The 18th Annual Designer Christmas Trees From Les Sapins de Noel des Createurs, Part I.

The non-profit organization, Les Sapins de Noël des Créateurs (The Designers Christmas Trees), has been raising funds with its prestigious charity event for 18 years. Every December, renowned personalities from the world of fashion, design or architecture, bring their talent to offer their unique take on the traditional Christmas tree created in various mediums.

This is my fourth feature on this annual event. I have shared with you many of their previous designer Christmas trees  here, here and here.



This year, I have all of the photos from the 18th edition of Les Sapins de Noël des Créateurs, with the exception of three, by the following participants. Images are shown in alphabetical order.

Agent Provocateur:

Ali Mahdavi:

Chantal Thomass:

Christian Ghion:

Dali Parfums:

Damien Da Rocha:

Diane von Furstenberg:


Didier Ludot:

Dior:

Élie Saab (on behalf of Evian):


Emilio Pucci:


Esmod Paris by Ioannis Guia:

Hermès - Petit h by Pascale Mussard:

Hervé Van der Straeten:


Jean-Charles de Castelbajac:

Jean-Claude Jitrois:

Jean-Jacques Ory:


Jean-Paul Gaultier:



Tomorrow's post will feature the designer Christmas Trees by Kenzo Takada, Laurence Torno, Louis Gérin and Grégory Lamaud - Les Garçons, Louis Vuitton, Massato, Mathilde de l'Écotais, Maxime Simoëns, Olivia Putman, Patrice Gardera, Philippe Soussan, Pierre Hermé, Ruben Alterio, Sonia Rykiel, Stella Cadente, Stella McCartney, Stéphane Rolland, Thanos Kyriakides - Blind Adam, Wooyoungmi, Yannick Alléno, Yiqing Yin, Zahia Dehar.

The only images missing are those of trees by Francis Kurkdjian, Mathilde de l'Écotais and Wooyoungmi.

Their vision of the traditional Christmas tree was displayed during a free exhibition, from the 4th to the 8th of December, 10:00 am to 7:00 pm, at the Hôtel Salomon de Rothschild, 11 rue de Berryer, Paris, France. The pieces were then auctioned off on the 9th of December via an on-site and online charity auction and amassed 78,500 euros. The profits will go to la Fondation AVEC, pour la Vie, Espoir contre le Cancer

images courtesy of the following:
http://lessapinsdenoeldescreateurs.org
http://lespatouillesdebout2fee.over-blog.com/categorie-12217789.html
http://lesgarconsauxfoulards.blogspot.fr/2013/12/18eme-edition-des-sapins-de-noel-des.html
http://www.misterandmisstrendy.com/2013/12/les-sapins-de-noel-des-createurs.html
http://www.stylinco.com/blog/les-sapins-de-noel-des-createurs-2013/#lightbox[group]/0/
http://www.maryosbazaar.com/2013/12/08/les-sapins-de-noel-de-createurs-2013/

Meet Two Lovable Guys Who Don Gay Apparel In Some Very Pun-ny Christmas Cards.

Although Bill Bowersock Jr. and Gregg Higuchi met in the Le Marais neighborhood in Paris in 1997, they soon learned they actually lived less then two miles away from each other in San Francisco. A coincidence that turned out to benefit them and, as you'll see from this post, anyone on their annual Christmas Card mailing list.


above photo of Gregg and Bill by James Gosnell

After a five year friendship, the two San Franciscans (who are now legally and happily wed) began dating and their tradition of sending out humorous holiday cards was born.

Their first joint holiday card in 2002 featured a photo of their seasonally manicured toes at and the caption, "Living, Loving and Laughing under our Mistletoes":


That was the beginning of their pun-driven, tongue-in-cheek holiday cards that tap into some funny takes on Christmas Culture, from being Vegetarian Deer Hunters to chefs wishing you a Happy Hollandaise.



Each year since they have executed a different theme - from "Christmas Mime is Here" to "Silent Knight, Holey Knight" to " 'twas the Twilight before Christmas."  In 2011, Bill & Gregg were included in a December article in the San Francisco Chronicle by Alec Scott on "Cardies", people who create their own usual holiday cards.

2003, Vegetarian Deer Hunters:


2004, NUTScracker, Men In Tights:


2006, Christmas Mime is Here:


2006, Silent Knight, Holey Knight:


2009, Married Mistletoes:


2010, "'twas the TWILIGHT before Christmas ~ are you Team Santa or Team Claws?"


2012: Late night SF Partying


2013: Two of the Wiser of the Three Men

above: This year's card proves that they are truly wise men, opting for Palm Springs as their mid-winter desert destination.

"We talk through several ideas throughout the year, keeping a running list," says Bill, on behalf of the two.  "Our default conversation topic is often, What should our card be this year? We have a lot of fun planning our Christmas cards."

A true Holiday Ham, I had to include this recent photo of Bill by Rey Rey's Photography donning a Christmas Tree skirt as a cape despite it not being one of their annual cards because.... well, it's fabulous.



Full disclosure is that I've known Bill Bowersock Jr. for over 30 years now and he's one of the brightest, kindest, most generous human beings on the planet. Friends of Bill and Gregg heartily agree.

Anki DRIVE. Hot Wheels With A Brain Take Gaming To A Whole New Level.

Anki DRIVE is a racing game like no other. It uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) and robotics to take the best of video games and combine it with the best of physical games. It's a video game in the real world. It's real. It's tangible. You hold the cars in your hand, and the track rolls out on your living room floor.



The company was founded in 2010 by Carnegie Mellon Robotics Institute graduates who sought to create new consumer experiences using technology that was once confined to robotics labs and research institutes. Its first product, Anki DRIVE, is now on sale in the United States and Canada.

Anki DRIVE was first introduced to the public in June at the Apple Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), seen in the video below:


Named one of TIME's Best Inventions of 2013 and featured on Fast Company, HuffPo, Mashable and Barron's, it's been heralded as a literal game-changer.



Anki DRIVE uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) to deliver the first video game in the real world. Each car has been engineered to think: It knows where it is, makes decisions, and drives itself. Using your iPhone, iPod touch, iPad, or iPad mini you can take control of a car to play against friends or AI cars. But watch your back. Anki DRIVE AI cars have been designed to take you out.


above: the $199.99 starter kit comes with the two cars shown above

To experience Anki DRIVE each player must have an iPhone 4S or later, iPod touch (5th generation) or later, iPad 3 or later, or iPad mini or later.


above: Anki DRIVE can be controlled with the iPhone, iPad, iPhone Touch and iPad Mini

With slight aesthetic and technological changes since last June, you can now play Anki DRIVE against your friends, or against an AI-enabled opponent. The more you race, the more points you earn, which you redeem to upgrade your cars' weapons and capabilities. Each one starts with unique skills. Your upgrade choices further customize the car to make it your own.



Highlights:
• You can play Anki DRIVE against your friends, or against an AI–enabled opponent.
• The AI cars own the road; they know your every move—and the more you drive, the more they evolve.
• Similar to a video game, your character evolves over time. The more you race, the more points you earn, which you redeem to upgrade your cars' weapons and capabilities.
• Up to four vehicles can play at once; you and friends use iOS devices to control one to four of the cars. AI controls any cars you don't control.
• Anki DRIVE includes a physical track that rolls out to 3.5 by 8.5 feet and is intended for use indoors.
• You can place the track on any flat surface, though flooring or a low-pile carpet works best.
• Anki DRIVE is suitable for all ages capable of navigating an iOS device.

WHAT'S INSIDE THE STARTER KIT:



• 2 Intelligent Cars + Charging Cases
• 3.5’ x 8.5’ Race Mat
• Fast Charger

To take control of a car, download the free Anki DRIVE app with one of the following:
• iPhone® 4s or newer
• iPod touch® 5th generation or newer
• iPad® 3 or newer
• iPad mini

$199.99, buy it here

Learn more about Anki technology at www.anki.com and stay tuned for more Anki DRIVE™ updates by liking them on Facebook  and following them on Twitter (@anki).

To get the free iPhone app and take a closer look at Anki DRIVE™, go to: www.appstore.com/ankidrive

Simpsons Animator Liz Climo Does A Cute and Quirky 12 Days Of Christmas.

The 12 Days of Christmas as told by comic artist and Simpsons animator Liz Climo is a charming and hilarious exchange between a bear and a bunny that will warm your heart and give you the giggles.

On the first Day Of Christmas....

On the second Day Of Christmas....

On the third Day Of Christmas....

On the fourth Day Of Christmas....

On the fifth Day Of Christmas....

On the sixth Day Of Christmas....

On the seventh Day Of Christmas....

On the eighth Day Of Christmas....


Be sure to visit her tumblr to see the remaining days of Christmas!

The talented Liz Climo works as an animator on The Simpsons and is represented by: Kathleen Ortiz at New Leaf Literary.

Follow her on twitter: @elclimo

Interested in purchasing some of her adorable witty items? Check out the following links.

• Shirts and other wonderful things: http://shirtsandladders.com/
• Prints: http://society6.com/LizClimo
• Greeting cards, mugs, etc: http://www.cafepress.com/ridiculouslittlethings

Ross Lovegrove Designs This Year's Traditional Saber and Champagne Case For Mumm.

In the past I shared with you designer Patrick Jouin's specially designed versions of Champagne House G.H. Mumm's traditional Cordon Rouge Case and Saber for 2011 and 2010. The companies' ceremonial Saber is a sword used to expel the cork and an accompanying case is designed to bold both the Saber and the Champagne.



This year, G.H. MUMM enlisted industrial designer Ross Lovegrove for the annual task. By entrusting the internationally renowned designer with the task of creating a sabre, G.H.MUMM has brought a modern touch to this great tradition. A gamble that has paid off handsomely, combining two worlds: that of a Champagne House constantly looking to innovate and that of a designer recognised as a leader of 21st century aesthetics.



"It's one of those magical acts that is so poly-sensorial and culturally enriching that as a designer one is naturally drawn to the cult of the object"- Ross Lovegrove for G.H.MUMM.

THE SABER:





The G.H.MUMM sabre is a true product of Ross Lovegrove’s world: an approach in which beauty and intelligence unite, where energy is transformed into an object with clean-cut lines. Stainless steel was the designer’s material of choice precisely because of its modernity and because it is as timeless as champagne itself". Curved at the pommel, the line then straightens towards the tip, where the signatures of the House and the artist are engraved. Designed for both left- and right-handed use, the G.H.MUMM sabre offers the perfect balance between weight and mass."

THE DELUXE CASE:




The lines of the Deluxe Case are beautifully sculpted, a prestigious casket designed exclusively by the artist to house both the sabre and a magnum of G.H.MUMM Cordon Rouge. In white polyurethane lacquer, embellished by the touch of red that is a G.H.MUMM hallmark, it is a clean-cut case, a metaphor for an age marked by innovation and discovery, style and freedom of expression". Personally signed by the designer, G.H.MUMM's Deluxe Case illustrates Ross Lovegrove's desire to create objects of timeless beauty."



This video was created in collaboration with GH.Mumm, John Ross studio and Ross Lovegrove. It beautifully documents Ross’ vision from sketch to finished object and the wonderful act of the sabrage:



Ross Lovegrove
G.H. Mumm