Photo: AFP
I cracked the code: It’s more than twenty-four rooms. What am I talking about? I’m talking about Gary Chang. The international sensation? The architect known for designing a maze of flexibly defined spaces the world over? Yeah, you’ve heard of him, or if you haven’t I’m sure glad you’re reading this article. Because I’ve got the exclusive: It’s more than twenty-four rooms.
About a year ago I made a commitment to unclutter my wardrobe. It was a decision with many incentives, for which cemented at the center was the simplest desire to cultivate a craving for less. Not the idealistic notion to have less stuff, and not even of the fact that I was in the heat of my graduate work and a life of subsisting off student loans. Sure these factors were audible, often screaming for attention while I shoveled down the fifth Cup-O-Noodle that week. But it came down to me, wanting to look at what was included in my life in a new way. I wanted to look around and see permanence.
I recently walked the aisles of the New York International Gift Fair where many of the largest names in home, accessories, and lifestyle set up shop to display their latest lines. The six-day event houses companies touting every kind of aesthetic, and swallows all 675,000 square feet of the New York City Javits Center. To see all that is featured would consume all six days, but luckily for us, the “Accent on Design” aisles did a fine job of highlighting both known and unknown names who were releasing interesting and modern designs in Spring 2011. Here are a few that caught my eye — take note.
I’ve been thinking about it lately — that is — starting my own business. The idea came creeping around, knocking on the neighborhood of my life and settled itself down on my front doorstep. But with the echos of childhood lessons resounding, I didn’t allow the unfamiliar visitor to simply stride across my threshold — you never know what to expect from a stranger. Instead I called its references, one of which happened to be some pals over at Brooklyn Slate, a family-owned operation dedicated to producing high-quality slate serving ware.
British-born and Hong Kong-based Michael Young has released two companion products, a cornstarch-built earbud and a multifunctional iPad case, to complement favorites in Apple’s portable product spectrum.
Andrée Putman
Opening this past November, and running through the month of February, Parisians and the city’s visitors alike will be treated to a unique and timely show at Hôtel de Ville, the metropolis’ acclaimed city hall. Innovative, self-taught, and celebrating her 85th birthday, famed French interior designer Andrée Putman’s career is now on display in the city’s central building, with interiors spanning a spectacular six-decade career co-opting its halls and walls.
Barcelona-based design firm Dear Design, along with leading Spanish fashion and sport footwear company Munich, have recently collaborated on an innovative retail arena for the Calle Jorge Juan neighborhood of Valencia, Spain. For Munich’s second Valencia store, Dear Design has constructed a slick stadium space to exhibit each season’s latest line. The interior resembles futuristic scaffolding, with Munich’s representative “X” trademark themed throughout. If you’re ever in the area, it’s definitely worth a pass-through.
We don’t do gift guides here on Design Milk because everyone does them. We like to be different. Last year, we did staff wishlists and once again we thought it would be fun to continue this new tradition and ask each current contributor what was on their wishlist this holiday season — realistic or pipe dream. So, for next 2 weeks we’ll be featuring staff wishlists.
I had the hardest time this season thinking up a dream list! Maybe it’s a testament to contentment, maybe I haven’t been blog surfing enough, either way it wouldn’t hurt to get my hands on some of these effects:
1. L.L. Bean Duck Boots
Classic, all-weather wear made in Maine. Certainly not the same ol’ urban rain gear we see almost daily here in NYC.
2. Nau Fluent Traveler
It’s been on my list for over a year — I should really just take the plunge.
3. New iPod Nano
How is it that this always happens? My ancient Shuffle finally dies, only weeks before Apple’s latest release, but my MP3 addiction keeps me from holding out. Now I’m jonesing the latest Nano release like no other.
4. The Selby Is in Your Place
Sure, you’ve seen this book all over the place. Sure, it’s $23 bucks. But seriously, The Selby’s an instant classic.
5. Salt Lake City Home
I went to college in Utah and now many of my closest family and friends are 2,000 dreadful miles away. Goal One: Buy a base in Salt Lake. Goal Two: Make it Brent Jespersen’s.
“Hot repl1ca w4tches from 2008″ by Timothy J. Horjus
Turning Art, the Netflix of the art world, is changing the way we adorn our walls. Hand selected artists are added to a personal queue that can span from traditional works, to conceptual pieces. Plans start at $9.99 a month and every dollar spent earns credit toward purchasing power on pieces you’ve fallen in love with.
The company currently offers only two frame styles, but — if it takes off — the potential in styles, frames, and artists is limitless.
