Catch

Image: &Tradition

This chair which resemble an amorphous creature with outstretched arms is the Catch chair by Jaime Hayon for &Tradition.  Made from a single piece, the organically shaped chair was inspired by the harmony of curves and is intended to conform and comfortably adjust to different body shapes.  The chair is available in a variety of finishes: from the bare shell, to wool or leather upholstery.  

More images after the jump [Click Here]

Cézanne Resurfaces

Image: via Bernews

This watercolour of a wooded area entitled “Groupe d’arbres” painted by Paul Cézanne around 1890 was confiscated by the British Secret Intelligence Service in Bermuda during the Second World War.  It was part of a collection of 270 Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings and drawings by Renoir, Cézanne, Gauguin, Degas, Manet, Monet and Picasso, which was being shipped to the US to raise money for Nazi espionage activities in North America.  While most of the confiscated artworks were eventually divided and returned after the war, this painting was somehow left behind.  Cézanne's painting recently re-surfaced in a vault in the curatorial wing of the National Gallery in Ottawa where the  consignment had been sent to escape Bermuda's high humidity.  

Uniqlo x Basquiat

Image: Uniqlo

Uniqlo recently launched an exclusive range of Jean-Michel Basquiat t-shirts in stores and online as part of UT by UNIQLO Project.  Launched in Tokyo in 2007, UT is a concept that brings together pop artists, graphic designers and their well-known iconic images on the humble t-shirt for mass consumption.  This new collection follows last year's Keith Haring range and is slated to include an advertising campaign featuring Chloë Sevigny and Japanese star Tadanobu Asano.

More images after the jump [Click Here]

Big Squid

Image: The Kraken

We came across this rum a while ago, struck by its slick packaging and spot on use of new media in its marketing, but it was only recently that we discovered the base rum used in The Kraken is from Trinidad and Tobago.

The rum is aged for up to two years, after which time it is then blended with more than 11 spices.  All ingredients added to it are natural and as a result The Kraken is gluten-free and vegan.  In addition to the impressive use of new media platforms, the traditional marketing push of the rum is remarkable with much attention to detail.  The Kraken’s proprietary bottle is a replica of a Victorian Rum bottle, featuring two handles which allow for easy portability (as well as potability) and to our mind evokes a squid's eyes on side of its head.

Have a look at the rum's impressive branding and downloadable items here.

More images after the jump [Click Here]

One Fish, Two Fish

Image: House Industries

These Counting Koi wooden blocks come straight from original House Industries numerical data.  Consisting of ten fish with embossed numerals and numeral patterns, the blocks are simply designed and striking.  Each block is  printed by hand with non-toxic, lead-free, child-safe inks and come in a special keepsake box.

More images after the jump [Click Here]

Nuts

Images: Chikako Harada

Evocative of acorns, these Terho and Tatti lamps are designed by Finnish designer Maija Puoskari.  Intended for use in both public and private spaces, the lamps are inspired by natural and "synthetic" shapes of acorns.  The lamps come with differently-sized caps and are made of opal white mouth-blown glass and Finnish alder.

Tranquility

Image: Republic of Fritz Hansen

The Ro chair is a collaboration between Spanish designer Jaime Hayon and Republic of Fritz Hansen.  Made with sustainability at the forefront, the Ro (which means "tranquility" in Danish) is another form of seating which is intended to allow the user to create their own private space.  The chair's upholstery comes in two differing textures: one for the shell of the seat and the other for the cushions, which echoes the tough exterior and soft interior of the chair.  The chair is also available in nine colours ranging from sober to vivid brights and pastels, the variety of which ensures that the chair will fit into any room or existing decor. 

The Ro chair was launched at the Salone Internazionale del Mobile last month and will be available for purchase in the latter part of 2013.

More images after the jump [Click Here]