Fendi and MAD Architects collaborate on sci-fi shoes and Peekaboo bags

It’s always interesting when two brands from two different disciplines team up to create something that is sure to be unique or at the very least, different. Fashion brand Fendi is no stranger to collaborations with other companies, designers, and even celebrities. Their latest partnership is with MAD Architects, specifically designer Ma Yansong and they’re bringing a futuristic look to your feet and your hands.

Designer: Ma Yansong

This collaboration for shoes and bags that would look at home in a sci-fi movie (or maybe even the near future) is designed by the Beijing-born Ma Yansong and Fendi’s own Silvia Venturini Fendi and is able to “combine new technoligies with an Eastern affinity for natural forms.” Three colors of the ergonomic Lycra running shoes and two new versions of the iconic Peekabook bag are part of this collection which is a must have for Fendi collectors, or at least those who can afford it.

The Fendi MAD sneakers are slip-on footwear that have elastic laces and come with extra-light sole features that make it ideal for running or walking (and modeled by short-track speed skater Lin Xiaojun). There are three different versions that in black, white, or gray and with injected details in either metallic silver, yellow, or dark blue. They all have padded Lycra® to add to the comfortable feel.

The Peekaboo ISeeYou bags are identifiable with the Fendi brand and this time they feature the curving, wave-like panels and the glossy coloured aluminum underneath it that give it a futuristic look. The black colorway is medium sized and has black leather and dark blue aluminum while the gray small version has grey leather and yellow aluminum. Of course as this is Fendi, expect the prices to be steep.

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IKEA brings makeshift pillow bag to sleep-deprived Singaporeans

Sleep has become a luxury for a lot of people because of the fast-paced work lifestyle and also the distraction of our gadgets. Singapore is apparently the third most sleep-deprived country in the world and people taking naps in public is a common sight in this Southeast Asian country. IKEA Singapore has come up with a new product for those who may need to take a quick nap while commuting or at other public spaces.

Designer: Secret Little Agency for IKEA Singapore

The RESTEN bag looks like the iconic blue FRAKTA bag of IKEA, but this one also doubles as a huggable bag or pillow for those who need a quick nap. The padded design of the bag resembles that of a pillow but keeping the blue color and design of the IKEA reusable bag. It was made with ultra comfortable fabrics and stuffing with enough space to put your daily essentials.

The main appeal of this bag though is that when you’re commuting on a bus or train or studying at the library, it will double as a pillow when you need a quick nap. It also has a strap that has the words “Leave the rest to IKEA” so you can also remember to take a quick break every once in a while.

The RESTEN bag is a limited edition item that will be available at IKEA Singapore branches from September 6-8, 2024 as part of their RestFest event. It would be nice if they can also make this available in other sleep-deprived countries like mine.

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Laptop briefcase concept transforms into a desk and laptop stand

We might call them laptops, but these portable desktops are not really great for being used on your lap. Never mind the heat that will cook your thighs and other body parts, it leaves you in a painful posture that might leave your neck and wrists cursing you. That said, sometimes we can’t exactly choose the location where we need to open up a laptop to get something done quickly, and there may or may not be a table available to set it down. This briefcase-like concept tries to alleviate some of that discomfort by providing not just a home for the laptop but also a slightly more ergonomic height even when you use it on a table.

Designer: Shivaprasad Vijayan

Laptops are convenient and powerful when you need a computer on the go, but their very design wasn’t exactly made with ergonomics in mind. You crane your neck and hold your hands at an unnatural angle, and that’s when you have it on a desk without any other accessories. And while laptops are portable in a sense, the need for a large power brick, a mouse, and any other peripherals means you’ll need to carry more than just the laptop itself.

LAPCASE is a concept that tries to resolve all the issues attached to a laptop’s usability when on the go, at least to some extent. It’s a laptop bag, technically more like a briefcase, that has room not just for the laptop but for all accessories you might need to bring along with it. It doesn’t just have pockets but actual dividers that organize those peripherals while also keeping them from getting tangled and protecting them against bumps and shocks.

The most important part, of course, is the laptop compartment at the top which is covered by a two-fold magnetic flap. This cover is set to an angle so that the laptop’s back is raised slightly when placed on it. The idea is to rest the laptop on top of the bag when using it, which raises it higher when placed on your lap or raises the screen to a slightly ergonomic height when on a table.

The concept definitely has merit, but there are a few drawbacks to the execution. For one, you will require an external keyboard whenever you use it on a table, as the laptop’s own keyboard will be too high for comfortable typing. And then there’s the issue of the case itself being too bulky, especially at a time when people are trying to actually carry smaller laptop bags. Then again, you are practically carrying a mobile office, so it might be a trade-off worth paying for the convenience of bringing everything you need whenever you leave the office.

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Coperni’s Air Swipe Bag may be closest to “as light as air” saying

When they say something is as “light as air”, it is not meant to be taken literally most of the time. But there are indeed some materials now that can be considered almost as light as air or at least the lightest solid material that we can find. One example is NASA’s nanomaterial silica aerogel which they used in their first stardust mission. It has been used in things like thermal insulation, biomedical applications, and some experimentations. But there’s apparently another use for it and that’s for fashion and (sort of) functionality.

Designer: Coperni

Paris-based accessories brand Coperni wanted to create a bag that is very, very light but also would look like it has frozen smoke trapped inside its little space. And they were able to do so with the Air Swipe Bag hiwch they unveiled at the FW24 show. This particular look is made from aerogel since the process it goes through gives it that transparent, smoky color, not to mention how light but non-fragile it is.

It may seem to look like a fragile bag because of its size and its transparency but the material can actually withstand extreme heat (up to 1,200 degrees celsius) and pressure (up to 4000 times its weight). There is a reason after all why NASA brought this to space. The bag also uses 1% glass reinforcement so you might want to be careful where you swing that bag at.

The Air Swipe Bag doesn’t seem to be the most fashionable but it is indeed interesting looking. My main issue is that it’s a tiny bag that may actually only fit my phone in it and barely at that. As a big bag carrier that has a ton of bags inside the bag, I’m wondering if something as light as this could actually work in a bigger size as well.

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Shiftcam Workflow Sling finally gives smartphone photographers their own bag

You might chuckle or even roll your eyes at the so-called social media “influencers,” but it’s actually a lucrative (not to mention addictive) industry. That’s not even considering the new breed of photographers that rely only on their smartphones, plus some specialized lenses, to jump immediately into the middle of an action and not miss a beat by having to take out a bulky DSLR. But despite the popularity of smartphone photography, this market also feels a little underserved judging by the lack of basic accessories like something as simple yet as important as a camera bag. Now the wait is finally over and mobile shutterbugs can now enjoy the freedom and versatility that a dedicated smartphone camera bag offers thanks to Shiftcam’s new Workflow Sling, the first hyperfocused camera bag designed just for smartphone photography.

Designer: Shiftcam

The reason why some people prefer to capture photos and record videos using a smartphone is the near-instant action and versatility. You almost always have your smartphone with you, whether in your hand or in your pocket, and you can immediately edit and share those photos on social media. In fact, you can livestream directly from your phone, something that’s not easily done with a digital camera. But as your smartphone photography skills get better, you start to need and use more advanced accessories that you can’t easily fit in your pocket. That’s what a camera bag is for, and the Workflow Sling brings that same convenience to smartphones at long last.

It’s more than just a regular sling bag, mind you, because every corner and every feature was designed for people who use their smartphones as cameras. There’s a dedicated “Action Pocket” in the central compartment that makes sure your smartphone is in your hand in a split second. There are also dedicated pockets to keep your smartphone lenses safe and within reach, like the ones you might be purchasing from Shiftcam itself. There’s also plenty of room for all sorts of smartphone photography tools, from a tripod to a drone to even a water bottle to keep you hydrated during your adventures.

The Workflow Sling, however, does more than just hold your phone and its accessories. There’s an innovative MagSafe clip that lets you attach your phone to the strap and on your chest for a dramatic first-person view or in front of the bag, turning it into a makeshift stand. These features clearly mark this accessory as a product that was designed from the ground up to cater to smartphone shutterbugs, delivering the functionality and features that finally put them on the same playing field as the pros with their bulkier, heavier, and more expensive equipment.

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CD-inspired Swipe bag brings aughts nostalgia to your arm

Over the past years, we’ve seen a lot of “old” things becoming hip again. For young ones who weren’t even born when certain fashion items became popular back then, they found these things to be cool and cute. Even gadgets and devices from the 90s and aughts are enjoying a resurgence, even though the current purpose is much more different than the original. We’re seeing items designed like cassette tapes, vinyl players, and now, even the classic CD player has been repurposed.

Desginer: Coperni

The Parisian designer label Coperni has looked to the aughts for design inspiration for their latest Swipe bag iteration. The CD-PLAYER Swipe bag looks just like the silver metallic CD players that became popular back then when we still had CDs to play our music. But this one won’t be able to bring your old Britney Spears CD to musical life even though the bag does come with wired headphones.

The handbag has the faux CD player as its main body with a metallic plated handle so you can carry it around. There are also realistic looking buttons and a small display to really make it look like the CD player, although what these buttons do remains to be seen. And as mentioned, it comes with wired headphones to complete your retro look. But it also is not clear what the headphones are for.

The bag also has a USB-C-chargeable battery so maybe there is indeed a music component that will be revealed. My main concern though is what can actually fit in the bag since the CD player compartment is pretty small. But those who have been using the iconic Coperni Swipe bags are those that can fit everything they need in tiny purses anyway.

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This Japanese Quirky Bag Designer Created these Stylish Leather Backpack To Amp Up Your Dog’s Style

For many of us, our dogs are not just pets; they are cherished members of our families. We love taking them along on our adventures, but it can be a bit of a hassle carrying all their essentials like treats, toys, and poop bags. Imagine if your beloved furry friend could carry their stuff stylishly and practically. Well, Japanese brand Tsuchiya Kaban has come up with a creative solution – a leather dog backpack that allows your dog to tote around their essentials with panache.

Designer: Tsuchiya Kaban

Tsuchiya Kaban is known for its quirky and innovative bag designs, such as ones meant for holding snowmen or watermelons. Now, they’ve turned their attention to a different type of companion – our dogs. The design of this miniature carry-on backpack draws inspiration from Japan’s iconic ‘randoseru,’ the traditional school backpack commonly worn by students. It’s a thoughtful nod to Japanese culture and a perfect fusion of tradition and modern pet accessory design.

The history of the randoseru, the traditional Japanese school backpack, is a fascinating tale rooted in both culture and fashion. Its origins date back to a significant moment in Japanese history when the crown prince of the time received a distinctive backpack upon entering elementary school at Gakushūin. In tribute to the country’s soldiers, this backpack was designed to resemble the military’s rugged and sturdy backpacks. This noble gesture soon captured the imagination of the public, and the backpack’s unique shape swiftly became a fashionable statement. Over time, the design has evolved and adapted, but the essence of honoring Japan’s military heritage remains embedded in the modern randoseru, inspiring Tsuchiya Kaban’s innovative leather dog backpack, which pays homage to this iconic Japanese tradition while catering to our beloved four-legged friends.

What makes Tsuchiya Kaban’s leather dog backpack truly special is the choice of material. The high-quality leather used in crafting the backpack matures beautifully over time. This maturation process symbolizes the growing bond between a pet and its owner, making it a sentimental and meaningful accessory for any dog lover.

Tsuchiya Kaban understands that your dog’s comfort is paramount. The backpack is attached to an adjustable leather harness designed to fit snugly on your dog’s back. The straps, made of durable nylon, ensure that neither your dog nor you will experience any strain during walks or adventures. The cleverly designed buckle allows for easy adjustment, ensuring a perfect fit every time, regardless of your dog’s size or shape.

For those leisurely walks or spontaneous runs with your furry friend, an optional leash can be directly attached to the backpack. This feature ensures that your dog stays safe and secure while still enjoying the freedom of movement.

The stylish leather dog backpack by Tsuchiya Kaban launched on December 14, 2023, and is available online.

Tsuchiya Kaban’s leather dog backpack is not just a practical solution to carrying your dog’s essentials; it’s a statement of style, tradition, and the unbreakable bond between you and your furry friend. With its thoughtful design and high-quality materials, this backpack ensures both your comfort and your dog’s happiness. So, if you want to add a touch of elegance to your dog’s outings while making life a bit easier for yourself, consider investing in this unique pet accessory. Your dog will undoubtedly appreciate the extra attention and care you’re showing them, and you’ll enjoy the convenience and style this innovative backpack provides.

 

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