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Adding Comfort To Culture. Vitra Launches Fully Upholstered Versions Of Classic Eames Chairs.

September 6th, 2010
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The famous molded side and armchairs by Charles and Ray Eames, originally created in fiberglass in 1950, then made in plastic, now made of polypropylene, have become a little more comfy with the fully upholstered versions recently launched by Vitra.



The Eames plastic armchair (sometimes called the 'potato chip' chair) and the Eames plastic side chair, available in eight shell colors, are now offered with your choice of 13 different colors of Hopsak upholstery and black or white piping.

Hopsak upholstery colors for the armchair:


Shell colors for the armchair:


Hopsak upholstery colors for the side chair:

Shell colors for the side chair:


When you add these options to the base options (R-wire, wooden, X-base and La Fonda base, you get a large number of possible combinations. Casters are also available on the armchair.


above: the four base options for either chair and casters.

Black piping:

White piping:

Detail of black piping:


all images courtesy of Vitra.

You can purchase these upholstered Eames chairs from twenty twentyone or find a dealer through Vitra.


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Exploding House in Bodrum, Turkey By GAD

September 5th, 2010
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Bodrum is a Mediterranean port-trade settlement in the Southwest of Turkey. The area boasts a rich history of over three thousand years, including Hellenistic times. The venerated scientist Heredot was born there and sculptures by artists including Leochares, Bryaxis, and Timotheos were exhibited there and can now be found in museum collections around the world. The outdated codes restrict new forms of architecture being introduced to the landscape.



To overcome this and create a more flexible building type, GAD created a house made from three separate buildings – a metaphor for a single building that has been “exploded” into many parts.




Operated electronically, the windows have the capacity to slide open flush to the ground, allowing for sea breezes to flood the interior.



This innermost space is the focal point of the house and is connected to the three houses by a series of concrete ramps that reconcile the building with the landscape. An additional slope that can be used as a sun deck and for light recreational activities descends to the contiguous swimming pool located on land set at a slightly lower grade from the house.



From here the ramp leads down the hillside to an additional self-contained apartment building that is set within the land and hidden from the house above.



Each individual unit, which complies with the regulatory size of 75 square meters, is built next to one another with a narrow space in between and is linked by a glass atrium. Conceived as a single house, each building has a separate function: a master bedroom and bathroom; a kitchen and dining room; and a guesthouse with an adjacent study room.



The central glass vestibule acts as the entrance to the building as well as the main living area with 180° vistas of the stunning landscape and bay made possible by floor to ceiling windows.






The open-plan of the main house ensures that it is light and airy, a must in the summer. As a secondary precaution, the roof of the building is covered with pools that collect rainwater.


above: the water cascades from the roof of one of the buildings to the other and is then circulated back round, creating a natural cooling system for a hot climate.



The “Exploded House” reinterprets traditional dwellings in the area, yet its angular structure that fits into the clefts in the hillside, remains in keeping with the natural environment and when seen from above the pools mirror the surrounding landscape and the endless vista of the bay and help mask the presence of the building on the hill.

Architects: Gokhan Avcioglu / GAD
Location: Bodrum, Turkey
Interior Design: Hakan Ezer
Client: Vedat Semiz, Sureyya Semiz
Site Area: 5,000 sqm
Project Area: 600 sqm
Project Year: 2003
Photographs: Ali Bekman, Ozlem Avcioglu


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Agent Provocateur Launches New Campaign With Lingerie Lookbook And Short Film From RSA.

September 4th, 2010
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Known for their luxurious and sexy lingerie, Agent Provocateur has just launched its new Betty Sue campaign featuring Kirsty Hume in a a two minute film by Ridley Scott's production company, RSA. The short film accompanies a print campaign and lookbook of filmic stills (all shown in this post) and video shorts. These individual elements of the campaign support an Autumn/Winter 2010 lingerie collection which takes inspiration from strong female protagonists from late 20th Century Hollywood cinema.


First, the images of the new lingerie collection from the Agent Provocateur Look Book. Shot as if you were peeking into a private hotel room via the peep hole, the images purposely obscure the face of the model and allow you to focus on her well-endowed body, clad in the new lingerie.

The Agent Provocateur Look Book:


















The "Peeping Tom"-like look book images above each have a very sexy 20 second film accompanying them on the website.


above: screen grabs of the purposely grainy 20 second videos which accompany the look book.

The short film for the campaign, "Betty Sue" features the stunning and sexy Kirsty Hume donning a red wig:


Agent Provocateur's Creative Director, Sarah Shotton, explains the casting of Kirsty Hume as Betty Sue: "Kirsty became a top model in the 1990s. She represents our perfect woman, a woman with a family that oozes unbelievable intelligence, sensuality, personality and confidence. She has a film noir, feline quality to her that I felt had a brilliant synergy with Agent Provocateur."


above: Agent Provocateur's new Creative Director Sarah Shotton

Director RSA UK's Johan Renck says 'I enjoy knickers, they are a glorious garment. We all do the most we can to get as close to knickers as possible.'

The 2 Minute Film:

The behind the scenes video:

Some stills from the "Betty Sue" film, courtesy of Wallpaper:






Creative Team
Director: Johan Renck, RSA Films
Creative Direction: Sarah Shotton, Agent Provocateur
Model: Kirsty Hume at Premier Model Management
Hair: James Brown
Make Up: Ashley Ward at CLM


Shop the collection at Agent Provocateur.


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Classic Lalique To The New Starck - All The L’Air Du Temps Bottles Since 1948.

September 4th, 2010
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It was announced a few days ago that the classic Nina Ricci perfume bottle for the L'Air du Temps fragrance spray has been redesigned by omnipresent designer Philippe Starck as a special limited edition.

This is not the first time the L'Air du Temps flacon has been redesigned. The original bottle design introduced in 1948, was made to emulate a sunburst and had a frosted glass insert in the top. Only 3 years later Robert Ricci had Rene Lalique of Lalique crystal design a bottle that has since become a classic. Numerous iterations of dove-topped bottles have appeared since then, culminating in the newest modern version by Philippe Starck.



Below are all the bottles produced for the fragrance, in chronological order.

The first L'air du Temps bottle, 1948:

In 1951 Lalique crystal created the now iconic bottle with the two frosted doves atop the swirled clear crystal flacon.

1951, Lalique bottle with 2 doves:

From 1951 to present, Lalique Crystal made numerous limited and special editions of the classic bottle which included variations on the number of doves, the color of the doves and the color of the bottle. The one anomaly? In 1996, Lalique made a winged version of the bottle that did not have the doves.

1955, single dove:

1991-1993, colored doves:

1996, winged bottle:

1998, globe bottle:

2004, gold bottle:

2005, amber bottle and doves:

2006, pearlized bottle:

2007, prestige bottles:

60th Anniversary bottle:

And most recently designer Philippe Starck has taken the symbolic two doves and abstracted them for the newest limited edition of the perfume and topped one of the wings with a silver cap.


The newest bottle called L'Air du Temps by Starck will be available as a 45ml spray launching in October 2010. This limited edition is reported to cost 69 EUR ($89).

Click the below image to enlarge:



About the perfume (from the Nina Ricci site):
L’air du temps - Nina Ricci Perfume


The icon fragrance from the Nina Ricci house was born in a creative and joyful spirit in 1948. The perfect harmony of an enchanting elixir, the symbol of femininity and eternal youth. the emblematic values of L'Air du Temps remain universal: Peace, Purity, Freedom and Love. L'Air du Temps is also the air that we breathe, the mood of the moment, the reflection of each era. L'Air du Temps… An unequalled moment of emotion.

Fragrance : Spicy Floral
This fresh and timeless fragrance is a unique combination of contrasts. The legendary accord of spicy carnation and gardenia is subtly tinged with rose and jasmine from Grasse and caressed with sandalwood and iris for even more sensuality. A fragrance of emotion, L’Air du Temps exudes a mysterious power of seduction. Its fragrance blends into the personality of each woman to bring out her sensual charm and refinement.

Buy L'Air du Temps products here

Nina Ricci
Philippe Starck
Lalique Crystal


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Modern Residence Centers Around Stunning Staircase.

September 3rd, 2010
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Thomas Laurens de Bakker is an Amsterdam based designer with great knowledge of production techniques and building materials. He has been running multifaceted design and building projects since 2000 under the name Thomas Laurens.


above: Industrial designer Thomas Laurens de Bakker

His self-described design style is that of contemporary design with organic influences and he feels that "environments should support the multitude of human emotions we might experience in our lives and give us room to find comfort for each state of mind alike."

One of his designs is this private residence, a two story home with an industrial minimalist appearance whose focal point is a very unique staircase:








Kitchen:


Bath:


Upstairs, the wood and brushed steel staircase has a glass enclosure:




Bertelmanstraat 61
1075 LV Amsterdam
The Netherlands
info@thomaslaurens.com


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Saran Wrap Wigs & Dresses by Kate Cusack

September 3rd, 2010
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You may have seen one or two of Kate Cusack's wigs making the rounds on various design blogs, but those are only part of this artist's collection of fashions made from plastic wrap. Kate uses very unusual materials in her costume designs, window displays and sculptural and wearable creations. Her recent and unique line of Zipper Jewelry has been getting some nice press and recently featured on Ecouterre were her Saran wrap wigs shot by photographer Kriistina Wilson.


above: Kate Cusack, photo by Tony Gale

Her saran wrap wig designs include those styled after ornate 17th century wigs and she even created a multi-tiered wedding cake wig. As you will see in the following images, she has also designed dresses using saran wrap and bubble wrap.

Please note that I have manipulated the following photos to remove some of the color saturation that made them difficult to see the details.

Saran wrap wigs created for Tiffany's 2002 window displays (including the one at the beginning of this post):





Her "I do" wedding cake wig made of saran wrap:




Another Saran wrap wig and gown:

She made a bubble wrap dress as well:

See more work by Kate Cusack here.


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Mod Miniatures & Videos for Chillout Sessions XI & XII

September 2nd, 2010
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above: An homage to Frank Lloyd Wright & Neutra in miniature graced the Chillout Sessions XII CD and a California style hotel with a lagoon graced the cover of the Chillout Sessions XI CD

Designer Andrew van der Westhuyzen of Collider has created album/CD covers and designs for Australia's Ministry of Sound for years.

For music compilations, Chillout Sessions XI and XII, he combined several of my favorite things - music, architecture, Frank Lloyd Wright, Richard Neutra, Swimming pools, and miniatures. The results are little worlds of escapism that when photographed and filmed up close have a tilt-shift look.

The models were shot close-up along with supers pointing at the figurines naming various artists on the albums for tv promos (shown later in this post).

Chillout Sessions XII:







video promo:

stills from a longer video promo:








Chillout Sessions XI:




The video promo:

Chillout Sessions XI photography by Sarah Nguyen and cinematography by Brycen Horne

You can see Andrew van der Westhuyzen's previous designs for Chillout Sessions 7 here. and his design for their Ministry of Sound Annual 2006 here.


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Purses With A Kick. The High-heeled Handbags of Peter Jakubik.

September 1st, 2010
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above: The Black Widow patent leather high heeled purse rendering by Peter Jakubik

Peter Jakubik designs many many things, most of the naughty in the nicest way. Furniture, rugs, sugar dispensers, wall hooks and many more items take on characteristics of the sexy and sensuous.


above: Rocking Girl Horse by Peter Jakubik

One of his most interesting and useful collections are his handmade purses and bags in which he combines two feminine favorites, the handbag with the high heel. From his collection of Fetish Fashion Accessories, here are some of those designs.

Black leather high-heel handbag with red interior:




Mahogany brown leather high-heel handbag with black heel:



His paper carrier high-heeled totebag:

His Excitable Stilleto Satchel:

His Rope Hog-Tied Purse:

And his Heidi handbag:

Peter Jakubik participated in the UNICEF "Week of the Blue Button“ National Collection benefit auction in 2009 with his "Heidi" designer leather bag.




The above items are one of a kind, not mass-produced. For more information, contact Peter.

about the designer:

Peter Jakubik received his Master of Arts from Academy of Fine Art and design in Bratislava. Peter Jakubik is an accomplished designer and brings together his experiences in designer leadership, creative consulting in fashion and lifestyle product design. He is co-founder of Comunistar Designers. Peter combines a talent for provoking ideas with a passion for spicy details.

See more of his sexy and stylish designs for the home here.


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It’s A Stool. It’s A Chair. It’s A Chool! New Seating From Slam.

September 1st, 2010
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above: The Max Chool, shown open in Slice with walnut panels


The Chool is a new concept in modern seating. A combination stool and a chair in one (hence the name), designed by James Lucas for Slam. The Chool is available in 2 sizes; the Standard (500x500x500cm in stool mode) - a lightweight compact design without arms or the Max (600x600x600cm in stool mode) - an armchair style with a larger backrest.


above: the Standard style is shown with walnut side pods and the max style in a textured orange fabric by Kvadrat.

Both are made predominantly with laser cut aluminum components. Each with be available in various fabric and color options.

The Standard, open and closed and with and without walnuts side panels:

The Standard, closed and open:

The Standard, open as a chair:

The Standard, closed as a stool:

The Max, closed and open in Kvadrat orange fabric:

The Max, open as a chair:

The Max, closed as a stool:


More angles of both Standard and Max Chools:


the press release:
Slam is very proud to announce the launch of Chool - a new concept in seating. What makes it so different? Chool is an innovation in active seating that seamlessly adapts its form depending on how it is being used.

We know very well what is required of a chair when someone is sitting on it. Perfect ergonomics, a comfortable seat and supportive backrest. However, when not in use these attributes are no longer necessary. This led designer, James Lucas, to explore what can be done with the form of the chair when not in use.

Daily we are lucky enough to encounter beautiful design demonstrated in seating products around the world. All of these products fit in to categories. For example, the armchair, couch, chair and stool are forms we are all familiar with.

Chool is a new standard in seating design. It offers the new ability to drastically alter the look of any environment that requires chairs, whilst also offering the excitement of fluid, dynamic movement. This results in a highly memorable experience for the user.

At rest Chool is compact and unassuming. When sat upon the seat pod slowly descends a few inches to a standard seat height. This action seamlessly operates some clever bits tucked away inside that smoothly, vertically deploys a backrest and chool transforms from its stool-like form into a chair. Thus providing reactive support in accordance with the users needs.

When no longer in use, Chool automatically returns to its original compact form. Unlike any other chair, Chool has the ability to be easily stowed under tables and desks. This offers clear access to the surface, an uncluttered skyline and in turn removes any trip hazards. Chool requires no external power or batteries to operate and can be locked in any position at the touch of a button.

Chool will be officially launched at London Design Week in September and has been specially selected to feature on the Hidden Art exhibition stand along with other innovations in seating design.

Chool is designed and made in the UK.

50 limited edition
Slam is currently receiving orders on a limited edition batch of 50 Chools especially for Design Week. Each Chool from this batch will come with official certification. Today 19 of this batch are still available.


About Slam:

James Lucas founded Slam in 2007 and originally focused his energy on designing doors that were out of the ordinary such as the 'ThreeStyle', a door with 3 openings one inside the other and ‘Flow’, a door purely made of cascading water that ceases as the user approaches. As a designer, Lucas enjoys creating interactive designs that do something that you wouldn't expect them to. Chool is another example of his innovative contemporary retro style, which combines his love of mixing clean, crisp modern surfaces with natural materials.


For further information on Chool please contact:
James Lucas or Amy Baker on 0845 094 9081 or email lowdown@slam.co
Web site www.slam.co (the site is currently being built, and yes, just '.co' - it’s a new domain extension)


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Digitally Printed Glass For The Home By Sprinz

August 31st, 2010
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above: goldfish printed on glass doors turns a shower it into an aquarium

Sprinz of Germany makes lovely glass items for both commercial and residential applications. Etched and colored glass doors, shower enclosures, walls, stairs and more. Now they also have digitally printed glass and as you will see in the following images, it's a great way to add some color and life to an otherwise traditional utilitarian product.

Artwork (in pms colors), photography, even typography can be printed on the glass:




Shower doors, enclosures and bathroom walls take on a life of their own when images are digitally printed on them:




Other possible applications for the digitally printed glass are on the front of a radiator like the one shown below:

Photos printed on glass:

On inside or outside doors:



Other commercial and residential applications:



Sprinz GmbH & Co. KG
Postfach 2148
D-88192 Ravensburg
TEL. +49 751 3 79-0
FAX +49 751 3 76-62
info@sprinz.eu
www.sprinz.eu


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