These adorable animal-shaped radiators form part of the Schema range designed by Meneghello Paolelli for Ridea. With two animals to choose from - a cat or a walrus - the low-profile radiators are perfectly suited for a child's space, be it a bedroom or a playroom. The Schema Cat radiator is also multifunctional and includes a towel warmer in the shape of a collar.
Have a look at these eye-catching designs from Jamaican menswear designer Robert Hall. Hall uses vivid, jewel-bright colours and African fabrics in the creation of his designs and this collection was developed as a consequence of a number of different cultures and influences. While Hall has drawn inspiration from Europe, East Africa and America, the starting point was the Caribbean and he modified certain commonplace wardrobe staples such as the jacket, T-shirt, tank top and shorts to suit the environment. The result is vibrant and colourful clash of prints and a crazy pop of colours on traditional silhouettes.
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| Image | FitBit |
FitBit have jumped on the smart watch bandwagon with the Surge. Packed with an arsenal of eight sensors: 3-axis accelerometers, a gyroscope, a compass, an ambient light sensor, GPS and a heart rate monitor, the FitBit Surge can provide a tonne-load of information on your pace, distance, elevation, calories burned, workout intensity and other sport-specific metrics which forms the basis of the fitness tracker. On the smart watch side, it has a backlit LCD touch screen and shows caller ID, text alerts even has and music control.
We are big on bangles and cuffs, so Rachel Ross Jewellery is pretty high on our list of 'must-haves'.
With an eye toward organic shapes, Ross works mainly with silver and natural materials. Her jewellery combines precious and semi-precious materials to create bold, unique and beautiful pieces. While not formally trained in jewellery-making (and in fact accidentally took up the practice 25 years ago), Ross apprenticed locally and it is obvious that she has a natural talent - one that she has refined over decades of plying her craft.
Ross doesn't just specialise in arm candy though. She also produces delicate earrings, rings, necklaces and bracelets. Her reputation was such that she was asked by Project Runway Season Nine's winner Anya Ayoung-Chee to produce the jewellery used to accessorise her final collection. Further, her Same Sky line of glass and bead accessories are made by Rwandan woman who are either HIV-positive or the survivors of genocide.
With an eye toward organic shapes, Ross works mainly with silver and natural materials. Her jewellery combines precious and semi-precious materials to create bold, unique and beautiful pieces. While not formally trained in jewellery-making (and in fact accidentally took up the practice 25 years ago), Ross apprenticed locally and it is obvious that she has a natural talent - one that she has refined over decades of plying her craft.
Ross doesn't just specialise in arm candy though. She also produces delicate earrings, rings, necklaces and bracelets. Her reputation was such that she was asked by Project Runway Season Nine's winner Anya Ayoung-Chee to produce the jewellery used to accessorise her final collection. Further, her Same Sky line of glass and bead accessories are made by Rwandan woman who are either HIV-positive or the survivors of genocide.
The surface of the Eastside Bench from Jason Frederick Fierst of Fierst Design is comprised of angular pieces of wood which fit together in an intricate design that casts a pattern when light shines through from above. The handcrafted bench is constructed using no hardware, making it not only a beautiful piece of furniture, but a feat of craftsmanship as well.
The Eastside Bench is made of solid American walnut.
The Eastside Bench is made of solid American walnut.
Let's add another beautifully designed child's toy to our wooden toy arsenal.
The Stamp Box is made of finished sycamore wood and contains 10 animal-shaped woodcut stamps which have been designed around the engraving woodcutting technique. Because the stamps are wood with no rubber overlay, each imprint takes on the particular characteristic and the texture of the block.
The stamps may be used in conjunction with traditional stamp pads and inks or paints. Care and attention was also given to the storage case for the blocks, each of which fits perfectly in a jigsaw puzzle-like fashion into the base.
The stamp box is made in Portugal by Bleebla.
The stamp box is made in Portugal by Bleebla.
The SmileSolar watch from Japanese brand Q&Q (which stands for Quest & Quality) allows you to capture the power of the sun on your wrist using an extremely thin solar panel which is hidden around the inside rim of its waterproof casing. One hour of sunlight gives the watch approximately three months of battery life, so there is little worry that the battery will run out and removes the hassle of keeping the watch wound or moving. Available in a wide variety of colours and patterns, the watch is constructed with a durable acrylic resin face and a polyurethane resin strap made of recycled materials. This, combined with the fact that the watch harnesses the sun's rays, is proof of the brand's commitment to conservation.
And if that wasn't enough, all proceeds from the sale of the SmileSolar watch are donated to Table for Two, an organisation that delivers school meals to children in developing countries. The bright, fashionable pieces are available worldwide at a reasonable price.
And if that wasn't enough, all proceeds from the sale of the SmileSolar watch are donated to Table for Two, an organisation that delivers school meals to children in developing countries. The bright, fashionable pieces are available worldwide at a reasonable price.
Reduced to the most simple of components, this waste bin by Shigeichiro Takeuchi is so sculptural that at first glance you might not know what it is. But don't let its simplicity fool you, the design of the Swing Bin contains some clever features: from its diagonal opening, to the wooden lid that swings, tilts and pivots on a bevel edge without the use of screws, gears or wires and can be easily removed for cleaning.
Japanese company TITOT (a amalgamation of the words of 'Tiny' and 'Tot') is a furniture brand for children that provides handmade wood furniture specially designed with children and their particular needs in mind. The furniture is inspired by play and childhood such as a chair made to look, without being too literal, like an elephant, an ice cream cone or a high chair that resembles a UFO.
Designer Joongho Choi is the design director for the brand and has collaborated with several Korean designers to ensure that his particular vision is brought to life.
Intended to be a reminder of the island, Bermuda Charm have designed a series of eight charms suitable for mounting on chains or bracelets, each of which depict various icons of island life including a seashell, a seahorse, a schooner and a tree frog. The symbols are sealed in a circular glass disk together with a sample of Bermuda's pink coral sand.
In October 2012, Trinidadian painter Edward Bowen held an exhibition at the Medulla Gallery in Port of Spain entitled "Paintings from the Monastery, Sans Souci 2009 - 2012".
The show featured selected works from Bowen's intensive three year residency and working period in the village of Sans Souci on the north coast of Trinidad and Tobago where he moved in 2008 to establish his studio. The remoteness and solitude of the location was cathartic for the artist and allowed him to focus more clearly on his work without the distractions created by a more urban setting. The exhibition featured carefully constructed abstractions which highlighted Bowen's special brand of "cynical surrealism" and brought together certain dominant elements in the artist's working process over that time period by illustrating the ongoing effort of the painter to further develop his personal aesthetic.
The show featured selected works from Bowen's intensive three year residency and working period in the village of Sans Souci on the north coast of Trinidad and Tobago where he moved in 2008 to establish his studio. The remoteness and solitude of the location was cathartic for the artist and allowed him to focus more clearly on his work without the distractions created by a more urban setting. The exhibition featured carefully constructed abstractions which highlighted Bowen's special brand of "cynical surrealism" and brought together certain dominant elements in the artist's working process over that time period by illustrating the ongoing effort of the painter to further develop his personal aesthetic.
This fun sushi set from plaplax is a great way to add diversity to your child's play kitchen. The 45-piece set has everything a child needs to create their own pretend sushi. The white blocks represent the “shari,” or rice, small cylinders are used for maki-zushi and larger cylinders for futomaki. In a clever move, black rubber bands are used as nori and keep everything together. There are also various other toppings and fillings which mimic the “netalgu” including salmon, cucumber, kampyo and pickled daikon. The set comes in a wooden box and its lid doubles as a serving tray.
What are the odds that two chairs called the Slow Chair exist and that they would both be featured on this site?
Well, this Slow Chair is a modern easy chair designed by Paris-based brothers Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec for Vitra and is intended to allow both mind and body to connect in a sensory experience. The chair is composed of a see-through mesh stretched over a polished aluminium frame and comes with coordinating cushions that enhance comfort. The mesh has a tensile effect which helps the chair to provide ergonomic support and the structure of the chair ensures that it is suitable for indoor and temporary outdoor use.
Following on from our recent post on Loza Maléombho, is Nigerian designer Maki Osakwe who was shortlisted for the LVMH Prize this year.
Based in Lagos, Osakwe's collections take inspiration from stories and the impetus for her most recent collection came from imagining a woman at her mirror, reciting the song lyrics "Tell me I'm the only one, even if you choke." Osakwe has toyed with themes of madness and sanity, love and hate, as well as other states that fluctuate and are a matter of perception. She uses a relatively easy silhouette but adds dramatic flair with her use of textile.
We feel like we've dropped the ball on this one!
i*a favourite Jonathan Adler has been available on island for quite a while at Regali by Luxury Gifts Bermuda which is situated in the lobby of the Rosewood Tucker's Point Hotel. Items currently available from Adler include pottery, candles, playing cards, lamps, cushions, stationery and socks, though plans are in place to carry larger items of furniture in the near future. The boutique also sells items by Asilio, Elegant Baby, Red Flower, Sail to Sable, Yosi Samra and Yumi Kim.
Bang & Olufsen have just launched its latest minimalist speaker. With the latest Bluetooth and Bang & Olufsen's True360 sound installed, the BeoPlay A2 is highly portable weighing in at a mere 2.5 pounds and comes with a leather strap for easy handling.
The BeoPlay A2 is available in black, grey and green.
Luca Binaglia has designed a the Duale dining table for Formabilio with a neat trick. With a simple flip of the top, the table changes from oak veneered with natural finish to a surface with a slash of bold colour. The contemporary table consists of a wooden top which sits on top of curved, tubular, metal legs. Perfect for casual dining, the Duale comfortably seats up to eight people.
Part of a growing trend towards using composite materials in design, is this jewellery by Marcel Dunger who joins resin and wood to create brightly coloured pieces. Broken maple is combined with coloured resin and finished by hand. The result is a strikingly beautiful melding of natural and synthetic. Dunger uses the final material in rings, pendants, earrings and other accessories.
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| Image | island*atelier |
While the world seems to have been obsessed with Flash Tattoos this summer, the original trendy temporary tattoos by Brooklyn-based Tattly are currently available on island at Robertson's Drugstore. Started by Tina Roth Eisenberg and with over a hundred artist-designed tattoos to choose from, Tattly’s philosophy aims to open the doors for self expression and day-by-day experimentation.
Designed by Studio Vrtiška, WOO Toys are a set of collector's toys symbolising three natural elements: air (an aeroplane), earth (a bulldozer) and water (a sailboat).
The name of the collection is derived alternatively from the sounds of excitement emitted when using the toys or as an abbreviation of the English word "wood" from which the pieces are built. With their beautiful wood finishes and graceful lines, the designers hope that WOO Toys will be viewed more as objects d'art than than playthings.
A new retail experience has arrived on Front Street as part of the revitalisation of the local retail market. Urban Cottage, the home decor and gift store which first opened its doors less than a year ago at its spacious warehouse location in Warwick, has reopened at a new location on the ground floor of the historic Somers Building.
The shop continues to sell its popular mix of new, vintage and reclaimed items at the new location, and the owner also plans to use the space to promote and collaborate with local brands. The store spans two levels and retains many of the characteristics of the original warehouse location including wood cladding on the walls, exposed floors and industrial lighting. Household items and soft furnishings can be found on the ground floor while a sweeping staircase takes you to the upper level where a range of carefully curated items including wines, teas, scented candles and toiletries and more are on offer.
The shop continues to sell its popular mix of new, vintage and reclaimed items at the new location, and the owner also plans to use the space to promote and collaborate with local brands. The store spans two levels and retains many of the characteristics of the original warehouse location including wood cladding on the walls, exposed floors and industrial lighting. Household items and soft furnishings can be found on the ground floor while a sweeping staircase takes you to the upper level where a range of carefully curated items including wines, teas, scented candles and toiletries and more are on offer.
We came across Loza Maléombho recently via Instagram of all places and fell in love with her modern take on African fashion. Established in New York City in 2009 but having its centre of production in Côte d’Ivoire since 2012, the brand is best described as a fusion between traditional cultures and contemporary fashion. The designer credits the fact that she travelled extensively in her youth for her eclectic aesthetic and the multiculturalism which is ever present in her work. Born in Brazil and raised between Côte d’Ivoire and the United States, Maléombho has been designing since the age of 13, and graduated in 2006 from the University of the Arts of Philadelphia with a BA of Fine Arts in Animation. She worked with Jill Stuart, Yigal Azrouël and Cynthia Rowley before venturing off on her own.
By producing her clothes in Côte d’Ivoire, Maléombho hopes to empower women in that country. She also works closely with local artisans on featured products such as fabric, jewellery, shoes and accessories, thereby providing them with exposure at an international level.
By producing her clothes in Côte d’Ivoire, Maléombho hopes to empower women in that country. She also works closely with local artisans on featured products such as fabric, jewellery, shoes and accessories, thereby providing them with exposure at an international level.
Tory Burch has collaborated with FitBit to transform its standard bracelet tracker into a
chic accessory for work or weekend, day or evening. The metal hinged bracelet is made of solid brass and its design is based on the decorative, open fretwork that is Burch's signature. With a secure, easy-access latch on the back, the bracelet looks polished while keeping the device comfortably close.
Burch and FitBit have also collaborated on a metal pendant necklace and silicone printed bracelets to accessorise your tracker (pictured below).
Burch and FitBit have also collaborated on a metal pendant necklace and silicone printed bracelets to accessorise your tracker (pictured below).
The Basket Lamp from Nendo is a new lamp from Kanaami-Tsuji who are traditional wire craftsmen from Kyoto. Based on the wire netting kana-ami cooking utensils, the light fixture preserves the craft’s traditions and develops it for contemporary and future generations. The design allows the handcrafted shade’s woven pattern to reflect on the ceiling and the surface of the shade is finished with a powder paint to bring out the silhouette even more beautifully.
The Basket Lamp is sold at Seibu department stores in Japan exclusively.
The Basket Lamp is sold at Seibu department stores in Japan exclusively.
This adorable desk and stool set in natural wood and sorbet colours from Jungle by Jungle is made in France of walnut or bleached oak. The desk and stool have solid wooden legs while the table top has a matt lacquer finish and comes in six colours. The heirloom items are made in accordance with traditional methods intended to last and to be passed on.
For us, The Cloth will always be synonymous with a particular time when the clothing line now helmed by Robert Anthony Young was first established as a collaborative some 25 years ago. Over the last 18 years the line has matured as Young, who once considered joining the priesthood (possibly making the name of the line an extremely clever play on words), has refined and developed the line's signature appliqué treatment which can be found on most of the clothes and accessories. The clothes - mainly made of cotton - are often layered, pleated or loosely draped making them ideal for the warm Caribbean climate. The designs are bright and eye-catching and of course because of the appliqué, no two pieces are ever alike.
Committed as he is to a colour sensibility, an insistence on innovation, fabrics informed by practicality and an awareness of the global picture, Young has etched a place in the region that has earned him the respect of his peers and a fiercely loyal clientele. As a result, The Cloth has come to represent a unique and always original Caribbean aesthetic.
Anne Kurris' line of children's clothes are inspired by pop art and nature. Characterised by bright colour combinations and with an emphasis on graphic design (Kurris teaches graphic design at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts Antwerp and Sint-Lucas Antwerp) her clothes are playful without being overly saccharine.
The collection is available internationally at top department stores such as Le Bon Marché in Paris, Liberty and Selfridges in London and Barneys in New York.
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| Images | Norges Bank |
Norway’s new sea-themed banknotes have been heralded as an instant design classic. Norges Bank invited eight teams to submit proposals for banknote redesigns and two Oslo-based studios were awarded one side each. Architecture and design firm Snøhetta submitted a modern design featuring pixelated motifs of views of coastal Norway which will appear on the backs of the krone bills, while the Metric System ironically offered the more traditional imagery which will be displayed on the front.
The banknotes are an unusual cultural identifier as well as unlikely works of art. Norges Bank has advised that the final banknotes may differ from the proposals because of security reasons but it is intended that the notes will be issued in 2017 at the earliest.
The banknotes are an unusual cultural identifier as well as unlikely works of art. Norges Bank has advised that the final banknotes may differ from the proposals because of security reasons but it is intended that the notes will be issued in 2017 at the earliest.
We have long been fans of Hanna Andersson's Scandinavian-style clothing for children including their comfortable knit dresses, cosy pyjamas and slippers. We are not sure why they waited so long but are excited to see that they are launching a new line of white goods and accessories today. Like their clothing, the new home line is a blend of classic styles with an emphasis on comfort and quality. You'll see plenty of the bright stripes Hanna Andersson is known for, as well as pieces that pay homage to traditional Scandinavian prints.
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