MADDECK Playing Cards By Ozlem Olcer. They're Magically Cubistic.

The MADDECK is a series of playing cards which feature stunning illustrations by Ozlem Olcer. The deck was created for PAG, an Istanbul based design company developing projects and manufacturing products in collaboration with graphic artists and illustrators.

The name Maddeck - short for ‘Magicians, Astronauts & Dancers’ - is given after the first 3 dream jobs of the designer as a child.



The deck is a reflection of unusual and edgy designs with an innocent feeling, much like the designer herself. This combination shows itself both on the one by one hand drawn shapes of spades, clubs, hearts and diamonds and also on the expressions of the characters in J, Q and K. The Joker of the deck is King Puhu, the famous and beloved drawing of Özlem Ölçer.



The four suits; Clubs, Spades, Hearts and Diamonds are deftly drawn, ornate but legible. here are a few random examples:







The Face cards are beautiful cubistic styled renderings of Jacks, Queens and Kings:








About PAG playing cards:

The idea of the project is creating a brand of collectible playing cards with an alternative interpretation to the traditional decks. This is an ongoing project, where a new deck will be designed every six months by various graphic artists and illustrators.

Although design and aesthetics is the main starting point of the project, the functionality and quality of the decks are also considered as important as visual expectations, making playing cards not only collectible but also usable and comfortable to play.

They are sold in a box of two decks with different backside colors.
In every deck there are 55 cards, one giving information about the artist and the deck.

The cards and the inner boxes are printed on 330 g black core paper imported from Germany, an ISEGA certificated, very durable and flexible material, which cannot be seen through and is indispensable by considering the quality of playing cards. It is also the optimum material with its particular characteristics such as very high opacity and good flatness.



Sold 2 decks to a pack.
buy them here.

Cubistic Cubbies: Cornell Boxes From TECTA

Late architect and designer Alison Smithson designed these unusual storage and display boxes that are now being produced by Tecta of Germany.



Presented this year at Salone Internazionale del Mobile 2010 in Milan, the Cornell boxes are available in three variations; a single tabletop version, a single floor standing version or a double floor standing version.

Cornell Box S30 D:

Cornell Box S30 1F:

Cornell Box S30 2F:

Images from Salone del Mobile, 2010



To inquire about price and purchasing contact TECTA.

Converse All Stars Go Upscale. Beautiful Leather Handmade Chucks.

The All-American Converse classic, Chuck Taylors (aka "Chucks") have been given an Italian makeover in stunning handcrafted leather.



With only 64 pairs available in each color (milk or black), the supple leather and suede versions of the classic shoe are entirely handmade by Italian trained designer Ryusaku Hiruma. “I wanted to bring together the history of Florence and Converse’s legacy,” designer Ryusaku Hiruma of Sak says of the collaboration. Hand cut adornments, hand stitched leather, perforated star logo and all leather soles are some of the elegant touches.

Of course, at $600.00 a pair, chances are you won't be shooting hoops in them.

Black:



Milk (ivory leather and sand suede laces and toecap):


Available for purchase at Opening Ceremony.

Add Some Body Hair To Your Wardrobe, Courtesy Of Nutty Tarts.

I have written about beautifully hairy bodies before when I introduced you to several sexy hairy chests and a new book.

Now, Nutty Tarts, a female design duo in Finland, brings us additional body hair in the form of underwear, leggings and a wife-beater tank. The white wardrobe staples with screen-printed chest hair, leg hair and pubic hair are simply hilarious.



They offer three different "hairy" products, all screen printed on white organic cotton (95% organic cotton, 5% lycra).

Hairy slim fit sleeveless undershirt for women and men with screen-printed chest hair. €35.00



Hairy hipster panties with screen-printed pubic hair for women. €25.00



Hairy leggings for women with screen-printed hair on the lower legs. €35.00



Or get the whole Hairy Set!

Hairy Underwear Collection by Nutty Tarts €95.00

The set includes:
* Hairy Panties
* Hairy Undershirt
* Hairy Leggings
* Bad Face Day paper bag or Bad Day paper bag (another one of their clever products)
* a gift box (optional)
If you order the whole set you will automatically get 5€ discount. The gift box is for free.

And now they've added some for babies!


Shop for any of the above items here.

About Nutty Tarts:


Nutty Tarts (in finnish Tärähtäneet ämmät) is a finnish art duo that offers its customers high-quality design products. Nutty Tarts, Mrs Katriina Haikala and Mrs Vilma Metteri, have been working together since year 2007 and their goal have ever since been "to do things like they have never been done before". In this case things include design products, performances and artpieces.

Nutty Tarts work and live in Helsinki, Finland.

WAW
Women At Work Oy Ltd.
Arabiankatu 2
00560 Helsinki
Finland

The PANTONE Hotel In Brussels Offers Colorful Accommodations (UPDATED).

The PANTONE HOTEL in the city of Brussels has opened. It's part of the new PANTONE UNIVERSE, an expanding line of colorful, design-driven products to touch and tempt consumers.





Described as a “hotel of colors”, the hotel consists of clean, simple, room layouts that use color to punctuate and define the rooms and common areas.




above three photos courtesy of Rhodes

The hotel also features many of the various PANTONE products about which I have blogged. Products such as their colorful iconic mugs by W2, PANTONE Kitchenware Collection by Typhoon, Seletti's PANTONE metal folding chairs and storage boxes, PANTONE stationery by Alpa, Seavees 09/63 PANTONE Sneaker Collection and the Sonia Spencer PANTONE Accessories Collection (jewelry, cufflinks and keychains).



above photo courtesy of Angel Of Harlem

Designed by Michel Penneman and Oliver Hannaert, The PANTONE HOTEL in Brussels showcases the color of emotion with a distinctive hue on each guest floor. From vivid to subdued, for business or leisure, the unique boutique hotel can suit your savvy palette and colorful imagination. The guest rooms also feature unique photography by esteemed Belgian photographer Victor Levy.



Guests enjoy state-of-the-art accommodations, distinctively chosen at reception to compliment their mood. Luxurious beds, inviting pillows, LCD TVs, and central A/C with individual controls are standard. Many of the rooms are illuminated with unparalleled views of Brussels as well.



Amenities



•THE PANTONE LOUNGE: Considered a destination within Brussels city centre for its relaxing vibe and exceptional city views, the PANTONE LOUNGE is a chic lounge and summer rooftop terrace with full bar.

Savor the moment, unwind and divulge the color you’re feeling with their divine cocktails: Pink Champagne PANTONE 12-1107, Lemon Drop PANTONE 12-0736 or Daiquiri Green 12-0435.

•PANTONE UNIVERSE: Shop and “test drive” stylish products showcasing the innovative use of color and emotion. From mugs to bicycles, browse the largest selection of Pantone products worldwide.

•COLOR SONSULTATION SERVICES: Pantone’s renowned consulting service influences product colors behind many of the world’s best selling brands, including Tiffany & Co., Nike, Barbie, Victoria’s Secret and The Gap. By appointment only.

•WI-FI: Free wireless internet available in all guest rooms and public areas.


Meetings

The PANTONE HOTEL Brussels is ideal for a small corporate meeting, midsize company incentive trips, business conferences, cocktail receptions, special events and annual general meetings. The meeting and convention rooms have a capacity of up to 20 people. The meeting space is equipped with advanced audiovisual and technical equipment. There are also two highly customizable meeting rooms that can accommodate up to 100 people. Both are outfitted with advanced audio video / technical equipment and are available by the day or by the hour. Catering is also available.

the Hotel exterior:



Contact info:
THE PANTONE HOTEL
1 PLACE LOIX
1060 BRUSSELS
BELGIUM
TEL +32 2 541 48 98
FAX +32 2 791 57 02
info@pantonehotel.com

images courtesy of PANTONE, XRITE, LLC, angel of harlem, fast company, Rhodes on Flickr