The curved lines of the Brum Brum bike echo those of the Alma Bicycle which we featured here. This bike for children is designed as an introduction to cycling and is based on the balance principle.

The bike is a unique example of functional eco-design. The shape of the frame ensures a spine-neutral position when riding and the bike features integrated shock absorbing properties of durable, high-quality birch and oak plywood (which has natural suspension properties) and this allows it to traverse bumps in the road without causing the rider too much discomfort. The Brum Brum bike also comes with "finger-safe" alloy wheels which do not require air, are puncture proof and retain their shape. Lastly, as an extra feature, after unpacking the bike's cardboard box converts into a stand where it can rest until it is used again.

We love the idea behind the QWSTION + Sibylle Stoeckli Travel Shopper, a versatile bag that converts from a good-sized tote to a backpack or a shoulder bag. The lightweight bag offers multiple carrying options.

Studio Campana

Last year, Louis Vuitton expanded its Objet Nomades collection, launched during Design Miami 2012, to include sixteen furniture items designed for travellers.

For their contribution to the collection, Brazilian designers Fernando and Humberto Campana of Studio Campana produced Cocoon, a swing seat with a curving form covered in bright red calfskin. The egg-shaped seat is made from a latticed 3D-printed structure and hangs from the ceiling on a gilded steel and brass hook.

These 3-D printed nylon Caged bangles by Maria Eife Jewellery are big, bold, lightweight and strong.

The Casilda collection from Ramón Esteve for Talenti is based on the idea of the deconstruction of classical furniture. The simple, graphic lines of the frames are a foundation on which the special elements that give the collection its distinct identity - namely the straps of the seats or the use of marble or wood on the tables and the armrests - are grounded. The different materials are treated in a contrasting manner: rough or crude elements become delicate when a golden or bronze finish is applied to them. For the seats, the strict geometry of the metal frame contrast with oversized pillows that ensure a pleasant and comfortable sitting position.

We can scarcely think of a better, more suited collaboration than this one steeped in colour and multiculturalism. The strongly North American influenced capsule collection designed by Stella Jean for United Colors of Benetton walks a fine line in these politically correct times, with its reworking of the concept of knitwear, one of the pillars of the Benetton brand. Stella Jean commonly takes her inspiration from tribal and other indigenous cultures, and these influences show here with her use of colourful folk-styled embellishments and Navajo-inspired fabrics on coats, sweaters and knit dresses. 

Items include a knit coat with lapel collar, a cashmere blend turtleneck with a loose fit, a cashmere blend pleated skirt with ethnic inlay and a leather keychain with multicolour print. The accessories are in part made in collaboration with a community of Haitian and Ethiopian craftsmen, standing by the philosophy – which also pertains to the brand – of crossing socio-cultural factors and restoring manufacturing traditions. 

Morten Husum Nielsen

With exaggerated extremities - like the character after which it is named - the Dumbo Chair from Danish furniture designer Morten Husum Nielsen was a contribution to KADK’s annual exhibition in Ventura Lambrate, Milan in 2015, a material-based project established in conjunction with danish producer Sika-Design that asked designers to explore Rattan and the techniques by which it can be used. The double curved membrane, creates a comfortable and flexible backrest and the sloping seat provides tensile support. 

Vans

While most people seem to be sporting some version (high or low) of Vans' SK-8 at the moment, we love this collaboration between the company and Brooks England, the makers of classic English cycling gear and accessories. The two companies have collaborated on a limited run of products that combine the iconic sake sneakers with Brooks' hand-tooled leather wear.

Our New Year's resolution to exercise more would certainly be a lot more fun (and not to mention stylish) on this wooden bicycle from Alma Bicycles.

The bike was designed around the basic principle that it should be similar to a piece of furniture. The frame has rounded corners on the essential points to complete the circularity of the wheels and to simplify the manufacturing process. Made from multiple layers of veneer just like furniture, two steel tubes are inserted through the frame to ensure stiffness and to handle torsional forces.

The bicycle is handmade in the Netherlands and custom built to order. The frame colour can be customised and comes in a choice of light ash and dark mahogany veneer. There are also three different colour options for the steel tubes: black, grey and white.

Image  |  Vaughn Evans: 'Extinction Road' [Detail]

We would start this post with a couple of caveats: first, we acknowledge that while not everyone is an art critic, we think everyone is entitled to an opinion. Second, not everyone who exhibits is necessarily an artist, far less one good enough to warrant a place in a country's biennial.