Totes are everywhere nowadays, but you can’t deny that some are above and beyond the norm. Here are nine that won’t be given away at a convention any time soon.
I’m not really a textured art kinda gal. The dust, the cat hair, the grossness. However, the moment I laid eyes on these wall hangings from Cold Picnic my heart opened up juuust wide enough to let them squeeze inside.
Three cheers for multifunctional products! Meet Yield’s picnic bag/blanket, it transforms from bag to blanket with the pull of a zipper (which is also the strap). Nylon cordura provides water-resistant protection and camp-grade quality. If you want to see this product become a reality as much as I do, head on over to Kickstarter to make a donation!
Lisa Congdon is a known geometric genius (trust me – it’s a thing), and now her artistic talents are available to adorn the walls of your home! Congdon has partnered with Hygge & West to create a line of three wallpaper patterns – Triangles, Ferns, and Bohemian – in a select few color palettes. I already know which wall(s) I’d love to cover!
A few weeks ago I traveled to Milan, Italy to sit on the jury of Electrolux’s Design Lab (I shared about the lead up here and here) where along with three other esteemed individuals I helped choose the winner of the 2012 competition! The entrant’s concepts were nothing short of inspiring, and we had our jobs cut out choosing just one winner. But, well, it had to be done!
Congratulations to Jan Ankiersztajn and Aeroball!
Which was secretly my favorite design from the very beginning, I can just picture these little air filters that emit light floating around my living room. Jan was so surprised when we announced him as the winner that I got goosebumps watching his reaction – pure joy. His parents, sisters, and girlfriend accompanied him to Milan and were in the audience which I’m sure made it all the more special. Jan’s mother was all tears and everyone was just beaming! I can’t wait to see where this young designer’s career takes him, I know we can only expect great things. Check out Jan’s post-win interview right here!
The event was held at la Triennale design museum, which I didn’t have nearly enough time to explore! The Electrolux team transformed one of the large halls into a glossy white modern miracle, complete with social media center and catering that played off of the five taste elements of our palettes. Brilliant.
Everyone involved with Design Lab stayed at nHow Milan, a work of art in its own right. Color, art, and design in every nook and cranny – the revolving art exhibits were especially fantastic. The closet in my room even made my clothes look like a perfectly curated display!
The night I arrived in Milan, I was treated to one of the top three meals of my life at two Michelin star restaurant Sadler. Let’s put it this way – there was a doorbell to even get in the door. And what followed could only be described as a three hour culinary experience of perfect portions, exquisite plate design, and a wine list that surpassed 100 pages. If you’re ever in town I couldn’t recommend it more.
The night of the event the jury and some of the organizers dined at Dolce & Gabanna’s restaurant, Gold. Everything was delicious, from the food to the waiters who could’ve passed as models in their D&G suits and ties. Gold is also the definition of well-branded, from the use of the color to the name. I snapped up the two water bottles above and brought them back as a souvenir.
One last thank you to Electrolux for including me in such an inspiring event. Of course Milan was phenomenal, but what I’m really taking away is a renewed sense of excitement about design and its future.
100 Paintings 100 Days is a series of original oil paintings and limited edition prints by Arielle Sandler. Sandler wanted to make her museum quality art affordable for the masses, and did just that with these 6×6 inch works of color. You can check out the full spectrum right here, which is your eye drawn to?
