From the private collection of a client of Ponti Design Studios comes this gorgeously simple cutlery set. The Dune flatware set is inspired by experimental cuisine, molecular gastronomy and the idea that the experience of cooking and consuming of food should be akin to a culinary research lab that seeks to explore the technical, artistic and social aspects of the endeavour. In such a multi-sensory arena, every single component therefore is essential: from cooking spaces to tableware and even packaging.  And we love good design enough to get excited when, as in this case, the packaging is as beautiful as the contents (images after the jump).

In terms of the design, Ponti used aluminium, which makes the pieces much lighter and sleeker than traditional steel or titanium, and the anodised finish makes them extremely durable and easy-to-clean. The lightness of the material coupled with the streamlined curved lines that are intended to resemble a sand dune, gives the set a modern and contemporary look.  

The Robot Too is a spare but stylish sideboard from &New that is made in small batches.  Intended to be used as a media table or console, it is designed with a half-open back which can be used to keep wires and cords out of view.  Made of powder-coated steel, the Robot Too is available in a variety of colours and because the character as every weld is different, each unit is unique.

Image  |  colette

French boutique colette recently launched the second part of a casual jewellery collection in collaboration with Ruifier designer Rachel Shaw entitled "Visage".  The pieces take inspiration from Shaw's love of graphic shapes and a timeless and fashionable aesthetic and marry fine jewellery with innovative designs with superior craftsmanship.

This incredibly stylish and versatile backpack from Marni is made in Japan in collaboration with Porter-Yoshida & Co. from durable waterproof fabric.  No comfort or convenience has been spared: it features a main compartment with drawstring, flap and buckle closures, adjustable shoulder straps and an external pocket with dual zip closure.  The entire bag can be compressed and folded into the pocket for convenience and ease of transportation, while leather pull tabs and leather branded patches add luxe touches.

While in Trinidad a few weeks ago, we came across this display by Jamaican artist Jasmine Thomas-Girvan that was part of Y Art Gallery’s fourth annual Jewelbox exhibition entitled 'Spectrum'.

Part sculpture, part jewellery, her fantastical, hybrid creatures were presented in a surreal world; the precious metals and stones were arranged against a backdrop of Michel-Jean Cazabon’s art and incorporated the poetry of Martin Carter.  The diorama was watched over by a mystical female figure that represented the life-force, the incubator and embodied the 'Wild Woman' of Clarissa Pinkola Estes' "Women Who Run With the Wolves".  Multi-coloured threads emanated from her outstretched palms and provided a link to the disparate elements below.  The result was a spectrum that ran from past to present, with a consideration of the future.

As children get older, it becomes more challenging to think of interesting ways of celebrating their birthdays with friends. We've noticed two things: parties thankfully become smaller and it becomes more tricky to come up with a suitable theme. For tweens, a spa party is an ideal solution. Here in Bermuda, there is a business that provides spa treatments for children exclusively. It is a small facility but it can hold up to 10 or 15 children fairly easily.

Philippe Malouin's Connection line of tabletop objects for design brand Othr is a wonderful example of the beauty that can be created by 3-D printing when it is not being used strictly to create industrial objects.  The Connection Vessel is made of 3-D printed steel and consists of a large bowl supported by a thin handle.  The origin of the piece is clearly evident and no effort has been made to conceal the striations that are created during the printing process.  A porcelain version (not pictured) is also available.

Bermudian artist Graham Foster has designed this back piece featuring Bermudian architecture and a regatta for Bremont's limited edition ladies' watch, a part of their Amrerica's Cup 32 Bermuda collection.

The Diamond collection of furniture by WEND, an Oakland design studio formed as a collaboration between designers Michelle Plante and Genevieve Bandrowski, has an open weave design and modern shape that was created with laid back, resort-style living in mind.  The company, which aims to marry the traditional Indonesian craft of hand weaving with a distinctly Californian aesthetic, drew from European designs from the 1960s and collaborated with an Indonesian designer to produce these small-batch, hand-woven chairs and settees made from sustainable rattan harvested from the islands of Sulawesi and Kalimantan over a durable iron base.

In an attempt to encourage the use of snail mail (although that animal does not appear), the Royal Mail in the United Kingdom have, in conjunction with design studio Osborne Ross, produced these fun and whimsical stamps which are designed to look as though each animal is holding on to the package for dear life.