is currently available for pre-order and pick up in person with valid ID, only at the San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC) 2009. In other words, if you're not going to Comic-Con July 23-26, you cannot order it. If you have any questions please contact customer service @ 818.504.3555 for assistance


For more information, or to find out more ways to help go to: www.komen.org